Sewa Sadhana

Year 13: Vol. 13: Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

Reviving
for
Survival
In the country where water conservation has been a samskar imparted since childhood we today
face a severe water crisis. The only remedy is to shun the consumerist mindset, return to the roots
and rejuvenate the traditional water bodies that we have ruined in the name of ‘development’
 Yatte te bhoomi vikhanaami kshipram
tadapi rohatu|
Maa te marma vimrugvari maa te
hrudayamarpipam ||
Atharvaveda 12/1/135

Water on the earth is the gift of nature, which is bestowed us

naturally and grants happiness. Therefore, while expressing
gratitude to the God we must conserve the water

2 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 Sanrakshyarth ch bhootanam
srishtam prathamto jalam|
Yatpranah sarvabhootanam
vardhante yen cha prajah||
Naradiya Puran-1/42/42-42

The Supreme God first created water to protect the creatures,

because the water bestows life to every creature
 Food For Thought
SEWA SADHANA
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi),
Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

Patron
Shri Suhasrao Hiremath
Editor
Kailash Chandra Sharma
Executive Editor
Pramod Kumar
Advisors
Shri Siddhinath Singh
Shri Rakesh Jain
Shri Uday Joglekar
Shri Rishipal Dadval
Shri Satish Agrawal

Layout Designing
Digitech Solutions, 24,
Mohan Park, West Guru This is the way out: Mohan Bhagwat 16
Angad Nagar, Delhi 110 092
9911881896/01149789599

Printer
PM & Company
W-29, Okhla, Phase-2,
New Delhi -110 020

Contribution: Rs 40/-

Publisher
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi  07 Shri Suhasrao Hiremath 06
Administrative Office
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati
BD-37, Third Floor, Gali No
14, Joshi Road (Faiz Road),
Karol Bagh
New Delhi- 110 005

Registered Office
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati
Sewa Kunj, 10196A, Mata
Mandir Gali, Jhandewalan,
New Delhi- 110 055 Time to make water Who were those
Email: rashtriyasewa@gmail.com conservation a way of life: Anonymous People?:
Web: www.rashtriyasewabharti.org Dr. Subhash Chandra 23 Anupam Mishra 26
4 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
 Conserving the Lifeline of Bharat: A Water Revolution by
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev 
18 the Art of Living workers  21

Surely a Challenge, but not Impossible 08 GUJARAT

Rashtriya Sewa Bharati Annual Report 10 Check Dam Wado Bhai: Pramod Kumar72
Every Drop is Precious: Sundarlakshman 31 Champion of Change: Dr Janak Dave74
Needed a Water Revolution: 45 Check Dams in 42 Days 76
Dr Ravindra Agrawal  34 Shramdaan for building pond 77
Ancient but highly Scientific Traditions of Water MADHYA PRADESH
Conservation: Sanchari Pal38 Innovative Irrigation Method: Dr Ashok Pandey78

Contents
Chinese Eye at Himalayan Rivers: Romen Sarma49 CHHATTISGARH
Least Mahanadi should not be like
TAMIL NADU Yamuna in Delhi 80
New Lease of Life to Dying Lakes 44 PUNJAB
Applause from Kalam 46 Water Warrior Eco Baba: Vijay Kumar82
KARNATAKA Lemon Bath: New Method of Water Conservation 84
A Movement for Water Literacy: HARYANA
Dr. Narayan Shenoy50 Irrigation through Sub-Surface Dam 85
Rejuvenation of Village Pond 52 UTTAR PRADESH
How the Kumudvathi River was Revived: Bumper Crops on Barren Land: Gopalbhai86
Nandhini Sundar 54 JHARKHAND
MAHARASHTRA There is a will, There is a Way 88
Dealing with the Draught: Pramod Kumar56 Mountain no Challenge 89
Rejuvenating for Endurance 59 Key steps to be taken by various stakeholders 90
Jaldoot: The skilled Army of Water Conservators 60 How to Save Water at Home 91
RAJASTHAN Interesting Facts about Water 92
Harvesting the Heavens: Pramod Kumar64 Benefits of pure drinking water 92
Judicious use of Every Drop 68 Revitalising body water through Sound Healing 93
Ensuring Self-Reliance in Water 70 Silent Water Revolution in Vanvasi Areas:
The Water Warriors: Rakesh Kalra71 Kripa Prasad Singh96

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 5


W
e have inherited a rich legacy
of water conservation from our
ancestors. The significance
of water conservation
has extensively been explained in our
scriptures and ancient books from Rigveda,
Upanishadas to Arthashastra of Kautilya.
The fact, which needs special mention
is that water conservation has not been
confined to the scriptures and books in
our culture, it is deeply rooted in our daily
life. The children receive the samskar of
water conservation in a natural process
in the families right from their childhood.
We across regions receive the samskars
of revering and worshipping the water
bodies and also offering water to any
thirsty person as the noblest deed. These
samskars and values are still practised in
the rural areas, however in urban areas,
especially in the metro cities, these have
witnessed very much degradation. As the
metro cities, towns and also villages are
converting into concrete forests, the water
crisis is emerging in newer forms. The
problems of global warming and climate
change are also taking a fatal turn. The
prime reason of growing water crisis is
the decreasing respect to water by human
beings and injudicious use of water. Not
only in urban areas, but in villages also the
traditional water bodies have been ruined
to build houses over there. Uncontrolled
deforestation has caused decline of rains.
Whatever rainfall is there, it flows into the
6 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
Suhasrao Hiremath
Member, RSS
National Executive
sea through rivers and canals and the
ground water level is not recharged. How
can one get water if one continues to
extract water from the ground water bank
without depositing anything there?
Keeping all these facts in mind the RSS
swayamsevaks and also the volunteers of
many other like-minded organisations have
taken some concrete steps to educate
the society about water conservation
and also reviving the traditional water
bodies. Such steps have been taken all
over the country and these have shown
satisfactory results. When 18 km long
Manjra River in Latur city of Maharashtra
was revived by the people collectively last
year, it resolved the water crisis of the city
to a great extent. The interesting fact in
the initiative of Latur was that the entire
experiment was done without taking any
help from the government and the people
of the city joined hands with the RSS
workers irrespective of political and other
considerations. If similar experiments are
conducted in other parts of the country
also, we can get rid of not only the water
crisis but also of many other problems.
I am happy to know that this issue of
‘Sewa Sadhana’ has been dedicated to
the success stories of water conservation.
I feel, if the people in other parts of the
country emulate similar experiments at their
respective places, the content compiled in
this issue will prove to be more meaningful.
 My best wishes

Sureshrao Joshi
Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh
T
he entire world today cries for water.
But the fact is that only the human
beings are responsible for this global
crisis. We all know that water is a gift
of the nature and the irresponsibly the human
beings have used it, rather misused it, was
bound to emerge in the form of such a crisis.
Not only water, but in many other areas of
human life also the consumerist attitude of
the West has exploited the natural resources
to the extent that it has caused different
kinds of crisis everywhere. However, there
is a rich tradition of instilling the samskars
of respecting natural resources into the
children in our country the misuse of natural
resources is no less in our country too. We
inherited lakhs of water bodies in villages and
cities, but we, instead of preserving them,
only ruined them. Some rivers of the country
are so much polluted that even the aquatic
animals cannot survive there. The condition
of Yamuna is almost the same in the National
Capital New Delhi.
The traditional water bodies like ponds and
lakes have vanished not only from the cities
but also from villages too. People are crying
for water after ruining the rich water bodies,
which were transferred to us safely since
generations. Hence, the water crisis that we
have developed due to our bad habits has to
be resolved by us only. The rivers that are
polluted are to be cleaned by us collectively.
The water bodies, which can be saved in the
cities and the villages should be preserved
without wasting time, sufficient work should
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
Messages
be done to create new water bodies also.
Several good experiments have been
conducted in various parts of the country for
some time. The swayamsevaks of Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh also have saved many
water bodies in the villages and the cities.
An entire river has been revived in Latur city
of Maharashtra. Last year a countrywide tree
plantation drive was carried out and crores
of saplings were planted. Many saints are
also doing good work on the front of water
conservation and tree plantation. Many water
bodies have successfully been revived due to
those efforts. Some good experiments have
been conducted at institutional and individual
level also. If similar efforts are started at all the
places, it will not only help us overcome the
present water crisis, but also will ensure a safe
future for our coming generations. At the same
time, concrete efforts should be made to clean
the water, which is polluted by industrial units.
A collective work with the help of scientists,
technocrats, policymakers and the society need
to be done for it. The rivers, ponds and lakes
play a key role in improving the ground water
level. We cannot overcome the water crisis
without saving the traditional water bodies.
I am happy to know that the annual issue
of ‘Sewa Sadhana’, a publication of the
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati, has been dedicated
to highlight the success stories of water
conservation. I hope this issue will prove to
be helpful in reviving the habit of conserving
water and respecting the water bodies.
 My best wishes
7
 Surely a Challenge, but not Impossible

E
verybody, undisputedly, accepts that water is life. But, it is the life-saving
natural element which has been ignored and misused the most not only in
India, but also the world over. Surely, the prime reason of growing water crisis
is the burgeoning population, but it is also equally true that negligence and
over exploitation of water have helped the crisis assume an alarming form globally.
The situation in India too is deteriorating day-by-day in respect of water due to growing
demand and decreasing supply following imbalanced lifestyle. This has led to the disputes
between states over distribution of water converting into permanent enmity. Not only this,
there is violence even over a bucket of water.
The statistics released by government agencies show that the water availability
reduced from 5177 cubic metre per person in 1951 to 1545 cubic metre per person in
2011 and it is apprehended that it may decrease to 1341 cubic metre in 2025 and 1140
cubic metre by the year 2050. It is the condition despite the fact that we have average
1170 millimeter rain in a year and the availability of drinking water is 4000 billion cubic
metre. But, about 1047 billion cubic metre of water from this water bank vanish due to
Editorial

evaporation and other reasons and 48 per cent water flows into the sea through rivers.
Hardly, 18 per cent water is available for our consumption.
About 728 billion cubic metre water, used in our country, is available on the ground,
while 395 billion cubic metre is extracted from the ground. About 52 per cent of the
drinking water is available in lakes and ponds, 38 per cent is available in the soil, 8 per
cent is available in the evaporation, 1 per cent in the rivers and 1 per cent in the vegetation.
Interestingly, the availability of water is still the same, which used to be thousands of
years back. The only difference is that the world population then was only 3 per cent of
the present population. About 70 per cent part of the earth is filled with water, but the
drinking water is hardly 3 per cent. Rest is salty. Out of this 3 per cent drinking water too
we are able to use hardly 1 per cent.
Despite availability of adequate water in our country, water conservation has been
a significant samskar of our life. Our ancestors extended so much reverence to water
that they worshiped it as God. When there was no water crisis, a highly rich tradition of
water conservation developed here and a healthy balance between the nature and water
was maintained. But, as this balance disturbed, we started heading towards serious water
crisis. Today, 27 per cent of the rural population and 46 per cent of the urban population
do not have access to pure drinking water. The water consumed by about 70 per cent of
rural population is unfit as per the World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
With the expansion of cities, ponds, Baoris, lakes and other traditional water bodies
are gradually losing their existence. These water bodies have been helpful not only in
controlling floods, but also recharging the ground water level. A survey conducted by Park
and Garden Society in Delhi in 2014 found that 274 of 611 water bodies has completely
dried in Delhi and 190 were beyond revival condition. A study conducted in 2012 found
that only 30 out of 650 small and big water bodies in Chennai survived and the areas of
19 big lakes had shrunk. Their area shrank from 1,130 hectare to 645 hectare. The water
bodies in Hyderabad have witnessed the loss of 3245 hectare in the last 15 years. There
were 280 lakes and interconnected canals in Bengaluru in 1960, which reduced to only
80 in 1983. According to a study conducted by New Delhi based Centre for Science and

8 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

Environment (CSE), there were 137 lakes in Ahmedabad in 2001 and 65 of them vanished in 2012. Today,
hardly 80 lakes, out of over 500, have survived in Bengaluru, which is famous as the City of Lakes.
Having ruined the traditional water bodies, we have exploited the ground water also to the alarming
level. The condition is so much upsetting that the cities are supplied water through pipelines from the rivers
flowing hundreds of km away. Jodhpur city of Rajasthan is supplied water from Indira Gandhi Canal, which
is 205 km away from the city. The water in Mumbai and its suburban areas is supplied from the lakes and
dams situated about 120 km away. Veeranam Lake, the main water source of Chennai, is situated 200 km
away from the city. Hyderabad gets water from Krishna River, which flows 116 km away. One more fact,
which needs attention here is that the agencies which supply water to the cities have to spend about 30 to
50 per cent of their budget on pumping of the water. Similarly, 30 to 50 per cent water gets wasted due to
leakage. As the availability of water in rivers is decreasing fast, nobody can predict how long we can depend
upon them for drinking water. Therefore, the only solution left is returning to the traditional water bodies
like lakes and ponds, which have been with us for centuries as the most dependable source of water. We
have no other option but to restore this system in every village, town, city or metro as per the modern needs.
Life moves smoothly in the countries like Israel where the average rainfall is even below 25 cm. The
main reason of it is that not a single drop of water is wasted there. The water management techniques there
are so advanced that they do not let one feel the shortage of water. We in India use only 15 per cent of water
and rest flows to the sea untapped. The wastewater ingredients produced by cities and industries pollute the
river water. The demand for water is increasing, but its availability is decreasing. The question is how much
rainwater we use and how much we leave untapped. The more rainwater we store inside the earth, the closer
we shall be in water security. It will also help us curbing soil erosion and saving the country from drought.
Today about 85 per cent of the rainwater flows to sea through rivers, which causes flooding in the lower
areas. Ground water conservation has double benefits—flood control and increase in water level. What is
needed is the creation of a “security deposit” of water inside the earth for future needs by saving every drop.
If we are able to conserve water at only 5 per cent area of our country, we can provide 100 liters of water
per person to one crore people every day.
Many inspiring experiments have been conducted in the country to save rainwater. A complete river has
been revived in Latur through collective efforts. An experiment made in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, to save
lakes through Vivekananda Kendra received the applause from the then President of India Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam. Saints are also educating the people on their part about water conservation. Pujya Sri Sri Ravishankar
Guruji and Pujya Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev have done praiseworthy work in this regard. The swayamsevaks
of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also have done wonderful work for water conservation at many
places. Apart from strengthening all such experiments, there is a need to start similar efforts from homes. If
we are able to save water at our homes, it will be a big contribution to water conservation.
Since everybody needs water for survival, water conservation is everybody’s responsibility. Every
individual has to contribute on his/her part. Everybody cannot save rainwater, but everyone can contribute
through balanced consumption—ensuring no wastage. Therefore, before preaching to the world, we
ourselves should start water conservation. Then we can expect it from our family, then neighbours, then
village or locality, then state, then country and then the world. Water crisis is definitely a challenge, but its
solution is not impossible. The mindset of people about cleanliness has changed to a great extent during the
last several years. Similar change in the mindset is needed with respect to water conservation and curbing
the wastage of water. Some successful experiments of change in the mindset have been compiled in this
issue of ‘Sewa Sadhana’. Hope, you will enjoy them. Your suggestions and feedback will help us improve.
Please feel free to share your views.  Editor

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 9

 Rashtriya Sewa Bharati
Annual Report 2017-2018

Collective Efforts for

Inclusive Development

T
he RSB has prominently divided its work into four activities—
Since 2003, when Jagran (awareness), Sahyog (cooperation), Prashikshan
it was formed, the (training) and Adhyayan (Research). At present, the number
prime objective of affiliated organisations is 960. All these organisations run
80,870 sewa projects, which include 13,984 projects for education,
of the Rashtriya
18,166 for health, 31,152 for social awakening and 17,568 for self-
Sewa Bharati reliance. These projects are run at 30,909 places.
(RSB) has been to
actively support the JAGRAN (AWARENESS)
The first dimension of the RSB’s work is awakening, which is
affiliated voluntary carried out through various activities.
organisations in PUBLICATION: The meetings of the Rashtriya sewa Bharati’s Prachar-
building a strong, Prasar Samiti were held in New Delhi in November-December 2017 and
harmonious, educated January 2018. Various issues related to publication were discussed in
the meetings. Special emphasis was made over sparing sufficient space
and civilised society for the successful experiments in the field of Sewa and the activities of
by uplifting and the affiliated organisations. Also it was stressed that the language of the
empowering the content should be simple, error-free and the layout should be attractive.
The literature published throughout the year to publicise the activities of
downtrodden and
the affiliated organisations and also to awaken the society is as follows:
weaker sections 4 Sewa Disha: It is a five years publication. It provides statistics about
of the society. In the projects undertaken by the affiliated and associated organisations
order to achieve this 4 Sewa Sadhana: It is an annual publication, which focuses on a
particular theme like self-reliance, women empowerment, rural
objective the skills
development, environment, Bal Vikas, social harmony, youth, etc.
of the affiliated 4 Sewa Sagar: It is a quarterly publication, which normally carries a
organisations are detailed report on any activity of the Prant Pratinidhi Sanstha, four
improved through other articles, an individual article, an inspiring sewa story and
some sewa related news items
various activities 4 Sewa Kunj: It is the compilation of success stories by
like awareness, affiliated sewa organisations
cooperation, training 4 Samarth Kishori: It is a handbook based on
the problems of adolescent girls and
and research
solution of those problems

10 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

4 Training Handbooks: Vaibhavshri,
Bal Kalyan, self-help groups and
training manuals
4 Sewa Katha and Sewa Paramo
Dharma: It is the compilation of
inspiring stories
4 CD & DVD: These are prepared
for sewa songs and Sewa Darshan

SEWA SANGAM: Rashtriya Sewa

Sangam is organised in every five years
for social awareness and motivation
of the affiliated organisations. The
next Rashtriya Sewa Sangam will be
held in 2020. Prior to that, Prant Sewa
Sangams are being organised in every
Prant. This year, Prant Sewa Sangams
were organised in Kerala, Tamil Nadu
(South), Karnataka (North and South)
and Himachal Pradesh.
SAHYOG (COOPERATION)
The second important dimension
of the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati work is
cooperation. Following activities were
conducted for it throughout the year:
VAIBHAVSHRI: It is an effort to
enhance prosperity of the people
through self-help groups. At least
four meetings of it (two meetings
of the central team, which has 29
members and two meetings of the core
group, which has seven members)
are organised in a year. From April
11 to 30, 2017 national convener of
Vaibhavshri Shri Sundarlakshman
and coordinator Smt Chandrika
Chauhan toured six Prants. Training
camps were organised in 15 Prants.
‘Vaibhavshri’ is being translated into
ten languages. A meeting with the
Prabharis of Vaibhavshri in various
affiliated organisations were organised
at Dharmasthal in Karnataka. A total
of 220 representatives attended the
meetings held at seven places in
Bhubaneshwar. In Tamil Nadu, the
Vaibhavshri work has been started
along with the Ekal Vidyalayas. A
workshop involving the representatives
The Rashtriya Sewa Bharati Trust Board meeting in Indore
of 22 organisations was organised
in Solapur, Maharashtra. There is
plan to publish second edition of
Vaibhavshri book. Its first edition has
been published in Hindi. The work of
translation in Kannada and English is
over and the translation in eight other
languages is going on. A total of 4,396
workers received training in 87 training
camps held in seven zones. In order to
enhance prosperity of the people and
instilling the feeling of self-respect and
self-reliance into the people and also to
build an organised, strong and prosper
society a total of 10,980 projects are
being run in 28 Prants with the help of
the Sewa Bharati.
PRASHIKSHAN (TRAINING)
It is the third important aspect of
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati work. An
Akhil Bharatiya Mahila Pratinidhi
Baithak was organised in Indore
from October 28 to 29, 2017, which
was attended by 54 women from 32
places of 13 Prants. Different issues
were discussed in 12 sessions. Vice
president of Rashtriya Sewa Bharati
Dr Atul Govind Bhuskute spoke on RSB
activities, work among the women and
More than 960
organisations are
affiliated with the
Rashtriya Sewa
Bharati. All the
affiliated organisations
run 80,870 sewa
projects, which include
13,984 projects for
education, 18,166
for health, 31,152 for
social awakening and
17,568 for self-reliance.
These projects are run
at 30,909 places
issues to be discussed in the meeting.
Akhil Bharatiya Sewa Pramukh of RSS
Shri Parag Abhyankar then addressed
the participants. It was followed by
discussions and training in different
sessions on different issues including
need to connect more women with the
RSB work, Bal Sanskars, Bal Vikas,
Kishori Vikas, digital presentation,

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 11

Annual Report 2017-2018
In order to enhance
prosperity of the people
and instilling the feeling
of self-respect and self-
reliance and also to build
an organised, strong and
prosperous society a total
of 10,980 projects are run
in 28 Prants with the help
of Sewa Bharati under
Vaibhavshri project
Vaibhavshri, disaster management,
rights and laws for women, feeling of
duty, etc. Apart from the participants,
about 120 persons of the city also
joined the concluding ceremony. RSB
Sampark Adhikari Man. Suhasrao
Hiremath addressed the concluding
session. During the evening, girls from
Jeevan Umang hostel, Ujjain presented
Shri Ram Stuti.
PRANT PRATINIDHI SANSTHA
BAITHAK, UJJAIN: Akhil Bharatiya
Prant Pratinidhi Sanstha Baithak was
organised at Mahakaleshwar Bhakt
Niwas in Ujjain from January 6 to 7,
2018. RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji
Joshi was present for all the two days.
All the Prants presented their activity
reports. They specifically shared
information about the success stories
related to Matrichhaya, Blood Bank,
Ekal Vidyalaya, Vaibhavshri SHGs and
Arogya Mitra. Bhaiyaji Joshi stressed
on collective thinking and action to
addresses certain issues including
workers training, connecting influential
people of the society with the sewa
activities, understanding the meaning of
sewa, designing sewa activities keeping
in view the needs of the underprivileged
people who are deprived of social
identity, social justice, social rights and
also the backward classes as well as
the Vanvasis whose population is more
12 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
The Management Committee of RSB
1. Man. Suhasrao Hiremath Sampark Adhikari Hyderabad/Telangana
2. Man. Parag Abhyankar Permanent Invitee Bengaluru/Karnataka
3. Man. Gunwant Singh Kothari Permanent Invitee Chennai/ Tamil Nadu
4. Man. Rajkumar Matale Permanent Invitee Meerut/ Uttar Pradesh
5. Shri Siddhinath Singh President Patratu/ Jharkhand
6. Shri P.E.B. Menon Permanent Invitee Aluva/Kerala
7. Dr. Atul Govind Bhuskute Vice President Timarni/Madhya Bharat
8. Smt Amita Jain Vice President Bhopal/ Madhya Bharat
9. Shri Rishipal Dadval General Secretary New Delhi
10. Smt. Renu Pathak Joint Gen Secretary Gurugram/ Haryana
11. Shri Sudhir Kumar Joint Gen Secretary New Delhi
12. Shri Rakesh Jain Organising Secretary New Delhi
13. Shri Yashpal Gupta Treasurer New Delhi
14. Shri Mukesh Sharma Joint Treasurer New Delhi
15. Shri Narayan Dev Office Secretary New Delhi
16. Shri Abhinav Prakash Office Sect New Delhi
(Technology and Training)
17. Shri Gurusharan Prasad Trustee Kolkata/ West Bengal
18. Shri Kailash Chandra Sharma Trustee Jaipur/Rajasthan
19. Smt Chandrika Chauhan Trustee Solapur/Maharashtra
20. Smt G Padmawalli Trustee Guntur/Andhra Pradesh
21. Smt Rama Popali Trustee Ranchi/Jharkhand
22. Shri Ashok Kumar Agrawal Trustee Agra/Uttar Pradesh
23. Shri Satish Chandra Agrawal Trustee Agra/Uttar Pradesh
24. Shri Romen Sarma Trustee Guwahati/ Assam
25. Shri B. Mangla Murugan Trustee Madurai/Tamil Nadu
26. Shri Sundarlakshman Convener Bhubaneswar/Odisha
27. Shri Pravin Otia Convener Ahmedabad/Gujarat
28. Shri Shridhar Sagar Convener Bengaluru/Karnataka
29. Shri Uday Jogalekar Spl. Invitee Mumbai/Konkan
than 10 crore. Shri Suhasrao Hiremath It was decided to study 15 per cent
focused on the expectations from sewa women living in 15 localities of 103
activities, achievements in sewa, role of urban slums. The study was conducted
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati and Pratinidhi among the women between the age
Sansthas and the proposed Rashtriya group of 15 to 45 years. Apart from
Sewa Sangam to be organised in 2020. appointing zonal and Prant conveners,
a central team was also constituted for
ADHYAYAN (RESEARCH) it. Before starting the research, training
It is the fourth important aspect of programmes for the workers to be
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati work. Under involved in it were held. The training
this activity, the Rashtriya Sewa of the workers was completed in May
Bharati workers conducted a study on and June, 2017. The study began in
the condition of women living in urban July and continued till December 2017.
slums of the country. This topic was The work could not be completed in
proposed by the Mahila Samanvya. certain areas due to some geographical
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati women workers in a Sewa Basti during the research

and other reasons and it was conducted enhancement and imparting sanskars. was decided to involve them in
after December also. Till the time of YOUTH IN SEWA: Youth play a various activities in all the Prants in
writing this report, a total of 15,732 significant role in sewa activities. association with the Sewa Bharati.
forms had been received from 60 In order to further increase their The activities decided for it include
districts and the analysis of the filled participation in sewa activities, it awareness campaigns, counselling,
up forms had begun. After analysis
and declaration of the results, the Sewa
Bharati would initiate steps in those
Bastis accordingly.
WOMEN WORK: A total of 87
women workers, including 17 at zonal
level and 70 at Prant level, are active
to strengthen the work among women.
As per the issues underlined during the
meeting with RSS Sarkaryavah Shri
Bhaiyaji Joshi, the activities have been
designed for Bal Sanskar, Sanskar
Varga for the children of women
jail inmates, nutrition for working
women, yoga, etc. The activities
are designed keeping in view three
aspects—entertainment, knowledge Stall of an affiliated organisation during the Sewa Sangam of Himachal Pradesh

