Jaipur, June 10 -- Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday flagged serious concerns over the state's growing dependence on groundwater, stating that around 72% of the region now falls under the over-exploited category due to limited surface water availability. Addressing a gathering on 'Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan' in Pushkar, Sharma said water conservation is deeply rooted in Rajasthan's cultural heritage, citing traditional structures like baoris, johads, ponds, and wells as living examples of sustainable water practices. "The state's groundwater is under immense pressure. Excessive extraction has pushed the majority of our regions into the critical zone," he said. "But Rajasthan also has a legacy of conserving water, and through this campaign, we are reviving that spirit. Water conservation is now turning into a mass movement that will surely spark a new revolution in the state." The CM said the campaign includes the construction of water harvesting structures, cleaning of existing sources, and restoration of traditional reservoirs, along with public awareness drives. Sharma said several key projects are being implemented to make Rajasthan water self-reliant. These include the Ramjal Setu Link Project, which will provide drinking water to 17 districts and bring irrigation to nearly 4.74 lakh hectares. In the Shekhawati region, the Yamuna Water Agreement is set to ensure steady water supply, while other major initiatives like the Indira Gandhi Canal, Dewas Project, Mahi Dam, and Som-Kamla-Amba Project are aimed at boosting both storage and distribution. "We are working with a clear mission to make Rajasthan self-sufficient in water, even with our difficult geographical conditions," he said. Sharma said that the state government is undertaking various phased development works to transform Pushkar into a grand religious and cultural tourism centre through the development of the Brahma Temple Corridor and its surrounding area. He said that in the first phase, works will be carried out at a cost of approximately Rs.127 crore. The second phase will be carried out at a total cost of Rs.38 crore....