Collector’s Major Initiative for Water Conservation in Dausa: Recharge Shafts Revive Defunct and Dry Borewells

Jaipur — This monsoon has brought prosperity and blessings to Rajasthan, but it also serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and prepared for the future. Acting on this foresight, Dausa District Collector Mr. Devendra Kumar has launched a major initiative for groundwater recharge, recognizing that despite the supply of Bisalpur water, groundwater remains the primary source for irrigation in the district.

Under his leadership, the Panchayati Raj Department is executing a recharge shaft-based water replenishment project for 11 defunct and dry borewells. On Tuesday, the District Collector inspected the ongoing work in the Gandarava Gram Panchayat of Sikandra block and issued necessary instructions to the officials.

The Collector said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call for “From Workplace to Motherland” and Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma’s “Vande Ganga–Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan” have underscored the importance of water conservation. In line with this vision, the district administration has launched a unique effort to make the region water self-reliant. Eleven failed borewells under the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) have been identified and are being revived using recharge shaft technology. Specifically, 4 borewells in Sikandra, 3 in Baswa, 2 in Bandikui, and one each in Dausa and Mahwa are being recharged.

Recharge Pits Built in Suitable Catchment Areas
PHED Executive Engineer Mr. Sitaram Meena explained the technique in detail. First, recharge pits are constructed—these are artificial structures that raise the groundwater level. Unlike open wells, these pits are covered, minimizing accident risk. They are built in areas with good water catchment, high percolation rates, near tubewells or storage tanks, and ideally in low-lying areas. Soil composition is key: black topsoil with sandy layers beneath is ideal for recharge.

Pits Range from Half to Three Meters in Diameter
According to Mr. Meena, recharge pits can vary from 0.5 to 3 meters in diameter depending on the catchment size and percolation rate. Their depth ranges from 2 to 3 meters, ideally reaching porous rock or sandy soil. Inside the pits, three layers of reverse filtration are laid: coarse gravel or boulders at the base, fine gravel in the middle, and coarse sand on top, covered with wire mesh. These pits are constructed in areas where large volumes of rainwater naturally flow.

An Economical Solution for Groundwater Recharge
Recharge pits are a cost-effective method to improve groundwater levels. Small pits can be constructed even near handpumps and tubewells in rural or urban areas to conserve water that would otherwise drain away. This also enhances the capacity of those water sources. Importantly, recharge water should be free of contaminants—biological or chemical.

During the inspection, Executive Engineer Mr. Sitaram Meena, Assistant Engineer Mr. Ramesh Chand Meena, and Junior Engineer Mr. Raju Vedwal were present.