The Congress government’s decision to construct water harvesting structures in government buildings on the basis of feasibility in rural areas of 17 districts of Rajasthan is set to promote sustainable groundwater management in villages. Micro irrigation activities will also be supported in these areas.
The water harvesting structures will facilitate the collection and conservation of rainwater, while the funds available under the incentive component of the Union Jal Shakti Ministry’s Atal Bhujal Yojana will be used for innovations in the field of groundwater conservation.
Additional Chief Secretary (Ground Water) Subodh Agrawal said here on Wednesday that groundwater resources would be better managed through community-led initiatives in water-stressed areas with the creation of water harvesting structures. The state government will also ensure convergence of various schemes to enhance the capacity of local communities for groundwater management.
Shri Aggarwal told the officials of Agriculture and Horticulture Department that micro irrigation activities should be promoted in the areas where Atal Bhujal Yojana is being implemented. Along with this, emphasis will be laid on drip irrigation in agricultural areas to save groundwater.
In the review meeting, the officials of the concerned departments discussed the strategy of groundwater recharge and water conservation through innovative methods. The institutional strengthening component of Atal Bhujal Yojana will be used for preparing water security plans, improving skills and inculcating behavior change among rural communities.