Jaipur: The vast stretches of the Thar Desert are set to witness a remarkable transformation this monsoon as a massive artificial lake with a circumference of 28 kilometre takes shape in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, officials said on Friday.
The reservoir, developed at the Burji 1356 escape structure of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, is expected to become a crucial water source for the desert districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer.
Built as part of efforts to strengthen water security under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the reservoir will store surplus water that previously flowed away towards the international border and eventually into Pakistan during the monsoon season due to the lack of adequate storage facilities.
The initiative is being projected as a major milestone in Rajasthan’s water management efforts, with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasising water conservation and self-reliance as key priorities for the state.
Once filled with surplus monsoon water from Punjab, the vast reservoir amid the desert landscape is expected to create a unique sight, an expanse of water resembling an ocean surrounded by the sands of the Thar.
Escape structures have long existed along the Indira Gandhi Canal system to safely release excess water during periods of heavy flow or emergencies.
However, during the monsoon season, when irrigation demand falls, large quantities of surplus water would flow away due to the absence of storage infrastructure.
To address this challenge, four escape reservoirs were planned under the Jal Jeevan Mission at strategic locations including RD-507 at Sattasar, Bikaner, RD-750 in the Gajner Lift Project area in Bikaner, RD-1121 in Jodhpur district and Burji 1356 in Jaisalmer district.
After the formation of the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led Bharatiya Janata Party government in Rajasthan, work on these long-pending projects gained momentum.
Construction of the RD-507 reservoir and Burji 1356 reservoir has now been completed.
Once all four reservoirs become operational, they will support 43 major drinking water projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, benefiting more than 20 lakh families across 6,707 villages.
The Burji 1356 escape reservoir has been constructed with an average depth of 13 metres and a storage capacity of 1,406 MCFT.
Considering the sandy terrain of the Thar region, special HDPE sheets have been installed across the reservoir bed and slopes to prevent seepage and ensure maximum water retention.
The reservoir will act as a strategic water reserve, providing relief during periods of canal maintenance, closures or water shortages.
It is expected to strengthen drinking water availability in one of Rajasthan’s most water-stressed regions.
The project represents a significant shift in desert water management, from allowing precious surplus water to flow away to conserving it for communities living in the harshest climatic conditions.
(IANS)
