Ambitious water project leaves many villages dry

The ambitious Pokhran-Falsund-Balotra-Siwana (PFBS) Lift Project, envisioned to provide drinking water to 564 villages in Rajasthan, is now under scrutiny due to water shortages and infrastructure failures.

- Mukesh Mathrani

BARMER:

While the project was designed to meet a demand of 93,640 kiloliters per day (KLD), the actual supply falls significantly short at 68,125 KLD, leaving many villages struggling for water.

Recent data presented in the Lok Sabha revealed critical delays, leakage issues, and unfulfilled promises, raising fresh concerns over the project's effectiveness.

The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha by MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal, who sought details regarding the number of feeders, supply shortfalls, and infrastructure status under the project.

In response, minister of state for jal shakti, V Somanna, acknowledged the concerns, revealing critical delays, leakage issues, and unfulfilled promises, raising fresh doubts over the project's effectiveness.

According to official data shared in the Lok Sabha, the project is designed to serve these villages through 110 clusters, but 39 clusters covering 80 villages are yet to be commissioned.

This means that while some areas are receiving water, many others remain dependent on alternative sources.