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 13

Annual Report 2017-2018

health, education, cleanliness, security, skill

development, innovations in sewa, life
skills and promotion of the projects
connected with CSR. In the
second meeting, an action
plan was devised to explain
the topics. At the third meeting
it was decided to have discussion
with the voluntary organisations,
which involve youth in different
activities, on how they started the
activities, what were the problems,
how they connect the youth with the
activities, etc.
CORPORATE SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY: Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) is a policy devised by
the Government of India to help the voluntary
organisations. Since it is a new concept, the
voluntary organisations need to be educated
about it so that they can make maximum use of
it in their activities. Since training is an important
aspect of RSB activities, it was decided to impart
training of CSR to its affiliated organisations.
A CSR committee has been constituted, which
organises training camps at different places all over
the country. The committee mainly prepares the
trainers at local level so that they can further impart
training at local level. Help is also extended in
preparing literature related to CSR.
The team of CSR committee sits together at least
once a month to evaluate the progress and decide
further activities. In the last financial year, the CSR
committee organised a training camp in Chennai
in August and also published a handbook. The CSR
committee of RBS helps the affiliated organisations and
also the organisations which are working with the similar
objectives.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Rashtriya Sewa Bharati is
committed to make every citizen self-reliant. Imparting
skill development training is the significant aspect of self-
reliance activities. Efforts are made to help and promote
the affiliated organisations to create basic infrastructure for
skill development. Rashtriya Sewa Bharati is an associate
of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
An expert committee has been constituted so that the
affiliated organisations are extended maximum help. The
committee helps the affiliated organisations to create skill
development centres. It also helps them in completing the
paper work. In the beginning, the target is to start ten skill

14 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

From left Shri V Nagaraj, Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi and Shri Ramkrishna launching the App of Sewagatha in Bengaluru
development centres with the help
of the affiliated organisations. The
committee visited Kota in Rajasthan
and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh to
motivate the affiliated organisations to
start skill development centres as per
the standards of the NSDC.
GRAM SANGAM (TRAINING
FOR ORGANIC FARMING): The
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati in association
with the Agriculture and Farmers
Development Ministry, Government
of India, has planned a scheme to
promote organic farming on large scale
so that the health of the soil, people
and the environment can be improved.
Gram Sangams were organised at 11
places last year to generate awareness
among farmers about organic farming.
Lt Governor of Puducherry Dr Kiran Bedi and other
eminent personalities at the Sewa Sangam of Kerala
This year 10 programmes were held
at seven places including Pathankot,
Mathura, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha,
Raibarelly and Varanasi. A total of
5,835 farmers participated in these
programmes.
TRUST BOARD MEETINGS: Four
Trust Board meetings are organised in
a year. This year these meetings were
held in New Delhi on April 15, 2017,
and also from July 26 to 27, 2017, in
Indore from October 30 to 31 and in
Jaipur from February 2 to 4, 2018.
NEW OFFICE OF THE RSB: Third
floor (measuring 242 metre) of a
building at Joshi Road (Faiz Road) in
Karol Bagh, New Delhi, was purchased
with the rights of roof. There are plans to
build more residential rooms on the roof.
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
In order to promote
entrepreneurship, skill
development has been
taken as an important
activity. Every affiliated
organisation is helped
in creation of basic
infrastructure for it
JHINJHOLI PROJECT: Syama
Prasad Mookerjee Trust has provided
a premises of about 10 acre at Delhi-
Haryana border in Sonipat on lease
of 99 years. An adjacent plot of about
2 acre has been purchased. There are
plans to construct a research & training
centre and also a training centre for
disaster management at this land.
WAZIRABAD PROJECT:
Construction of a Sewa Kendra and
Shri Hanuman Temple (for spiritual
development) at a plot of 16 Bighas &
8 Biswas on the piece of land received
in Wazirabad is in progress. There
is plan to install idol and inaugurate
the temple on April 7, 2018. The
construction of a building for sewa
activities has also begun. n
15
 Food For Thought

This is the way out

The unity that the people of Latur displayed for permanently resolving
their water problem needs to be emulated. If the similar kind of unity
is displayed in other parts of the country also, not only the water
crisis but many other problems can also be resolved permanently

Mohan Bhagwat
Sarsanghachalak, Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh

T
he step that the people of
Latur have taken to resolve
their water problem is
worth emulating. This
initiative has received applause from
everywhere. Before reaching Latur to
join the Jalpujan programme, I was
in Jodhpur. The initiative of Latur
was in discussion there too. During
an informal discussion, I said Latur
is situated in the region where water
crisis is permanent—sometimes due
to shortage or rain or any other reason.
But the people of Latur do not panic.
It is generally believed that if there is
any crisis in Latur, the people there
would definitely be taking some step to
overcome that. During the same time
a person of Jodhpur wrote an article
for a newspaper ridiculing what if the
water crisis has developed in Latur this
year, we the people of Rajasthan face
it every year!! There was no rain in
Rajasthan for continuously eight years,
there is desert everywhere, even then
we have found the way to live in any
opposite circumstances. The people of
Latur too should do the same.
The question is how to and what to
think in such circumstances. Running
away from the challenge is not our
nature. Shri Krishna tells Arjuna in
Bhagwatgeeta not to run away in
opposite circumstances, but make
sincere efforts to win. The general
tendency of the people in our society
RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat
performing Jalpujan in Latur on June 26, 2017
is the same. However, it is not seen
in many other countries. Everybody
is aware of the terrorist attack on US
Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.
When the attack was carried out, I
was in Latur and watched the news at
Kukade Kaka’s house. After two-three
years of the incident, I went to the US
in connection with the preparations for
Shri Guruji birth centenary celebration.
It was the month of September, but
there was no crowd anywhere. On the
other hand, there is crowd of people
everywhere in our country. I enquired
from a worker as to why there is so
much silence on the road and people
are not seen anywhere. The worker
said the people here avoid crowding
at the public places in September. It
means they were terrorised even after
two-three years of the 9/11.
Contrary to this, no attack terrorised
the people so much in our country. The
serial blasts of 1993 in Mumbai caused
huge damage. Hundreds of people were
killed. Even then next day itself the
crowd in the local trains was as usual.
After 9/11 the people in the US were
panicked and ran away from the spot.
But after the serial blasts in Mumbai,
people rushed with relief material at
12 places to help the victims. This is
our nature. Troubles are there in the
life and everybody has to face them.
Swami Ramdas says: Jagi Sarva Sukhi
Asa Kon aahe” (Who is happy in life
all the times?). Even Shri Ram and
Shri Krishna also had to face crisis in
their life. But everybody should have
the courage to face the crisis.
We plant saplings, desilt the
riverbeds, protect the forests, save
water and also carry out cleanliness
drives. These are part of our traditions.

16 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

However, we forgot them for some
time. There is a wise saying:
Puranmityeva na sadhu sarvam, na
chapi kavyam navmityavadyam,
Santah parikshyanyatarbhadjante
moodhah parapratyayaneyabuddhih.
(All old things are neither good
nor bad or to be hated. A wise man
adopts the good things by examining
them through his/her wisdom, while an
ignorant decides what is to be adopted
or what is to be rejected on the advice
of others.) We only remembered
that the old things are not good, and
forgot the rest. There is awakening
all over the world about environment
protection. The new attitude which is
being widely discussed now-a-days
everywhere has been in our practice
since time immemorial. But we
ignored that only because it is old.
An American doctor, Ross, toured
India to know what causes yellow fever,
how and why it happens. But he found
nothing. He left for America. When he
visited the cow hearders in rural areas
of Texas, he found that yellow fever
happens because of the mosquito bites.
Till then the science was not aware of
it. Later it proved correct in laboratory
tests also. We have been doing farming
for thousands of years and it continues
in proper form till today. When the
Western people reached Africa, they
started farming. But they ruined their
farm land only in 400 years. We have
practical knowledge that we have
inherited from our ancestors. It tells
us how to treat with the rivers, forests,
vegetation, animals, farm, soil, etc. and
how to conserve and preserve them.
We know how to use them in our life.
This is the reason our soil is still fertile.
All people came together for water
conservation in Latur. We conduct
Sangh Shakhas everyday so that we
can fight against any challenge before
the society. Not only during the time
of calamity but also in daily life we
live together, act together and think
together. There is diversity among us.
We follow different ideologies, but
as a society we are united. We share
the happiness and sorrow together.
We should help each other. There
is a saying in Marathi—Ekmeka
sahayya karu, avadhe tharu supanth
(We would help each other and move
forward on the right path).
Man is a small entity in the world.
It is an entity in itself. That must be
respected and protected. But that is
not the only entity. Another entity
is society, in which the man lives.
There are some rules and necessities
of the society, which form duty for the
man. There is one more entity, which
connects both the man and the society.
That is family, which regulates both.
There should be coordination in them.
It is the duty of all that the family
should live peacefully and happily.
That is why humanity, brotherhood
and love have been called dharma
in our society. Sane Guruji writes in
one of his poems—Khara to ekachi
dharma, jagal prem arpaane (Loving
the entire world is the true dharma).
Therefore, all should help and protect
one another. Many people do it. It
is basically because of that healthy
tradition that the people of Latur came
together to resolve the water crisis.
Today they have assembled at city
level for water conservation, tomorrow
they may gather for any other cause at
Marathwada level. Marathwada has no
meaning without Latur and Latur has
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
See Detailed Report on Jalyukta
Latur Drive on Page 56
no meaning without Maharashtra and
Maharashtra has no meaning without
Bharat. We get this training and
samskar from the society.
Rashtra Sant Ramdas Swami
says: “He vishwamachi maajhe
ghar, aise jayachi mati sthir” (This
entire world is my home). This type
of spiritual feeling develops in the
mind after tapascharya. Basically, the
Sangh has been working to generate
the same feeling in the minds of
people. This is called organising the
society. The Sangh teaches the same.
That is why we worship the qualities
like discipline, originality, etc. We
want to create the society, which is
developed, organised, exploitation-
free, harmonious and motivates the
entire world to be the same. This is
the prime goal before the independent
Bharat. We all, from an ordinary
citizen to the top leaders of the
nation, will endeavour to achieve the
same objective. Nobody will work
for the individual gains even in the
opposite circumstances. But in this
situation who will head the society?
Who will ensure education, health,
basic amenities like water, house,
employment, etc to the people? The
answer is the society. In democracy,
this is the responsibility of the society.
The Society should have the control
over rulers in democracy. All should
take care of everyone. If the unity
that the people of Latur have shown
to resolve their water problem is
shown to address other challenges
of life also, many of our problems
will be resolved with perfection. I
congratulate the people of Latur for
such a wonderful initiative.
(Based on the speech delivered at
the Jalpujan function held in Latur on
June 26, 2017. Compilation by:
Arun Danke)
17
In the mad race of
Conserving the L Sadhguru Jaggi to create an artificial river, because
Vasudev there was no water in the Kshipra.
development, our lifeline Rivers and streams have gone dry.

I
rivers have been pushed
to the dangerous level
where there is nothing
but destruction. We
are destroying the
soil and the water
resources at such a
rate that in another
15 to 20 years, we will
not be able to feed
the people and quench
their thirst anymore.
If you really want a
safe future for your
coming generations,
start contributing in the
save rivers campaigns
f you ask me what rivers mean
to me – they are the very origin
of our Indian civilisation. At the
riverbanks of the Indus, Sutlej,
and the ancient Saraswati River
is where it all began. And, around
Krishna, Cauvery, and Godavari,
the southern part of this civilisation
developed. These rivers and this land
have nurtured us for thousands of
years. Now in two generations, we are
turning it into a desert. If you fly across
India, you will see very few green
patches – the rest is all arid land. Our
rivers have been depleted dramatically
in a matter of a few decades. Indus
and Ganga are now among the ten
most endangered rivers on the planet.
Cauvery is 40 per cent of what it
used to be when I was a young
boy. For the last Kumbha
Mela in Ujjain, they had
to pump water from
the Narmada
The groundwater levels have fallen
drastically in recent years. Drinking
water has become scarce in many
places.
There are basically two types of
rivers in the country – ice-fed rivers,
and forest-fed rivers. The situation of
the ice-fed rivers is not entirely in our
hands because increasing temperature
is a global phenomenon. In the Indian
Himalayas, mountain peaks that used
to be snowcapped the whole year
round have turned bare. Gomukh,
the glacier origin of the Bhagirathi
River and the Ganga, has retreated by
almost a kilometre over the last three
decades. The melting of the glaciers
and the lack of snow are starkly visible
in the Himalayas. The phenomenon
of depleting water bodies is prevalent
across the Indian subcontinent. We
must initiate the necessary steps to
prevent a disaster beyond imagination.
There are various kinds of
approaches. One measure that a lot

18 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

e Lifeline of Bharat
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev during the campaign ‘Rally For Rivers’
of states have taken so far is to build
check dams, often turning the river
into a string of ponds. Another one
is digging pits in the river and filling
it with boulders so that the water
percolates and wells around are
replenished – this is a sure death knell
for the river. These kinds of approaches
aim at exploiting the rivers, not saving
them. A naturally flowing river has a
completely different ecology. When
the land was covered by rain forest,
the precipitation gathered in the
streams and rivers, and they were in
full flow. In order to feed the rivers,
the soil around them needs to be wet.
Today, the whole land is ploughed.
Without sufficient amount of shade
and constant replenishment through
organic material such as leaves and
animal droppings, the top layer of
the soil leaches out and turns to sand
over a period of time. Trees are gone;
animals are slaughtered – there is no
replenishment of the soil.
Though we have a plethora of
problems in the country, one big feat
we can be proud of is that our farmers
have somehow managed to feed 1.3
billion people, at least to a minimum
extent. But not for much longer. We
are destroying the soil and the water
resources at such a rate that in another
fifteen to twenty years’ time, we will
not be able to feed these people and
quench their thirst anymore. This
is not some doomsday prediction.
There is unequivocal evidence that
this is where we are headed. Not all
the factors that impact a river are in
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
our hands. Still, there are substantial
measures we can take to enhance the
flow of the river and the economic
activity around it at the same time. The
simplest and most effective approach
is to increase the tree coverage around
the water bodies. But a large part of
India is farmed land, which we cannot
convert to forest. The solution is to
shift from soil-depleting crops to tree-
based agriculture. For that to happen,
we need to create the necessary
awareness and induce policy changes.
Through the mass tree planting
movement of Project GreenHands,
over thirty million saplings have
been planted in Tamil Nadu so far.
Individual tree planting efforts help
improve the situation. But if we really
want a solution, there has to be a policy
19
change on the governmental level.
The Rajasthan government has done a
fabulous job in planting trees around
water bodies, which already reflects
in raised groundwater levels. The
Government of Madhya Pradesh has
recently started allotting a subsidy for
two years for farmers who grow tree
crops along the Narmada River. The
other day, the Uttarakhand High Court
had declared Ganga as a living entity
with legal rights, and instructed the
government to form a board to oversee
its cleaning and maintenance. These
are first steps in the right direction.
It requires a national policy that
includes all major rivers and their
tributaries to bring about substantial
change in the country. The root cause
of the problem is that from 1947 to
today, our population has quadrupled
– from 330 million to 1.3 billion in a
matter of seventy years. The question
is, are we going to address this issue?
Another contributing factor is that of
changing consumption patterns, which
is something we can hardly turn back. If
we are sensible, we can control human
population, but we cannot control
human aspiration. The simplest solution
is to create green cover around the
rivers. I would suggest one kilometre
on either side of all the major rivers;
half a kilometre for all the tributaries.
20 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
We need a policy, which establishes
that where there is government land
around water bodies, forests will be
created; where there is private land,
horticultural crops will be planted.
There is substantial research on
agroforestry and horticulture that we
can draw upon. The important thing is
to create a canopy of trees for shade,
organic activity and organic matter, for
the soil to become rich and moist. Only
if there is enough moisture in the soil,
can it feed the streams and rivers. We
need to come up with a comprehensive
plan that is profitable for the people
who live on the riverbanks. You cannot
expect a poor farmer to save the planet
when he is struggling to make a living.
Tree crops have to be economically
more attractive than soil-depleting
crops. The river interlinking project
that some people advocate may work
in a temperate climate, but not in a
tropical region with high temperatures
and seasonal rain. It would be super-
expensive and detrimental for the
rivers and the organic activity around
them. We have to appeal for this
project to stop. Just because a certain
amount of money has already been
invested it does not mean we have to
continue the same.
We urgently need to shift from
thinking of how to exploit our rivers
to how to revitalise them. We have to
make everyone in the country aware
that there is an express need for action
to save the rivers. We held a rally
through sixteen states. Starting from
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, it went up
to Uttarakhand, and ended in Delhi. In
each of the sixteen state capitals where
we went we held major events to make
a strong pitch for saving our rivers.
Until now, each state has been acting
as if they were a separate existence by
themselves. We need all the states to
come together and work out a common
policy. The fact that the Centre has
moved a bill to create a single tribunal
to resolve water-related disputes
between states could help facilitate that.
Once the policy is established,
implementing it fully will take a while.
Cutting down a tree is done in a day.
Making it grow takes many years.
The equation is simple. Adjacent to
the rivers, there have to be trees. If we
create vegetation, it will hold water,
and the rivers will be replenished. If
we spread this awareness to everyone
in the country, arrive at a common
policy, and start the implementation,
it will be a huge and successful step
for the future of our nation and for the
wellbeing of generations to come.
(The writer is the founder
of Isha Foundation)
 A REVOLUTION INDEED!
The Art of Living workers have done a wonderful work on water
conservation. They are working to revive 30 rivers, transforming lives
in 3000 villages benefitting over 50 lakh people of the country
I
ndia has faced the worst water
crisis in four decades. Scorching
summers have turned 54 per cent of
the subcontinent’s area into a water-
stressed dust-bowl. The situation is worse
especially in Southern India where many
rain-fed rivers have gone dry over the
last two decades. Although the average
amount of rainfall has remained the
same over the past 50 years, many rain-
fed rivers have dried. The main cause
behind this crisis is mismanagement and
unchecked overuse of water. Rain-fed
rivers have dried because of disruption
of the natural groundwater recharge
mechanisms, thereby disabling rivers
from replenishing themselves. This
disruption in the water cycle is caused
by several factors like reckless over-
exploitation of groundwater resources,
misguided agricultural practices,
rampant deforestation, unplanned
urbanisation, etc. And we commit all
these mistakes.
RIVER REJUVENATION
PROJECTS
The Art of Living workers have
undertaken the task of reviving many
rivers. Major River Rejuvenation
Projects across the nation are as follows:
Vedavathi River Rejuvenation: This
Rs 150 crore project was undertaken
under the ambit of MGNREGA scheme.
The success of the project prompted a
visit by the Joint Secretary of Union
Ministry of Rural Development.
The Government is now regularly
monitoring the project to learn and
initiate similar projects across the
country to revive some dying rivers.
Kumudavathi River Rejuvenation:
This project aims at reducing Bangalore
city’s water dependence on River
Cauvery, addressing the impending
water crisis which very recently lead
the city descend into violence and
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
chaos. The spirit of volunteerism has
been the hallmark of this project with
a total of 2,700 volunteers engaged
(including Corporate Employee
Engagement). Over the last three years,
Rs 12 crore have been mobilised under
the Corporate Social Responsibility
benefitting 70,000 people directly.
Palar River Rejuvenation: An ambitious
inter state River Rejuvenation project,
which when completed will not only
bring back water to the parched districts
of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu, but will also create a model in
interstate river management. A total of
348 sq km of Chikballapur District has
already been treated under the project,
and the interventions are now being
carried on in Kolar District of Karnataka
and Vellore District of Tamil Nadu.
WATER BODIES REVIVED
The Art of Living workers have
21

worked across states to revive not only
the rivers, but also other bodies. Some
of the projects successfully undertaken
are as follows:
Maharashtra: In Latur, Manjara
river has been revived at Takali, Jevali,
Nagzari, Raiwadi, Bhuisamudraga,
Akharwai, Aurad and Renapur.
While in Shelgi, Ramegaon and
Halgara ponds have been revived.
In Jalgaon, ponds have been revived
at Chincholi, Aamadte, Bhadgaon,
Jalake, Asankhed, Bodhare, Sirasgaon,
Warflwadi, Vatur and Jalgaon Supe. At
Gungarde Hadgaon, check dams were
built at river Galhati and River Narola
was revived at Khadaka village. At
Nasrapur Raanje, River Shiva Ganga
has been revived. In Osmanabad, ponds
were built and revived in Omerga,
Narangwadi, Jevalin, Andur, Loharem
and Rudrawadi. River Terana was
revived at Sangavi and River Benitura
was revived at Murum village. In
Ahmednagar, six ponds were built in
Majle Chincholi and two ponds were
built in Kokar, while one pond was
built at Pachegaon. In Nasik, ponds
have been built and revived at Dhotane,
Lakhmapur, Pardhadi, Jategaon,
Kondharm, Chandwad Panjar Wadi,
Takali Vinchur, Waj Gaon, Kharde,
Vaigaon, Chirai. Gangapur Dam, River
Saghadi and Ganga Ghat were revived
in Nasik. Similar activities were carried
out in Amravati, Aurangabad, Wasim
22 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
See Page 54 to know how the
Kumudvathi River was revived
and Nandurbar.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu:
River rejuvenation work was done in
Karnataka also. River Kumudavathi
was revived in Bengaluru Rural and
Ramanagar. River Vedavathi was
revived in Hassan, Chikmanglur and
Chitradurga. River Pennar was revived
in Kolar, while river North Pennar was
revived in Chikkbalapur. In Tamil Nadu,
River Naganadhi was revived in Vellor
and six ponds were revived in Chennai.
OTHER WATER INITIATIVES
Apart from making communities
water secure, the Art of Living
workers have also tried to ensure that
communities know how to use the
water wisely, safely and sustainably.
Since 600,000 lives per year in India
are lost to diseases caused due to open
defecation the Art of Living teams work
in rural and semi-urban areas to build
smart and low-cost toilets with local
communities, and Gram Panchayats. In
addition to ensuring reliable resources
of drinking water for communities
by reviving rivers, the AOL workers
also work with communities to
install Reverse Osmosis (RO) based
community filters, which convert
normal water to drinkable water.
THE IMPACT
Improvements in groundwater
levels: The primary impact of the project
has seen improvements in groundwater
levels in the 7,500 sq. km implementation
area, over 65% of which is classified
semi critical, critical or overexploited
by GSDA. Extensive afforestation,
and construction of water recharge
structures, have increased the base flow
in all streams and water bodies in the
region. This has rejuvenated rivers that
flow through the region, transforming
them from episodic (having flow for
only three months or less) to ephemeral
(having flow for three to nine months),
leading to a widespread impact to the
region’s biodiversity and ecology.
Increasing Farmers’ Income: The
improved availability of water leads
to direct socio-economic growth of a
population of 70 Lakh, 70% of whom are
directly dependent on agriculture. The
consistency in water supply augments
farmers’ incomes through improved
agricultural yields and increase in the
number of crops per year, directly
reducing farmers’ suicides.
Curbing water tanker mafia: This
has helped to curb the water tanker
mafia that proliferated in the target
regions during the past decade. The
water shortage disproportionately affects
young girls and women, as girls under the
age of 15 are twice as likely as boys to
sacrifice their education to fetch water for
the family. A drastic change in this social
situation was observed, as water sources
within the village were rejuvenated. n
Time to make water conservation
A WAY OF LIFE
Water needs to be made a way of
life, not just something we think about
once in a while. If we all do our part
in conserving water, we can make a
huge difference for the environment
Dr Subhash Chandra
W
ater issues, whether in
excess or in scarcity
affect all of us. The
last six months have
seen widespread destruction caused
by excess water. Instances of floods
are there from all over the world to the
more recent in North-East India. We
are witness to the destruction caused
by the storms Harvey and Irma in the
US or the Mumbai rains of August end.
On the other hand, we have some
parts of the world including our own
country, where women walk miles a
day and spend long and painful hours
fetching poor quality water for their
daily needs. We see frequent political
battles over sharing of river waters.
One fifth of the world’s population
lives in areas where water is physically
scarce, and a quarter of the population
faces shortage due to lack of basic
water infrastructure.
Additionally, climate change is
pushing the boundaries for our food,
energy and water security and with
future water supply under threat water
conservation is a vital element of any
strategy to contain the water crisis.
Many of us think water is unlimited.
But, fresh water is a finite resource that
is rapidly becoming scarce. In India, a
warming climate is drying up lakes and
rivers, while rapid urbanisation and
water pollution are putting enormous
pressure on the quantity and quality of
surface and ground water.
We need to look at traditional and
technical means to conserve water.
India has a long history of using
small, feasible traditional systems
for water harvesting. Archaeological
evidences prove that the cities of the
Indus Valley Civilisation had excellent
systems of water harvesting and
drainage. Chanakya’s Arthashashtra
mentions irrigation using water
harvesting systems. Sringaverapura,
near Allahabad, had a sophisticated
water harvesting system, the Chola
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
King Karikala built the Grand Anicut
or Kallanai across the river Cauvery
to divert water for irrigation (it is
still functional) while King Bhoja of
Bhopal built the largest artificial lake
in India.
It is time the local bodies, state
governments and Indian government
look at means to revive the traditional
systems of water harvesting in the
country. Given that these methods are
simple and eco-friendly for the most
part, they are not just highly effective
for the people who rely on them but
they are also good for the environment.
Some of the popular traditional
systems that could still be used are
the Jhalara, the Talab/Bandi, Bawri,
Taanka, which are more popularly
seen in Rajasthan and Bundelkhand.
We also have the Ahar Pynes (South
Bihar), Johars (Odisha), Panam Keni
(Kerala), Khadin, Kund, Baori among
others. Productively combining these
structures with modern rainwater-
saving techniques, such as percolation
tanks, injection wells and subsurface
barriers, could be the answer to India’s
perennial water woes.
But will this be enough!!! Vishva
mein kewal Canada ko chhod kar
23
manushya jati ko samasya hone wali
hai.
According to information -
provided by the American Water
Works Association – the largest
non-profit, educational, scientific
association dedicated to managing and
treating water - by the middle of the
century water demand will increase
by 55% as compared to 2015 levels.
This increase will be mainly driven by
population increase, which is expected
to hit 9.7 billion by 2050. We need
to increasingly focus on alternative
means of water supply as against
natural sources.
WATER RECYCLING
According to a United Nations
World Water Development Report, 80
per cent of the world’s wastewater is not
collected or treated. However, severe
freshwater shortages in some areas is
driving governments to develop water
recycling programmes that produce
water that is clean enough to drink. In
fact, Singapore’s wastewater recycling
programme uses advanced techniques
that produce water clean enough to be
bottled.
DESALINATION
Although, it is expensive and energy
intensive, governments from San
Diego to Dubai are investing billions
of dollars in ocean water desalination.
The introduction of membrane-
based desalination has increased the
affordability and decreased the energy
requirements. Dubai is sourcing
over 98% of its potable water supply
from desalination. Though this water
consumed on regular basis will be
harmful to human body.
IRRIGATION AND HOME
CONSERVATION
Irrigation accounts to 70% of
global freshwater use and there is
a lot of opportunity for farm water
24 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
A desalination plant in Israel to
make sea water drinkable
conservation especially through
metering. Although home water use
accounts for a small percentage of total
water consumption, new consumer
tools for saving water are constantly
being introduced like smart toilets and
showers. We should all be cognizant
of the fact that while water is free,
treating it, delivering it, and their
transportation and treatment of sewage
is a very expensive exercise and the
user has to pay for it. As someone said
“Cheap water is very expensive”. One
should look at Israel to understand
that, while the present water crisis is
manmade, with a strong will and a
focused approach, the story can be
very different.
Israel is 50% desert and the rest
is classified as a semi-arid region.
The rainfall in Israel has dramatically
dwindled over the last two decades,
but population has trebled, GDP has
grown seven fold and agriculture
productivity has multiplied manifold.
Yet, from being a water deficient
status in 1948 when Israel became a
country, today, it is a net exporter of
water to Palestine and Jordan and is
totally immune from dependence on
rains for its water needs.
This modern miracle was achieved
by a few fundamental measures which
had a visionary impact on their water
conservation and management plans.
Seth Siegel’s seminal book on
Water conservation in Israel “LET
WATER BE THERE”, describes
in details the measures that Israel
painstakingly took to insulate itself
against the biggest threat to its
existence- Lack of water. Israel
recycles 85 per cent of all the water
that it uses. The next best country is
Spain, which recycles 22 per cent. This
goes to show the level of thinking and
execution that has gone into creating
Israel’s water story.
The key drivers of their strategy
were that Water belongs to the nation.
The nation is the custodian of water in
all forms (Including sewage) and will
decide the distribution and cost of such
distribution. They also decided that
Cheap Water is expensive. Users need
to pay the right price to be able to use
water. They decided to measure and
monitor every drop of water.
Water was used to unify the country
by linking the north and south to
provide seamless water infrastructure
across the length and breadth of the
country. Israel decided that Regulators
and not politicians should decide water

