Rajasthan is the largest State in the country with over 10% of its area, 5% of its population, over 10% of the cultivated area but only 1% of its surface water. Water is undoubtedly the most precious resource for the State.

After extensive consultation with the civil society, experts, PRIs, NGOs and farmers, a strategy has been evolved that includes awareness generation, in situ water conservation, participatory resource management and promotion of water use efficiency as its main components.


Jal Chetna Yatra-Kisan Mahotsav, a massive extension campaign was taken up in May-June 2006 that covered 20,000 villages and provided a variety of door-step services related to water use. More than 6 million people actively participated and more than 6000 camps were attended by NGOs. Over 1.25 lakh small water harvesting structures were constructed during the campaign.

Harnessing of surface water has increased from 63% to 71%. The aim is to take it to 80% by the end of the 11th plan period. Water use efficiency is being enhanced by popularization of drips and sprinklers. In the Narmada Canal Command, use of pressure irrigation systems has been made mandatory.

A State Partnership Programme with the European Commission (EC) has been launched. The EC has agreed to provide a grant of approx Rs.450 crore through which, a series of reform measures leading to awareness and participatory water resource management are being taken. Rajasthan Community Business Alliance on Water has been established with the participation of the World Economic Forum, the United Nations Development Programme and the Confederation of Indian Industry to maximize the involvement of community and business houses and voluntary sector (NGOs) in water resources management.