Jaipur: The Government of Rajasthan has recently launched the ‘Karm Bhumi Se Matri Bhumi Scheme’ to foster community participation in Water Conservation. Taking the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative’ a step forward, the State aims to construct water recharge structures through ‘crowdfunding’.
Rajasthan accounts for 10 percent of the geographical area with 5.67 percent of the total population. However, only 1.16 percent of surface water and 1.72 percent of groundwater resources are available to meet the water usage needs f the state. The dependency on groundwater has drastically reduced the groundwater table making 72 percent area fall in the ‘overexploited’ category. The ‘Karm Bhumi se Matri Bhumi’ scheme aims to mitigate water scarcity by harnessing water through artificial recharge structures and recharge shafts. During the rainy season, these structures will prove beneficial in groundwater recharge.
In the first phase, the state targets to construct 45,000 recharge shafts under this scheme by the year 2028. A high-level committee chaired by Chief Minister BhajanLal Sharma is constituted to monitor the implementation and progress of the scheme.
“Under this scheme, we aim to recharge the groundwater level through convergence funding. Along with the government, individuals, and the Rajasthani diaspora will come together for financing the construction of water recharge shafts across the state,” informed Amarjeet Singh, Chief Engineer, Department of Water Resource, Government of Rajasthan.
“The Ground Water Department has identified groundwater deficit areas across the state. A study was conducted to understand the soil strata to ensure a higher water percolation rate. Currently, we are undertaking the construction of recharge shafts in Jodhpur and Sirohi districts,” he further stated.
How to contribute to the ‘‘Karm Bhumi Se Matri Bhumi’ scheme?
A dedicated portal named MJSA is developed for the stakeholders for fund donations. Corporate Houses through CSR, NGOs, and Trusts can log in to the portal and donate funds. These funds will be directed to build recharge shafts; one recharge shaft per village under this scheme.
