BRIDGING CAPACITY GAPS FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT: ADVANCING SDG6 IN THE DESERT AREA OF RAJASTHAN STATE, INDIA

The Western Indian Thar desert is the most widely populated desert in the world, with a population density of 83 people per sq. km. About 40 percent of the total population of Rajasthan lives in the Thar desert, which covers 4.56 percent of India’s total geographical area. More than 60 percent of the desert lies in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Development in the Thar desert faces challenges such as extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C, making it difficult for people to work and sustain economic activities. The highest temperature of 50.500 C has been recorded at Churu City (West Rajasthan on 28th May 2024. Water scarcity, with only 120–240 mm of annual rainfall, limits farming and economic development. Human settlements face increasing pressures due to water scarcity, food insecurity, and economic hardships. The sustainable management of water resources in arid regions, such as Rajasthan, India, is critical to achieving SDG6 (clean water and sanitation) and addressing interlinked Sustainable Development Goals. This study aims to assess and bridge the capacity gaps in the Thar desert area of Rajasthan state by identifying barriers, evaluating enablers, and proposing actionable pathways for sustainable water resource management. Using a mixed- methods approach, the study combines a comprehensive review of existing water policies, field surveys in water- scarce districts, and stakeholder consultations to analyse challenges such as water scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, and talent retention in the region.