Mahi-Jawai Link: A ₹7,000 Crore Lifeline for Western Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s western districts are poised to receive a long-term solution to their drinking water needs through a ₹7,000 crore water supply project connecting Mahi Dam to Jawai Dam.

A high-level meeting on August 6 between Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Animal Husbandry Minister and Sumerpur MLA Zoraram Kumawat focused on expediting the initiative, which aims to supply drinking water to the drought-prone districts of Pali, Jalore, Sirohi, and Barmer.

The project was initially announced in the 2024–25 State Budget, with the objective of harnessing surplus monsoon water from the Mahi and Som rivers. The water will be channeled via reservoirs such as Jaisamand Dam to reach Jawai Dam, ensuring a dependable supply to water-scarce regions.

To advance the project, the Water Resources Department (Chief Engineer’s Office, Jaipur) has sanctioned ₹15.60 crore for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). State-owned consultancy WAPCOS has been awarded the work order, and the Udaipur Water Resources Division has already approved the initial inspection report.

Beyond drinking water security, the project is expected to bring irrigation benefits to approximately 16,000 hectares of agricultural land across Udaipur, Sirohi, Pali, and Jodhpur, significantly improving rural livelihoods and water resilience in the region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.