JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Government has formulated a massive scheme for treatment of the entire watershed area of Luni river, considered as the lifeline of the western districts of the desert State and also known as "Maru Ganga'' (Ganga of desert). The Forest Department proposes to spend Rs. 1,000 crores on the scheme.

Forest and Environment Minister Laxminarain Dave said here on Saturday that the project would be implemented over a period of next 20 years to treat 38.27-lakh hectare watershed area spread over nine western and south-western districts in the State.

Mr. Dave said the State Government would shortly send proposals to the Centre seeking an assistance of Rs. 250 crores for treatment of 2.30-lakh hectare area during the first five years of the scheme. The total watershed area falls in Barmer, Jalore, Nagaur, Pali, Udaipur, Sirohi, Rajsamand, Jodhpur and Ajmer districts.

The project aims at checking decline in the storage capacity of ponds due to silting, raising the ground water level and improving the productivity of land. Mr. Dave said it would also help in providing employment to a large number of local people.

The Minister said the State Government had referred another scheme of Rs. 11.06 crores to the Centre for conservation and development of the Sambhar wetland. It will improve the habitat for migratory tropical bird flamingo and reduce silting of sand in the lake-bed.

The Forest Department has constructed over 20,700 checkdams and other structures as part of the watershed, soil and moisture conservation activities. Mr. Dave said work had also been taken up for plantation, grazing land development and stabilisation of sand dunes across the State. As many as 29-lakh plants were distributed as part of the drive)

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