“Vande Ganga” Water Conservation Mass Campaign Launched — Water Has No Substitute, Conserving It is Our Shared Duty: CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Multiple Development Projects Inaugurated in Ajmer — Traditional Worship Performed at Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake

Jaipur : Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized that “water has no alternative — where there is water, there is a future.” He stated that ensuring sufficient water for future generations is a collective responsibility and a pressing priority. In line with this vision, the state government launched the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan (Water Conservation People’s Campaign) across Rajasthan on World Environment Day (June 5). The campaign, driven by public awareness and participation, aims to conserve water and create a greener Rajasthan.

Addressing a gathering in Pushkar on Monday, the Chief Minister called for mass participation in the campaign to combat water scarcity and realize the dream of a lush “Hariyalo Rajasthan.” He noted that Pushkar, a revered pilgrimage site visited by tourists worldwide, was chosen for this campaign’s inauguration on Ganga Dussehra — a day believed to mark the descent of the Ganga to Earth.

A Revolutionary Movement for Water Conservation

CM Sharma said that due to limited surface water, Rajasthan increasingly depends on groundwater, with 72% of the state now classified as over-exploited. He underscored Rajasthan’s rich traditions of water conservation, such as stepwells, ponds, and tanks. The campaign includes building new storage structures, cleaning water sources, reviving traditional systems, and organizing awareness drives — shaping the movement into a people’s revolution.

Towards Self-Reliance in Water Resources

The Chief Minister highlighted significant efforts to ensure uninterrupted water supply. The Ramjal Setu Link Project will provide drinking water to 17 districts and irrigate 4.74 lakh hectares. Similarly, the Yamuna Water Accord benefits the Shekhawati region. Projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal, Dewas, Mahi Dam, and Som-Kamla-Amba are being advanced to boost water availability.

Target of 45,000 Water Conservation Structures

Inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s Catch the Rain campaign, the Rajasthan government launched the Karmabhoomi Se Matribhumi initiative, aiming to build 45,000 water conservation structures in the next four years through the contributions of Non-Resident Rajasthanis. For FY 2025–26 alone, 5,000 such structures are targeted. Inspired by PM Modi’s One Tree in Mother’s Name campaign, Rajasthan planted over 70 million saplings last year and aims to plant 100 million more this monsoon.

Developing Pushkar into a Spiritual-Cultural Tourism Hub

The Chief Minister announced plans to develop Pushkar into a major religious and cultural destination. Phase I projects worth ₹127 crore include ghat renovation, Savitri Vatika, and corridors connecting Brahma Temple to Brahma Ghat and Varaha Ghat. In Phase II, a new fairground and an information center worth ₹38 crore will be constructed.

Assembly Speaker Shri Vasudev Devnani and Water Resources Minister Shri Suresh Singh Rawat praised the campaign and urged citizens to use water wisely and participate wholeheartedly.

CM Sharma virtually inaugurated 553 water harvesting structures worth ₹13.51 crore (Phase I) and 176 structures worth ₹9.61 crore (Phase II) in Ajmer district. He also laid the foundation for repairs to the Bandia and Muhami village causeways, feeder lines, and Phool Sagar reservoir.

He flagged off a Kalash Yatra (ritual water procession), visited stalls of eco-friendly products by women of the Rajeevika mission, gifted tulsi plants, and appreciated a sand art installation by artist Ajay Rawat dedicated to the water campaign.

Later, the CM performed a puja at the sacred Brahma Ghat, planted a sindoor tree under the One Tree for Mother campaign, and inaugurated a free lift service at the Brahma Temple provided by the M.P. Manasingka Charitable Trust.

Several dignitaries, including Devnarayan Board Chairperson Shri Omprakash Bhadana, MLAs Smt. Anita Bhadel, Shri Ramswaroop Lamba, senior officials, and a large public gathering attended the event.