Government says, highest priority will be accorded to water conservation work Under the NREGA scheme. Addressing a seminar in New Delhi today, Secretary Rural Development, Dr. Rita Sharma said that 14 thousand six hundred crore rupees have been spent on water conservation and water harvesting through this Programme. She said the convergence of programme of Ministry of Water Resources with NREGA is focusing on repair, renovation and restoration of water bodies directly linked to agriculture. Ms Sharma also said thrust is being given to afforestation and micro irrigation works.