Explanation:

Rajasthan state has launched a major drive for rainwater harvesting and conservation which will be followed by judicious use of water resources.

The drive will help resolve the issue of paucity of water caused by scanty and erratic rainfall in the State.

The drive will benefit rabi crops with its extension to the works during the winter season's rainfall.

Chief Minister of Rajasthan has recently approved a proposal to make an additional provision of ?302 crore for the Rajiv Gandhi Jal Sanchay Yojana (RGJSY).

As part of the programme, the activities for watershed area treatment have been taken up during the last two years.

While the RGJSY’s first phase ended in August 2021 with the creation of water harvesting infrastructure in over 3,900 villages, the additional allocation has been made under the head of the Water Conservation Cess Fund.

The contribution of villagers and elected representatives will help in the identification of places where no water harvesting structures were constructed in the past.

The activities under the RGJSY also include the repair of minor irrigation structures, the reinforcement of drinking water sources, the construction of artificial recharge structures, and pasture development and plantation.