The Water Economic Zones is a flagship program of DS group implemented across 91 villages in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, covering 8 strategically chosen locations.
This initiative addresses the critical challenge of water scarcity, a key factor impacting the overall development of the region, particularly in drought-prone areas of Rajasthan. The project prioritizes villages based on the water stress due to scarcity, land degradation, low water tables and inadequate rainwater storage covering tribal areas. The project’s core focus is sustainable water management, emphasizing conservation, harvesting, and effective utilization of water resources. This will directly enhance agricultural productivity, support allied activities, and sustain livelihoods. The ultimate goal is to improve natural resource management—particularly water—to increase land productivity.
Project Objectives– Water Security
The Water Economic Zone establishes water security in drought-prone regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh through check dams, watershed management, and soil-moisture conservation—reversing groundwater depletion and creating reliable water reserves.
Agricultural Transformation
With water assured, the project improves Water Use Efficiency through micro-irrigation, solar-powered systems, and farmer training on drought-resilient crops and improved practices—boosting yields, incomes, and reinvestment in conservation.
Community Ownership
By forming Water User Groups, partnering with grassroots institutions, and aligning with government programs, the project embeds water management within communities—ensuring long-term sustainability beyond the project lifecycle. The Group has constructed and restored over 1,250 water harvesting structures, creating a water storage and recharge potential of nearly 1 crore kilolitres. This has brought over 5,000 hectares of land under irrigation and improved the water table by 5 to 10 feet, transforming the landscape in affected areas. Farmers are supported in adopting water-efficient methods such as drip irrigation, solar-powered lift systems, and moisture conservation practices—enabling them to break free from dependence on single-season rain-fed crops.
Increase in Crop Yield Post-Intervention
Crop productivity increased by 20–25% on average, depending on rainfall, soil type, and adoption of improved practices.
Yield gains ranged from 50 kg/acre to 900 kg/acre across crops, with the highest improvements seen in wheat, mustard, vegetables, and green fodder.
Improved irrigation reliability enabled multi-season cropping, replacing single rainfed cycles.
Vegetative cover increased by over 50%, reflecting improved soil moisture and crop health.
Increase in Farmers’ Income (Average per Household)
Agriculture replaced wage labour as the primary income source for most households.
Average annual farm income increased by ₹25,000–₹50,000 per household, especially among small and marginal farmers.
Livestock-based income shifted upward, with most households moving from below ₹25,000 to ₹25,000–₹50,000 per year, driven by better fodder and water access.
Water-use efficiency improved by 30–50% through micro-irrigation and solar pumps, reducing input costs and stabilising income.
Water & Groundwater (Reference to Karauli Rajasthan- impact Assessment)
31.4% increase in surface water spread (538 ha → 707 ha)
25–30% recharge potential achieved across the region
Groundwater levels increased by 1–2 meters in directly impacted villages
10–15 feet estimated rise in groundwater levels overall
Multiple water bodies revived and retained water year-round
Agriculture & Land Use
57.7% increase in agricultural land
46.1% reduction in barren land
Wasteland converted into productive farmland
Shift from single-crop to multi-season farming
Crop Diversification & Yield
Wheat cultivation increased significantly (Rabi season)
Green fodder cultivation increased 5 times
Expansion of vegetables and fodder in summer season
Yield increase reported from +50 kg/acre up to +900 kg/acre
Improved food and fodder security
Irrigation & Technology Adoption
High adoption of micro-irrigation systems
Reduced water use per farm
Lower input costs for farmers
Widespread preference for solar irrigation pumps
Improved reliability of irrigation water across seasons.
Innovation & Approach
These interventions are explicitly climate-resilience-focused.
- In Karauli, the project reduced dependence on erratic monsoons by improving groundwater recharge (25–30%), enabling multi-season cropping and stabilising water availability during dry periods. Groundwater levels increased by 1–2 metres, reducing vulnerability to droughts and crop failure.
- The conversion of wasteland to cultivable land, increased vegetation cover, and reduction in barren land indicate improved ecosystem resilience to climate variability.
- In WEZ Kurabad, resilience outcomes are validated at scale, with 2–3 metre groundwater rise, 6–9 recharge events annually, and year-round irrigation for Kharif, Rabi, and summer crops—directly addressing climate uncertainty.
Technology is actively used in both planning and monitoring. During planning, hydrogeological studies and GIS mapping, were used to assess terrain, drainage patterns, and groundwater recharge potential. This ensured that water harvesting and soil conservation structures were placed at technically suitable locations to maximise runoff capture and infiltration.
For impact assessment, remote sensing and satellite imagery are used to track changes in land use, vegetation cover, water spread, and irrigated area over time. Digital tools also supported estimation of storage capacity and verification of structures, providing objective evidence of impact.
Overall, the use of technology enables data-driven planning, transparent monitoring, and measurable environmental and livelihood outcomes.
The projects are based on a watershed-based integrated planning approach.
Interventions are planned using a ridge-to-valley framework, where multiple water and soil conservation structures—such as reservoirs, ponds, embankments, and groundwater recharge systems—are designed as part of a connected system rather than standalone assets. This approach helps manage surface runoff, reduce soil erosion, improve groundwater recharge, and enhance soil fertility across the entire watershed.
Water conservation measures are integrated with agriculture, livestock, and land management practices, ensuring that water availability supports both crop production and livelihoods. Community-led water governance structures further ensure equitable water use, regular maintenance, and long-term sustainability.
By treating water, land and livelihoods as interlinked components at the watershed level, the projects deliver sustainable and scalable outcomes aligned with integrated watershed management principles.
There are various partner agencies DS Group works with at the grass root level in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
The projects are community-owned and local communities are involved in planning and implementation and Water User Groups are formed to manage and maintain the water structures. These committees ensure equitable water use, oversee upkeep, and resolve local issues. Community participation and shared responsibility have strengthened ownership, accountability, and long-term sustainability of the interventions. Once completed, all projects are handed over to the communities themselves.
The theme for 2026 is Water and Gender. The global water crisis affects everyone, but not equally. The theme highlights how women and girls are central to water management, use, and conservation, yet are often the most affected by water scarcity, access challenges, and climate stress. It calls for:
- Gender-equitable access to water
- Recognition of women’s roles in water governance
- Reducing the time and health burden of water collection
- Linking water security to dignity, livelihoods, and empowerment
Alignment with World Water Day 2026 – Water & Gender
- Reduced burden on women: Improved access to nearby water sources has significantly reduced the time and physical effort women spend on collecting water for households and livestock, improving health, safety, and dignity.
- Stronger livelihoods for women: Assured water availability has enabled women to participate more actively in farming and livestock-related activities, supporting household income, food security, and economic independence. Further, support for Nutrition Gardens and vegetable garden development, the household is supported for better nutrition and also income wherever they can sell their produce in the market.
- Women’s role in water governance: Women’s participation in Water User Committees and village groups ensures their voices are included in decisions on water use and maintenance, promoting equitable and sustainable water management.
