State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 06 Jun 2025

Water Conservation Efforts in Rajasthan

Why in News? 

On World Environment Day (5th June 2025), Rajasthan launched a two-week water conservation campaign focusing on restoring traditional water sources, building harvesting structures, recharging groundwater, and repairing dams and canals.

Key Points 

• About the Campaign: 
  • The Chief Minister inaugurated the water conservation campaign at the Rajasthan International Centre, urging public participation and highlighting the moral responsibility to combat climate change. 
  • A shramdaan programme was held at Ramgarh Dam near Jaipur for its restoration, along with the launch of new water conservation projects on the Chambal River banks in Keshoraipatan, Bundi district. 
• Conservation Projects: 
  • Key Activities:  
    • Foundation stones will be laid for water conservation projects worth Rs 345 crore. 
    • The campaign will feature the cleaning of traditional water sources, shramdaan camps (voluntary labour), and tree plantation drives. 
  • MoUs for Climate and Environmental Initiatives: 
    • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the State Pollution Control Board and the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, to prepare the Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2030. 
    • Additional MoUs were signed to implement an Emission Trading Scheme and establish an Early Warning System for Alwar and Bhiwadi. 
• Traditional Water Wisdom in Rajasthan:  
  • People in Rajasthan have historically used unique methods like stepwells, johads, ponds, and wells to conserve water. 
  • The state government has committed to constructing at least 125 water conservation structures in each district to revive these traditional practices.

Water Harvesting Systems of Rajasthan 

Water Harvesting System	Description
Baoli	Stepwell structure with arches, carved motifs, and rooms. Integral to urban water storage in low-rainfall areas.
Jhalara	Rectangular stepwells with tiered steps on three or four sides, designed to collect water from reservoirs or lakes.
Taanka	Cylindrical underground pit paved to collect rainwater from rooftops or catchment areas.
Khadin (Dhora)	Long earthen embankments across hill slopes collecting surface runoff for agriculture.
Kundi	Consists of a deep, circular or rectangular pit, which is crucial in arid and semi-arid areas where water is scarce and rainfall is unpredictable.