policies and governance. Israel created
a water respecting culture where every
drop of water is seen as a life sustaining
liquid and focussed on conservation
and multiple reuse of each drop of
water. They decided that all water
revenues will cater only to creating
and sustaining water infrastructure
and fund and build a strong focus on
innovation in water. Israel makes
extremely long term plans and invests
deeply into executing these plans.
While Israel’s story is unique and
cannot be easily replicated everywhere,
what can we do to manage our water
woes?
WATER FOOTPRINT
The past decade has seen the world
[government, industries and citizens]
come together under various initiatives
to reduce the carbon emissions.
Increased awareness of the dangers of
carbon emissions did sensitise people
to change their behaviour in an attempt
to reduce their carbon footprint. A
similar exercise at the same levels
should now be done to build awareness
on the Water footprint.
Water Footprint refers to the
amount of water used to produce
different products and services we use.
So, the amount of water used to produce
a shoe or a shirt is the water footprint
of that shoe or shirt. More specifically,
it is a measure of water use. It can be
applicable for a product, a service, an
individual, a household, a community,
a country and even the whole world.
An individual’s consumption of fresh
water based on the products and
services he or she uses or consumes
per year is his or her water footprint.
Someone who is always careful about
using as less water as possible in his
or her daily life will have less water
footprint score than someone who is
completely careless about it.
Measuring water footprint and
taking all the necessary steps to keep
water footprint level as low as possible
is extremely important for mankind
because freshwater is vital to our
daily life but the supply of freshwater
is limited. As the world population
is growing, the need for fresh water
is growing too but if we don’t take
measures to keep water footprint level
low, soon, we will be running short of
fresh water.
The water footprint of countries
indicates how careful and responsible
are the people and manufacturers of
a country are in terms of using water.
A country with higher water footprint
level is affecting the country with
much less water footprint. So, water
footprint is a global thing and the global
community sooner or later will have to
come to a consensus on the policies
that can help all the countries keep
their water footprint level minimum.
The current water crisis should
serve as a wake-up call for citizens to
change their habits towards better water
consumption and conservation. There
is a serious low level of awareness
and apathetic attitude among citizens,
that has led to wastage and shortage
of water. It is high time we take
care at how we consume water. Not
only should consumers change their
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
behaviour, policymakers should also
do the same and come up with policies
that can ensure sustainability of the
resource.
IMPOSE FINE FOR
WATER WASTAGE
Any one-off campaign will not be
able to yield any desirable results. So, it
is very important that we have long term
and sustainable water saving campaigns
if we are serious about changing
the people’s behaviour and raise the
awareness on water conservation. It is
time that the government took a tougher
stand in order to inculcate better water
efficiency habits among the people.
These include to promote the use of water
saving devices more extensively among
both domestic and industry consumers
and make it mandatory for housing
developers to install tanks in their new
projects for the purpose of harvesting
rain water. California made headlines
in 2014 when they started imposing
expensive fines to people having been
caught wasting water. Offenses like
allowing landscape watering to flow
into streets and hosing driveways were
subject to fines. As water resources
become more stressed, more local
governments must start imposing fines
to discourage water wastage.
Water conservation is a big thing,
but not enough, so don’t think that
what you do, doesn’t matter. A whole
lot of people doing a little bit adds
up to a whole lot. We must all make
changes in our lifestyles that will
change the course of our water and its
quality. Water conservation needs to be
made a way of life, not just something
we think about once in a while. If we
all do our part in conserving water,
we can make a huge difference for the
environment. We all enjoy many ways
that we use water, so why not do our
part in caring for our water?
(The writer is chairman
of Essel Group)
25
 The Rajsamand of
Rajasthan, built to
fight against drought
centuries ago is still
as relevent as it was
hundreds of years
back

Who were those Anonymous People?

The ponds were built everywhere in the country, and everywhere there
were people who built them. Hundreds, thousands ponds did not appear from
the vacuum. But those who built them have been reduced into a zero today
Anupam Mishra phenomenon. The educated technocrats times. The ponds used to be built all
made tall claims and promises to solve the over the country and the builders too had

H
undreds and thousands of
ponds had not sprung all
of a sudden from the thin
air. They had behind their
existence a unitary force, which made
them join together to build and tens
of those who built them. These ones
and tens joined together to multiply
into hundreds and thousands. But,
for the last 200 years, a semi-literate
society has reduced these ones, tens,
hundreds and thousands into a zero.
This new society was not eager enough
to know as to who constructed the
ponds in such a large number. It has
not bothered to evaluate this mega task
even with its own yardstick that it has
evolved through modern IITs and Civil
Engineering.
Had this been done, it would at least
have tried to explore the IIT of yore.
Where was it situated? Who was its
Director? What was its budget? How
many civil engineers did it produce?
These questions would certainly have
created a quest in the modern society,
but it treated all this as a bygone
26 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
crisis of water through novel techniques.
What to speak of villages and towns, the
whistling sound emanating from the
municipal taps of big cities is enough to
ridicule the claims and promises made
by the techno-administration. Even if
we measure the claims of this society
with its own measure-rod, sometimes
the claims fall short and at times, the
yardstick proves smaller.
GAJDHAR
Let us leave this yardstick here now
and slide back to the lanes of the past.
Those who have become anonymous
today were big names in their own
fanned out to every nook and corner of
the country. Somewhere this education
was imparted in the alma mater of caste
and somewhere it formed a line of such
artisans beyond the barricades of caste.
Sometimes, the pond-builders were
found concentrated at a particular place
and sometimes they used to do this job
by travelling from one place to another.
‘Gajdhar’ is a beautiful word to
remember the pond-builders with a
difference. This word still exists in
some parts of Rajasthan. ‘Gajdhar’
means the one who wields the ‘gaj’ i.e.
literal yardstick. But in spite of this, the
society did not treat him just as someone
The late Anupam
Mishra with his
eternal book ‘Aaj
Bhi Khare Hain
Talab’
wandering here and there with a three-
feet long iron stick. He was conferred
the status of someone capable enough to
fathom the depth of the society.
Gajdhars were architects. Be it rural
society or urban, the responsibility
of its rebuilding and maintenance
was performed by them. From town
planning to the meanest construction
work, everything was done by them.
They formulated plans, worked out the
cost of entire project and managed the
necessary material for the same. And,
in lieu of all this, they never demanded
anything from their client as he might
not be able to pay. The people too were
generous enough to give them whatever
maximum they could. After completion
of the work, the Gajdhar was bestowed
with honours also along with the
remuneration. Offering saropa (a robe
of honour) has been preserved by the
Sikhs only today, but until recently,
the tradition of honouring with saropa
has been in vogue in Rajasthan. Beside
adorning with pagari (turban) on
Gajdhar’s head the buttons of silver and
at times gold were also gifted to him.
Land too was registered in his name.
After wearing the turban, the Gajdhar
would name some of his associates
who too were given something as gift
along with the remuneration. This sense
of gratitude was reflected most of all
during the community meal after the
work of pond building was completed.
SILAAVATA
Gajdhars were originally Hindus
and later some Muslims also. A
community known as Silaavata earned
great accolades for its dexterity. The
word ‘Silaavata’ owes its origin to
‘shila’ i.e. stone. The Silaavatas too
were in larger numbers like Gajdhars.
Population wise they were in large
numbers. They had their own localities.
Even today, one can find Silaavatparas
in old cities of Rajasthan. Siaavatas
had full-fledged locality in Karachi and
Sindh areas now in Pakistan. Silaavatas
and Gajdhars sometimes were the same
despite these being two different names.
The leaders of Silaavatas were known
as Gajdhars only in Jaisalmer and
Sindh. They were held in high esteem
in Karachi also. After Partition, Hakim
Mohammad Gajdhar, a Silaavata,
had made way to a ministerial berth
in Pakistan’s cabinet. One of their
streams dates back to Tomar dynasty
and had been touching heights of social
building. Anangpal Tanwar too had
hoisted his flag in Delhi.
JODIA: A RICH MENTOR-
DISCIPLE TRADITION
The Gajdhars were a beautiful
example of experienced eyes. The
training was imparted through mentor-
disciple tradition. The old hand taught
the new hand so fervently that after
sometime the latter would become a
‘Jodia’ i.e. the credible associate of
Gajdhar. A Gajdhar had several Jodias.
Some Gajdhars with Jodias would attain
so much elevation that then they would
remain Gajdhars in name only while the
Gaj i.e. the yardstick was dropped. A
good Gajdhar was defined as one who
did not touch the tools. He decided only
by just checking the site and also what
had to be done. The Gajdhars would sit
at one place and everything was carried
out at their oral instructions only.
SIRBHAV AND JALSOONGHA
Reaching a place of elevation
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
through constant use of tools is
something but showing the same
efficiency without even touching
the tools is quite different. Such
mystics were known as ‘Sirbhavas’,
who would tell the real location of
underground water without using any
tool whatsoever. It is said that they
were guided by intuition only. They
did not belong to any particular tribe.
Some blessed persons would simply
reach this stage. Jalsoonghas i.e. those
who could identify the existence of
underground water just by the power
of smelling were also like Sirbhavas.
But they indicated their finding with
the help of a twig of mango or Jamun
tree. This style is in vogue even today.
The tubewell companies first select
the site mechanically and then call the
Jalsoonghas to confirm the availability
of water at that particular spot. The
public sector also avails their services
but without putting their contribution
anywhere on record.
The word ‘Silavata’ loses its last
vowel and becomes ‘Silavat’ by the
time it reaches Madhya Pradesh but
its properties remain intact. At some
places in Madhya Desh, there were
‘Silakaars’ also. Gujarat also has
them in large numbers. There they are
called ‘Salaat’. Of these, some have
gained great fame due to their work
on Hira Salaat stone. In Kutch, the
Gajdhars have become ‘Gaidhars’.
Their lineage starts from Indra’s son
Jayant. Another name of Gajdhars has
been ‘Sutradhar’ also. It was this only
that became ‘Thar’ in Gujarat and
‘Suthar’ in many parts of the country.
A classical name for Gajdhars was
‘Sthapati’ as well, which is popular
even today like ‘Thavai’.
27

PATHROT, TAKARI
AND SONKAR
Pathrot and Takari were also known
for their expertise in every kind of stone
work and they engaged themselves in
pond construction also. The villages and
localities named as ‘Pathrauta’ remind
one about these people even today. The
Takaris fanned up to far South and their
localities were called Takerwadis. The
world is made of soil and there was no
dearth of those who know this world
of soil in entirety. Somewhere they
were ‘Matkoots’ and somewhere else
‘Matkooda’. The villages inhabited by
them were called Matkoolis. The words
‘Sonkar’ or ‘Sunkar’ were meant for
goldsmiths. But this gold was soil, not
gold in reality. Sonkar or Sunkars were
called Rajlahariyas also. They linked
their lineage with the sons of Sagar, the
Emperor of Raghuvansh. To recover the
stolen Ashvamedh yajna horse, Sagar’s
sons had dug out the whole earth and
ultimately earned the wrath of sage
Kapil. It was owing to that curse that
the Sonkars used to dig out soil from the
ponds but now they earn blessings not
curse. They have been very adept hands
at brick making also. The Khantis were
also called to dig out the ponds. Wherever
they were not available, the potters were
consulted about the soil of pond.
BULAI
While selecting the site for a pond,
the Bulais came without an invitation.
They were well familiar with the
village. They knew by rote about the
kind of land, where it was and who
owned it and where have the ponds,
28 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
step-wells etc. already have been built
and where else more can be built.
Along with knowledge by rote, this
information was also available in black
and white with them. In Malwa belt, all
this information was recorded with the
help of the Bulai only. This record was
always safe with every Jamindar. The
Bulais were also called ‘Dhers’ at some
places. Similarly, there were Mirdhas
who maintained the measurement and
accounts of the land along with the
settlement of disputes.
AGARIA
The task of bricks, lime and
preparing mud-plaster was performed
by the Chunkars i.e. masons. In spare
time, salt-trade was also carried out
by them. In modern Madhya Pradesh,
the population of masons was more
than 25,000 in 1911. In Orissa, they
were known as Liunyas, Murhas and
Sansiyas. During the British regime, the
Sansiyas dwindled away when declared
as a band of criminals by the state. The
new age people kept forgetting the
ponds and their builders too. The list
of those thrust into oblivion includes
Ladia, Dusaadh, Naunia, Gond,
Pardhan, Kol, Deemar, Dheenvar,
Bhoi, etc. There was a time when these
people were known as specialists in
pond construction. Today, we have lost
even the necessary details helpful in
understanding their contribution.
Kori or Koli communities too had
contributed a lot towards pond making.
Not even a single line is available today
about Koris who built hundreds of
ponds. But there was a time when many
people offered various kinds of facilities
to attract the members of Kolis to settle
with them. They were exempted from
land revenue on the land given to them
in several villages of Maharashtra and
Gujarat. Such land was called ‘Bara’ or
‘Vaaro’.
The Agarias were iron-men in real
sense of the term. They were known
for their trade of ironsmith. But there
were places where Agarias built ponds
also. The makers of tools like spade,
pick, rake, troughs etc. knew how to use
them also. Malis and the Parihars, the
gardener communities, too had a great
contribution towards pond-building and
then planting lotus, Kumudani flowers
etc. in it. At places, the land on the
banks of ponds was kept reserved for the
gardeners. Their subsistence depended
on the pond with the result that they
looked after the pond throughout their
life. The Bhils, Bhilalas, Sahariyas, Kols
etc. have become a part of the Scheduled
Tribe (ST) list today but there was a
time when they had their own big or
small kingdoms. They looked after the
entire management of ponds themselves
in their respective kingdoms. The Bhils
possessed the talent of knowing where
the river water has to be dammed and
then how far the dammed water has to
be taken for irrigation. They possessed
this expertise as easily as they kept
bow and arrows on their shoulders.
Thus, they had full information about
the dams and the pressure of water.
How much is the pressure and in how
much area it will replenish the wells,
was the mystery they could demystify
by drawing a line with their arrow. In
Rajasthan, this task was performed by
the Meenas. There were various kinds
of Bhils—Nayak, Nayaka, Choliwala
Nayak, Kapadia Nayak, big Nayak,
Small Nayak and then Talavia, Garasia
etc all were known as leaders in the
field of pond-building. In Maharashtra,
Konkan, the position of Naik existed in
the Banjara community also. Vanchar
i.e. the forest wanderers came to be
called Banjaras in due course of time.
Living in miserable conditions today,
once upon a time they used to set out for
trading by loading their merchandise on
hundreds of animals.
GOND, ODH AND MUSAHAR
The Gond community has very
close connectivity with the ponds.
This quality of Gonds is discernible
everywhere in Mahakaushal in the
form of ponds at every step. The pond
made by Kooran near Jabalpur is still
serving the people even after thousands
of years. It was the same community,
which had Queen Durgawati, who filled
a big part of her kingdom with the ponds
during her brief tenure. The Gonds not
only themselves dug or built ponds but
also honoured other builders of ponds.
The Gond kings had brought the Kohlis
from North India to settle in present
Bhandara District of Maharashtra with
great enthusiasm. That is why very fine
ponds are available in Bhandara also.
Among the big ponds, the most famous
Bhopal pond was made by Raja Bhoj,
but it could be completed with the help
of a Gond Chieftain Kalia.
The names like Odhia, Odhahi,
Odh, Aud kept changing from place to
place as per the changing assignments.
They had only one work to dig wells
and ponds day and night. These water
bodies were so much in number that it
was difficult to count them. The proverb
goes that Odhs drink water from a new
well every day. No better example of
oneness between the maker and the
made can be cited than this, because
one name of well is also ‘Odh’. They
spread right from Gujarat in the West to
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bulandshahar
and its surrounding areas, Maharashtra,
Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, etc. They
must have been in large numbers. There
is a story of nine lakh Odhis reaching
Dhar city following a crisis. They reared
donkeys which were used in different
activities related to the pond building.
Both men and women worked together.
The Odhis were good connoisseurs of
clay. They read the nature of soil from
its colour or smell. They also understood
well the surface and pressure of soil.
There is a proverb in Rajasthan that
Odhis never die with caving of earth.
The famous folk heroine Jasma was
working on such a pond one day where
Raja Bhoj had decided to give up his
Empire for her.
In Orissa, beside Odhis, Sonpuras
and Mahapatras have also been builders
of wells. They had spread out in the
cities like Ganjaam, Puri, Konark and
surrounding areas. Sonpuras hailed from
Sonpur village under Balangir district
of Orissa. On one side they went to
Madhya Pradesh and on the other down
to Andhra Pradesh. Kharias worked on
ponds, small dams and canals near and
around Ramgarh, Bilaspur and Sarguja.
The 1971 census describes their
population as 23,000. The Musahars in
Bihar, Luniyas in parts of Uttar Pradesh
adjoining Bihar, Nauniyas, Dusaadhs
and Kols in Madhya Pradesh remained
engaged in pond-building. Musahar,
Luniyas and Nauniyas were not then
helpless as they are today. Till 17th
century, the Musahars were given land
also along with their remuneration
after the completion of pond. Nauniyas
and Luniyas were worshipped on this
occasion. The connoisseurs of soil, the
Musahars had their powerful leader.
Shri Sales or Shailesh was the adorable
deity of Dusaadhs. Their songs are
sung everywhere, here and there and
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
they are held in esteem by others also.
When Dusaadhs performed yajnas to
propitiate Shri Sales, people from other
communities also joined them.
These very areas were inhabited
by another community known as
Dandhi. The Dandhis were known to
be industrious and very hard-working.
Their list of arduous tasks included
construction of ponds and wells. In
Bihar, even today they are called in case
no solution to a difficult work comes
in sight. They were men of robust
physique with broad shoulders. Their
well-built stout and muscular bodies
tempted one to count the muscles. The
Santhals settled in Bihar and Bengal
today also built very beautiful ponds.
After so much has vanished in Santhal
Pargana with the ravages of time, some
ponds are still there to remind of the
Santhals’ dexterity.
KOHLI AND GAVADI
The Kohlis made so many dams
and ponds in Nasik area of Maharashtra
that famine could not even touch them.
The coastal regions of Goa and Konkan
are the regions of heavy downpour.
But here the rainwater joins the vast
saline sea within no time. It was only
the artistry of Gavadi community
due to which the rainwater was held
up for the whole year in the ponds
on western hills. Here and nearby
in some northern Kannad region of
Karnataka, a stone named Cheere is
found. Heavy showers and fast current
can be stemmed only with the help of
this stone. After extracting it from the
mines, the Cheere stone is chiseled to
a standard size. Not even an iota of
change has come in this size. Such a
systemised work could not be done
without any systematic infrastructure.
29
Without a proper synchronisation
of intellect and organisation, neither
could so many ponds be built nor
sustained in the country.
ERI VARYAM
How much efficient and accurate
must have been this organisation can
be known from a glimpse of the South.
In the South, the ponds built for the
purpose of irrigation are called ‘Eri’. The
Eris were available in each and every
village and despite 200 years of neglect,
thousands of Eris out of these still serve
the people. In villages there used to be
another institution viz. Eri Varyam,
within the Panchayat. In Eri Varyam, six
members from the village were elected
for one year. Everything relating to Eri,
including its formation, maintenance
and fair, impartial irrigation system and
steady management of wherewithal for
all these things was the responsibility
of Varyam. In case, the six members
failed to perform their duties properly,
they could be removed from their office
prematurely also.
NEERGHANTI AND PALIWAL
Here the task of making Eri was
done by Voddars. There was only
one officer to see the entire irrigation
system. It was known variously in
different areas as Neerghanti, Neerganti,
Neeraani Kabakkatti and Maiyyan
Thotti. The tasks like how much water
is there in the ponds, how many fields
are to be irrigated, how the water has
to be allocated, etc. fell to the share of
Neerghantis. In most of the regions, the
post of Neerghanti was given to a Harijan
only and with regard to irrigation,
his decision was final. The farmer,
irrespective of his economic status was
considered subordinate to Neerghanti.
On one hand, there were Harijans like
Neerghanti in the South while on the
other there were Paliwal Brahmins
in the West. Having been settled in
Palli town near Jaisalmer and Jodhpur
30 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
during the tenth century, these came
to be called Palliwal or Paliwal. These
Brahmins were experts in harvesting
whatever rain fell in the deserts. They
were good builders of Khadeen. A
bandh-like field prepared with special
artifice by blocking the water with a
desert rock is called Khadeen. Khadeen
is first a pond and then a field. Food
grain in hundreds of monds was grown
in these very Khadeens. Even today,
there are hundreds of Khadeens in
Jaisalmer region. Along with water
there is something we call self-esteem.
The Paliwals were well aware of this
fact. There were so many villages
of Paliwal Brahmins in Jaisalmer.
However, their villages were deserted
over night due to some altercation with
the king. Leaving behind their beautiful
rich houses, wells, Khadeens etc. they
quit the state. Today, the guides proudly
show their desolate villages and houses
to the tourists. Leaving Jaisalmer where
the Paliwals had gone, nobody knows
clearly. But a mainstream of them had
settled in Agra and Jodhpur.
In Maharashtra the Chitpaavan
Brahmins were also associated with the
pond-building. Some other Brahmins
did not like that a Brahmin should do
the menial job of digging the earth and
then carrying it also. A legend regarding
a Chitpaavan Brahmin named Vasudev
Chittley says that he had built many
ponds, wells and step-wells. When
he was building a pond in Parshuram
area and many Brahmins were also
scraping earth, a group of Brahmins
from Devrukh protested. Then Vasudev
cursed them saying that whosoever
Brahmin will support them will lose all
luster and invite public condemnation on
him. Due to the curse of this Chitpaavan,
these people were later called Devrukh
Brahmins. Nobody knows whether or
not the Devrukh Brahmins lost their
radiance or invited public condemnation
but the Chitpaavan Brahmins have
always made their presence felt in their
region and the country as a whole. It is
said that the Pushkarna Brahmins had
also got the Brahmin status through
ponds. Hailing from Pokharan near
Jaisalmer, this group was very much in
the sacred work of building ponds. They
were entrusted the job of preparing the
pond of Pushkar, a place of pilgrimage.
In a very difficult sand-surrounded area,
these people worked day and night and
dug out a beautiful pond.
RAMNAMIS
Ramnamis, the Lord Rama’s
devotees of Chhattisgarh, with the
name of the Lord tattooed all over
their bodies and wearing the sheets
of Rama’s name on their persons
were the great specialists in the art of
pond-building. The earth work was
that of divine nature for them. Spread
over districts like Raipur Bilaspur
and Raigarh, the people of this
community have been digging ponds in
Chhattisgarh area. Probably it was their
wandering routine that gave them the
sobriquet ‘Banjara’ In several villages
of Chhattisgarh you will find people
saying that their pond was built by the
Banjaras. The families having faith in
Lord Rama did not cremate their dead.
They preferred burial because for them
nothing was more valued than earth.
What can be more sacred a funeral
ritual for someone who worked with
earth in the process of pond-building
throughout life with the name of Lord
Rama on his lips?
Today all these names have gone
into oblivion. The rosary to remember
their names from Gajdhar to Ramnamis
i.e. Rama’s devotees, is incomplete.
The ponds were built everywhere and
everywhere there were people who built
them. Hundreds or thousands of these
ponds had not appeared from vacuum
after all, but those who constructed them
have been reduced into a zero today.
(Courtesy: Aaj Bhi
Khare Hain Talab)
 Every Dr p is Precious
Water is
precious, we
all know about
it. But how
many of us surrounding the Palace, which brought cool
breeze.
have made it Once, there used to be 30 tanks in the
a habit not to town, but today only four tanks survive. All
the disappeared tanks were first filled with
waste water
waste material and then gradually turned into
in any case? shopping complexes, Bus Stands and other
Perhaps very Government as well as private buildings.
The experience of almost all the small or
few! The faster
Sundarlakshman big towns or cities is the same. Where from
we change our would the ground water level be maintained

