The Central government's Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has driven a series of water conservation and irrigation infrastructure projects across multiple villages in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, with investments running into several crores of rupees. The initiatives have measurably improved water availability in rural areas while accelerating rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, according to district officials.

Key Developments on the Ground

Shalabh Tandon, District Nodal Officer for the Vande Ganga Water Conservation Campaign, confirmed that a wide range of water infrastructure has been built under the scheme. In Tikawada village, water recharge shafts, storage tanks, water conservation structures, and rainwater harvesting facilities have all been constructed, directly improving groundwater levels in the area.

Tandon also noted that culverts have been built along highway corridors specifically to manage water drainage and support conservation. These structures are designed to channel rainwater more efficiently and aid groundwater replenishment in surrounding areas.

Phase Two Under Way

'The second phase of the scheme is currently being implemented. It is a major project with a budget running into several crores of rupees,' Tandon said. The ongoing phase is expected to extend the reach of irrigation and conservation infrastructure to more villages across the district.

The scheme operationalises the Union government's twin goals of 'Har Khet Ko Pani' (Water to Every Field) and 'Per Drop More Crop' — a framework that seeks to link every farm to a reliable water source while maximising agricultural output per unit of water used. Farmers in Ajmer are reportedly benefiting from improved irrigation access, with the projects also aimed at securing long-term water needs for rural communities.

Maharashtra Aligns with PMKSY, Jal Jeevan Mission

In a parallel development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday announced that the state will accord top priority to the Central government's Jal Jeevan Mission, the PMKSY, and various state-level water conservation programmes. The announcement came after a high-level meeting chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil.

Fadnavis told reporters that the meeting conducted an extensive review of irrigation projects currently under implementation through PMKSY. He said he had formally requested additional funds to complete pending projects, and that the Centre had responded positively, assuring substantial financial assistance to expedite Maharashtra's outstanding water infrastructure work.

Broader Significance

The PMKSY, a flagship Central scheme, is designed to ensure end-to-end irrigation solutions — from source to field — across India's agricultural districts. The coordinated push across both Rajasthan and Maharashtra signals a renewed Centre-state alignment on water security, particularly as groundwater depletion and erratic monsoons continue to stress rural farming communities. With Phase Two under way in Ajmer and Maharashtra pressing for accelerated disbursements, the scheme's implementation momentum will be closely watched in the coming months.