Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Paatil and Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma Lead Statewide Review of JSJB 2.0 Implementation in Rajasthan
Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Paatil and Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma Lead Statewide Review of JSJB 2.0 Implementation in Rajasthan
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Paatil, along with Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, chaired a comprehensive review meeting on Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 with all District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners of the State. The meeting was organised by the National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan.
The meeting was attended by Shri V Srinivas, Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan; Shri Abhay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan; Smt. Archana Verma, Additional Secretary and Managing Director, National Water Mission; along with senior officers of the State and Central Governments.
District Collectors of Bhilwara and Dungarpur made detailed presentations on district-level progress and innovative water conservation initiatives undertaken under JSJB 2.0. The presentation from Dungarpur, a predominantly tribal district, highlighted how sustained community participation has led to exemplary work in water conservation and river rejuvenation, demonstrating the strength of Jan Bhagidari in achieving tangible outcomes on the ground.
Rajasthan had secured the third position nationally under JSJB 1.0 and emerged as one of the leading States in implementing large-scale groundwater recharge and water conservation initiatives. The State has consistently demonstrated leadership in traditional and community-based water management practices.
During the review, successful and replicable models from Rajasthan were highlighted, including the Alwar school model, where schools have been actively engaged in creating recharge structures and promoting water literacy among students, and the revival and construction of traditional tankas in districts such as Barmer, which have strengthened decentralized water storage and enhanced resilience in arid regions. These examples reaffirm that low-cost, locally adapted and community-driven interventions can significantly contribute to groundwater recharge and water security.
Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to intensifying efforts under JSJB 2.0. He assured that Rajasthan will continue to remain a frontrunner in water conservation and that all districts and urban local bodies will strive to improve performance and contribute meaningfully to the national goal of groundwater recharge.
Addressing the District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners, Minister Shri C. R. Paatil emphasised the urgency of creating adequate rainwater recharge capacity before the onset of the monsoon. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari has evolved into a nationwide Jan Andolan, transforming water conservation into a people’s movement.
The Minister highlighted that under MGNREGA, funds have been earmarked specifically for water conservation activities, and districts must proactively take up works under the scheme before the monsoon season to ensure effective implementation and optimal utilisation of available resources. He urged all districts and urban local bodies to accord the highest priority to water conservation works, ensure convergence with other schemes, promote community participation and closely monitor progress.
Congratulating the State for its strong performance under JSJB 1.0, Shri C. R. Paatil expressed confidence that Rajasthan will further strengthen its efforts under JSJB 2.0 and continue to lead by example in community-driven water conservation and sustainable groundwater management.