Historic Yamuna water agreement to transform the Shekhawati region
Heritage tourism circuit being developed alongside haveli conservation
Inter-state agreements moving Rajasthan towards water self-reliance; state now supplying electricity to other states instead of purchasing it
New expressways to strengthen regional connectivity
Jaipur, October 2026: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the state’s double-engine government was ensuring the comprehensive development of the Shekhawati region through measures to address water scarcity, improve connectivity, restore historic havelis and promote tourism.
Shekhawati’s valour, rich folk culture and historical heritage are integral to Rajasthan’s proud identity, he said. The hard work, honesty and dedication of its ancestors have given the region a distinctive reputation across India and the world.
The Chief Minister was addressing the Shekhawati Heritage and Development Summit held in Jaipur on Saturday.
He said the region’s historic havelis and religious sites were invaluable cultural assets that needed to be preserved for future generations. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Development as well as Heritage”, the state government was working to conserve these assets while linking them with tourism to create new employment opportunities.
The government was also committed to improving water and electricity availability, strengthening road connectivity and encouraging investment, Sharma said.
Shekhawati Heritage Meet on December 8
The Chief Minister announced that the Shekhawati Heritage Meet would be organised on December 8 to promote the region’s historical legacy, havelis and tourism.
The event aims to connect Shekhawati residents living in India and abroad with opportunities to preserve their ancestral heritage, develop tourism and invest in their home region.
Sharma urged entrepreneurs to involve the younger generation in businesses and industries, noting that Rajasthanis were recognised worldwide for their hard work, skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
He stressed the importance of encouraging young people and providing them with opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment generation. He expressed confidence that collective efforts by the government, social organisations, entrepreneurs, local residents and members of the Shekhawati diaspora would help the region achieve new milestones in development.
Shekhawati’s Contribution to the Nation
Praising the Shekhawati Foundation, heritage conservationists and Rajasthanis living outside the state, Sharma said entrepreneurs and philanthropists from the region had made significant contributions to India’s economic progress.
He also acknowledged the role played by the Rajasthani diaspora, philanthropists and social organisations in the Karmabhoomi Se Matribhoomi campaign, which encourages people to contribute to the development of their native regions.
Historic Water Agreements to Benefit Shekhawati
The Chief Minister said water availability was one of Rajasthan’s most pressing needs, making water security the government’s highest priority.
In this direction, the state had entered into important arrangements, including the Ram Jal Setu Link Project and the Yamuna water agreement.
Under the Ram Jal Setu Link Project, work worth approximately Rs 41,000 crore has already commenced out of the proposed projects valued at around Rs 1 lakh crore. The project is expected to improve irrigation water availability while also helping meet drinking water and industrial requirements.
Sharma said efforts were underway under the Yamuna water agreement to address the water needs of Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu districts.
The government’s initiatives are also expected to benefit areas including Barmer, Sanchore, Jalore, Bhinmal and Raniwara through the Narmada water agreement.
In addition, projects and schemes such as the Indira Gandhi Nahar Project (IGNP), Kishau Dam Project, Firozpur Feeder and Jawai Water Project are being pursued to meet drinking water and irrigation requirements across Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Moving Towards Energy Self-Reliance
Sharma said the state government was continuously working to increase electricity generation and make Rajasthan self-reliant in the energy sector.
Efforts to expand power generation had been strengthened, while farmers and hotel operators were also being encouraged to adopt solar energy.
Energy self-reliance would support industrial development, attract investment and accelerate employment generation, he said.
Expressways to Accelerate Economic Growth
Highlighting the importance of road infrastructure, the Chief Minister said connectivity played a crucial role in the economic development of any region.
Projects such as the Kotputli-Kishangarh Greenfield Expressway and the Bikaner-Kotputli Expressway were being developed to strengthen connectivity.
These routes are expected to connect Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu more directly to the national highway network and make travel between the Delhi-NCR region and western Rajasthan easier.
Improved connectivity would facilitate the transportation and marketing of agricultural produce, reduce logistics costs and promote industrial activities as well as religious and cultural tourism, Sharma said.
Conservation of 662 Historic Havelis Underway
The Chief Minister said Shekhawati’s heritage extended far beyond its famous havelis, with every part of the region carrying historical significance.
The government aims to preserve the original architectural features and traditional paintings of these buildings while integrating them with tourism activities. The region’s historic havelis and cultural assets offer considerable potential for the growth of the hospitality and tourism industries.
Sharma said the state government was working to conserve 662 havelis across the Shekhawati region.
Efforts are also underway to develop a heritage tourism circuit covering Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. Local artists and craftspeople involved in traditional paintings and handicrafts will receive skill training and be integrated into the initiative.
This will help preserve traditional art forms while creating new employment opportunities for local youth, he said.
The Chief Minister urged residents to actively participate in protecting their historic havelis and cultural heritage.
Rising Rajasthan Investment Initiative to Boost Development
Referring to the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, Sharma said the state was building an investment-friendly environment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to contribute to the goal of a developed India.
Of the investment agreements worth approximately Rs 35 lakh crore secured through the Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit, projects involving investments of more than Rs 9 lakh crore have reached the groundbreaking stage, he said.
The government’s priority is to translate investment commitments into projects on the ground and ensure that their benefits reach the public.
Private investment could also play an important role in Shekhawati by enabling better utilisation of local resources and expanding economic activity, Sharma added.
MLA Gopal Sharma, Shekhawati Foundation National President Vinod Goyal, National Convenor Hari Sharma, National General Secretary Gajanan Sharma, National In-charge Girdhari Kaishot, other office-bearers of the foundation and a large number of residents from the Shekhawati region attended the summit.
