Rajasthan State PCS

• 07 Jun 2024

Rajasthan to Build Water Harvesting Units

Why in News?

The Rajasthan government has chosen to increase efforts in water conservation in the state with the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan 2.0 in response to water scarcity issues in various regions.

• Under the initiative, there is a plan to construct 500,000 water harvesting structures in 20,000 villages over the next four years.

Key Points

• As per the government statistics, Rajasthan, known as one of the driest areas in the country, has consistently dealt with a lack of water.
  • The state receives an annual rainfall varying from 100 mm to 800 mm, resulting in numerous regions experiencing water shortages, including for basic drinking needs.
• Rainfall is the main contributor to groundwater replenishment in the state, and water levels differ significantly throughout the region.
  • A government report highlighted Rajasthan as one of the prominent states where groundwater sources have been excessively utilized.
• Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (RIICO) recently released a notification requiring all individuals leasing plots measuring 500 square meters or more to install rainwater harvesting systems on their property to enhance water conservation efforts and boost groundwater levels.
• Rajasthan Police Housing and Construction Corporation Limited (RPH&CCL) will also incorporate rainwater harvesting in its current building projects.

Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan

• CM launched the campaign from village Gardan Kheri in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan on 27^th January 2016.
• The Scheme is based on Four-waters Concept that involves harvesting of available runoff (rain water, ground water, under-ground water & in situ soil moisture) in rural areas by treatment of catchment, proper utilization, renovation & creation of new water harvesting structures.

Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO)

• It is a premier agency of the Government of Rajasthan that has played an important role in the industrial development of Rajasthan, it was formed in 1980.
• A Government enterprise established under Companies Act, 1956 on 28^th March 1969 as Rajasthan State Industrial & Mineral Development Corporation (RSIMDC) was divided into two entities on 1^st January 1980:
  • Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO)
  • Rajasthan State Mineral Development Corporation (RSMDC)