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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.
- Key Activities:
- 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. |