A
habits, the
ll main towns and cities in our
better is for
country are situated on the banks
our own and of any of the Rivers. Apart
our future from rivers, the water for public
consumption is also traditionally stored in
generations’ tanks and lakes. These water bodies not
survival. We only address the water needs of the people
need to ensure and animals, but also have been playing
significant role in maintaining the ecological
that not a balance. Once, Shri Muthuramalinga Thevar,
single drop a veteran freedom fighter and staunch follower
of water slips of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, was standing
in the sit out of first floor of Ramanathapuram
down the drain King’s Palace. He exclaimed: “During the
Summers, this Palace is air-conditioned,
even without any air-conditioner. This is very
cool, how is it?” It was because of the tanks
when all the tanks, lakes and even the small
tributaries of rivers would vanish? The wells
built in the premises of houses have almost
vanished now, because everybody now
expects water supplied by the Municipality
or Corporation. Previously, every house used
to have a well to meet the water needs. Now,
all people are dependent on bore wells, which
too are deepened on alternate years as the
water level continuously falls.
Everywhere, the tanks used to be
maintained by villagers themselves. They
took the responsibility to keep them clean
and also utilised them for drinking water and
other purposes like agriculture, bathing, etc.
An interesting story related to Thiruvilaiyadal
Puranam (plays by Bhagwan Shiva) is narrated
in Tamil Nadu. When Madurai city was

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 31

damaged by floods caused by Vaigai
River, the town head ordered the people
to send one person from every family
to set right the banks. An old lady,
Vandhy, felt very sad because she was
alone in her house. She prayed Bhagwan
Shiva to help her in that situation. At
that time, a youth appeared in front of
her. She asked him whether he would
go and finish her portion’s work on the
river bank. He agreed and she gave him
puttu (Sathu) as his payment. When
the headman visited to see the work in
progress, the youth was found eating
puttu, and his portion’s work was also
not done. The headman shouted at him
and asked him why he did not finish
his work. “You know the punishment”,
he said. The youth replied, “Yes. You
may give me the punishment”. Then
the headman slapped four times on his
body. The same time all people in the
town got slaps. Then all understood
that the youth was Bhagwan Shiva and
had come for the help of Shivbhakta
Vandhy Maa.
32 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
Now, the task of maintaining
traditional water bodies has been
forgotten by the people. People get
vote to be elected for five years and
in return they offer them various
kinds of facilities. Thus, they make
Former RSS
Sarsaghachalak the
late Shri KS Sudarshan
always insisted the
swayamsevaks to
serve him half tumbler
of water and he used
minimum water to
wash hands also
them dependent on government
agencies even for minor things
including the duties which have
traditionally been discharged by
them since centuries. This mentality
has also made the people lazy.
But at the same time the training
of ensuring judicious consumption of
water and curbing the wastage is not
imparted to the people. In Mumbai,
when a person saw water going waste
in a tap, he asked his friend why he did
not get it repaired. The friend replied
that nobody is available for this work
and since the quantity of water going
waste is very small, it is not a big
matter. After hearing this, the old man,
Shri Surakhi, felt very sad. He is a
writer and poet. He thought, how many
houses waste water in Mumbai due to
not getting the faulty taps repaired. He
thought of doing that it himself. Then
he purchased different types of taps and
found the way to repair them. Then,
he took another young boy with him
and went to every house asking people
whether any tap required repairing. He
does that repairing free of cost. First,
all considered him mad. But, after
he explained why he is doing that,
people started accepting his request
and cooperating him. In this way, he
has attended thousands of houses and
saved five lakh litters of water every
year in his area.
In a Sangh Shiksha Varga, veteran
Sangh Pracharak Shri Sitaram Kedilaya
was taking a session demonstrating
how to utilise water minimally, while
taking a bath, washing the clothes, etc.
When we pour water on our head in a
particular manner it should go round the
body, not to be wasted. When brushing
the teeth and washing hands, etc. we
should not directly use water from the
tap, but take water in a mug and use
that. Former RSS Sarsaghachalak the
late Shri KS Sudarshan always insisted
the swayamsevaks to serve him half
tumbler of water and he used minimum
water to wash hands also.
During my Pravas in Tamil Nadu,
I noted at some villages that they had
separate tanks for drinking and other
purposes. The water was saved in the
tanks throughout the year and it was
available during summers also.
Sewa Bharati Tamil Nadu
karyakartas gave importance to
safeguarding the temple tanks
(Theppakulam). In Villupuram
District, Avalurpettai Kartikeya
Temple tank was cleaned by the whole
village performing shramadan for 40
days and cleaned Thiruvannamalai
Temple tank Agnithirtha in 25 days.
The exercise was motivated by a
sewavrathi Selvi Gomathi.
At Thiruvallikeny, a temple
tank was maintained by the Sangh
karyakartas. Due to that, the ground
water level in houses always remains
balanced. At Thiruvanmiyur Temple
tank, shramaseva was inaugurated by
famous film singer Sri Yesudass.
Well-known social activist Anna
Hazare in Maharashtra has built check
dams in his village Ralegan Siddi.
Because of it, the people get water
always in their wells and pump sets.
Because of it, those who had left the
village returned back and now do
farming at their own land. They now
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
export fruits to the far off areas and
have become self-sufficient.
So many methods of rainwater
harvesting have been adopted
in different parts of our country
especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc.
In Chennai, our Sewa Bharati workers
have connected one lakh houses
and educated them about rainwater
harvesting. After this, so many people
have introduced rainwater-harvesting
systems. Then the state’s Jayalalithaa-
led Government issued Government
Order making rainwater-harvesting
mandatory before getting the approval
for their house.
Whatever we can do should be done
to save the water. The faster we change
out habits, the better is for our own and
our future generations’ survival. We
need to ensure that not a single drop of
water slips down the drain.
(The writer is senior Sangh
Pracharak and incharge
of Self-Help Groups in the
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati)
33
Needed a Water Revolution
Scientists world over
in human life. The rulers have always
are working to find
been ready to build ponds and other
solution to water water bodies to conserve water for farm
crisis, but India has activities and the farmers also have been
a rich tradition of motivated for it. The way Chanakya
mentions the imposition of water tax in
water conservation.
his Arthashastra makes it amply clear
The time-tested and that the farmers in our country have
Dr Ravindra Agrawal
practical solution been using, apart from individual wells

T
to the water crisis
he scientists searching life on
is honest water different planets are trying
conservation and to know water resources
judicious use of there. If they find water, the
water. India can possibility of life there will be strong.
This shows the significance of water in
play a lead role life. Indian Sanskrit literature provides
in resolving the extensive references about water and
water crisis by life, significance of water and the
methods of keeping it clean and pure.
sharing her time-
Not only this, all important scriptures
tested expertise stress on creating different kinds of
water bodies like wells, ponds, lakes,
etc for conserving rainwater.
TRADITION OF WATER
CONSERVATION
Shatpath Brahman says “Aapo vaa
Annam (Water is the nourishment).
This shows the significance of water
and ponds, the government canals and
ponds for irrigation for thousands of
years.
Svasetubhyah hasta pravartimudak
bhagm pancham dadyuh |
Skandh pravartimam chaturtham|
Srotoyantra praavartimam
cha triteeyam|
Chaturth nadi sarastraak
kupodghatam|
Kautilya Arthashastra,
Adhikaran 2, Chapter 2.24.18
The farmers irrigating their farms
through the wells or ponds built by
themselves should pay one fifth of
the crops as water tax to the king.
Those who carry water for irrigation
of farmland on their shoulders should
pay one fourth of the crops and those
who irrigate their farm through the
government canal should pay one third

34 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 Annual use of water (billion cubic metre)
Objective 2000 2010 2025 2050
Domestic 42 56 73 102
Irrigation 541 688 910 1072
Industry 8 12 23 63
Energy 2 5 15 130
Other 41 52 72 80
Total 634 813 1093 1447
(Source: Basin Planning Directorate, CWC, XI Plan Document)
Report of the Standing Sub-Committee on “Assessment of Availability &
requirement of Water for Diverse uses-2000”

of the crop to the king. The rulers
were very much conscious to maintain
ponds and water bodies. The farmers
did not neglect the individual ponds
too.
Panchvarshoparatkarmanah
setubandhasya swamaye
lupyetanyatrapadbhyah |
Kautilya Arthshastra, Adhikaran 3,
Chapter 9.32
If the water body created for
irrigation is not used for five years,
the owner of the water body will lose
right over that body and then it will
be handed over to any other laborious
farmer.
Tataak setubandhanaam
navapravartane
Panchvarshikah pariharah|
Bhagna utsrishtanam
chaturvarshik|
Samupaarudhanam traivarshik|
Kautilya Arthshastra,
Adhikaran 3, Chapter 9.33
There was provision to grant five
years’ tax waiver to the farmers, who
built new pond, four years waiver to the
farmers who renovated the damaged
pond and three years waiver to the
farmers who properly maintained their
ponds.
Sethubhyo munchatastoryemapaare
shatpanodamah|
Paare vaa toyamanyesham
pramaadenoparundhatah|
Kautilya Arthshastra,
Adhikaran 3, Chapter 9.38
There was provision for fine and
punishment on the part of the state
to the farmers who snatched water
without their turn and prevented the
other farmers to use the water of their
turn.
WHAT CAUSED THE
WATER CRISIS?
It is a serious question as to why
the country, which has believed
and practised the dictum of “Jaleva
jeevanam” in practical life and where
there has been strong mechanism at
the state level to maintain water bodies
finds most of its rivers highly polluted
today and why the ponds and why the
lakes are vanishing. Why high-rise
buildings are being created on them
in the name of ‘development’. Before
Independence, clean water flew in
Use of water in different crops
Crop Litre per KG
Rice 3000 to 5000
Wheat 900 to 2000
Maize 1000 to 1800
Sugarcane 1500 to 3000
Soyabean 1100 to 2000
Potato 500 to 1500
the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, but
their poor condition in Independent
nation needs no elaboration. In
those days, even the ponds were
well maintained. We forgot and
neglected the significance of natural
resources in the blind race of industrial
revolution driven development after
Independence. We exploited our
natural resources equally madly as the
Western so-called developed nations
did. The meaning of development was
treated nothing but the uncontrolled
exploitation of natural resources for
mindless materialistic development.
The consequences of that extreme
exploitation of natural resources
surfaced before us in the form of
conflicts and wars. The race to control

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 35

 petroleum sector pushed the world
THE TRADITION OF WATER CONSERVATION into the Gulf War. The world is still
Annad bhavanti bhutani parjnyad anna-sambhavah | burning in the fire of that war.
yajnad bhavati parjanyo yajnah karma-samudbhavah||
(Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter 3. Karma-Yoga, slokam 14) FEAR OF WORLD
All living bodies subsist on food grains, which are produced from rains. WAR FOR WATER
Rains are produced by performance of yajna (sacrifice), and yajna is born of Now, it is being claimed that the next
prescribed duties.
World War may take place for water.
Tasmadva etasmadatmana Akashah sambhutah | Wherever the war may take place, India
Akashadvayuh| vayoragnih | agnerapah | adbhyah prithivi | will not remain untouched from its
prithivya oshadhayah | oshadhibhyonnam | annatpurushah | impact. India is also paying the price
Taittiriyopanishad for Gulf War, as it increased the cost
From the Atman was born Akasha (sky); from Akasha, air; from air, fire; from fire,
water; from water, earth; from earth, herbs; from herbs, food; from food, man of petroleum products, which affected
the economy of the entire world. Take
Ghrutvat payah| Rigveda 1/22/14 the example of global recession. The
Water is equal to ghee. wrong economic policies of the US
and China were responsible for it,
Sanrakshyarth ch bhootanam srishtam prathamto jalam|
Yatpranah sarvabhootanam vardhante yen ch prajah|| but it affected the economy of Bharat
Naradiya Puran-1/42/42-42 also, no matter slightly. The same
The Supreme God first created water to protect the creatures, because the argument can be made in the case of
water bestows life to every creature. water. However, India has the world’s
best ground water store in the form of
Aapo vaa sarvasya jagat pratishtha|
Shatpath Brahman 6/8/2/2 Sindhu and Ganga Rivers’ plains. The
The prestige of the world is water. success of the green revolution in the
country was basically the result of the
Kupavapitadagaadi… same ground water store. It is because
Trisaptakulmuddhapya vishnuloke mahiyate| of the green revolution that India
Garud Puran, 2-22
Twenty generations of the one who builds wells, Baoris, ponds, etc get is not only successfully feedingher
salvation. own population, but also exporting
foodgrains. It is important because
Divya vrishti asmakam supara| many economists during the 1960s had
Rigveda 1/152/7 started predicting that India would not
The rainwater is purest, because it is divine and clean.
be able to feed her 40 crore population,
Yatte te bhoomi vikhanaami kshipram tadapi rohatu| and never to the burgeoning population.
Maa te marma vimrugvari maa te hrudayamarpipam ||
Atharvaveda 12/1/135 WATER BANK OF BHARAT
Water on this earth is the nature’s gift, which comes to us naturally and There are huge possibilities of
grants happiness. Therefore, expressing gratitude to God we should con-
serve such waters. water in the plains of the Sindhu
and Ganga. If we start efforts as we
Maa aapo Hinsi| Yajurveda 6/22 did during the green revolution and
Don’t pollute the water. sincerely start rainwater conservation,
use water judiciously, India will
Jale-vapi yastyajadahajam malam|
Bhrunhatyasam paap sa prapnotyati daruna|| never face water crisis. There is
Narad Puran 1-322 highly rich and long tradition of
The persons who pollute water by putting stool in it, spitting or urinating water conservation in Rajasthan. The
commit the sin equal to feticide and they are put in the hell full of extreme- rainfall in this region is very low, even
ly bad smell. then the people never die for want of
water there and there was no conflict
Padarnasam moptha vruksham Rigveda 5/54/6 for water there. Then why are there
The trees planted on the banks of a water body should never be felled.
talks of conflicts for water?

36 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 FACT SHEET
Annual Precipitation (including snowfall) 4000 billion cubic metre
Average Annual Availability 1869 billion cubic metre
Surface Water Resources 690 billion cubic metre
The river water annually flown to the Sea 1179 billion cubic metre
Estimated Utilizable Water Resources 1123 billion cubic metre
Water received through rivers 690 billion cubic metre
Ground water Resources 433 billion cubic metre
Per capita water availability in 2015 1720 billion cubic metre
Demand per person in 2008 1633 billion cubic metre
(Source: Central Water Commission-2015)
USE OF GROUND WATER
• 50 per cent of urban water demand is met through
ground water
• 75 per cent of rural demand is met through ground water
• 50 per cent agriculture needs are met through ground
water
• 36.4 billion cubic metre additional rain water can be
recharged in the ground every year

The statistics of water availability

shows that the annual availability of
ground and river water in our country
is 1123 billion cubic metre, whereas the
demand for water is 813 billion cubic
metre. It is expected to increase to 1093
billion cubic metre by the year 2025. It
may be 1447 billion cubic metre by the
year 2050. It means we may face the
water crisis after 10 to 15 years. The
plains of Sindhu-Ganga are capable to
foil this possible crisis as it contributed
in the success of green revolution. This
plain of Sindhu-Ganga is the water
bank of Bharat. The more we deposit in
this bank, the more we shall be able to
withdraw in coming days. The statistics
of ground water consumption show
that at some places more water is being
extracted from this water bank than
being stored. It is similar to the mistakes
committed by the people of the US
where they deposited less in the banks
and borrowed more from them, which
not only pushed the entire economy of
the US into serious troubles, but also
trapped the economy of the whole world.
JUDICIOUS USE OF WATER
It is high time that we put an effective
check on the mentality of extracting
mindless water from this water bank.
There is dire need of judicious use
of water. We need to grow the crops,
which require less water and instead of
using the open irrigation methods, we
should use fountain or drop irrigation.
• Rajsamand built over Gomati River in Mewar is the perfect example of
successfully fighting against drought. Built about 325 years ago, it still meets all
water needs of the entire region
• The increase in ground water saves huge energy, which we use for extracting
water from tube wells. It is believed that one metre rise in ground water level
saves about 0.40 KW electricity per hour. If we run a tubewell for 10 hours daily, it
will save about 1460 KW electricity in a year
• The plain of Sindhu-Ganga Rivers is the water bank of Bharat. The more water we
deposit in this bank, the more we shall be able to withdraw in coming days.
We should think seriously as to why value from the international market.
we grow the crops which require more The growing prices of diesel and petrol
water in the greed of increasing export! are a matter of worry for everybody.
Experts say that one kg rice That is why the scientists world over
requires three to five thousand liter of are burning midnight oil on the alternate
water and the cost of seeds, fertilizers, fuels. But there is no substitute of water!
pesticides and labour of the farmers is The only way to overcome the growing
separate. Can the money we get after water crisis is water conservation.
export of one kg rice compensates the Therefore, it is high time we save every
use of this much water? Never. Then drop of water for our future generations
why should we opt for rice crops for and ensure more production from the
export? We need to grow rice as much judicious use of every drop of water.
we need and sow the crops, which (The writer is a senior journalist
require less water but fetch handsome and expert of agricultural issues)

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 37

 Ancient but highly Scientific
Traditions of Water Conservation
The ecologically safe and highly Sanchari Pal underlying all the highly

scientific traditional systems of
water harvesting being practised in
various parts of India since centuries
are still viable and cost-effective
alternatives to rejuvenate the
country’s depleted water resources.
Productively combining these
structures with modern rainwater
saving techniques could be the
answer to the perennial water woes
F
loods and droughts
were regular
occurrences in ancient
India. Perhaps this
is the reason that every region
in the country has its own
traditional water harvesting
techniques that reflect the
geographical peculiarities and
cultural uniqueness of the
regions. The basic concept
scientific techniques is that rain
has to be harvested whenever
and wherever it falls. These
traditional techniques, though
less popular today, are still in
use and efficient.
Archaeological evidences
show that the practice of
water conservation was deep-
rooted in the science of ancient
India. Excavations show that
the cities of the Indus Valley

38 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

Civilisation had excellent systems and drinking purposes. They may be harvesting technique indigenous to
of water harvesting and drainage. natural, such as the Pokhariyan ponds the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan.
The settlement of Dholavira, laid out at Tikamgarh in Bundelkhand region A Tanka is a cylindrical paved
on a slope between two storm water or manmade, such as the lakes of underground pit into which rainwater
channels, is a great example of water Udaipur. A reservoir, with an area less from rooftops, courtyards or artificially
engineering. Chanakya’s Arthashastra than five Bighas, is called a Talai, a prepared catchments flows. Once
mentions irrigation using water
harvesting systems. Sringaverapura,
near Allahabad, had a sophisticated
water harvesting system that used
natural slope of the land to store
floodwaters of the River Ganga. Chola
King Karikala built the Grand Ancicut
or Kallanai across the River Cauvery to
divert water for irrigation and it is still
functional. While the king of Bhopal
built the largest artificial lake in India.
Drawing upon centuries of experience,
Indians continued to build structures
to catch, hold and store monsoon
rainwater for the dry seasons to come.
These traditional techniques, though
less popular today, are still in use
and efficient. Easier to maintain than
many modern systems, they are also
sustainable in the long run.
Here is a brief account of the
The ancient Eri method of water conservation is still in use in Tamil Nadu
unique and highly scientific water
conservation systems prevalent in
ancient India and the communities medium sized lake is called a Bandhi completely filled, the water stored in
who have practised them for decades and bigger lakes are called Sagar or a Tanka can last throughout the dry
before the debate on climate change Samand. season and is sufficient for a family of
even existed: BAWARI 5-6 members. An important element
Bawaris are unique step wells of water security in these arid regions,
JHALARA that were once a part of the ancient Tankas can save families from the
Jhalaras are typically rectangular- networks of water storage in the cities everyday drudgery of fetching water
shaped step wells that have tiered steps of Rajasthan. The little rain that the from distant sources.
on three or four sides. These step wells region received would be diverted to
collect the subterranean seepage of an manmade tanks through canals built on AHAR PYNES
upstream reservoir or a lake. Jhalaras the hilly outskirts of cities. The water Ahar Pynes are traditional
were built to ensure easy and regular would then percolate into the ground, floodwater harvesting systems
supply of water for religious rites, raising the water table and recharging a indigenous to South Bihar. Ahars are
royal ceremonies and community use. deep and intricate network of aquifers. reservoirs with embankments on three
The city of Jodhpur has eight Jhalaras, To minimise water loss through sides that are built at the end of diversion
the oldest being the Mahamandir evaporation, a series of layered steps channels like Pynes. Pynes are artificial
Jharalra that dates back to 1660 AD. were built around the reservoirs to rivulets led off from rivers to collect
narrow and deepen the wells. water in the Ahars for irrigation in the
TALAB/BANDHI dry months. Paddy cultivation in this
Talabs are reservoirs that store TANKA relatively low rainfall area depends
water for household consumption Tanka is a traditional rainwater mostly on Ahar Pynes.

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 39


JOHADS
Johads, one of the oldest systems
used to conserve and recharge ground
water, are small earthen check dams
that capture and store rainwater.
Constructed in an area with naturally
high elevation on three sides, a storage
pit is made by excavating the area, and
excavated soil is used to create a wall
on the fourth side. Sometimes, several
Johads are interconnected through
deep channels, with a single outlet
opening into a river or stream nearby.
This prevents structural damage to the
water pits that are also called Madakas
in Karnataka and Pemghara in Odisha.
PANAM KENI
The Kuruma Vanvasis, a native
Janjati of Wayanad in Kerala, use a
special type of well, called the Panam
Keni to store water. Wooden cylinders
are made by soaking the stems of toddy
palms in water for a long time so that
the core rots away until only the hard
outer layer remains. These cylinders,
four feet in diameter as well as depth,
are then immersed in groundwater
springs located in fields and forests.
This is the secret behind how these
wells have abundant water even in the
hottest summer months.
40 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
KHADIN
Khadins are indigenous
constructions designed to harvest
surface runoff water for agriculture.
The main feature of Khadin, also
called Dhora, is a long earthen
embankment that is built across the
hill slopes of gravelly uplands. Sluices
and spillways allow the excess water to
drain off and the water-saturated land
is then used for crop production. First
Bamboo Drip Irrigation
system is an ingenious
system of efficient water
management that has
been practised for over
two centuries in north-
east India
designed by the Palliwal Brahmins
of Jaisalmer in the 15th century, this
system is quite similar to the irrigation
methods of the people of ancient Ur
(present Iraq).
KUND
A Kund is saucer-shaped catchment
area that gently slopes towards the
central circular underground well. Its
main purpose is to harvest rainwater for
drinking. Kunds dot the sandier tracts
of Western Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Traditionally, these well-pits were
covered with disinfectant lime and
ash, though many modern Kunds have
been constructed simply with cement.
Raja Sur Singh is said to have built the
earliest known Kunds in the village
Vadika Melan in the year 1607 AD.
BAOLI
Built by the nobility for civic,
strategic or philanthropic reasons, Baolis
were the structures from which everyone
could draw water. These beautiful step
wells typically had beautiful arches,
carved motifs and sometimes, rooms
on their sides. The locations of Baolis
often suggest the way in which they
were used. Baolis within villages were
mainly used for utilitarian purposes
and social gatherings. Baolis on trade
routes were often frequented as resting
places. Step wells used exclusively for
agriculture had drainage systems that
channeled water into the fields.
NADI
Found near Jodhpur in Rajasthan,
Nadis are village ponds that store
rainwater collected from adjoining
natural catchment areas. The location of
a Nadi has a strong bearing on its storage
capacity and hence the site of a Nadi is
chosen after careful deliberation of its
catchment and runoff characteristics.
Since Nadis received their water supply
from eratic, torrential rainfall, large
amounts of sandy sediments were
regularly deposited in them, resulting
in quick siltation. A local voluntary
organisation, the Mewar Krishak Vikas
Samiti has been adding system like
spillways and silt traps to old Nadis
and promoting afforestation of their
drainage basin to prevent siltation.
BANDHARA PHAD
Phad, a community-managed
irrigation system, probably came into
existence a few centuries ago. The
system starts with Bandhara (check
dam) built across a river, from which
Kalvas (canals) branch out to carry
water into the fields in the Phad
(agriculture block). Sandams (escaped
outlets) ensure that the excess water
is removed from the canals by Charis
(distributaries) and Sarangs (field
channels). The Phad system is operated
on three rivers in the Tapi basin—
Panjhra, Mosam and Aram—in Dhule
and Nasik Districts of Maharashtra.
ZING
Zings, found in Ladakh, are small
tanks that collect melting glacier
water. A network of guiding channels
brings water from the glacier to the
tank. A trickle in the morning, the
melting waters of the glacier turn into
a flowing stream by the afternoon. The
water, collected by evening, is used in
the fields on the following day. A water
official called Chirpun is responsible
for the equitable distribution of water
A Kund is saucer-shaped
catchment area that
gently slopes towards
the central circular
underground well.
Its main purpose is to
harvest rainwater for
drinking. Kunds dot the
sandier tracts of Western
Rajasthan and Gujarat
in this dry region that relies on melting
glacial water to meet its farming needs.
KUHLS
Kuhls are surface water channels
found in the mountainous regions
of Himachal Pradesh. The channels
carry glacial waters from rivers and
stream into the fields. The Kangra
Valley system has an estimated 715
major Kuhls and 2,500 minor Kuhls
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
that irrigate more than 30.000 hectares
in the valley. An important cultural
tradition, the Kuhls were built either
through public donations or by royal
rulers. A Kohli would be designated
as the master of the Kuhl and he would
be responsible for the maintenance of
the Kuhl.
ZABO
The Zabo (meaning ‘impounding
run off’) system combines water
conservation with forestry, agriculture
and animal care. Practised in
Nagaland, Zabo is also known as the
Ruza system. Rainwater that falls
on forested hilltops is collected by
channels that deposit the runoff water
in pound-like structures created on the
terraced hillsides. The channels also
pass through cattle yards, collecting
the dung and urine of animals, before
ultimately meandering into paddy
fields at the foot of the hill. Ponds
created in the paddy field are then
used to rear fish and foster the growth
of medicinal plants.
41
 Typology of Indian Traditional Water Harvesting Systems
Sl. No Ecological Regions Systems for Agriculture Systems for Drinking Water

1. Hill and mountain • Diversion Channels leading directly
regions to agricultural fields (e.g. Kulhs of
western Himalayas)
• Channels lead into a storage struc-
ture so that water can be used in dry
periods (e.g. Zings in Ladakh)
2. Arid and semi • Rainfed storage structures which
arid regions provide command area downstream
(e.g. tanks)
• Stream or riverfed storage struc-
tures built in series with overflow
from one becoming runoff for the
subsequent one (e.g. Bandharas of
Maharashtra)
• Rainfed storage structures which
allow runoff to stand over and mois-
ten the fertile soil bed which is later
used for growing crops(e.g. Khadins
of Jaisalmer, Johads of Alwar, Ahar
of South Bihar)
3. Plains and • Inundation channels were built on Dug wells
Floodplains major rivers which allowed floodwa-
ter to be diverted to agricultural field
(e.g. inundation channel of West
Bengal, Ahar Pyne of South Bihar
• Rainwater stored in agricultural
filled by bunding them (e.g. Haveli
system of Madhya Pradesh)
4. Coastal Areas Regulatory systems to control ingress
of saline river waters especially during
high tides (e.g. Khazana lands of Goa)
(Source: Anil Agarwal and Sunita Narain, Dying Wisdom, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi)
• Natural springs, rooftop rainwater
harvesting, bamboo pipes in Northeast
to carry spring water
• Groundwater harvesting structures
like wells and stepwells were built to
tap groundwater aquifers (e.g. Baoris of
Rajasthan).
• Wells and step wells were built wher-
ever possible, especially below storage
structures like tanks to collect clean
seepage for use as drinking water (e.g.
forts of Chittor)
• Rooftop rainwater harvesting (e.g.
Tankas of Pali)
• Rainwater harvesting using artificially
created catchments which drain water
into artificial well (Kunds of Rajasthan
• Special rainwater harvesting struc-
tures which avoid sweet rainwater from
mixing with saline water (e.g. Virdas of
Kutch)
• Horizontal wells to harvest seepage
downhill slopes (e.g. Surangams of
Kerala)
Dug wells

BAMBOO DRIP IRRIGATION
Bamboo Drip Irrigation system
is an ingenious system of efficient
water management that has been
practised for over two centuries
in north-east India. The Vanvasi
farmers of the region have developed
a system of irrigation in which water
from perennial springs is diverted to
the terrace fields using varying sizes
and shapes of bamboo pipes. Best
suited for crops requiring less water,
the system ensures that small drops
of water are delivered directly to
the roots of the plants. This ancient
system is used by the farmers of Khasi
and Jaintia hills to drip-irrigate their
black pepper cultivation.
JACKWELLS
The Shompen Janjati of the Great
Nicobar Islands live in a region of
rugged topography and they make
full use of the harvested water. In this
system, the low-lying region of the
island is covered with jackwells (pits
encircled by bunds made from logs of
hard wood). A full-length bamboo is cut

42 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

longitudinally and placed on a gentle
slope with the lower end leading the
water into the jackwell. Often, these
split bamboos are placed under trees to
collect the runoff water from leaves. Big
jackwells are interconnected with more
bamboos so that the overflow from one
jackwell leads to the other, ultimately
leading to the biggest jackwell.

