Jaipur, June 22. The ‘Vande Ganga’ water conservation mass campaign, initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, has set new benchmarks in the field of water conservation and storage in Rajasthan. With overwhelming public participation, the campaign has significantly improved the condition and management of water sources across the state. Owing to a well-planned strategy and its far-reaching impact, the campaign has emerged as an environmental inspiration that is expected to yield positive results in the future.
In Rajasthan, the largest state in India, water availability has always been a major challenge due to its adverse geographical conditions. The irregular distribution of rainfall during monsoon and limited surface water resources have made the state heavily dependent on traditional water sources. To address this, CM Sharma launched the ‘Vande Ganga’ water conservation mass campaign (from June 5 to June 20). The most remarkable aspect of this campaign is its focus on community participation, ensuring wide-reaching impact. The inclusion of rituals and worship of water bodies as key activities of the campaign has further strengthened people’s emotional and cultural connection with water.
Chief Minister Participates Actively Across Regions
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the campaign on Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day (June 5). On the first day, he offered voluntary labor at the Ramgarh Dam in Jaipur, draped a chunari on River Chambal at Keshoraipatan in Bundi, and offered lamps at the Sujanganga Canal in Bharatpur. Ministers also joined water conservation activities across the state. During the campaign, CM Sharma personally visited various regions, ensured his participation, and conducted continuous monitoring. On June 9, he offered prayers at Brahma Ghat in Pushkar and performed water rituals at Jawaja Talab in Beawar. On June 18, he performed lake aarti at the Nau Chouki embankment in Rajsamand and offered prayers at Seelu Ghat in Jalore. The campaign concluded with a ceremonial Ganga aarti and worship at the historic Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer on June 20.
More than 370,000 Programs Conducted
Inspired by the Chief Minister, the campaign transformed into a movement. Millions stepped out of their homes to actively engage in water conservation efforts. As of June 20, over 370,000 programs were conducted under the campaign, involving nearly 25.3 million people, including 13.2 million women. Over 42,200 water sources and nearly 73,900 offices, hospitals, and schools were cleaned. About 18,900 completed projects were inaugurated, and around 5,900 new projects were launched. Additionally, people contributed voluntary labor at over 102,000 sites for water conservation activities.
To spread awareness and the message of water conservation, the campaign saw 13,600 gram sabhas, 6,800 prabhat pheris, 9,800 kalash yatras, and 6,000 village gatherings. Under the Karmabhoomi Se Matribhumi initiative, 3,200 recharge shafts were built with CSR and donor support.
Campaign Gains Momentum Through Collective Efforts
Special action plans were implemented for water conservation and storage under this campaign. Various government departments, NGOs, industrial groups, philanthropists, and large numbers of citizens participated. This collective effort and coordination led to widespread cleaning of rivers and water bodies, construction of water storage structures, and restoration of traditional reservoirs like baoris, ponds, and wells. Significant work was also done under related initiatives such as Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban, Hariyalo Rajasthan, and Karmabhoomi Se Matribhumi, which are expected to positively impact groundwater levels in the future.
Ensuring Adequate Water Supply: A Top Priority
Guided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and led by CM Sharma, the state government has taken historic decisions and developed unprecedented plans within 1.5 years of its term to make Rajasthan water-secure. The revised Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (Ramjal Setu Link) project will provide drinking and irrigation water to 17 districts. The Yamuna water agreement for the Shekhawati region is also being implemented. Strengthening of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project is underway to ensure sufficient water supply from Ganganagar and Hanumangarh to Barmer and Jalore. The Dewas Project is being developed to ensure water availability in southern Rajasthan. These initiatives highlight the government’s firm commitment to ensure water supply from villages to towns, with adequate water supply being the government’s highest priority.
