The Thar Desert in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district is undergoing a significant change this monsoon with the creation of a massive artificial lake spanning 28 kilometers. This reservoir, situated at the Burji 1356 escape structure of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, is poised to become a vital water source for the desert regions of Jaisalmer and Barmer.
Part of the Jal Jeevan Mission to bolster water security, the reservoir will retain excess water that used to flow towards Pakistan during the monsoon due to inadequate storage. Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has highlighted water conservation and self-reliance as key priorities, making this initiative a milestone in the state’s water management efforts.
Once filled with surplus monsoon water from Punjab, this reservoir amidst the desert landscape will present a unique sight, resembling an ocean amid the Thar sands. The project signifies a shift towards conserving water for communities in one of Rajasthan’s most water-stressed areas, marking a significant development in desert water management.