RAMTEK MODEL
The Ramtek model has been named
after the water harvesting structures in
the town of Ramtek in Maharashtra.
An intricate network of groundwater
and surface water bodies, this system
was developed and maintained mostly
by the Malguzars (landowners) of
the region. In this system, tanks
connected by underground and surface
canals form a chain that extends
from the foothills to the plains. Once
tanks located in the hills are filled to
capacity, the water flows down to fill
successive tanks, generally ending
in a small waterhole. This system
conserves about 60 to 70 per cent of
the total runoff in the region.

PAT SYSTEM
The Pat system, in which the
peculiarities of the terrain are used
to divert water from hill streams into
irrigation channels, was developed in
the Bhitada village in Jhabua District of
Madhya Pradesh. Diversion bunds are
made across a stream near the village
by pilling up stones and then lining
them with teak leaves and mud to
make them leak proof. The Pat channel
then passes through deep ditches and
stone aqueducts that are skillfully cut
into stone cliffs to create an irrigation
system that the villagers use in turn.
ERI
The Eri (tank) system of Tamil
Nadu is one of the oldest water
management systems in India. Still
widely used in the state, Eris act as
flood-control systems, prevent soil
erosion and wastage of run off during
periods of heavy rainfall and also
recharge the groundwater. Eris can
either be a system Eri, which is fed
by channels that divert river water, or
a non-system Eri that is fed solely by
rain. The tanks are interconnected in
order to enable access to the farthest
village and to balance the water level
in case of excess supply. The Eri
system enables the complete use of
river water for irrigation and without
them, paddy cultivation would have
been impossible in Tamil Nadu.
There are several other hyper-local
versions of the traditional methods of
tanks irrigation in India. From Keres
in Central Karnataka and Cheruvus in
Andhra Pradesh to Dongs in Assam
tanks are among the most common
traditional irrigation systems in India.
These ecologically safe traditional
systems are viable and cost-effective
alternatives to rejuvenate India’s
depleted water resources. Productively
combining these structures with
modern rainwater saving techniques,
such as percolation tanks, injection
wells and subsurface barriers, could be
the answer to India’s perennial water
woes. After all, we must remember
that it is our collective action today that
shall determine the course of future.
(Courtesy: Kurukshetra,
November 2017)

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 43

 TAMIL NADU

New Lease of Life to Dying Lakes

The synergy of RSS swayamsevaks and local people at Madipakkam area of
Chennai has not only saved four lakes of the city from encroachment but also
bestowed them a new lease of life after cleaning them. Now this group is busy
in the activities like cleanliness, tree plantation, campaign against plastic, etc

O
n May 20, 2017 as part of a
discussion to do something
for the surroundings,
a group of five RSS
swayamsevaks visited Naikar Kuttai
in Mahalakshmi Nagar, Madipakkam
(Chennai Suburb). The water body,
which was close to 3 acres in its original
size has shrunk by 30 per cent thanks
to the few buildings that came up on
its borders. Even the remaining part
of the water body was full of shrubs,
waste and plastic. It appeared as if very
soon the water body would be at road
level and ready for appropriation by
the vested interests.
As first step, it was decided to gather
maximum people at the place on next
Saturday and start cleanliness drive.
Around 25 people gathered on the day,
which included the swayamsevaks,
local residents and social activists.
After two hours of manual cleaning,
it appeared the garbage and plastic
had been accumulating there for
years and more efforts are required.
Activists from Madipakkam Neer
Nilai Punaramaipu Iyakan (MNPI)
said they had done some initial study
on restoring the waterbody and the
Corporation has given a go ahead
for them to do mechanised desilting.
While it is understood, mechanised
desilting using JCB would only help,
funding the project was next hurdle
to cross. Residents and individuals
around the area pitched in with
generous contributions to the project.
The MNPI and Federation of South
Madipakkam Residents Associations
volunteered to lead the efforts to
mobilise funds as well as on field
JCB work with guidance from the
Corporation. Over the next 10 days,
the bunds were strengthened, water
inlet culvert was dredged, garbage was
removed and the lake was deepened
by four feet. A paper back calculation
says about 2.5 lakh cubic feet of
storage capacity was added. Couple
of weeks later, 40 Neem saplings were
planted on the bunds and those are
being maintained well.
A week after, the same group
started cleanliness drive on a nearby
water body, Otheswarerkoilkulam.
This five acre water body had all the
same ills – garbage, shrubs, no depth
at all, encroachments and plastic
plus additional problem of drainage
water being let into it. After two hour
manual cleanup same modus operandi
was decided, to start mechanised
desilting once work on Naikar Kuttai
is complete. Residents around the area
and MNPI took lead in this initiative to
raise funds and manage the field work.
With field coordination by MNPI
and support from the Corporation the
entire water body was rejuvenated—
bunds raised, water inlets and outlets
dredged, drainage leakage into
waterbody diverted to appropriate
place and depth increased by four feet.
Storage capacity of 7 lakh cubic feet
was added to benefit the residents in
the neighbourhood. Around the lake,
volunteers from Standard Chartered
Bank planted 70 native saplings and
residents are taking care of them. With
the surprise rains in July and August
one can see lot of fish and birds in the
waterbody.

44 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 Before
In last week of August, the
team embarked on a project of
bigger scale—Rejuvenation of
Sitheri in Puzuthivakkam, adjoining
area of Madipakkam. The 27 acre
waterbody, which is source of water
for tens of thousands of households
in Madipakkam and Puzuthivakkam
area, had its own ills because of years
of negligence. The bunds in West
side of the long lake were crumbled,
drainage was let in, desilting was due
for more than a decade and shrubs,
plastic waste, garbage and liquor
bottles were liberally mushrooming
across the waterbody. On August 26,
2017 cleanliness drive was carried out.
It was decided to start mechanised
desilting by soliciting support from
residents, associations and business
establishments. It was decided that
MNPI, Puzuthivakkam Neernilai
Punaramaipu Kuzhu and Seva Bharati
would work jointly on this project.
After initial study and exploring
best way to execute the project, the
mechanised desilting was further
started on September 18. Over the next
six weeks, bunds were created on West
and South side, and were strengthened
on North and East sides, depth of water
body was increased by four feet along
the borders and Southern end drainage
inlets were closed. A total of 125
saplings were planted by CSR wing
After
As good begets more
good, the residents
embarked on several
initiatives. Taking plastic
avoidance as key theme,
they started two fold
efforts to reduce and
avoid plastic usage
of the Standard Chartered Bank on
the bunds. Roughly, 20 lakh cubic feet
additional storage capacity was added.
The team did the maintenance activity
of the saplings and also planted 75
more saplings around the lake.
The team continued with its drive
for Green Clean Madipakkam, planting
and growing trees every Saturday
morning across the neighbourhood
involving well-wishers, good citizens
and resident associations. Till the end
of November over 600 saplings with
fence guards had been planted with
fence guards. Key observation here is
that the team does not plant trees, but
grows them. At the time of planting,
residents at house nearest to the place
are called to plant and children in the
house are requested to water the plants.
This way the onus to take care is borne
by the residents. Also on every 4th
week, the team takes up maintenance
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
activity in the area where the saplings
have been planted in last three weeks.
This ensures fences are mended or
replaced whenever required. A ready
reckoner list of 10 points are checked
before doing plantation. The team
has completed 40 events in past 28
weeks. Sensitive individuals who have
been seeking avenue to do good have
joined together and this is growing in
numbers each week.
As good begets more good,
the residents embarked on several
initiatives. Taking plastic avoidance as
key theme, they started two fold efforts
to reduce and avoid plastic usage.
First, they started a poster campaign
in key spots in the neighbourhood
calling people to “Say No to Plastic”.
They have also embarked on a mission
to cover shops in the area and houses
door-to-door to advice public to use
cloth bag for daily purchases and
issued couple of bags for each house. A
locality is identified for next weekend
activity, and to make this viral they
are collecting funds from interested
houses and establishments and using
the same fund for their following week
campaign.
One thing for sure is that sensitive
people have gathered for a sensitive
cause and have started working in a
disciplined, persistent collective way
and initial results look impressive. n
45
 TAMIL NADU

Applause from Kalam

The drinking water crisis in Rameshwaram was taking a serious turn
day-by-day. The traditional water bodies have been ruined and the
government agencies are not in a position to meet the drinking water
demand of the people. In such a situation, the efforts of reviving the
traditional water bodies by the Vivekananda Kendra under its Nardep project
received applause from former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

R
ameswaram Municipality
meets its water supply
requirements through
ground water sources.
The water is supplied to the town
through 11 borewells (out of which
8 are non-functional) in addition to
the desalination plant, which too is
non-functional, leaving an effective
supply to be available from four open
wells located at Nambunayaki Amman
Kovil, Meyambuli, Semmamadam,
Natarajapuram. The present system
supplies 2.74 MLD of water to the
residents of the town against the
demand of 7.02 MLD. The town faces
scarcity of water, almost every year
due to scanty and scattered pattern of
rainfall.
The ground water contains high
content of dissolved salts. The intrusion
of the sea water is increasing gradually.
According to the municipal records,
hardness in drinking water has already
crossed permissible limit. Although
80 per cent of the road network is
covered by water supply network, only
13.6 per cent households have service
connection. The existing income
sources of the municipality are not
enough to meet the growing demand
of water. So many of Rameswaram
traditional water bodies have been
seriously degraded. Degradation of the
water bodies has led to water quality
issues and increased the exposure to
health risks, which could be further
exacerbated by climate change. This
calls for source augmentation. Salinity
in water, pollution at source and
demand by a large tourist population
together creates water crisis, especially
during peak summers.
The entire island is having shallow
aquifers and thus rainwater harvesting
is not feasible. If we harvest the
rainwater deeper, it will get mixed
up with the seawater. However,
conservation of water in tanks is
possible.
The Coastal Areas are flanked by

46 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

Beach Ridge Complex Sanddunes,
swales, swamps and backwater. The
sand flat is another feature of the coast
comprising of clays and silts, often
inundated by sea water and encrusted
with salt. Sand occurs in flat elevation
at Rameswaram. The formation of
water is brackish to saline below 6-9
m in coastal part and freshwater floats
over. Hence, most of the ground water
in Rameswaram is saline in content.
People at Rameswaram were utilising
this ground water for the domestic
uses of bathing, gardening, washing,
etc. For Drinking water, mostly they
are dependent on Government water
supply and the private mineral water.
Usage of Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Desalination Plants for making the
saline water potable is used at a very
meager level at Rameswaram. There
were attempts for RO plant installation
at a few places in Rameswaram like
Vadakadu, which are mostly non-
operational due to management issues.
Grey water constitutes 55 to 75
per cent of waste water. It has its own
chemical and biological contaminants,
which is a threat to health and marine
biodiversity if not properly used.
The challenge is more in the context
of Rameswaram as the alkaline soil
does not absorb them. Only 10 per
cent is absorbed. At one end, there is
a deficit of demand for water and gap
is mounting because of tourist pressure
whereas at another end, there is a
significant waste of grey water to the
tune of six crore litres in a year without
productive use. Considering the
threat of seawater intrusion because
of ground water depletion, it poses a
threat for the inhabitants of the island.
There is an immense need for making
use of the grey water productively
by reducing the quantity of nutrients
entering water pathways. Innovative
systems and process need to be in
place for reclaiming the nutrients in
grey water to enhance the soil quality
or use it for flushing the toilets.
There is no exclusive use of grey
water as of now. Either it is used
as default to water plants or mix it
with sewerage in the sumps. Much
of the grey water at Rameswaram is
drained to sea without any use posing
threat to the marine biodiversity.
Swachh Bharat Mission aims at
creation of Open Defecation Free
India. However, we are yet to reach
the mission mainly due to the lack of
infrastructure. Almost 50 per cent of
the households have no toilet facilities
in Rameswaram. So far, there were
no arrangements for the disposal of
black water in Rameswaram. All these
waters are draining into Agni Teertham
(Open Sea near Ramanathasamy
temple). In response to the Public
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
Interest Litigation (PIL) filed about
the sewages in Agni Teertham, a high
level advocate committee visited the
Teertham and communicated to the
High Court that Agni Teertham water
is not clean and hygienic and unfit to
even put your feet into it. After the
High Court order, the sewage water
was directed 2.5 kms away from Agni
Teertham. However, it again drains
into sea water and poses threat to the
marine biodiversity. After a long gap,
the State Government sanctioned a
project for establishing an underground
sewerage scheme and treatment plant.
The total project outlay is about Rs
60 crore. There would be a good
coverage of households under this
scheme, however linking them would
be a major challenge. There will be
left over households, which need
alternative mechanisms for treatment
of sewerage. This may be carried out
either by establishing decentralised
water treatment system (DEWATS) or
night soil based bio gas plants.
To have effective water
management, community participation
is expected in reviving traditional water
bodies, conserving rainwater in tanks
and in recycling of waste water. There
are no social infrastructures at present
to spearhead this cause and the few
existing are banking on the potential of
tourism in this island. Building social
capital calls for engagement from all
the stakeholders who are interested
in building the culture and heritage
of the ancient Rameswaram. The
purpose of mothering the pilot project
is to demonstrate to the mainstream
and other stakeholders to scale up the
initiatives through refining operational
rules, enforcing the existing laws,
regulating and managing discharges
and limiting encroachments.
INITIATIVES TAKEN SO FAR
The municipality has enhanced
the water storage capacity to 27.40
47
litres (2016) from 13.40 litres (2007)
through overhead tank and Ground
Reservoirs. Green Rameswaram
Project has identified 64 traditional
water bodies (Teerthams) in and
around Rameswaram island, 20 such
water bodies outside the temple have
been renovated and 8.5 million litres of
water storage capacity has been created
to recharge ground water. Twenty
thousand villagers and over a lakh
of tourists are benefitted. Revival of
Kudimaramathu system for protecting
traditional water bodies is envisaged.
Efforts are on to make the traditional
water bodies as a tourist destination
generating employment for the local
stakeholders.
APPRECIATION
FROM DR KALAM
In response to the call of the state
and former President the late Dr APJ
Abdul Kalam to realise the vision
of Green Rameswaram to reality,
we involved all the stakeholders to
join hands for the cause of Greening
Rameswaram. So far, under this
project, social sensitisation has been
done through camps and campaigns
to reach out to different communities.
About 8,000 students have been
enlightened about the concept of
48 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
Green Rameswaram through periodic
camps at schools and colleges.
Cultural festivities of all faiths and
different art forms like street plays
were utilised. Green Rameswaram has
installed an RO plant with 1000 litres
capacity for demonstration purpose.
Temple has a RO plant structure for
tourists’ usage.
Appreciating the Teertham
Renovation work done by the
Vivekananda Kendrm Nardep,
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam had said:
“Friends from Vivekananda Kendra
have planned the renovation of holy
water bodies of Rameswaram. Today
they have renovated decades long
abandoned polluted water bodies.
They have removed the thorny
shrubs which occupied the Teertham,
they have removed the putrefied
stagnant polluted waters; they have
removed the liquor bottles and other
pollutants that had been thrown into
the Teerthams. Now the Pilgrims
can visit these Teerthams. This noble
task by Vivekananda Kendra is a
praiseworthy service. I congratulate
each and everyone of you who
participated in this noble endeavour.
Mobile vans and permanent exhibits
are in place for sensitising the
pilgrims. Dissemination of the
information about the verticals to
the pilgrims / local people through
booklets, audio CDs, pamphlets and
posters are done. Line departments,
community, academia and business
establishments are networked through
campaigns and are contributing to
Green Rameswaram Project. With
the District Collector as Chairman,
Island Development Committee has
been formed with the representative
of Green Rameswaram Project, which
will catalyze all the stakeholders in
building the blue green infrastructure.
Regular meetings are conducted to
update the pilot project. initiatives
and to explore the possibilities of
mainstreaming the same with the
State and Central governments.
These meetings address the gaps in
implementation of the pilot projects.
They also ensure the department
mobilises resources for setting up
institutional mechanisms for effective
management. Visioning exercise
carried out under the chairmanship
of District Collector and Regional
Director of Municipal Administration
under RAMESWARAM@ 2025 has
brought all the stakeholders together
to dialogue on the issues related under
each vertical and to position the cause
of Green Rameswaram.” n
 Chinese Eye at the Himalayan Rivers
China is trying to monopolise the vast water resources originating from
Tibet. The international communities should take up the matter seriously
Romen Sarma
A
lmost all major rivers of
our region—South and
Southeast Asia covering
North and North East
India, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal,
Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos and
Thailand—originate from the Tibetan-
Himalayan region. Having widely
contaminated its major rivers through
rampant industrialisation, China is now
looking at the water sources of Tibetan-
Himalayas to meet its future needs.
China’s economic and technical ability
backed by political will to divert the
Tibetan-Himalayas rivers to meet its
growing needs stands as a big threat not
only to India, but to the whole of South
and Southeast Asian region. China is
likely to monopolise the control over
the vast water resources originating
in Tibet. It is the responsibility of
international communities to take up
the matter seriously and exert pressure
on China for judicious use and sharing
of river water with other nations too.
Growing water shortage is a reality
and water sharing is going to be the
important socio-political dissatisfaction
of South & South East Asian nations
with China in near future. China is
also under compulsion to make water
available to its people, but a judicious
solution under the international rule
and guidelines in sharing the water of
the common rivers need to be evolved.
If the existing international rule and
guidelines are insufficient to meet the
expectations of the affected nations,
some necessary amendments or
regional regulations need to be evolved
well ahead of time before the situation
deteriorates and relations of the affected
nations take a down turn towards China.
Some of the major multi national
rivers originating from Tibet that flow
through number of countries of South
and Southeast Asian region before
meeting the sea are Ganges, Indus,
Brahmaputra, Mekong, Salween,
Yellow, Yangtze and Sutlej etc.
RIVERS ORIGINATING
FROM TIBET
The Helsinki Rules on the Uses of
the Waters of International Rivers is
an international guideline regulating
how rivers and their connected ground
waters that cross national boundaries
may be used, adopted by the
International Law Association (ILA)
in Helsinki, Finland in August 1966.
Applicable to all drainage basins
that cross national boundaries, except
where other agreement between
bordering nations exists, the Helsinki
Rules assert the rights of all bordering
nations to an equitable share in the
water resources, with reasonable
consideration of such factors as past
customary usages of the resource and
balancing variant needs and demands
of the bordering nations. The Helsinki
rules consist of 37 Articles spread
over six Chapters. Some provisions of
the rule are given below as follows:
Each basin State is entitled,
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
within its territory, to a reasonable
and equitable share in the beneficial
uses of the waters of an international
drainage basin. In determining what
is reasonable and equitable share, all
relevant factors are to be considered
together and a conclusion to be
reached on the basis of the whole.
1. The geography of the basin,
including in particular the extent
of the drainage area in the territory
of each basin State
2. The hydrology of the basin,
including in particular the
contribution of water by each
basin State
3. The climate affecting the basin
4. The past utilisation of the
waters of the basin, including in
particular existing utilisation
5. The economic and social needs of
each basin State
6. The population dependent on the
waters of the basin in each basin
State
7. The comparative costs of
alternative means of satisfying
the economic and social needs of
each basin State
8. The availability of other resources
9. The avoidance of unnecessary
waste in the utilisation of waters
of the basin
10. The practicability of
compensation to one or more of
the co-basin States as a means of
adjusting conflicts among uses
11. The degree to which the needs
of a basin State may be satisfied,
without causing substantial injury
to a co-basin State.
(The writer is a trustee of
the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati)
49
 KARNATAKA
A Movement for Water Literacy
Jalabharathi, an initiative
of RSS Karnataka Dakshin
Prant Sewa Vibhag,
is dedicated to water
literacy, water awareness
and water conservation
Dr. Narayan Shenoy
W
e are bestowed with
rich water resources.
The average annual
rainfall in our country
is 117cm, second highest in the world.
The total annual precipitation in the
country is estimated at about 37,00,000
million cubic metres. But distribution
of rainfall is erratic in space and time
and shows the seasonal pattern—with
50 per cent falling in just 15 days. This
has created an uneven distribution of
50 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
water in different parts of the country.
There are nearly 210 perennial and
non-perennial rivers in the country. The
total flow in these rivers is about 1953
cubic kilometre, out of which only 690
cubic metre of water is usable for human
consumption. Identified glaciers are
15,000 in the Himalayas, from which
most of the major Indian rivers viz., the
Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Brahmaputra
originate. Estimated availability of fresh
water in the glaciers is about 12,000
cubic kilometres. The Himalayan
glaciers provide water to about 60 per
cent of the Indian population. Estimated
groundwater resource in the country is
about 432 cubic kilometres, of which
396 cubic kilometres are available
for human consumption. Wet lands
including ponds, lakes, tanks, estuaries
etc. cover about 18.4 per cent of the
land area, which are very valuable fresh
water resources.
In spite of enormous water
resources, the country is heading
towards water crisis. India is a water
deficient nation. Why? “Water Water
Everywhere, No Drop to Drink…”
What is the reason? Is it due to the lack
of awareness regarding conservation
and optimum utilisation of water
resources? The answer is ‘yes’. Hence,
a movement had been initiated in the
name of “Jalabharathi” by Sewa
Vibhag of Karnataka Dakshina Prant
about five years back. The prime motto
of the movement is Jal Saksharta
(education), Jal Jagriti (awareness),
and Jal Sanrakshan (conservation).
WATER LITERACY
Knowing more about different
sources of water, usage of water,
sources of pollution, wastage of
water, etc is water literacy. Preparing
a budget for our daily consumption of
water—use of water for bathing, toilet,
washing clothes and utensils, cooking,
mouth washing, etc is the beginning of this direction is Jal Sanrakshan. organic farming
Jal Saksharta. The following points Implementation of appropriate water 4 Planting local samplings to allow
are also necessary for water literacy: conservation method at suitable places. the rainwater to infiltrate into
4 Knowledge of water resources 4 Constructing percolation ponds, ground.
around us recharging ground or open wells 4 Recharging of bore well from
4 Optimum usage of water in our and bore wells though rooftop rooftop rainwater
daily life
4 Develop the consciousness for
not polluting the water
4 Prevent leakage of water from
taps
4 Do not use municipal supplied
fresh water to clean the premises
of schools, office buildings and
roads, etc.
4 Reduce the consumption of
soap, shampoo, paste, etc, which
pollute water
4 Do not litter school and public
toilets
4 Use small utensils while taking
bath
4 While washing clothes and
cleaning utensils do not keep the
tap on unnecessarily
4 Reuse the domestic waste water
for gardening.

