National rural employment guarantee Act (NREGA) and management of water resources: a study in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu

The present study analyses the role of NREGA in managing water resources in Mayiladuthurai block, Nagapattinam district. NREGA aims at reducing rural poverty and unemployment in India. Simultaneously, the programme focuses on water and soil conservation. The present study analyses the contribution and changes created by NREGA in managing water resources. The funds of NREGA have served for managing water resources to some extent and limited towards other infrastructure creation in the Mayiladuthrai Block. As a result, the depth water reservoirs and ground water level has increased to meagre level. The present study suggests to the panchyat to discuss with the local people before implementation NREGA works and record the same for the reference. Besides, allocation of more funds can make wider changes and the Government has to sanction more funds to achieve wider development. NGOs and local institutions have to come forward to create the awareness among the local people about the Act and its regulations.