The Rajasthan government has unveiled a groundbreaking Groundwater Conservation Policy aimed at addressing the severe water crisis in Barmer and other drought-prone districts. With a focus on sustainable water management, this initiative is expected to mitigate the effects of recurring droughts and provide a lifeline to residents and farmers in the region.

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Key Features of the Policy

• Groundwater Recharge Initiatives:
  The policy emphasizes constructing 5,000 new check dams, percolation tanks, and rainwater harvesting structures to replenish groundwater reserves.
  (Rajasthan Ground Water Department)
• Micro-Irrigation Promotion:
  Farmers are being encouraged to adopt drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to reduce water usage in agriculture, with 70% subsidies provided under the scheme.
• Community-Led Efforts:
  The policy fosters community participation through Pani Panchayats, empowering locals to manage and monitor water resources sustainably.

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Impact on Barmer and Drought-Prone Areas

• Increased Water Availability:
  Over 10,000 hectares of agricultural land in Barmer is expected to benefit from enhanced groundwater levels, ensuring water availability for crops and livestock.
• Reduction in Water Stress:
  With targeted interventions, the policy aims to reduce dependency on groundwater by 30%, easing the burden on Barmer’s depleting aquifers.
• Improved Livelihoods:
  Sustainable water management will boost agricultural productivity, benefitting over 1 lakh farmers and rural households.

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Future Goals

• Digital Monitoring Systems:
  The government plans to introduce IoT-based groundwater monitoring, enabling real-time data collection for better resource management.
• Climate Resilience Measures:
  Integrating the policy with Rajasthan’s State Action Plan on Climate Change, the initiative seeks to strengthen Barmer’s resilience to climate variability.

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A Blueprint for Water Security in Rajasthan

With its focus on sustainability, community involvement, and modern technology, the Groundwater Conservation Policy is a lifeline for Barmer’s drought-affected regions, setting a precedent for holistic water management across Rajasthan.