WATER AWARENESS
The second step to tackle the
water crisis is Jal Jagriti —to
create awareness among the public
particularly among school children.
Following activities are helpful to
create water conservation awareness
among school children:
4 Quiz on water
4 Drawing competition on water
4 Public procession
4 Educational tour to various water
resources
4 Greening the school campuses
and public places
In addition to these, we can
conduct workshops for farmers,
teachers and general public regarding
importance of water.
WATER CONSERVATION
The third and last step in
rainwater harvesting structures
4 Showcasing models for rainwater PARTICIPATION OF SCHOOL
harvesting at schools, houses and
temples for public awareness
4 Rejuvenation of defunct open
wells/bore wells
4 Maintaining cleanliness in and
around public water resources
such as tanks, open wells and
bore wells
4 Conducting land-water survey—
finding out the causes for water
scarcity in the region and adopting
suitable measures to tackle the
issues
4 Rejuvenation of traditional
rainwater harvesting structures
4 Use of fewer chemicals in
agriculture. Less dependence on
bore well water and encouraging
CHILDREN
Jalabharathi has designed
special programmes to create water
conservation awareness among
school children. Some of the popular
programmes are:
Since inception the Jalabharathi
has organised 15 state level workshops,
conducted about 328 awareness
programmes across Karnataka state to
train the people in the field of water
conservation and awareness. A total
of 21,731 students, 1,235 teachers
and 6,994 farmers and general public
participated in the programmes. It has
organised a series of programmes for
school children, teachers and farmers
and general public. n

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 51

 KARNATAKA

Rejuvenation
of Village Pond
When the administration turned a deaf ear to all their requests, the
villagers themselves revived the pond, which now irrigates over 100 acres of
agricultural land. The model is now to be replicated in other villages also

C
hikkannana Kere, a village
pond located in Kanangi
village of Kodavoor,
Udupi, Karnataka has been
neglected for decades and its presence
has been relegated to the margin. The
members of local Gram Vikas Samiti
and different youth organisations
initiated the rejuvenation of the pond
by community participation.
The legend has it that ‘Chikkannana
Kere’ was used for irrigation and was a
part of the social life of the community.
During New Year Ugadi, local people
practised fishing in this pond as a mode
of celebration. Impact of urbanisation
and shifting from agriculture to other
occupation resulted in the subsequent
poor maintenance of the pond.
Consequently, the pond was filled with
silt and water plants and gradually got
converted into a dumping yard.
“Once upon a time the pond was
feeding more than hundred acres of
agricultural land. Water was abundant
throughout the year. In spite of
repeated request to local municipality
and urban development authority to
rejuvenate the pond, no-one came
forward to look into it. Then the

52 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)


d There are so many
village decided to remove the water
plants and silt, by involving youth and
others to restore its age old glory,”
says K, Srinivas Rao, president of the
pond development committee.
The total area of the pond is about
30 cent. Initially, a meeting was
convened to discuss the process of
cleaning. A day (Sunday) was decided
to start the work. The cleaning process
continued in three different week ends,
on Sundays. “It was really a great
experience for all of us. I was surprised
to see the involvement of local people
and their enthusiasm during cleaning
work. We will replicate this in nearby
villages,” says Vijaya Kodavoor,
former Udupi Nagara Karyavaha who
initiated this work.
Shri Vijaya Kodavoor is the main
strength behind this project. There are
so many neglected ponds like this in
various parts of the country. If revived,
these can meet the water needs of the
villages again. This requires neither
any outside help nor any imported
technology. What is required is only
the firm determination and action. n
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
This was the condition of the
pond before rejuvenation
neglected ponds like this
in various parts of the
country. If revived, these
can meet the water needs
of the villages again.
This requires neither
any outside help nor any
imported technology.
What is required is only
the firm determination
and timely action
53
 KARNATAKA

How the Kumudvathi

River was Revived
The methods of rejuvenation adopted by the Art of Living workers
relate to the age-old techniques which involve revival of natural water
sources in the form of springs, base flow in the stream network,
groundwater regime and sustenance of surface water bodies

Nandhini Sundar

I
ts origin is just 50 kms from the
IT city, Bengaluru. It is a tributary
of the Arkavathi River, the
source to the Thippagondanahalli
reservoir, which used to supply 30 per
cent of the water needs of the garden
city two decades ago. Now it is non-
existent, its over 100-stream network
has dried up, and the groundwater in
all the villages surrounding the river
basin having been dropped drastically.
We are talking about the erstwhile
Kumudvathi River in Karnataka, the
drying up of which forced a large
section of the rural population to either ensuing rural-urban exodus. The year river basin. For availability of water
alter the cropping patterns and shrink 2016 saw a third of all districts in the and sustained river flow in a basin, there
the area under cultivation or abandon country being declared as drought- needs to be an understanding of natural
their lands and migrate to Bengaluru affected. In Maharashtra, lakhs of litres processes such as rainfall patterns,
in search of employment. The year of water were transported by trains to topography, drainage network as well
2007 also saw an acknowledgement address this drought. This year it is the as the geohydrological situation. The
of the growing water crisis, with reverse, with floods reported across imbalance of hydrological cycles
Bengaluru facing a 20 per cent many states of the country. depletes groundwater as well as
shortage of fresh water supply and the What is causing this phenomenon? surface water over the long term, even
Thippagondanahalli reservoir fed by While many factors come to the fore, when there is good rainfall.
Kumudvathi River going dry. the chief pointers are deforestation, Observing this scenario, February
The case of Kumudvathi River is, urban encroachment, quarrying and 2013 saw a large team of volunteers
however, not alone. Many rivers, both yes, over-exploitation of groundwater; from the Art of Living taking it
small and large, across the country, in short, mindless, irresponsible up as a challenge and deciding to
have either dried up or are facing far environmental degradation. devote their weekends to travel to
less flow, with depleting groundwater The natural hydrological cycles the villages in the river basin of
in the surrounding regions jeopardising that operate in a region depend on the Kumudvathi and start working on
agriculture besides encouraging the natural activities of people living at the the plan of rejuvenating it by using

54 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

a scientific methodology. Going by
this approach, the volunteers built
439 boulder checks, de-silted over 20
traditional stepwells, constructed 434
recharge wells and 71 water pools,
built 45 recharge borewells, planted
more than 425,000 saplings, besides
spreading awareness to over 75,000
people residing in over 100 villages
surrounding the river basin.
Incidentally, these methods of
rejuvenation opted by Art of Living
(AOL) relate to age-old techniques
which involve revival of natural
water sources in the form of
springs, base flow in the stream
network, groundwater regime and
sustenance of surface water bodies.
This includes tree plantation
and river bed widening, digging
wells and soaking pits to increase
groundwater retention, besides a
host of other interventions.
Explaining the logic of this
age-old scientific techniques Dr
Lingaraju Yale, director of Art
of Living’s River Rejuvenation
Projects said: “The flow of
rainwater is slowed at the source of
rivers and allowed to percolate into the
ground through boulder checks and
recharge wells. Further, fractures in
the earth’s crust are identified through
remote sensing and injection wells are
built to increase groundwater levels.”
The result, the oncoming rains
saw water levels in many stepwells
rising, much to the joy of the local
villagers. The Kumudavathi River
project has been entirely driven by a
huge volunteer base crossing 2,700,
aided by CSR (corporate social
responsibility) funds to the tune of
Rs 12 crore. Currently, over 75,000
people have directly benefitted as a
result of the efforts.
Similar parched conditions are
seen in the Vedavathi River, which
emerges in Hoskote (Lakya Hobli)
in Chikkamagalur Taluk and reaches
Andhra Pradesh, flowing through
Chitradurga and Kadur. AOL initiated
the Vedavathi River Rejuvenation
project as a nodal agency under the
National Guaranteed Employment
Scheme. The government lent Rs 7
crore for this project. Under the 10
village panchayats in Lakya Hobli,
there are 49 villages, which occupy a
land cover of 377.52 sq km, and will
benefit from the project.
Here again, the first phase of
the project involves increasing
groundwater level. Construction of
270 boulder pits, 486 water percolation
wells, 16 injection wells and 38 water
basins are part of this first phase.
Water used for daily household
chores and the rainwater is collected
in these boulder pits, water percolation
wells and basins through canals. Steep
descent points have been identified
and boulder checks built to reduce the
speed of water. Water spots have been
identified and injection wells dug at
strategic spots. Dense tree plantation
will be carried out to enable natural
flow of water round the year. Over
3,000 saplings have already been
planted.
Currently, water that is available
up to 150 feet beneath the ground is
potable since it is alkaline. However,
water that is available 1,200 feet
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
below the ground contains fluoride
along with alkali and renders itself
unfit for drinking. With drought
conditions over the last three years,
the villagers are invariably relying on
this impure water.
However, the efforts made so
far towards increasing groundwater
level, saw the first spell of 20 cm of
rain earlier this year bringing in three
inches of water at 110 feet. Usually,
to find water, one would have to go
beyond 450 feet. And the latest bout of
rains has got the Vedavathi River once
again flowing, delighting the farmers,
and the concerted efforts of the last
four years being paid.
Palar River is yet another ambitious
inter-state river rejuvenation project
taken up by Art of Living, which will
fetch water to the parched districts of
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu besides creating a fine model
for inter-state river management.
Currently, 348 km of the river basin
in Chikballapur district has already
been treated and interventions have
moved to Kolar district in Karnataka
and Vellore district in Tamil Nadu.
The River Rejuvenation team of Art
of Living has recently initiated revival
of two more rivers in Tamil Nadu, the
Saraswathi and Kausika.
(Courtesy: Swarajya, Sept. 2017)
55
 MAHARASHTRA

Dealing with the Draught

Latur has been in the news for stories on water scarcity. There were
incidents of looting water tankers and the government dispatching
water through trains. As permanent solution, the people of the city
irrespective of their castes, communities, political affiliations etc, came
together with the RSS workers to desilt 18-km long Manjara River.
The unity not only revived the river, but also scripted a success story,
which shows how to resolve other problems of the society too

Pramod Kumar
solving this problem themselves. About government agencies had estimated ten

I
n April 2017 when about 10
states of the country were reeling
under severe drought and the
government agencies were
struggling hard to ensure drinking
water, the people of Latur city in
Maharasthra collectively initiated to
resolve their water crisis permanently
rising above the caste, community,
political or any other considerations.
Instead of continuing to wait for the
government agencies, they started
70 persons of the city sat together at
Bhalchandra Blood Bank Auditorium
and took a decision. They decided to
collect some funds and start desilting
the River Manjara, which flows about
10 km away from the city. The project
was named as “Jalyukta Latur—
Water for All”. When efforts began
about Rs 5.5 crore were collected.
Interestingly, the Government agencies
had estimated Rs 86 crore for the same
work. The total cost of the project was
even less than eight crore. It means the
times more.
One more interesting fact was
that majority of the social, cultural,
religious, educational, market
organisations as well as the political
leaders belonging to different political
parties including the Congress and
Samajwadi Party joined hands with
the local RSS swayamsevaks. Veteran
RSS leader and founder of Latur
Vivekananda Hospital Dr Ashok
Kukade was unanimously appointed
chairman of the Samiti to execute
the desilting project. Dr Kukare was
not present in the meeting where
the decision to pick up his name as
chairman was taken. Shri Makarand
Jadhav of the Art of Living Foundation
was given the task of secretary.
A total of 12 districts of Maharashtra
faced severest kind of drought last year.
20,000 villages were declared drought-
affected. 10,000 of them were in
Marathwada region alone. Apart from
it, one district of Vidarbha and four
districts of Western Maharashtra were
also severely affected. The Southern
Marathwada region records very low
rain i.e. below 50% of the average
rainfall. But for the last three years,
it was recorded the lowest rainfall
i.e. below 40% of the usual rainfall.

56 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 Water Water Everywhere: The revived
Manjara River in first rain itself
Injudicious use of water by local people
and also the farmers made the problem
more complex. “Now the people are
worried about the crop pattern that they
have been following for a long time.
They will have to rethink whether to
grow sugarcane or not, as it requires
more water. The Kharif crop recorded
hardly 40 per cent yield. The condition
of Rabi crop too is highly pathetic as
it could not be even sowed in majority
of the areas due to no rainfall. Even
in the areas where it was somehow
sowed, the yield is hardly 30 per cent
this time. As a result there is no fodder
for the cattle,” says Shri Arun Danke,
Sah Karyavah of RSS Jankalyan
Samiti Maharashtra, which is actively
involved in the fight against drought in
Latur and Marathwada region.
According to reports, Latur, Beed
and Usmanabad districts in Southern
Marathwada were severely affected.
Both the barrages and the only dam had
totally dried becoming play ground for
children. All water bodies including
the rivers and ponds had dried.
Drinking water was somehow being
arranged from other areas. It was sure
that nobody died for want of water, but
it was also equally sure that nobody got
it easily. Not only the government, but
the people too were struggling hard for
every drop of water.
The population of Latur is about
five lakh. Out of it, about one lakh —
around 50,000 labourers and 50,000
students—migrated due to water
scarcity. Latur is an education hub. The
Collector had declared that no class or
exam would be conducted between
March 15 and June 15, 2017. The
municipal corporation was somehow
struggling to ensure 200 litres of
water to every family per week. One
can imagine what a family will do in
200 litres water in a week. Apart from
drinking, they also need water for
bathing and washing clothes. “There
is huge publicity that water is being
transported through trains. But the
fact is that those efforts are not going
to resolve the problem. Though, we
sincerely thank the Railways Minister
for this help. It needs some other efforts
also,” adds Shri Danke.
Not only water crisis,
there are many other
problems also which
can be resolved through
similar collective efforts.
What is needed is just to
ensure honest leadership
to the society and also
to remind the people of
their strength
Keeping in view all these facts, the
RSS Jankalyan Samiti, the Sewa Wing
of RSS in Maharashtra, started work in
all the drought affected districts. They
planned to start at least two projects
for water conservation in each district.
“The cost of each project was estimated
to be between Rs 15 to 30 lakh. There
were also efforts to arrange fodder
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
for the cattle. Six fodder banks were
started in Latur, Beed and Usmanabad
districts,” says Shri Danke.
The biggest project in the form
of public initiative, which caught the
attention of people all over the country
was desilting of the Manjara River
in Latur. There are two barrages on
it—Nagjheri and Sai—to store water.
Separate pipelines have been laid to
supply water to Latur. There is a major
irrigation dam on the same river about
40 km away from Latur. A pipeline also
comes from that dam for drinking water.
Unfortunately, all those three sources
had fully dried. The only permanent
solution was revival of the Manjara
River so that both the barrages and the
dam could store sufficient water. We
desilted the River bad 3 meter deep,
80 meter wide and 18 km long. The
people of the city have decided to do it
collectively. Good thing was that people
cutting across political lines came
forward to resolve this problem. An 11
member Samiti, Sarvajanik Jalyukta
Latur Vyavasthapan Samiti was formed
involving people from all sections,” says
Shri Danke. Prominent among those
who were part of the Samiti included
Shri Tryambakdas Zanvar, who has
been very close to former CM Vilasrao
Deshmukh and is former Congress
district president, veteran Samajwadi
leader Shri Manohar Gomare, private
sugar factory owner and renowned
personality of cooperative sector Shri
BB Thombre, etc.
The work began on Varsh Pratipada
day i.e. April 8, 2017. Following call
from the Samiti for contribution,
57
 RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat and other
dignitaries during the Jalpujan held on June 26, 2017
after the success of Jalyukta Latur campaign

on first day itself Rs two crore were
announced by various people as
contribution. Seeing the active public
initiative the local Collector and also
the State government extended full
support. They deputed three officers
and some pokland machines. “We
came to know that some amount was
approved by Chief Minister Shri
Devendra Fadanvis, but the Samiti
decided not to take any government
help for this project. All educational
institutions, market associations,
medical association, Bar Council, etc
came forward with generous support.
Many people came to our office with
financial help everyday,” Shri Danke
adds.
A total of 27 pokland machines
and 40 Hyvas worked on the site.
“We needed more Hyva machines
to transport the silt. Normally, there
should be at least five Hyvas with a
Pokland machine, but we had only 1.5
Hyva per pokland. For it, we requested
the Union Transport Minister Nitin
Gadkari, who assured full support,”
adds Shri Danke.
Chief Secretary of Maharasthra
Swadhin Kshatriya, Minister Pankaja
Munde, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Devgiri
Prant Sanghachalak Dada Pawar,
Paschim Kshetra Sah Kshetra
Pracharak Shri Vijayrao Puranik, RSS
Akhil Bharatiya Sewa Pramukh Shri
Suhasrao Hiremath, RSS Jankalyan
Samiti Maharashtra organising
secretary Shri Sharad Khadilkar and
Jalpurush Rajendra Singh visited the
site and appreciated the efforts. The
entire work was finished about 100
days prior to arrival of the monsoon.
Film star Shri Reteish Deshmukh,
son of former Maharashtra CM
Vilasrao Deshmukh who belongs to
Latur, contributed Rs 25 lakh for the
project. He also agreed to be the brand
ambassador of the initiative. His elder
brother Shri Amit Deshmukh, who is
also a MLA, also announced Rs 75
lakh for it. Despite being a Congress
leader he praised the RSS leader Dr
Ashokrao Kukade for his honesty,
dedication and commitment to the task
despite growing age. The collective
endeavour by the people of Latur for
resolving their water problem set a
good precedent, which may act as a
trendsetter for the entire country.
RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri
Mohan Bhagwat joined the Jalpujan
programme held on June 26, 2017.
Addressing the gathering on the
occasion Shri Bhagwat said the work
which is done without the help of the
government needs laurels. It is good
to resolve our problems ourselves and
shun the mindset of depending upon the
government for everything. “People of
Latur have proved the saying that ‘Na
Danyanm na Palayanam’ correct. They
should be welcomed for it,” he added.
The silt removed from the riverbed
was distributed among the farmers
free of cost because it was fertile
soil. It made about 7000 farm land
of 12 village fertile. Now when there
is sufficient water in the River, the
ground water level of 17 villages has
improved unexceptionally. All the
wells, tubewells etc now have sufficient
water.
This initiative taken by the people
of Latur is an inspiration for the entire
country. This shows if the society
stands together, many problems can
be resolved in no time. Not only
water crisis, there are many other
problems also which can be resolved
through similar collective efforts.
What is needed is just to ensure honest
leadership to the society and also to
remind the people of their strength. n

58 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)


Rejuvenating for Endurance
Satara, Sangali Solapur and Nagar districts of Western Maharashtra
are drought-affected due to low rain. But the people of these regions do
not face much troubles after 2013 since they have revived two rivers
V
asana River flows in
Koregaon tehsil of Satara
district. It is about 70 km
long. A Bandhara (check
dam) had been constructed at this
river in Pakashi village during the rule
of Peshwa Bajirao. About 125 metre
long and 10 metre high this Bandhara
was full of silt for some time. Because
of the silt it stopped storing water.
An activist of RSS Jan Kalyan Samiti
Shri Vijayrao Pandit who retired from
government service after serving in
the irrigation department, noticed
it and decided to desilt it. The work
started in 2013 and about 10 lakh
cubic metre silt was removed from
the Bandhara. The District Panchayat
supported this project by providing
the fuel used in the machines.
After cleaning the Bandhara, a
survey of the entire Vasana River
was conducted. During the survey it
was noticed that the river length was
40 km from its origination point at
Savashi to Pakashi village. A total
of seven dams were constructed at
the river in this 40 km area, but they
were not in use because water did not
stay there following huge silt etc. The
workers decided to repair all these
dams and also deslit them. It was
also decided to construct new dams
at several places. Fund was collected
with the help of the workers and then
five Bandhara were built at Pinpore,
Ghuggivadi and other places with the
active involvement of the villagers. By
and large the plan was formulated to
build 27 Bandhars in the 40 km run of
the river.
With a view that the scheme
should be executed with the help of the
government, the matter was discussed
with the District Magistrate and the
officials of the Irrigation Department.
The District Magistrate and officials
of the Irrigation Department agreed
to help in the project. The work
began and was successfully executed
in the last four years. In order to
ensure proper execution of the project
and quality control a committee of
villagers was constituted to keep a
watch on the work. They kept a watch
on selection of the sand, proper use of
cement, water etc. After completion,
the project proved to be very fruitful to
the local people. About 15 villages are
situated on the banks of the river in 40
km area. Now the water problem of all
these has permanently been resolved.
After the construction of 25 new
dams and repairing of five old dams,
the village got about 500 TCM of
water. The immediate benefit of it was
that people in 15-20 villages started
having two crops in a year. As the
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
MAHARASHTRA
water storage improved, the wells in
the radius of four km have now been
recharged. Finally, the people got rid
of the tankers that had to be ordered
right from the month of January. No
villager now need to order for any
water tanker. With the technological
support from administration, financial
help from the industrial houses, active
public participation and monitoring
by the Jan Kalyan Samiti this entire
exercise proved to be fruitful. Now
about 25 retired officers from Satara
city under the leadership of Shri
Vijayrao Pandit are contributing in
this project.
There is 80 km long river known
as Agrani in Sangali district. The
water storage capacity in the river
was very low. Some new dams
had been constructed with the help
of the administration, but they
were not useful. In the year 2012,
District Sanghachalak Shri Vikas
Chauthaiwale, Vibhag Pracharak
Shri Chandan Patil, Prof Shri Sunil
Kulkarni and some other workers
conducted a survey by walking
through the entire riverbed. During
the survey, it was noticed that 40
dams should be built on the river to
store water. The first dam on the river
was built in the year 2013. Efforts are
on to build other dams. n
59
 MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra based Sevavardhini

through its project “Jaldoot” has
created an army of rural youth by
arming them with the traditional
as well as new techniques so that
they can undertake concrete
water conservation activities
in their respective villages.
The impact of these efforts is
clearly visible in 25 villages of 15
districts. About 88,000 people
have been directly benefited
through these activities

Jaldoot: The skilled army

of Water Conservators
F
ormed on March 17, 1998 in
Maharashtra, Sevavardhini
is a voluntary organisation,
which has left deep
imprints in various segments, of life
through its devoted and committed
team of volunteers. It has built a
network of more than 250 voluntary
organisations all over the country,
having strong footings at grassroots
level through various development
related initiatives. Over the years, it
has been successful in creation of a
development atmosphere of social
trust through people’s participation.
PROMOTING PEOPLE’S
PARTICIPATION
Sevavardhini’s initiative in—
water conservation has two major
dimensions—training of village level
youth and site-specific treatments.
Sustainability of any social initiative
depends solely on participation of
local people. Water conservation
structures built by government
agencies in villages and remote
locations under various schemes are
least maintained today only because
lack of participation of the local
community. Geographical study of
the village area, water conservation
treatment according to the study and
maintenance of such structures with
the participation of local people can
only ensure effective use of such
initiative. With this view, Sevavardhini
organised training programmes in
various villages of Maharashtra—
Dhamari (Pune), Balam Takali
(Ahmadnagar), Halda and Mandana
(Aurangabad) and Akoli (Yawatmal).
The points covered during the training
programme in these villages include:
Study of correlation of soil, crops,
water and monsoon cycle; Discussion
on traditional farming practices,
rainfall history, etc.; Transect walk
(Shivar Pheri); Basics of Geology and
Ground water; Pumping test; Methods
of Soil conservation; and Rain water
management.
TRAINING IN MOTHER
TONGUE
The objective of this training was
to make the villagers aware about
science related to water management.
All the sessions were conducted in
local language; material distributed
was also in local language (i.e.
Marathi), which helped the villagers
in better understanding of the
scientific concepts there in. Feedback
of all these training programmes is
encouraging. Participants reiterated

60 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)


that they had never listened these
terms before and they’d like to go
ahead if guided.
The villages where Sevavardhini
has successfully completed water
conservation projects are Ekhatpur,
Khalad, Pargaon Memane in Purandar
Taluk, Nigade and Vangani in Velha
Taluk of Pune district, Gadgewadi,
Gram Panchayat Mandhardevi under
Wai Taluk of Satara district. All these
projects were undertaken with active
participation of the local people and
generous financial assistance from
organisations like Atlas Copco,
ARAI, Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd
Pune, Janseva Sahakari Bank Ltd
Pune, Mercedes Benz India, etc.
The work done comprised of:
4 Construction of recharge pit for
drinking water well of village
Ekhatpur
4 Construction of Inverse Bund
near Village Khalad
4 Repair of KT Weirs at Khalad-
Ekhatpur and Vangani
4 Leak-proofing of storage tank at
Gadagewadi
4 Widening and deepening of well
at Nigade
4 Rejuvenation of diversion bund
at Khalad
4 Leak-proofing of cement nalla
bund at Gadagewadi and Vangani
BEGINNING OF ‘JALDOOT’
Knowledge gathered from these
initiatives gave birth to an ambitious
project named as ‘Jaldoot’. The
project dreamt to empower the local
people with technical knowledge so
that they can actively participate, plan
and contribute in all development
programmes in their villages. ‘Jaldoot’
means ‘Messenger of Water’. This
project is a joint endeavour between
“Water for All” (Atlas Copco
company’s CSR initiative in water
conservation) and Sevavardhini.
“Water for All” was the primary
funding agency and Sevavardhini was
the implementation partner, which
led all the activities on the ground
to bring this project from concept to
reality. Major part of the project was
carried out between September 2015
and December 2016. Implementation
of some interventions continued till
June 2017.
In the last 70 years since
Independence, there are many
initiatives by Government of India
and various state governments as
well as private players in the areas
of watershed development and water
conservation for rural areas. But now
we have realised that none of the
programmes can sustain itself without
people’s active participation and it
becomes just another intervention,
which is alive only till the funding
exists. Therefore, the strategy of
rural development has changed from
centralised top-to-bottom approach to
a decentralised bottom-up approach
where participation from the villagers
is the key and driving force for any
development initiative. Sevavardhini
has always firmly believed in this
methodology and has conducted
many capacity building programmes
to build the capacities of grass roots
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
level local voluntary organisations
and communities.
Geographical area of Maharashtra
is divided into many agro-climatic
zones; every zone has different type
of soil composition, rainfall and
climatic conditions. For example, area
under rain-shadow always receives
marginal rainfall and is draught prone.
Entire planning of projects on water
and agriculture in any area should be
done considering the zone in which
that village or cluster falls. This kind
of scientific approach is missing
in many projects due to lack of
knowledge. On other side, whenever
an intervention is executed at village
level, the opinion and knowledge
of local people is never taken into
consideration, the traditional local
knowledge may not be technical but
quite often it is very practical and
important e.g. they would exactly
know things like where the rainwater
accumulates in the village, direction
of flow, etc and this might be key
information for choosing the site for
a new water storage structure.
TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
The rationale behind ‘Jaldoot’
concept is to empower the local
people with technical knowledge so
that they can actively participate, plan
and contribute in all the development
programmes in their respective
villages. This was done through
a series of trainings from domain
experts in key areas like surface and
groundwater management, water
61

budgeting and participatory approach
to watershed developmental and
management. In all, 25 villages, 20
organisations were selected after due
diligence and two people for each
organisation were chosen as ‘Jaldoots’
for this year long programme. To
ensure the sustainability, one person
was from local NGO and one was
selected from the village. Total six
training programmes with duration
of 5 to 6 days each were conducted
throughout the year. The classroom
training was coupled with exposure
visits, fieldwork and assignments to
62 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
ensure that the participants acquire
the required skills in watershed
management. The training programme
was designed with the help of subject
matter experts in the respective
areas and training partners were also
selected accordingly.
Water management training was
imparted at the training programme
held in Pune. The training included
measurement of rainfall, formulae for
flow rates and volume calculations,
Roof water collection, Water
management in the fields and Drip
and Sprinkle irrigation. The trainees
were taken to Pingori and Ekhatpur
villages of Purandar Taluk in Pune
District for on the field training.
Similarly, the trainees were imparted
participatory resource management
training at Katkalamba village in
Nanded district. This training included
survey process—measurement and
correlation to planning and watershed
development methods. During field
work they were trained in survey
and mapping of the villages and
village wise project planning. In
the training held in Aurangabad
they were imparted training of
Soil Conservation & Weather--
Types of soils; Soil and geological
conditions in different regions, Soil
conservation; Correlation of soil
with water retention & cropping;
Measurement of slopes and planning
for plantations; Presentations by
Jaldoots and feedback by experts,
etc. The field training was imparted
at (WALMI) Water and Land
Management Institute, River
resurrection site (Chitte); Watershed
Development work at Pophala, Agri
Mall & Drip Irrigation at Jarandi;
Ideal Village - Hivare Bazar. Ground
Water Development & Management
training was imparted in Pune. It
included training of geology and
types of sub-soil structures; Ground
water capacity; Ground water
recharging and harvesting; Testing &
Measurement of ground water quality;
Recharge & discharge concepts
based on Well level readings and
GPS operation. The practical training
was imparted through fields visits to
GSDA State Office, Diveghat, Khalad
and Baripada villages. At ACT Bhuj
they were trained in Mapping and
Modelling. It included the training
of creation of different types of maps
and models (e.g. Land use map,
Watershed and water balance map)
and Planning in arid communities.
For field visits they went to Kala

