CM Sharma Prioritizes Water Self-Sufficiency – Orders Fortnightly Progress Reports, Timely Completion of Projects, and Strict Action on Negligence

Jaipur, August 13 — Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized that making Rajasthan completely self-reliant in the water sector is a top priority for the state government. Since the beginning of its tenure, the government has initiated several key water and irrigation projects to increase water availability for the people of the state. He instructed officials to expedite work on the various budget announcements made in the past two years, ensuring they are implemented on the ground. Progress reports for these projects must be sent to the Chief Minister’s Office every 15 days.

Chairing a review meeting of the Water Resources Department, Indira Gandhi Canal Department, and Command Area Development Department, CM Sharma highlighted that water is a basic necessity for development, and uninterrupted supply will greatly improve people’s lives. He stressed that river water should not be allowed to go to waste, and full utilization will benefit farmers significantly.

Special focus on Ram Jalasetu Link Project
The CM described the Ram Jalasetu Link Project as a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring uninterrupted water supply to a large population. Officials were told to prioritize the project, monitor its progress regularly, and ensure tangible results on the ground without unnecessary delays. Progress reports on the project must also be submitted every 15 days.

Officials informed that work orders have been issued for the preparation of DPRs (Detailed Project Reports) for diverting water from Rana Pratap Sagar Dam–Brahmani River to Bisalpur Dam, and for linking Bisalpur Dam to the Banas and Ruparail rivers. Other projects under review included Mej Barrage–Bundi, Doongri Dam, Rathore Barrage, Isarda Dam to Ramgarh Dam, Jawai Pura, and Bisalpur Dam to Mor Sagar–Ajmer.

Strict timelines and accountability
The CM directed officials to complete projects within the stipulated time, warning that negligence in public interest works would not be tolerated and irresponsible personnel would face strict action. He urged field-level engagement with communities, assuring that the government would provide all necessary resources and maintain coordination with the Centre to accelerate progress.

Reservoir conversions and land acquisition
Reviewing the Indira Gandhi Canal Department, CM Sharma ordered the swift conversion of four natural depressions on the main canal into reservoirs and the completion of related land acquisition. He called for special development of sprinkler irrigation systems in the canal lift projects.

For the Parwan Multi-Purpose Irrigation Project, he instructed completion of remaining works, erection of radial gates, and payment of land acquisition awards. He also pushed for progress in the Dholpur Lift Irrigation Project, pipeline laying, and rehabilitation works under the Isarda Drinking Water Project. The Kalitir Lift Project’s forest clearance and land acquisition award process should begin promptly.

Coordination with MGNREGA for small dam management
Sharma advised coordination with MGNREGA for the management of 3,236 small dams, and reviewed progress on the Yamuna Water Agreement, Upper High-Level Canal, Dewas III & IV projects, Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project, Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project packages, Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project, and Pump Storage Projects.

He directed that all land acquisition awards, forest and environmental clearances, and other approvals be expedited, along with NITs, tenders, work orders, and DPR preparation for pending budget announcements.

Water Resources Minister Shri Suresh Singh Rawat and senior officials from the Water Resources Department and the Chief Minister’s Office were present in the meeting.