Ensure Public Participation in Water Conservation Works: Chief Secretary

Jaipur, February 2026 : A review meeting of the Watershed Development and Soil Conservation Department was held at the Secretariat on Monday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas. He emphasized that public participation must be ensured in all works being carried out under water conservation schemes.

The Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a proper plantation plan well in advance, keeping the upcoming monsoon in mind. He also instructed that the demarcation of watershed areas be completed on time and that all approved works be executed with quality and within stipulated timelines.

He reviewed the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana 2.0 (Watershed Development Component) and the second phase of the Chief Minister Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan, and issued necessary directions.

Stressing the importance of timely implementation of land and water conservation works, the Chief Secretary said this would strengthen rain-fed agriculture and help increase farmers’ income. He also directed officials to assess changes in cropping patterns in project areas, including the transition from single-crop to double-crop areas and improvements in cultivable land.

During the meeting, various works related to land conservation, water harvesting, and agricultural improvement under watershed development in the state were discussed. The Chief Secretary noted that works such as ponds, check dams, percolation tanks, contour trenches, tankas, renovation of ponds, and other water conservation structures are improving groundwater levels while also enhancing farming and livelihood opportunities. He instructed that all such works be completed in a time-bound manner.

Department officials also shared details of water conservation works being undertaken in villages under the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan 2.0 (MJSA 2.0). They informed that a large number of villages have been selected under the scheme and lakhs of hectares of land are being treated, benefiting drought- and water-scarce regions.

Senior officers of the Watershed Development and Soil Conservation Department were present at the meeting.