Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday, 25 May 2026, launched the 'Vande Ganga Water Conservation Mass Campaign – 2026' by performing Jal Pujan at the historic Bandh Baretha Dam in Bharatpur, coinciding with the occasion of Ganga Dashami. The campaign aims to transform water preservation into a state-wide public movement, with the government calling for active citizen participation alongside institutional efforts.

What the Campaign Entails

Addressing a large gathering at the dam, CM Sharma described water as the foundation of life and underscored the urgency of securing water resources for future generations. He said the state government is committed to making Rajasthan water self-reliant through long-term, sustainable planning that integrates modern technology with traditional water management practices.

Special drives are currently underway across the state for the conservation and rejuvenation of traditional water bodies — including ponds, dams, baoris, and other local sources. The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to actively participate in protecting these resources and maintaining their cleanliness.

On-Site Inspection and Official Directives

During his visit, CM Sharma inspected the embankment works at Bandh Baretha Dam and reviewed ongoing plans for the expansion and upgradation of the project. He held discussions with senior officials and directed them to complete water conservation projects on priority, maintaining high standards of quality and adhering to stipulated timelines.

Among those present were Minister of State for Home Affairs Jawahar Singh Bedham, MLAs Bahadur Singh Koli and Ritu Banawat, Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources) Abhay Kumar, and other senior government officials, alongside a large number of local residents and public representatives.

Addressing Rural and Urban Water Scarcity

Sharma emphasised that the government is implementing long-term strategies to address water scarcity in both rural and urban areas of the state. He noted that these efforts are aimed at creating permanent solutions to Rajasthan's chronic water challenges and ensuring sustainable water security across districts.

'Water conservation is not merely a government responsibility but a collective duty of society,' Sharma said, urging residents to adopt water-saving practices in daily life.

Broader Context

Rajasthan, one of India's most water-stressed states, has historically faced acute groundwater depletion and erratic monsoon distribution. This comes amid growing national concern over depleting aquifer levels and an increasing frequency of drought-like conditions in western and central Rajasthan. The Vande Ganga campaign, framed around the cultural significance of Ganga Dashami, is designed to build grassroots momentum for conservation — a model that has shown mixed results in other states where similar campaigns relied heavily on public goodwill without enforceable follow-through.

The government's next steps, including measurable targets and timelines for individual conservation projects, are expected to be outlined as the campaign rolls out across districts in the coming weeks.