A fortnight-long water conservation campaign was launched in Rajasthan on Thursday with an emphasis on restoration of traditional water sources, construction of water harvesting structures, ground water recharge, and repair of dams and canals. The campaign’s inauguration coincided with World Environment Day.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma inaugurated the campaign at the Rajasthan International Centre here while calling for greater public participation in water conservation initiatives. “The traditions of water conservation have been an integral part of our cultural heritage. It is our moral responsibility to prevent the adverse impact of climate change,” Mr. Sharma said.
Mr. Sharma said people in Rajasthan had adopted unique methods to conserve water in the past. “Structures like stepwells, johads, ponds, and wells are living examples of the water conservation traditions of our State,” he said, while pointing out that his government was constructing at least 125 water conservation structures in each district.
Conservation projects
Foundation stones for projects worth ₹345 crore will be laid during the campaign until June 20, while water sources will be cleaned and shramdaan (voluntary labour) camps will be organised, besides tree plantation activities, and people will take a pledge to reduce plastic use.
The Chief Minister appealed to people to adopt an “eco-friendly lifestyle” and plant at least one tree in their vicinity in the upcoming monsoon season and take regular care of it. “We will be able to gift clean air, water, and earth to the coming generations with this initiative and help make a green Rajasthan,” he said.
A memorandum of understanding 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. MoUs were also signed for an emission trading scheme and an early warning system for Alwar and Bhiwadi.
Mr. Sharma also addressed a shramdaan programme at the historic Ramgarh dam, near Jaipur, aimed at its restoration, and later visited the banks of the Chambal river at Keshoraipatan in Bundi district to perform rituals and inaugurate development projects related to water conservation.
Published – June 06, 2025 02:20 am IST
