Haryana’s Water Conservation Yojana, launched to combat water scarcity, empowers farmers with sustainable practices like micro-irrigation and crop diversification. Backed by the Haryana Water Resources Authority, it has saved 5.8 billion cubic meters of water by February 2025, targeting 6.9 BCM by March. Community-led efforts and groundwater recharge initiatives ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
Haryana’s Innovative Push for Sustainable Farming
Haryana, a state heavily reliant on agriculture, faces a critical challenge with depleting groundwater levels and erratic monsoons. To address this, the Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) has spearheaded the Water Conservation Yojana, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering farmers to adopt sustainable water management practices. As of February 2025, the state has achieved 85% of its water conservation target, saving 5.8 billion cubic meters (BCM) of water through a combination of innovative techniques and community participation.
The Yojana focuses on promoting efficient cultivation methods, such as micro-irrigation and crop diversification, to reduce water-intensive farming practices. For instance, the state’s “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme incentivizes farmers to shift from water-heavy crops like paddy to alternatives like maize and pulses, offering ₹2,800 per hectare for the switch in water-stressed blocks. This has led to an 11% increase in groundwater recharge from 2023 to 2024, according to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
Another cornerstone of the initiative is the reuse of treated wastewater. By February 2025, Haryana utilized 14,570 crore liters of treated wastewater under the Integrated Water Resources Action Plan (IWRAP). The state aims to reuse 50% of treated wastewater by March 2025 and achieve 100% by December 2028. This approach not only conserves freshwater but also supports irrigation needs, ensuring year-round agricultural productivity.
Community-led efforts are at the heart of the Yojana. The Atal Bhujal Yojana, integrated into the state’s framework, has enabled thousands of gram panchayats to monitor groundwater levels and install recharge structures. A pilot project in Ismailpur Gram Panchayat, Yamunanagar district, demonstrated the effectiveness of high-frequency groundwater data in planning sustainable water use. Such initiatives have fostered collective action, encouraging farmers to take ownership of local water resources.
The state has also planned to create 244 new water bodies across 1,185 acres by 2025-26, with a storage capacity of 12,000 million liters. These water bodies will enhance groundwater recharge and provide a reliable irrigation source for smallholder farmers. Additionally, the Yojana promotes the restoration of traditional water tanks to capture rainwater and mitigate surface runoff, a practice also adopted in other states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Reports from regions like Mewat highlight discrepancies in the implementation of schemes like Har Ghar Jal Yojana, with some villages still lacking reliable tap water access. Critics argue that while government claims show progress on paper, on-ground realities often lag, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and monitoring.
Haryana’s Water Conservation Yojana is setting a precedent for sustainable agriculture in water-stressed regions. By blending technology, community participation, and policy incentives, the state is not only preserving its water resources but also ensuring the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
Disclaimer: This article is based on news reports, official statements from the Haryana Water Resources Authority, and related sources. Data is accurate as of July 2025, but on-ground implementation may vary. Always verify with primary sources for the latest updates.