Mewar’s Historic River-Linking Project: A Pioneering Water Conservation Effort

The Mewar region of Rajasthan holds a remarkable legacy in water management, with the world’s first documented river-linking project initiated in 1890. This ambitious effort, led by Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur, aimed to optimize water resources through interconnected lakes and canals, ensuring sustainable water supply for the region.  

 

Key Developments:  

- The project began with the construction of the Connaught Dam at Devali, laid by Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, during his visit to Udaipur.  

- A feeder canal, known as the Chikalwas Feeder, was built to divert surplus rainwater from the Ahar River to Devali Talab, revitalizing the 200-year-old reservoir.  

- The initiative led to the creation of a network of eight interconnected lakes, including Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Rang Sagar, forming a sophisticated water conservation system.  

- The Aravalli mountain range played a crucial role in preventing underground leakage, ensuring the sustainability of these water bodies.  

- The project set a precedent for watershed management, influencing later developments in water conservation across India.  

 

Despite modern challenges such as urbanization and erratic rainfall, Udaipur’s lake system continues to support the city’s water needs. The historic river-linking project remains a testament to visionary engineering and sustainable resource management.  

 

Sources: DNA India, Eternal Mewar Blog.