Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma launches Neendad-Bainad Eco-Trail, pushes water conservation
Synopsis
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma combined eco-tourism and water conservation in a single event — inaugurating the Neendad-Bainad Eco-Trail and performing voluntary labour at an anicut. With a 100-million-sapling target and anicuts being built statewide, the push signals a serious state-level bet on green infrastructure in one of India's driest regions.
Key Takeaways
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma inaugurated the Neendad-Bainad Biodiversity Project Eco-Trail on 29 May 2025 in the Neendad forest area .
He performed shramdaan at an anicut under the 'Vande Ganga Water Conservation Public Campaign' .
Rajasthan has set a target of planting 100 million saplings in the current year under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
State programmes 'Hariyalo Rajasthan' and 'Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan' aim to deepen community participation in environmental conservation.
Officials have been directed to develop eco-friendly amenities including a walking track in the Neendad forest area.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday, 29 May inaugurated the 'Neendad-Bainad Biodiversity Project Eco-Trail' in the Neendad forest area and performed shramdaan (voluntary labour) at an anicut as part of the state's 'Vande Ganga Water Conservation Public Campaign'. The twin events signal Rajasthan's push to combine eco-tourism development with grassroots water harvesting.
What Was Inaugurated
The Neendad-Bainad Eco-Trail is designed to tap the region's biodiversity and tourism potential. Chief Minister Sharma planted a white sandalwood sapling, installed water pots for birds, and distributed Tulsi saplings to women present at the event. He also performed worship of a Peepal tree amid Vedic chanting and offered prayers at a Shiva temple for the state's prosperity.
Water Conservation Drive
Sharma stated that efforts are underway to construct anicuts and water-harvesting structures at suitable locations across the state to ensure effective rainwater conservation. He credited the initiative to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that water self-reliance in Rajasthan is progressively becoming a reality. Citizens were urged to actively contribute to the conservation and augmentation of water resources.
Afforestation and Green Campaigns
The Chief Minister referenced the nationally promoted 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation campaign and said the state government has set a target of planting 100 million saplings during the current year. Programmes such as 'Hariyalo Rajasthan' and 'Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan' are being positioned as vehicles to deepen community participation in environmental conservation.
Development Plans for Neendad Forest
Sharma directed officials to develop eco-friendly public amenities in the Neendad forest area, including a dedicated walking track for visitors. The state government plans to pursue large-scale afforestation and structured eco-tourism initiatives to unlock the region's ecological and tourism value.
Officials Present
Minister of State for Forests and Environment (Independent Charge) Sanjay Sharma, along with local public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of citizens, attended the inauguration.
The Neendad forest initiative is expected to serve as a model for integrating biodiversity conservation with community-driven eco-tourism in the desert state.
Point of View
And the Vande Ganga campaign's anicut-building drive is a practical response to a structural deficit — not merely a photo opportunity. However, the 100-million-sapling target, while ambitious, will mean little without survival audits; past afforestation drives across India have repeatedly logged high planting numbers but poor tree survival rates. The Neendad Eco-Trail, if developed with genuine ecological sensitivity rather than mass tourism infrastructure, could offer a replicable model for arid-zone biodiversity corridors. The real test will be whether community participation outlasts the campaign cycle.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Neendad-Bainad Biodiversity Project Eco-Trail?
The Neendad-Bainad Biodiversity Project Eco-Trail is an eco-tourism and conservation initiative launched in the Neendad forest area of Rajasthan on 29 May 2025. It aims to develop the region's ecological and tourism potential through afforestation and eco-friendly public infrastructure.
What is the Vande Ganga Water Conservation Public Campaign?
The Vande Ganga Water Conservation Public Campaign is a Rajasthan state initiative focused on constructing anicuts and water-harvesting structures to conserve rainwater. CM Bhajan Lal Sharma performed shramdaan — voluntary labour — at an anicut site as part of the campaign on 29 May 2025.
How many saplings is Rajasthan targeting to plant this year?
Rajasthan has set a target of planting 100 million saplings during the current year, inspired by the nationally promoted 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. The drive is being implemented alongside state programmes 'Hariyalo Rajasthan' and 'Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan'.
What development is planned for the Neendad forest area?
The Rajasthan government plans large-scale afforestation, eco-tourism initiatives, and eco-friendly public amenities in the Neendad forest area, including a dedicated walking track for visitors. CM Sharma directed officials to pursue these developments following the eco-trail inauguration.
Who attended the Neendad Eco-Trail inauguration?
Minister of State for Forests and Environment (Independent Charge) Sanjay Sharma, local public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of citizens were present at the inauguration on 29 May 2025.
