Gadchiroli District Strengthens Water Security to Mitigate El Nino Risks Gadchiroli district administration has implemented extensive measures to bolster water security in anticipation of potential El Nino-induced rainfall deficits and water stress. Over the past two years, the district has completed 6,015 water conservation projects, creating a cumulative storage capacity of 18,750 thousand cubic metres (TCM), with an additional 2,060 TCM expected once ongoing projects are finalized. These efforts aim to reduce the impact of rainfall shortages, enhance groundwater recharge, and ensure water availability for agriculture, domestic use, and environmental sustainability. The initiatives include 1,329 pond deepening projects, 1,064 farm ponds, 323 gabion structures, 387 recharge shafts, 207 Kolhapur-type weirs, and 767 orchard plantation projects, alongside soil and water conservation measures in forest areas. These interventions have improved rainwater capture and groundwater levels across the district. A significant portion of the work was carried out under the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0, which completed 4,638 projects, generating 9,340 TCM of storage capacity. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0, progress has also been made on farm ponds, gabion structures, deep continuous contour trenches, and related works, adding 5,200 TCM of storage capacity. Additional contributions came from the District Mineral Foundation Fund, Gaalmukt Dharan-Gaalyukt Shivar scheme, District Annual Plan, and Tribal Sub-Plan. These projects have expanded storage capacity while removing silt from reservoirs and water bodies.#gadchiroli_district #avishyant_panda #jalyukt_shivar_abhiyan_2_0 #pradhan_mantri_krishi_sinchayee_yojana_2_0 #district_mineral_foundation_fund
