Published: 26 March 2026PIBRajasthan
Rajasthan Leads Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 with 88,000+ Completed Works; Union Minister and CM Conduct High-Level Review
Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma jointly conducted a high-level review of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Abhiyan 2.0 implementation in Rajasthan on 24 February 2026. The review highlighted Rajasthan's outstanding progress — with over 88,000 completed works and 42,000 ongoing projects under the current phase of the campaign — making it one of the top-performing states nationally.
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari is a community-driven initiative under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain programme. It aims to construct artificial groundwater recharge structures, restore traditional water bodies, and promote rooftop rainwater harvesting. Rajasthan, which had secured third place nationally in the initiative's first phase, is fast-tracking efforts to enhance groundwater recharge ahead of the 2026 monsoon season.
The campaign's significance for Rajasthan is immense: west Rajasthan receives average rainfall of about 313 mm, while east Rajasthan receives about 675 mm (among the lowest in India) and over 60% of its districts are categorised as water-stressed. Rajasthan's traditional water conservation systems — bavdis (stepwells), johads (community ponds), and tankas (underground cisterns) — form the cultural foundation of the JSJB model. The state has also received funds under the Atal Bhujal Yojana to improve groundwater management in over-exploited blocks in Jaipur, Nagaur, and Pali districts.
Mains angle
Q: Assess Rajasthan's leadership in Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 and its relevance for a state with only 313 mm annual rainfall.
Answer (50 words):
Union Minister C.R. Paatil and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma jointly reviewed the campaign in March 2026, where Rajasthan registered over 88,000 completed works and 42,000 ongoing projects. For a state averaging 313 millimetres annual rainfall with over 60 percent water-stressed districts, traditional bavdis, johads and tankas anchor groundwater recharge before monsoon 2026.
6-axis classification
CoverageRajasthanTypeCampaignSubjectRajasthanExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB
Frequently asked questions
What is Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 and what is Rajasthan's achievement under it?
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 is a people's participation initiative to construct water storage structures such as ponds and check dams before monsoon. As of March 2026, Rajasthan reported 88,000+ completed works and 42,000+ ongoing projects under the scheme.
Who conducted the high-level review of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 in Rajasthan in March 2026?
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma jointly conducted the high-level review of the scheme in March 2026.
Which ministry administers Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 and who is the Union Minister?
The Ministry of Jal Shakti administers national water conservation programmes including Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0; C.R. Paatil is the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.
Why is water conservation especially important for Rajasthan?
Rajasthan has an arid and semi-arid geography with recurring water scarcity, making water conservation structures like ponds and check dams critical for the state's rural and urban water security.
With which national missions does Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 align?
The scheme aligns with Jal Jeevan Mission (ensuring drinking water access) and PM's Jal Shakti Abhiyan (water conservation) to strengthen rural water security across India.
