Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Uma Bharti today launched the Centre's extensive water conservation programme for drought prone areas of the country at Bandri in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. This programme will be implemented in Bundelkhand, Marathwada, Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput.<br/><br/>Irrigation minister of Madhya Pradesh Narottam Mishra, his counterpart in Uttar Pradesh Dharmpal Singh and other dignitaries were present at the function. Ms. Uma Bharti said that the programmes aim to increase area of irrigation and protect the water resources. Under Extensive Water Conservation Programme, the Union Water Resources and River Development Ministry has prepared a master plan for artificial recharge of ground water in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh along with some other regions of the country. <br/><br/>Around 2000 percolation tanks, 55000 small check dams and Nala bunds and 17000 Recharge shafts have been identified in MP's Bundelkhand. As a part of ground water exploration, 259 wells are proposed to be constructed in six districts of Bundelkhand in the state. The Union Water Resources and River Development Ministry has taken up new initiatives under National Ground Water Management Improvement Schemes. <br/><br/>The objective of these initiatives is to effectively improve ground water conditions in stressed blocks, ensure sustainability of resource both quantitatively and qualitatively, participatory approach in ground water management and institutional strengthening. Five districts of Bundelkhand region of MP covering an area of 8319 sq km have been considered under these initiatives.<br/>