Chandigarh [India], November 7 (HBTV): The Haryana Government has announced plans to launch an ambitious Water Secure Haryana programme, a landmark initiative worth about INR 5,700 crore, of which around INR 4,000 crore (USD 500 million) will be supported by the World Bank under its Program-for-Results (PforR) framework.
The six-year programme, expected to commence in 2026, aims to transform Haryana’s irrigation and water management systems through integrated, data-driven, and performance-based approaches, according to an official release.
During a meeting with World Bank representatives on Thursday, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi described the programme as a ‘paradigm shift’ in the state’s approach to water management. He said the initiative would play a key role in achieving the vision of making Haryana India’s first truly water-secure state by 2032.
Chief Secretary Rastogi also noted that the project would include a Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) component and invited the World Bank team to share their inputs in this regard.
A senior World Bank representative described the initiative as ‘not just an irrigation project—it is Haryana’s blueprint to become India’s first truly water-secure state’.
The programme will directly intervene in 14 strategic irrigation clusters across 18 districts, covering a Culturable Command Area (CCA) of 363,546 hectares. The remaining districts will later be covered with funding from NABARD, the state budget, or other agencies. While the physical interventions will focus on these clusters, the planning and institutional reforms will benefit all 22 districts of Haryana.
The key components and investments under the programme include:
Infrastructure modernisation (INR 2,325 crore): A total of 1,798 kilometres of canals across 14 strategic irrigation clusters will be upgraded with advanced automation and real-time monitoring systems such as RTDAS and SCADA.
Construction of new water bodies (INR 320 crore): Nearly 80 water bodies in various districts of southern Haryana will be rejuvenated to enhance groundwater recharge.
Treated wastewater reuse (INR 280 crore): Water from four major sewage treatment plants in Jind, Kaithal, and Gurugram will be treated and reused to irrigate 11,500 hectares of farmland.
Micro-irrigation systems and water courses (INR 1,350 crore): Cluster-based micro-irrigation systems, including rehabilitation of water courses, will be implemented in identified clusters with the active participation of Water User Associations (WUAs). Farmer consultation meetings will be jointly organised by the Irrigation Department and MICADA officials to ensure community-led water management.
Sustainable agriculture (INR 450 crore): The Agriculture Department will promote sustainable practices in the 14 irrigation clusters through initiatives like crop diversification (MPMV) and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR).
Drainage solutions (INR 436 crore): The Agriculture Department will develop vertical and sub-surface drainage systems to address waterlogging and soil salinity in nearly two lakh acres of the state’s remaining waterlogged area.
Bio-drainage (INR 398 crore): The Forest Department will implement bio-drainage measures in waterlogged areas, in coordination with the World Bank, to further strengthen water security.
The World Bank delegation, which included Joop, Bogachan, Satya, Saumya, and Karthik, praised Haryana’s forward-looking approach, describing the programme as one of the most comprehensive water resource management initiatives in India. They said it represents a major shift from traditional construction-centric schemes to outcome-based, transparent, and community-driven interventions.
(ANI)