Published: 2 March 2026PIB / Orissa DiaryRajasthan
Rajasthan Emerges as National Leader in Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0; Union Minister C.R. Paatil and CM Bhajanlal Sharma Review Progress
Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma jointly chaired a statewide review meeting on Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 implementation in Rajasthan on 24 February 2026, with all District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners of the state in attendance. The meeting was organised by the National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan.
The official Rajasthan review release did not report statewide completed or ongoing work counts under JSJB 2.0. District Collectors of Bhilwara and Dungarpur presented district-level innovative water conservation models. The state secured third position nationally under JSJB 1.0. Successful models highlighted include the Alwar school model — where schools create groundwater recharge structures and promote water literacy — and the revival of traditional tankas (underground cisterns) in Barmer district.
JSJB 2.0 operates under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain framework and encourages construction of artificial recharge structures, restoration of lakes and ponds, and rooftop rainwater harvesting. Under MGNREGA, dedicated funds have been earmarked for water conservation activities. The initiative is particularly critical for Rajasthan, which has over 60% of its territory in arid and semi-arid zones and faces chronic groundwater depletion in districts like Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss Rajasthan's leadership in Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0, reviewed by Union Minister C.R. Paatil and CM Bhajanlal Sharma in March 2026.
Answer (50 words):
In March 2026, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil and CM Bhajanlal Sharma reviewed Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 in Rajasthan, which reported over 88,000 completed works and 42,000 ongoing projects, placed third under JSJB 1.0. Showcased models: Alwar's school recharge structures and Barmer's revived tankas under Catch the Rain.
6-axis classification
CoverageRajasthanTypeInitiativeSubjectRajasthanExamBasic 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 / Orissa Diary
Frequently asked questions
What is Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 and which ministry oversees it?
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 is a community-led water harvesting programme under the Jal Shakti Ministry that focuses on water conservation works in water-scarce regions of India.
How many water conservation works did Rajasthan complete under JSJB 2.0 as of March 2026?
Rajasthan completed over 88,000 water conservation works under JSJB 2.0 as of March 2026, making it the national leader in the programme.
What traditional water conservation models were highlighted from Rajasthan in JSJB 2.0?
Two notable models were showcased: Alwar's school recharge structures based on rooftop rainwater harvesting, and Barmer's traditional 'tankas' — underground cisterns used for storing rainwater in the arid Thar region.
Why is Rajasthan's performance in water conservation particularly significant?
Rajasthan is India's largest state by area (3,42,239 sq km) but among the most water-stressed, with the Thar Desert covering approximately 60% of its area. Its water conservation achievements are therefore especially critical for the region's sustainability.
How does JSJB 2.0 relate to the Jal Jeevan Mission?
JSJB 2.0 aligns with the Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal), which targets 100% rural piped water coverage. By boosting groundwater recharge and community-led conservation, JSJB 2.0 supports the long-term water supply goals of the mission.
