Environmental evaluation of the MGNREGA in two districts of Madhya Pradesh
Student name: Mr Pradeep Yadav
Guide: Dr P K Joshi
Year of completion: 2014
Host Organisation: Samaj Pragati Sahayog, Madhya Pradesh
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Anjor Bhaskar
Abstract: The MGNREGA is one of the largest poverty reduction and employment generation programmes in
history. However, it is also seen as one of the largest efforts at building climate resilience in India.
Most of the activities permitted and promoted under NREGA are meant to rejuvenate the local
ecology and restore the ecological balance in rural areas (MoRD, 2012). However, there is limited
data or evidence to prove or disprove the hypothesis that the programme builds climate resilience
and helps restore the ecological balance in rural areas (MoRD, 2012).
We did an environmental evaluation to fill the gap in research and design the methodological tool
box for environmental evaluation of MGNREGA. The study intends to create standardized
methodologies which would feed into the regular planning and evaluation exercises of NREGA in
India. The study conducted in two agro-climatically distinct districts of Madhya Pradesh. The study
includes 40 NREGA works in 2 districts.
Based on secondary literature review and discussions with technical experts, we have identified the
potential positive and negative environmental impacts of 5 of the most prevalent NREGA activities
being considered. The environmental benefits may include, for instance, an increase in biodiversity,
soil moisture retention, expansion of tree cover and reduction in local temperatures. The
environmental costs may include, for instance, emissions during extraction, production and
transportation during the use of inputs. In the absence of baseline (pre NREGA data), we have
identified appropriate controls (or proxy base values).