Dungar, Tapkeshwari and Jubilee
Colony. The training of cultivation
and development was imparted in
Nandurbar. It included Crop and
Water Management (Horticulture,
Floriculture) and Marketing and
Value Addition for Crops. As part of
field visits the trainees went to KVK
Nandurbar, Jain Hills, Jain Irrigation
Jalgaon and Nesu river rejuvenation.
The training of preparing Detailed
Project Reports was imparted in
Pune. The trainees were trained in
preparing ground water capacity
planning and presentation of detailed
project reports. As part of field visits
they went to Abhinav Farmers’ Club
and Abhinav Dairy Farm.
At the end of this series of trainings,
all the participants came up with
a detailed watershed development
plan (Detail Project Report) for their
village and presentations were done
in front of the officials of “Water
For All” and other experts. Post
presentations, the best plans were
awarded. The award money was
utilised for watershed projects in the
village. The interventions included
building and construction of structures
for soil & water conservation and to
increase the level of ground water in
these villages. In the first monsoon
of June 2016 itself, many of these
interventions resulted into huge
water storage benefitting hundreds of
families in the villages.
IMPACT OF ‘JALDOOT’
Apart from capacity building of
participants, other major aspect of
‘Jaldoot’ was actual intervention in the
selected villages. These interventions
included both building of new soil
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
‘Jaldoot’ is a unique
concept where equal
efforts are taken on both
tangible (interventions)
and intangible (capacity
building) outcomes of
the project
and water conservation structures and
repairs of existing structures in the
villages. Lot of emphasis was given
on low-cost watershed treatments
like CCTs and repair of existing
structures. There is a common notion
among people that watershed projects
have to be “big budget” items like
CNBs/ Dams, but Jaldoot has proved
that small interventions can make a
big impact. With a strong grass roots
connect and meticulous planning,
Sevavardhini was able to bring down
the training costs by 50 per cent and
these additional saved funds were
also diverted towards the intervention
projects. This enabled the project
team to complete more infrastructure
projects. The impact of the Project
Jaldoot is visible in 25 villages of 15
districts in Maharashtra. It enhanced
about 44 crore water storage capacity.
About 88,000 people were directly
benefited.
‘Jaldoot’ is a unique concept
where equal efforts were taken
on both tangible (interventions)
and intangible (capacity building)
outcomes of the project. With its
solid capacity building programme
of local community the watershed
development efforts in all the selected
villages are going to be sustainable
unlike other interventions. And here
lies the differentiating factor of this
project. n
63
 RAJASTHAN
Harvesting the Heavens
Many cry for water
scarcity every day, but
very few take solid steps
to save it. Dr PC Jain, an
Allopathic practitioner
in Udaipur, has created a
model worth emulating
in rainwater harvesting.
He has so far persuaded
about 2000 house owners,
institutions, schools and
government offices in
Udiapur to opt for roof top
rainwater harvesting for
recharging the bore wells
or the tube wells. Thanks
to his two decades long
tireless efforts not only
the ground water level has
increased substantially,
but also over a lakh
people drink safe water
64 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
Pramod Kumar
I
ndia is blessed with adequate
rainfall as a whole, yet there
are large swathes of dry and
drought prone areas. Per capita
availability of water is on the fast
decline because of burgeoning
population. Agriculture is said to be
the single largest consumer of water,
but industrial demand now shows the
fastest growth. A disturbing fact about
ground water is that it is increasingly
getting polluted due to access use of
pesticides in the fields. Bore wells
and tube wells are either silting up,
getting short of water or are drawing
polluted water. Private purchase of
water from tankers is unreliable in
quality and also is expensive.
In this situation, it makes
ecological and financial sense not
to waste the rainwater available in
large quantity on our roofs. It is
necessary not only for environment
protection but also for fighting
against water crisis. Financially too
it is the cheapest way. Dr PC Jain of
Udaipur realised this fact about two
decades back and started persuading
people to save rainwater. Because of
his efforts over 2000 families of the
city including various institutions like
the Railways, medical college, etc
conserve rainwater.
This system uses a building’s
rooftop as a catchment area. After
the rain falls, the water is channeled
through pipes directly to the bore well
or the tube well. 1,000 square ft of
roof area with one cm rain fall yields
1,000 litres of water in an average
year of rain. This reveals the potential
in rainwater harvesting.
Dr Jain clicked the idea around
1990 when he read a news item in
a leading English daily. The news
was from Dewas (Madhya Pradesh),
where the people had decided to
resolve their chronic water shortage.
The entire city embarked on a massive
rainwater harvesting programme and
had phenomenal success in meeting
their water needs and recharging
their severely depleted groundwater
table. Inspired with it Dr Jain started
the work in Udaipur, thus becoming
an unusual doctor. He encouraged
all kinds of local citizens to install
rainwater systems in their homes,
offices, schools and community very much in use. In Jaipur, it is known
buildings. Interestingly, his wife, Dr
Dr PC Jain’s initiative is as chauka system. Unfortunately, the
Manju Jain, a homeopath, is his close eye opener to all of us. new generations ignored this method.
associate in this endeavour. Instead of crying for water But now they have realised the old
Dewas water filter that Dr Jain has pollution or scarcity, system was better.
adopted enjoys the backing of Central we should take steps to Dr Jain is committed to the cause
Ground Water Board (CGWB) also. so much that he conducts different
recharge the ground water
Dr. Jain when asked how he started activities to educate the people—
the work he says, “First I installed the level if we wish to keep performs street plays, organises bhajans
system in my own house. It not only the lifeline of our future and songs, conducts presentations in
improved the water level but also generations functioning. conferences, congregations in clubs
bettered the taste of water. Buoyed Dr Jain has shown a way. and meetings with local people. “We
over it I approached the Medical can produce anything in the labs but not
There can be many other
College to adopt it. But there were two the water. Therefore, the only option
opinions there on it. But the laboratory such methods. Whatever is to save it today for tomorrow,” he
results silenced all the critics. Then I method suits us has to be says lamenting that he has so far spent
spoke to my friends, relatives and the adopted about Rs 80,000 on writing to different
people of the city at large. Meanwhile, authorities but the response has been
the Railways also agreed to install the
system to recharge an old well at Rana
Pratap Railway Station.” Installation
of the system in one house costs about
Rs 10,000. If one installs it in the under
construction house the cost reduces to
just Rs 5,000.
Rajasthan has a rich tradition of
rain water harvesting since ancient
time. Majority of the old houses used
to have water tanks known as ‘tankas’
in local parlance. The water stored
in ‘tankas’ was used throughout the
year. The old houses with ‘tankas’, in
Jodhpur and in the capital city of Jaipur
can be seen even today and they are Dr. PC Jain (Extreme Right) with
the handpump that he has revived

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 65

very poor. But he is satisfied with the
outcome of his efforts in Udaipur. All
the families who opted for it witnessed
miraculous results both in quality of
water and in water level. A salty well
turned sweet. Similarly, a girls’ hostel,
which used to spend Rs 3.60 lakh per
year on water tankers, saves this amount
every year after installing this system.
The list of such successful
experiments by Dr PC Jain is long.
The school hand pump at Lakhavati
village, about 20 km from Udaipur,
had dried. It was revived with the
help of the Dewas filter method. The
handpump was revived in first rainy
season itself. A local RSS worker,
who is a teacher in the school, was
instrumental in this task. Dr Jain
remembers another incident. He used
to visit BEd Vidyapeeth at Dabok,
about 19 km from Udaipur, to educate
youth against addiction and for water
conservation. There was about 200
year old well in the premises of the
Vidyapeeth. The well had dried due
to carelessness and the students had
started putting garbage into that. On
his request the well was first cleaned
and it was disilted. Then the rainwater
of the roofs was added into it. Finally,
the well was recharged. The well,
which had been made a dumpyard,
now provides water to the Entire
Vidyapeeth campus.
Dr Jain recalls one more incident. He
once went to the Irrigation Management
and Training Centre of Kota for
presentation. A staff member informed
that a borewell was closed for about
12 years. Many people had even forgot
where the borewell used to be. The

DEATH OF A WELL

I
am about 200-year old. I have got very old. Nobody
looks at me now. There was a time when people used
to worship me with coconut and agarbatti, but now
people of the entire locality put their garbage into me. I
still remember that children used to fight to have more
gur and rot (which used to be full of ghee) offered to me
during puja. I used to be worshipped once a year and the
children eagerly waited for it. My water was so sweet that
it was used in preparing meals for many weddings and
many pairs tied the knot after drinking my water. There
used to be a fair like scene at me both in the morning
and evening. The women who came to me for water
used to speak for hours sharing each other’s sorrows and
happiness. Many times weddings were fixed during those
discussions. But, today that Panghat has been converted
into a marghat (crematorium) where nobody likes to go.
Today, I cry over this poor condition. However, there are
some of my well wishers who want to save me. They come
to me and feel disheartened at my poor condition. They
repeatedly approach the present rulers (administration)
and the administrators of the city (municipality) to save
me, but nothing happens. My age continues to grow.
There are some donors who love me and they want to
bear the expenses of my maintenance and repairing, and
many of them have given some money too, but nobody
comes forward to save me by spending that money. As
an old entity I am buried in some files and I fear one day
i would die in those files only due to suffocation. Those
who want to save me are regularly making efforts, but I
feel, perhaps, they would not be able to save me.
There are some of my friends in the city who are more
beautiful than I. They are known as Baori. Those my
sisters too have now got older. There is none to ask for
their well being. I think after my death, they too would die
due to negligence. The present rulers are formulating so
many schemes to save rainwater, but there is none to look
at us. Hence, we are slowly moving towards death due to
negligence.
My last wish is that the people and rulers should come
forward to save all my old friends (wells) and sisters
(Baoris) in every city. They should at least install a
panghat at us and install a rainwater recharging system at
all of us so that we can quench the thirst of some people
before dying. If the recharge units are installed at us, we
can at least quench the thirst of the mother earth. Hope, the
present rulers and people would listen to our cry, because
we are the offsprings of the old rulers and in that sense your
ancestors. Protecting their heritage is the responsibility of
every generation. We are feeling great pain due to this
slow death. Save us or kill us immediately. But do fast
whatever you want to do. If you can do nothing, at least
put a fencing around us so that nobody could harm us.
Please do something. We are the wells and Baoris of Amer
and Rajsamand in Rajasthan (Dr PC Jain)

66 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)


director of the Sansthan Shri Ajay Garg
also took keen interest in recharging of
the borewell. When the rainwater from
the roofs of adjoining buildings was
put into the borewell it was recharged
successfully. Now it is the major source
of water in the Institute.
Rajasthan Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad
office used to hire at least a tanker of
water everyday. Many students study
there. The water crisis used to be
there every year. It cost hugely to the
Parishad every year as it had to spend
money on water tankers. On insistence
of Dr PC Jain they added rainwater
recharge system into the borewell and
the borewell was recharged within
one year. Now the Parishad does not
require to order even a single tanker
even during the summers. There are
many other such success stories.
According to CGWB, hardly 10
per cent of the rainwater goes into the
land and rest flows through the drains.
It is because of the concrete roads,
streets and the sewage system. The
access drawing of ground water has
adversely damaged the quality of the
water. “Rain water has the capacity to
maintain this balance,” Dr Jain adds.
Experts say India can save 85 billion
cubic metres of water through harvesting
rainwater alone, which is more than the
THE WONDER THAT
DR PC JAIN HAS DONE
1. 2000 families in Udaipur opt
for roof top water harvesting
2. System costs Rs 10,000 in old
buildings and just Rs 5,000 in
under construction houses
3. Conducts street
plays, bhajans, songs,
presentations in
conferences, congregations
in clubs to motivate people
4. Both husband and wife
dedicated to the cause
5. De-addicted 3,500 people
of alcohol, tobacoo,
heroin, opium, etc.
WHY RAINWATER HARVESTING
IS NEED OF THE HOUR
1. Provides supplemental water
for the city requirement
2. Increases soil moisture
levels for greenery
3. Mitigates flooding and
improves the quality
of groundwater
4. Reduces demand on
bore wells/tube wells
enabling ground water
levels to be sustained
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
Officially, rooftop
rainwater harvesting
systems are now
mandatory for new
buildings in 18 of the
country’s 28 states and
four of the seven Union
Territories. But the poor
implementation draws
poor results
water flows in certain rivers like Krishna
(78.12 billion cubic metre), Cauvery
(21) Mahanadi (66), Narmada (45 billion
cubic metres), etc. The Central Ground
Water Board has identified 9,41,541 sq.
meter area in the country where ground
water recharge system can be adopted on
large scale. But this work has to be done
by the State governments and not by
the Centre. The governments of Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra have
taken some effective steps in this regard.
In Tamil Nadu alone it proved excellent
and many states took it as role model.
Since its implementation, Chennai saw
a 50 per cent rise in water level in five
years and the water quality significantly
improved.
Officially, rooftop rainwater
harvesting systems are now mandatory
for new buildings in 18 of the
country’s 28 states and four of the
seven Union Territories. But the poor
implementation draws poor results. Dr
PC Jain’s initiative is eye opener for
all of us. Instead of crying for water
pollution or scarcity, we should take
steps to recharge the ground water
level if we wish to keep the lifeline of
our future generations functioning. Dr
Jain has shown a way. There can be
many other such methods. Whatever
method suits us has to be adopted.
(The writer is Senior
Correspondent in Organiser Weekly)
67
 RAJASTHAN
Judicious use of Every Drop
Water harvesting is deeply rooted in the social fabric of Rajasthan.
One can learn from Rajasthanis how to make best use of every drop
W
ater is so scarce in
the state that sources
of natural water have
become places of
pilgrimage. The common traditional
water sources include Nadi, Talab,
Johad, Bandha, Sagar, Samand and
Sarovar. Wells are another important
source of water. Different types of wells
are found in Rajasthan. ‘Kua’ is usually
a well owned by an individual. The
large wells are known as Kohar and are
usually owned by the community. The
step wells are known as Baoli. They
are usually constructed as a good deed
performed to obtain punya. Another
name for Baoli is Jhalara. The most
primitive step wells might probably
date back to 550 AD. However, the most
illustrious step wells were constructed
in the medieval period. Following are
some major water bodies in the state:
CHAND BAORI IN
ABHANERI VILLAGE
Chand Baori in Abhaneri village
is one of the primitive step wells in
Rajasthan and is thought to be one of
the largest. It appears exactly like a
well. There are 3,500 tapered steps in
68 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
this step well. The green water at the
base of the well indicates that the well
is no longer used. The steps encircle
the step well on three sides while the
fourth side has a group of pavilions
that are constructed on one on top of
the other patttern. The step well is one
of the vital assets of the country and
is administered by the Archeological
Survey of India (ASI).
BUNDI, KOTA
Bundi town of the state is known
for its Baoris or step wells. Constructed
by royal families and affluent members
of the society, they served as water
reservoirs whenever there was a
scarcity of water. The finest example
is the Raniji-ki Baori, which was
built by Rani Nathavati ji in 1699 AD
during her son Budh Singh’s time. It is
adorned with finely sculpted pillars and
arches. It is a multi-storeyed structure
with places of worship on each floor.
The steps built into the sides of the
water-well made water accessible even
at a very low level. The Baori is one
of the largest examples of its kind in
Rajasthan. There are about 86 Baoris in
Bundi. After monsoon, these Baoris get
filled up with water. The streets channel
the run over of water from one tank to
the other.
KARZ KUND AND TULSI
KUND AT EKLINGJI
TEMPLE, UDAIPUR
These Kunds are situated near the
15th century AD Jain temple, situated
in the town of Eklingji. The water is
utilised for the rituals in the temple,
especially the alankar ritual of Lord
Shiva. Two artificial pools have been
created in the temple of Galtaji in Jaipur
district. The water is collected in seven
tanks, the holiest being the Galta Kund,
which never becomes dry. Another
temple complex in Jaipur is the Ram
Gopalji Temple, also known as the
Monkey Temple. There is a cluster of
sacred Kunds near the temple complex.
Kaman in Bharatpur District, where
Lord Krishna spent his early life, has
84 Kunds but many of them have now
dried up. The Nawal Sagar Lake is
situated in Bundi and is an artificial
lake built in the form of a square. It
contains many tiny islets. The temple
of Lord Varuna, the God of water, is
situated in the middle of the lake. The
Dabhai Kund, also known as the jail
Kund, is the largest and most historical
Kund of Bundi district. There are many
steps leading down to the water level.
Nadis are village ponds constructed
in valleys by strategically building
earthen embankments across natural
depressions. Nadis are found in Jodhpur
and Rajsamand districts.
Talabs are otherwise known as
lakes or large reservoirs constructed in
natural depressions or valleys. They are
traditionally constructed by villagers on
community lands, using lime masonry
walls on the sides, with soil as the
filling material between the walls.
Some Talabs have wells in their beds.
For example, the Kharasan Talab was a
historically important water harvesting
structure. Talabs are famous in Mewar
region and the city of Udaipur has a
large number of Talabs. Hence, it was
named as Lake City. The reservoirs are
in various sizes and named variously:
a small lake is called Talai; a medium
sized lake is called Bandh or Talab; and
a bigger one is called Sagar or Samand.
A large number of Talabs are lost due
to urbanisation and industrialisation.
Earlier, they used to serve the drinking
needs of the community, but of late
they are being increasingly used for
cattle and irrigation purposes. When
the water dries up, the beds are used for
agriculture.
Tanks, in contrast to Talabs, are
constructed with huge masonry walls
on four sides. They are either square
or rectangular in shape and can hold
massive amounts of water. They are
invariably provided with a system of
canals to bring in rainwater from the
catchment areas. Most of the famous
tanks are constructed in Jodhpur. Some
of these have now been abandoned and
receive sewage and polluted waters
from the adjoining colonies. The feeder
canals have fallen into disuse and are
used as sewage lines and for dumping
garbage.
Baoris are community wells that
are used mainly for drinking purposes.
Most of them are very old and were built
by Banjaras (nomadic communities) for
their drinking water needs. They can
hold water for a long time because of
almost negligible water evaporation.
They do not have a catchment area
of their own nor are they connected
to any water course. They access the
water from the seepage of Talab or
a lake situated nearby. They occupy
minimum space in order to save money,
time and energy. Jodhpur is especially
famous for Baoris. There is very little
water evaporation from the Baoris as
compared to other water bodies.
Today, the traditional
water harvesting
systems have fallen into
disuse and are being
degraded by the march
of urbanisation. There
is an urgent need to
regenerate
and revive these
systems
Jhalaras are man-made tanks,
essentially used for community bathing
and religious functions. They are
rectangular in design and have steps
on three or four sides. They collect
subterranean seepage of a Talab or a
lake situated upstream. An outstanding
example is the Maha Mandir Jhalara
constructed in 1660. They are excellent
examples of architectural designs.
Some of these Jhalaras are now used
for irrigation purposes.
Toba is the local name given to
a ground depression with a natural
catchment area. A hard plot of land
with low porosity consisting of a
depression and a natural catchment
area is selected for the construction
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
of Tobas. It provides water for human
and livestock consumption and the
grass growing around it provides
pasture for cattle. In order to preserve
and enlarge the capacity of the Tobas,
the catchment areas were widened. No
encroachment was allowed to damage
the catchment.
Kunds are rainwater harvesting
structures found in the sandier tracts
of the Thar Desert. They are the main
source of drinking water. Kuis and
Dakeriyan are found in abundance
in Bikaner district. These are 10-12
m deep pits dug near tanks to collect
the seepage. Kuis can also be used to
harvest rainwater in areas of meager
rainfall. Tankas, also called small tanks,
are traditionally found in the main
house or in the courtyard of Bikaner
houses. It is an underground tank with
circular holes made in the ground,
lined with fine polished lime where the
rainwater is collected.
These traditional water harvesting
systems have been in existence for
centuries. They have been evolved
using the age-old wisdom and
knowledge of the terrain developed
over many hundreds of years. They
serve the essential water requirements
of the people, especially in the water
deficient areas of Thar Desert. In recent
times, however, these water harvesting
systems have fallen into disuse or
are being degraded by the march of
urbanisation. There is an urgent need
to regenerate and revive these ancient
systems. n
69
 RAJASTHAN
Ensuring Self-Reliance in Water
Rainwater harvesting is very simple and shows miraculous results.
Apna Sansthan workers in Bhilwara have recharged more than 500
water bodies during the last 15 years through this method
R
ajasthan, which
struggles hard for
every drop of water
more than other
states, has been a model in
rainwater harvesting. Forget the
time tested traditional methods
of water harvesting, even today
the experiments being conducted
for rainwater harvesting are
worth emulating. The wonderful
work done by Apna Sansthan in
Bhilwara shows how to proceed
for rainwater harvesting. Some
of the successful projects
undertaken by Apna Sansthan
are as follows:
RAMSNEHI HOSPITAL
BHILWARA:
As the Baori of the hospital dried,
at least 5-7 tankers of water were
purchased everyday from March
to June. The work of reviving
the Baori through rainwater was
started in 2010 and the Baori
revived the same year. Now there is
no need to seek water tanker any time
in the year. The ground water level too
has revived unexceptionally. This has
saved Rs two lakh per year.
PANCHMUKHI BALAJI
MANDIR, BHILWARA:
The water level in the well of the
temple was more than 70 feet deep. As
the rainwater from six acres ground
of the temple was put into the well
after filtering it, the water level of the
well is now merely 20 feet deep. The
water from this well is now used for
70 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
irrigation also.
MEWAR FERTILIZER,
GANDHINAGAR, BHILWARA:
The rainwater of 10,000 sq feet
ground was put into three bore wells in
2002. Not only the water level of the
borewells has improved substantially,
but also the ground water level in the
radius of about half the km is now
merely 5-10 feet, which was earlier
about 100 feet. In August 2017, the
basement of the building was full of
water due to increase in the water
level.
SULABHI CRUSHER
BHILWARA
The rainwater was put into
the well and borewell. The well,
which used to dry in December
every year remains full of water
throughout the year.
DWARKESH PRODUCTS,
BHILWARA:
In the year 2016, the
rainwater of entire factory
premises was put into the bore
well, which increased the water
level from 2200 feet to 1200
feet. There are many other
areas where the Apna Sansthan
has done wonderful work of
water harvesting. One of them
is Chain Kund of Pratapgarh.
In June 2017, the Baori of
Somnath Temple had dried.
It was revived by the Apna
Sansthan workers. Similarly,
in Dungarpur, the revived Uday Bab
supplies about eight lakh litres of
water to the city.
In Chittoargarh, seven Baoris
of the city were cleaned with the
help of the Municipal Council. The
Annapuran Boari at the Fort was
cleaned with the cooperation of the
people. By and large the rain water
harvesting is easy and simple. Any
water body can be revived hardly with
the expense of Rs 10,000 to 15,000. If
the water body situated in any ground
or the forest is to be revived the cost
is hardly Rs 5000. n
 The Water Warriors
to prove that one can grow these crops
irrespective of the amount of rain one
gets. However, after failing several
times and after years of research, he
At the time when the entire country struggles found that recharging borewells and
practising non-irrigational agriculture
for water, there are many people who are
methods could help more. Using these
dedicated to the cause of water conservation methods, he reaped a good harvest in
two subsequent years and then started
Rakesh Kalra spreading the message about these
AABID SURTI: Aabid Surti runs methods in neighbouring areas. Today,

W
a one-man NGO named
hen the entire nation the Drop Dead
struggles for water, Foundation,
there are many people which is
across the country saving
who are going out of their way to do tonnes of
their best to conserve water. They water by
are constructing wells, spreading taking care
awareness about the importance of plumbing
of water conservation, building problems
check dams, and ensuring that clean such as leaks that cause
drinking water reaches the needy. water wastage in Mumbai households.
In times when 69 crore Indians lack The 80-year-old does it all for free,
access to healthy drinking water, with his team of one volunteer and a
the country needs many such water plumber. In 2007, the first year of the
warriors in every part Foundation’s existence, Aabid visited
1666 houses on Mira Road, fixed 414
leaking taps free of charge, and saved
about 4.14 lakh litres of water. His
work has now inspired other people
across the country to take up his
example and help save water in their
cities.
AYYAPPA MASAGI: Ayyappa
Masagi has changed the lives of
AMLA RUIA: Amla Ruia, a Mumbai- thousands of
based social activist, has transformed people by
many lives in over 100 villages in getting
Rajasthan by using traditional water them to
harvesting techniques and building practise
check dams. With a view towards rainwater
finding a sustainable and permanent harvesting
solution for conserving water in and water
drought hit regions of Rajasthan, conservation.
she founded Aakar Charitable Trust. This Karnataka
So far, the Trust has helped in the resident purchased six acres of land in
construction of 200 check dams in 100 a village in Gadag, a dry region, where
villages. he started planting rubber and coffee
Ayyappa has developed thousands of
conservation projects across 11 states
and has also created over 600 lakes in
the country.
SHIRISH APTE: The Malguzaars
were local zamindars in eastern
Vidarbha about two centuries ago and
had constructed several tanks for water
harvesting and
provided water
for irrigation.
They
constructed,
owned and
maintained
these
tanks before
1950, but after
the zamindari system was
abolished the state government took
ownership of the tanks and started
collecting water tax from those who
used the tanks. The Malguzaars filed
a case in the Supreme Court, after
which more than 1000 tanks were left
unattended for years. This was until
Shirish Apte, an executive engineer
with the Minor Irrigation Division
of Bhandara district in Maharashtra,
entered the picture in 2008 and
restored the first of such tanks in about
two years’ time. This led to recharged
groundwater levels and increased
agricultural output and fish production
in the area. And this eventually
prompted the district administration
to restore about 21 Malguzari tanks in
Bhandara. n

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 71

 GUJARAT

Check Dam Wado Bhai

Till a decade back the ground water level in some parts of Saurashtra
was below 120-210 metres. Farmers were not able to harvest even a
single crop in a year and the crisis of drinking water was at peak. But
thanks to the efforts of Mansukhbhai Suvagiya, the water level here has
now risen to 40-50 feet. By devising the cheapest model of check dams,
he has built more than 3,000 check dams and lakes in 300 villages

Pramod Kumar
at its peak in those days. There was no the leadership of Mansukhbhai, the

M
od ji Dhadukh (77)
has not forgotton those
fateful days when
16-17 years back he
was not able to harvest even a single
crop in his field. But today he easily
harvests three crops. In those days,
if any guest visited Jayaben Redadia
(63) house, she was worried as to
what to offer him in meals! But today
there is no such trouble. That was
only a bad dream and it is now over.
41 year-old Thothan Japada could not
even think of looking after his family
through a dairy alone in those days
without any farm land. But today he
not only looks after his family well
but also has built a pucca house and
a separate room for his three Gir
breed cows. Modji Dhadukh, Jayaben
Redadia and Thothan Japada are all
from Jamaka village under Junagarh
District of Saurashtra region in
Gujarat. It is the same region which
was in the grip of severe drought
about two decades back. But the
life witnessed a dramatic turn when
Rajkot resident Shri Mansukhbhai
Suvagiya motivated people of the
village to build check dam in 1998-
99.
Recalling those days Shri
Suvagiya says, “The water crisis was
production in the farm. Forget rearing
animals, it was difficult for the people
to manage for the family needs. As a
result the youth and many people had
started migrating to other parts of the
country. But today everybody in this
region feels the arrival of good days.”
It is not that the water crisis is
fully over from entire Saurashtra,
but the people now need not worry
at all about water due to rain water
conservation. Even if there is no rain,
the farmers are confident that they
can harvest at least two crops in the
year. Naturally, the efforts of Gujarat
government have been commendable
in this regard, but the role of a catalyst
has been played by a local 12th
standard pass villager, Mansukhbhai
Suvagiya by devising the cheapest
model of building check dams and
successfully implementing it. This
model has reduced the expenditure
of a check dam from lakhs of rupees
to merely a few thousand. During the
last one decade he has constructed
over 3,000 check dams and lakes in
300 villages and has recharged ground
water by manoeuvring rivulets to fill
3,000 abandoned mines in more than
10 villages.
This positive change began from
Jamka village under Mendarda
taluka of Junagarh District. Under
villagers there constructed 55 check
dams without seeking any help from
the government. Today, they are
functioning without any snag. Even as
water crisis looms large in Saurashtra
region, the farmers of this village
are busy cultivating millet, pulses,
sesame and sugarcane at over one lakh
hectares. The village has recorded
100 per cent cultivation this season.
This is because water is available in
bore wells to irrigate fields. “Water
is available at just 40-50 feet depth
in bore wells. Most of the bore wells
in the village are active and there
is no water shortage,” said Shri
Suvagiya. He is credited with giving
three foundational programmes to the
country—cheapest model of building
check dams and lakes, preservation of
Gir and Kankrej breeds of cow, and
promotion of cow based farming.
Narrating the story of his
revolution, the ‘Check Dam Wado
Bhai’, as Shri Suvagiya is popularly
known among villagers, points out
that after the terrible draught that
hit Gujarat from 1985 to 1998, a
idea occurred to his mind that each
village should have five to fifty
check dams built on streams and dig
lakes on the outskirts. Disappointed
with the government response, he
worked out a five point programme.

