The department of Irrigation came into force on the 14th December 1949 after separating out from Public Works Department of Rajasthan State. Irrigation Department is moving into Information Technology Era orienting its objectives around Change, Efficiency and Users. Change is the root of all progress. In tune with changing times, the Department is driving change in terms of water resource management systems and knowledge management. In the Department, change is the only constant. It has initiated changes not only at the water resource management level but also at organizational level. A continuous modernization program is at various levels that modernizes the Department's outlook matching it to its state-of-the-art services. Efficiency is the ultimate top line. Efficient resource utilization in terms of water, land and Engineers is resulting in efficiency throughput. The User is the ultimate beneficiary for the Department. The Irrigation Department of Rajasthan is extending relationships of participation in their services with users - thus capturing their trust and cooperation.
At the time of independence there was 1 major project, 43 medium and 2272 minor projects and the irrigation potential was only 4 lac ha. Hence after independence the state irrigation department was formed in 1949 with the objective of increasing the production of the food and fodder and to establish a suitable irrigation system to control the losses due to drought and flood. With this objective many projects were taken up by the department to increase the irrigation potential.
Rajasthan accounts for 10.41% geographical area of the country ,5.5 % of total population and 2/3rd part is desert. State is divided into 16 basins, out of which only two basins (Chambal & Mahi) are having sufficient rainfall and yield.
There are 33 districts in Rajasthan as shown above.
The combined availability of surface water in Rajasthan is 43.26 BCM. The surface water available within the state boundary is 25.38 BCM and the water allocated from various interstate treaties is 17.88 BCM. The total surface water availability is 1.16% of the national resources.
The present status of Water Resources Department is as:
Particulars No. Capacity (in Mcum)
1. Major Tanks 24 6296.48
2. Medium Tanks 84 2133.34
3. Minor Tanks 3331 3455.38
4. WHS 74271 2942.29
Total 77710 14827.49
The total ground water availability is 1.72% of the national resources. There are 249 blocks out of which only 31 blocks are in safe condition.
Aerial distribution of district wise average rainfall in the state varies from 158.0 mm in Jaisalmer to 968.0 mm in Sirohi.