Key Details
The project brings together irrigation modernisation, groundwater management and agricultural reforms under a single state-wide water security framework.
Focus Area | Scale and Coverage |
|---|---|
Project Size | ₹5,714 crore programme, including ₹4,000 crore World Bank financing |
Duration | Six years (2026–2032) |
Coverage | 15 clusters spanning 48.94 lakh acres |
Canal Rehabilitation | Remaining 678 canals to be upgraded through World Bank, state and NABARD-supported investments |
Water Efficiency | 120 canal-based micro-irrigation projects covering about 56,830 acres |
Wastewater Reuse | Treated wastewater from major STPs to irrigate around 28,000 acres |
Groundwater Recharge | 147 water bodies to be developed across seven districts |
Agricultural Reform | Direct Seeded Rice on 5 lakh acres; crop diversification on 1.12 lakh acres |
Local Governance | Village-level water committees to support maintenance and water management |
Digital Monitoring | State-wide water budgeting and digital water-management systems proposed |
Summary
Haryana Is Moving Towards Integrated Water Management
The Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project is a six-year long water resource management programme that represents one of the state’s largest water-sector investments in recent years. Rather than focusing solely on irrigation infrastructure, it combines canal rehabilitation, groundwater recharge, wastewater reuse, micro-irrigation and crop diversification within a single water-security framework.
The initiative reflects growing concern over groundwater depletion, inefficient water use and climate-related risksin one of India’s most water-stressed agricultural regions.
Modernising Irrigation Infrastructure
A major component of the project is the rehabilitation of Haryana’s canal network. The state plans to upgrade its remaining 678 canals through a combination of World Bank financing, state funding and NABARD-supported projects. In addition, 620 khaals will be rehabilitated under the MICADA programme, improving irrigation access across approximately 3.18 lakh acres.
The objective is not only to improve water delivery but also to reduce distribution losses and improve reliability for farmers.
Improving Water Efficiency and Reuse
The programme places strong emphasis on using available water more efficiently. It includes 120 canal-based micro-irrigation projects, expansion of treated wastewater use for agriculture, and development of 147 water bodies to support groundwater recharge.
The reuse of treated wastewater from urban sewage treatment plants is particularly significant because it seeks to convert a growing urban resource into an additional source of irrigation water.
Linking Water Management with Agricultural Reform
The project recognises that water security cannot be achieved through infrastructure alone. Haryana plans to expand Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) cultivation across 5 lakh acres, reclaim nearly 2 lakh acres of waterlogged land, and promote crop diversification over 1.12 lakh acres.
These measures aim to reduce dependence on water-intensive cultivation patterns while improving the sustainability of agricultural production.
Strengthening Local and Digital Water Governance
The project also introduces institutional reforms through village-level water committees, which will help maintain local irrigation assets and participate in water management decisions.
At the state level, Haryana plans to develop a digital water-management and water-budgeting system to improve monitoring of water availability, allocation and usage, supporting more evidence-based planning.
What Is Water Budgeting?
Water budgeting is the process of estimating available water resources, assessing demand across sectors, and allocating water accordingly. It helps governments and local communities manage water more efficiently, improve planning and reduce the risk of shortages.
Policy Relevance
Demonstrates a shift from irrigation expansion towards a broader water-security approach that combines infrastructure, groundwater management and demand-side reforms.
Strengthens the case for integrating crop diversification, Direct Seeded Rice and micro-irrigation into state water-conservation strategies.
Highlights the growing role of treated wastewater reuse as an alternative water source for agriculture.
Reinforces the importance of groundwater recharge and local water-body restoration in addressing long-term water stress.
Shows how village-level water institutions can support operation, maintenance and community participation in water governance.
Positions digital water budgeting and monitoring systems as tools for more evidence-based water-resource planning.
Relevant Question for Stakeholders: How can Haryana ensure that investments in canals, groundwater recharge, wastewater reuse and crop diversification work together to deliver measurable reductions in groundwater stress over the next decade?
Follow the full release here: Haryana Government Press Release