72 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

He held public meetings for creating
awareness. Then he selected more
than 2,000 places in 500 villages to
build check dams. In those days the
government check dams’ schemes
cost from Rs 2 to 10 lakh, and making
5 to 50 check dams in a village was
unaffordable. But Shri Suvagiya
created a new sustainable design from
RCC. He held community gatherings
and also initiated community fund
by putting a substantial amount as
Shri Mansukhbhai
Suvagiya (right) at
the Checkdam built
by him
starting fund. This motivated farmers,
cattle breeders, teachers and even
workers to give their share in the
village community fund. He himself
went to 30 villages and worked on the
dam sites digging from a day to even
90 days, in spare time at night also.
This is how in five years 10 lakh man
days were spent in water harvesting
through check dams and lakes.
At Jamka village the people created
history by spending 20,000 man days
through self-help to build 51 check
dams and two large lakes. Without
governmental help and in a marginal
amount only Jamka eradicated
water scarcity. Shri Suvagiya then
replicated this in many villages
including Mota Kotda, Chanaka,
Vichhavad, Nana Kotda, Khahaliya,
Shirvania in Junagadh district and
Rafala, Babra, Mota Devalia, Nani
Sanathli, Mota Bhandaria, Khijadia
(Khari), Khadkhad in Amreli district
and Rajpara in Bhavanagar district,
Songadh, Chadrelia in Surendranagar
district and Pransala, Vadekhan,
Dhank, Mervadar in Rajkot District
and Moti Nagjar in Jamnagar district.
In order to create public awareness,
a Water Revolution Day was
celebrated in Jamka village in 1999.
More than 50,000 people gathered at
this nation’s first and largest public
gathering to revolutionise water
conservation effort. Mansukhbhai
motivated the people to take an oath to
eradicate water scarcity and conserve
water in their villages. The then
Chief Minister along with the Cabinet
of Ministers attended that historical
event. Motivated by the model, the
State Government initiated Sardar
Patel Cooperative Water sharing
scheme. The result of all these efforts
is that the water table which used
to be between 300 to 700 feet has
revived between 40 to 80 feet only.
Dried rivulets have come back to life
after many years. Wherever check
dam schemes were implemented
there is an increase of 40 to 100
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
per cent in irrigation. Agricultural
produce, rural employment and
fodder production has doubled. The
electricity consumption, earlier used
for irrigation through ground water,
decreased by 50 per cent.
In Khijadia village under
Amreli district, a novel scheme was
implemented. The villagers there
desilted a river carrying lot of silt and
35 wells were recharged. In Songadh,
a village in Surendranagar district,
He is credited with giving
three foundational
programmes to the
country—cheapest model
of building check dam
and lakes, preservation
of Gir and Kankrej breeds
of cow, and promotion of
cow based farming
surface water was altered and 3,000
abandoned mines were filled to create a
30 lakh cubic meter of water reservoir,
completely eliminating water scarcity
in the region. Mansukhbhai also
worked on five alternative designs of
RCC check dams in Pransla Vadekhan
under district Rajkot and in just Rs nine
lakh created a dam reservoir storing 10
lakh litres of water.
Now Mansukhbhai is working to
spread his mission all over the country.
He also wants to have 10 lakh Gir and
10 lakh Kankrej breed cows. He is
committed to implement cow based
farming in the country. Plantation and
conservation of indigenous plants and
trees is also on top of his agenda. Surely,
Mansukhbhai is the new massiah for
crores of villagers in water-scarcity-hit
regions of the country.
(The writer is Senior
Correspondent in Organiser Weekly)
73
 GUJARAT

Champion of Change
Saurashtra Jaldhara Trust is instrumental in restoring greenery and
resolving drinking water problem in hundreds of villages through rainwater
harvesting. The champion of this change, Shri Mathurbhai Savani, is
although a diamond baron, he is fully dedicated to water conservation

Dr Janak Dave with some experts. The work of should use pipeline system instead
rainwater harvesting that began of the open canals. Also, the sewage

T
here is a village, Khopala,
under Gadhada tehsil of
Botad District in Gujarat. A
youth, Mathurbhai Savani,
from this village is associated with
the diamond business in Surat. He
visits his village every year. When he
visited the village in 1997 for Diwali
celebration, he found acute shortage
of drinking water in the village. The
rainy season had just ended, the
women of the village had to run after
tankers for water. When the condition
of drinking water was so pathetic, one
could easily imagine the condition of
irrigation of crops in the fields. That
deeply exhorted young Mathurbahi.
He pledged to resolve the water
problem permanently not only from
his own village, but also from the
entire Saurashtra region and Gujarat
state. But how it will be done was not
clear to him. He started moving here
and there with this problem in mind.
He found the solution after discussion
in his ancestral village Khopala,
started attracting the youth from the
adjoining villages also. His work
received so much public support that
the Gujarat Government also offered
help in this initiative in the year 2000.
Mathurbhai worked on bringing the
public and the administration together
for this task. The question that nagged
his mind repeatedly was that there
was no water problem about 70-80
years back, then why is it occurring
now?
When the work on rainwater
harvesting began, the construction
of check dams on large-scale was
started. Today about 30,000 crore
hectare land is cultivated in the
country and about 70 per cent of
the total water consumption is in
agriculture. Drip irrigation can reduce
this consumption about 75 per cent.
The saved water can be used for
future needs. Mathurbhai stresses on
new thinking in distribution of water
through big dams also. He says we
water from industries and factories
should be treated for drip irrigation.
While motivating people for
rainwater harvesting Mathurbhai
decided to develop a village as
model. He started the work keeping
Khopala village at the centre. About
16,000 bigha land of the village
is under cultivation. Unity in the
village is must if this entire land has
to be ensured irrigation. He started
organising activities to bring the
villagers together. He organised a
function in 1996 to felicitate the
surviving freedom fighters. During the
function, he raised the issue of village
unity. Work began on constructing
200 check dams and 10 ponds. For
monitory help, the people of the
village who live in Surat, Mumbai or
Bhavnagar for their business or jobs
were requested. Then the Saurashtra
Jaldhara Trust was formed with the
active help of the people in Surat. The
prime objective of the Trust was to
motivate people to follow the model

74 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)


of Khopala in water harvesting. An
eight day Jalsanchaya Padyatra was
conducted in Bhavnagar district in
1998. During the functions held as
part of the yatra, people pledged
for water conservation. Apart from
conserving water, the misuse of water
in the fields was also explained to the
people At the end of every meeting,
people pledged to work together
forgetting their differences. In order
to ensure help from the government,
the then Chief Minister Shri
Keshubhai Patel was also contacted.
Finally, a scheme with 60 per cent
help from the government and 40 per
cent from the village was formulated.
The scheme was named as Sardar
Sahabhagi Jal Sanchayan Yojana.
The 40 per cent contribution of the
village was in the form of shramdaan
or monitory help. For better execution
of the scheme, a committee of 21
members was constituted in every
village. These committees further
constituted some sub-committees
like purchase committee, organising
committee, public relation committee,
quality control committee, accounts
committee, etc.
The help of some saints was also
sought to spread the message of water
conservation. A water harvesting
conference was held at Gadhada in
1998 in the presence of noted saint
Pujya Morari Bapu, who on that
occasion said that bathing in the
water stored in the check dam built
with the labour of the farmers is holier
than having a dip at the Kumbha. He
proved his statement correct when
he himself had a dip at the Dudhiba
Sarovar in Vikaliya village in 2000.
A total of 108 check dams have
been built in Vikaliya village. Pujya
Sachidanand Maharaj of Dantali
also actively supported the water
conservation campaign. The then
Chief Minister Shri Keshubhai Patel
assured that there would be no delay
in the help from the administration.
A 20-day padyatra was conducted
in 2001 from Talgajarda, the village
Apart from generating
awareness about water
harvesting, the Trust
is also involved in tree
plantation. About
85,000 saplings have
been planted in Khopala
village. A Neem forest
has been created in Akala
village
of Pujya Morari Bapu, to Porbandar.
More than 1000 people participated
in the Yatra from beginning to the
end. They were basically members
of different committees. At least 500
new Padyatris joined the Yatra every
day. They were not only farmers, but
also the industrialists, politicians,
students, saints, etc. The yatra was
successful in spreading the message
of water conservation to lakhs of
people. In 2002, a grand Jalkranti
Sammelan was organised in Surat and
it was attended by Pujya Morari Bapu
and the then Chief Minister of Gujarat
Shri Narendra Modi. The ground,
where the Sammelan was organised,
witnessed so much gathering that it is
still known as Jalkranti Ground.
Saurashtra Jaldhara Trust has
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
also been motivating farmers for
drip irrigation. Many farmers who
have opted for drip irrigation have
also been felicitated by the Chief
Minister. The trust inspires the people
through different activities including
display of new technology, etc. In
the beginning around 2000 sacks of
cement were provided to the people
in 200 villages free of cost. After that
arrangements were made to provide
cement to the people on cheaper rates.
Apart from generating awareness
about water harvesting, the Trust is
also involved in tree plantation. About
85,000 saplings have been planted
in Khopala village. A Neem forest
has been created in Akala village.
It is because of this campaign that
many villages in Kutch, Saurashtra
and north Gujarat, which used to
look like barren land, now have huge
green cover.
Apart from it, public awareness
is generated to stop female feticide.
In 2006, Beti Bachao programme
was held in Surat and two lakh girls
pledged to work for curbing female
feticide. Sarva Samaj Beti Bachao
Yatra was conducted from Surat
to Somanth. Now a hospital, Kiran
Hospital, has been started in Surat
with the support from the society.
The bhoomipuan for the hospital was
done by Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi. Commenting on the work done
by Shri Swavani, Shri Narendra
Modi as Gujarat Chief Minister said,
“If Mathurbhai’s NGO (Saurashtra
Jaldhara Trust) was foreign funded,
with English speaking people, with
anti-Narmada dam mentality, with
people staying in five star hotels
wearing Khadi, he could have
received too much high publicity and
admiration from all over the world for
his same work.” He said the people
who work without expecting anything
in return basically become the agents
of change. n
75
 GUJARAT
45 Check Dams in 42 Days
The villagers in
Lunidhar under Amreli
district of Gujarat, in
association with the
local administration,
have deepened seven
ponds and built 45 check
dams in 42 days. In
the areas where check
dams could not be built
wells are recharged
L
unidhar is a village under
Kunkavav tehsil of Amerili
district in Gujarat. The
population is about 4,200.
The villagers are very hard working.
Though the major profession of
the villagers is farming, almost one
member from each family is associated
with the diamond or cloth business at
Surat in any form. People value the
spirit of working collectively, thanks
to the influence of Swadhyaya Pravivar
of Pujya Pandurang Shastri.
During the drought of 2010-11,
the villagers collectively decided to
take some concrete steps so that they
do not face the crisis of water even if
there is drought. When any good work
is initiated, problems naturally test
the patience of the people. But, every
problem was taken as a challenge.
Initially, the work of tree plantation
was done on large scale. About 800
saplings of Peepal and Bar were planted
76 Vaishakh
VaishakhKrishna
Krishna13
13(Vaishakhi),
(Vaishakhi),Vikrami
VikramiSamvat
with the help of Jalkranti Trust. These
saplings were not only planted, but the
youth of the village also nurtured them
for two years.
There were 16 check dams in
the village, but eight of them were
in dilapidated condition. Hence, it
was decided to repair the existing
check dams and build new ones.
The workers under the leadership
of Shri Bharatbhai Vegar, Shri
Ashokbhai Hapani, Shri Manubhai
Ghanani, Shri Jayantibhai Vadaliya
decided to build 45 check dams. The
villagers collected Rs 10 lakh, while
the government contributed Rs 90
lakh. The work began in 2010-11.
Once the work began, it continued
for 100 hours. First, the village
pond was deepened about five feet.
The villagers performed shramdaan
for it. Some people living in Surat
contributed financially. It all resulted
in the construction of 45 check dams
and deepening of seven ponds in 42
days. The silt removed from the check
Samvat2075
2075(April
(April14,
14,2018)
2018)
dams and ponds was laid in the fields,
which increased fertility of the soil.
As a result, the village, which used to
earn Rs two crore from farming in a
year, earned Rs 10 crore that year.
In the areas where check dams could
not be built, wells were deepened. In
order to maintain the water level of the
village, a large number of trees were
planted near water bodies. There are
more than 10,000 trees in Lunidhar
village today. The people have decided
to plant and nurture 5,000 more
saplings in coming days.
Shri Rameshbhai Dhanani took
an interesting decision during the
wedding of his daughter. Instead of
spending mindless money during
the wedding, he built a check dam in
the village of her daughter in-laws’
village. The Sarpanch of the village
also helped. The village was felicitated
by the Gujarat government in 2011 for
water conservation. The villagers have
now decided to ensure that the water
of the village remains in the village. n
 MADHYA
PRADESH

Shramdaan for building pond

In order to fight water
scarcity, the villagers
built a pond through
shramdaan. Seeing
the villagers working
together, the local
Member of Parliament
also came forward with
help and this is how the
villagers resolved the
water crisis permanently

T
he RSS Shakha in
Rupakheri, a village with
3000 population under
Ujjain district of Madhya
Pradesh, goes on for 32 years. The
swayamsevaks are always in forefront
of any activity aimed at social change.
There is a Saraswati Shishu Mandir
in the village to impart quality
education. About 450 students from
Rupakheri and 15 from other adjoining
villages study in the school. There
are efforts for social harmony in
the village for 15 years. As a result,
there is no discrimination at temple,
crematorium and water bodies. There
is no separate queue for some people
during the wedding or any other
function. Shrimad Bhagwat Katha is
being organised in the village for the
last nine years under the direction of
Shri Gopal Krishna Joshi ji and people
from all communities participate in the
Katha without any discrimination.
In order to permanently resolve the
water crisis occurring in the village
almost every year, the swayamsevaks
motivated the villagers to build a pond
in eastern side of the village. Before
In order to permanently
resolve the water crisis
occurring in the village
almost every year, the
swayamsevaks motivated
the villagers to build a
pond in eastern side of
the village
beginning of the work, everybody
was worried as to how the work will
be completed. First the people of the
village and adjoining villages who could
provide their tractors, JCB, dumper etc
for the work were contacted. The efforts
proved to be fruitful as 60 tractors, 12
JCB and 8 dumpers were procured for
the work. Some vehicles were available
on fuel charges.
When the work was going on, MP
from Ujjain Prof Chintamani Malaviya
came to know about it. His birthday
was on the same day when the work
was started on March 25, 2017. He
agreed to help this initiative. The
swayamsevaks planned the work in a
way that it goes on at least for 14 hours
everyday from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm.
The efforts produced good result and
the pond finally took a shape. Prof
Chintamani Malaviya has assured to
provide help in future also. n

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 77

 MADHYA
PRADESH

Innovative Irrigation Method

An innovative method of irrigation adopted by the Samaj Shilpi couple
of Deendayal Research Institute irrigated 470 acres of agriculture
land. It restored prosperity in the village and those people who had
migrated to cities in search of jobs returned back to join farming.
This experiment also ensured water to the wild animals

Dr Ashok Pandey how much is allowed to flow unused. If were involved in farming. They too

I
t needs no elaboration that the
existence of the entire universe
depends upon water. In villages,
it plays more significant role,
because it nurtures both the land and
the forest. Therefore, in order to ensure
sufficient water in their village the Gond
Vanvasis of Patna village conducted an
interesting and innovative experiment
under the guidance of the Deendayal
Research Institute workers. Under this
experiment, they decided to store the
rainwater, which flew out of the village
adopting traditional knowledge, own
resources and collective efforts. All
these efforts emerged in the form of
an innovative irrigation method for the
village.
It is not significant how much it
rained in a village throughout the year.
More significant is how much rain
water is stored, how much is used and
we fail to store rainwater, we are bound
to face water crisis even after ample
rains. Take the example of Cherapunji,
where the annual average rainfall is
11,000 mm. But, the people there have
to face drinking water problem due to
insufficient arrangements for rainwater
harvesting.
The people dedicated to the cause
of water conservation say that there
is not a single village in the country,
which is not able to store and use
rainwater to meet its basic needs. This
logic was proved correct by the Gond
Vanvasis of Patna village in Madhya
Pradesh. The rainwater, which flew
out of the village through nullahs now
quench the thirst of their fields. The
village, which once starved of water, is
now self-sufficient in all water needs.
It happened not long ago in the
history. It is hardly 30-35 year old
incident. Very few people of the village
were able to grow very limited crops
like Kodo and Kutaki, etc. They were
fully dependent on the forests for the
food and other needs. When their
dependence on forests reduced due to
the pressure of forest department or
other reasons, they started search for
other means of livelihood. It brought
them closer and regular touch of the
real world. Earlier, only their forest
was their world. Looking people, they
too started farming, but could not do it
for long due to various reasons. They
developed fields and started living
there in huts and hamlets. Since they
did not get sufficient foodgrain from
the farmland, they had to find other
means also for survival. However, it
enhanced their knowledge too. They
understood that as we need water to
quench our thirst, the crops in the
field also need water. When their
knowledge about farming increased,
they started farming near the rivers
and other traditional water bodies.
But, the question was how to take the
water from rivers or other water bodies
to the fields. The water bodies were in
lower areas while the fields were on
height. They tried different methods
to stop the water by constructing
temporary bunds by mud and stones,
but could not draw desired results.
Then they clicked an idea, which was,
however, difficult to execute for them.
But some enthusiastic people decided
to implement that. They started work

78 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)


on building a bund on Sehaba nullah,
about 500 meters ahead of its origin
on the mountain. The bund was built
with the help of the stones and mud.
The water from the bund was then
taken to the fields through small
channel. The experiment worked
and their fields started getting water.
It was a historic incident for the
villagers—even bigger than August
15, 1947 or even more significant
than the nuclear test and inventions
of information technology! Because,
only after this experiment, the people
of the village could properly know
the taste of the wheat chapatti. Only
then, their children could know the
smell of the cooked rice. The sound of
traditional floor mills and also songs
began in the village. These could be
said the songs of freedom. The life,
which was stagnated for years, now
started moving ahead.
The time gradually passed. The
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
irrigation facility was available to a
limited number of people only. The
farm condition of majority of the
people was unchanged. Basically,
47 acres of land could be irrigated
with this experiment. But, after this
experiment majority people started
rain fed farming. Even then they
continued to go out of the village in
search of labour, collection of forest
produces, fodder etc. They were forced
to live a nomadic life.
When a Samaj Shilpi couple of
Deendayal Research Institute reached
this village in 1998 water was the
biggest problem of the village. People
wanted to do farming, but avoided
due to lack of water. They had no
other option but to leave the village
for labour in cities. Most youth had
migrated along with their children
and wives. The Samaj Shilpi couple
first visited the water conservation
work done by the villagers and
studied the water crisis in detail.
During the study they realised that the
water flowing in two nullahs near the
village can ensure sufficient water to
the villagers. They decided to emulate
the method adopted by the Vanasis
years back.
They systematically started the
work. The work done at Sehaba
Nullah years back was replicated on
Kusendi Nullah also. The work was
completed in 2002. They also built
another channel from Sehaba Nullah.
The new channel created from Kulia
Dabar irrigated 168 acres of land. The
channel created from Kusendi Nullah
irrigated 172 acres of land. The water
channel created from old Sehaba nullah
irrigated 130 acres of farm land. This
is how the entire agriculture land of
the village was ensured irrigation. The
water received through the channels
also meet other needs of the villages
and also the wild animals.
(The writer is secretary of
Deendayal Research Institute, Satna)
79
 CHHATTISGARH

Least Mahanadi should not

be like Yamuna in Delhi
‘Astha Manch’ has been working tirelessly for the last seven years to
ensure free and clean flow of the Mahanadi, the lifeline for crores of
people in Chhattisgarh. People, both devotees and those living on the
banks of the River, are being educated and sensitised that ‘Mahanadi
is ours and keeping her clean is our collective responsibility’

M
ahanadi is the lifeline
of Chhattisgarh. She
is also known as
‘Chitrotpala Ganga’.
She is the largest river of the state
associated with spirituality, satsang
and religious rituals. People of the state
are dependent on this river to celebrate
most of their festivals. She is not only
the prime centre for immersion of the
ashes and idols, but also the major
source of drinking water through the
Gangrel and Dudhava dams and Rudri
barrage. Farmers are also supplied
water for irrigation.
Karneshwar Mela in the cultural
city of the state, Rudreshwar Mela in
Dhamtari, Kumbha Mela in Rajim,
Sipur Mela in Mahasamund, Shabari
Mela, Shivnarayan and Chandgahasini
Maiya Mela in Chandrapur attract
devotees not only from Chhattisgarh,
but also from adjoining states. As the
pressure of the devotees is increasing
on the river, the cleanliness and free
flow of the river is adversely affected.
Most of the people sit silent after
expressing anguish and concern over
the growing pollution in the river, but
the leading cultural organisation of the
state, Astha Manch, has been working
tirelessly to awaken the people about
the cleanliness of Mahanadi.
Astha Manch has been trying to
convert the cleanliness drive into a
mass movement by connecting people
of all sections with it. In order to ensure
free and clean flow of the river, the
Manch has started a cleanliness drive
from Sihava Mountain, the origin of the
river, to Chandrahasini Devi Temple
in Chandrapur. The devotees and the
people living on the banks of the river
were stirred in this regard. Starting
from Ganesh Ghat of Sihava Mountain

80 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

on July 9, 2017 the Mahanadi Nirmal
Sewa Yatra culminated at Chandrapur
after passing through Dudhava,
Charama, Gangrel, Medha, Rajim,
Aarang, Sirpur and Shivarinarayan.
It covered the distance of 326 km in
18 days. During the Yatra, Mahanadi
Water Conservation Committees were
constituted in those 300 villages of
Dhamtari, Kanker, Balod, Gariyabad,
Raipur, Mahasamund, Balaudabajar,
Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh districts from
where the river passes through. There
are 20 people in each committee. In
order to sensitise the people, 20,000
posters were pasted in the villages.
The people were awakened through the
idol of Chitrotpala Ganga installed at
The people living on
the banks of the river
pledged to keep the river
clean and not to let her be
polluted at any cost. Also,
they decided to conduct
a cleanliness drive on the
River Ghat once a month
a chariot during the Mahanadi Nirmal
Sewa Yatra.
The people living on the banks
of the river pledged to keep the river
clean and not to let her be polluted at
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
any cost. Also, they decided to conduct
a cleanliness drive on the River Ghat
once a month. During the Yatra, about
5000 people came forward to actively
contribute in this campaign. They
decided to plant saplings on the river
banks and also make special Kunds
at the river bank so that people may
immerse the ashes and idols in that
Kund and not directly into the river.
During the Yatra, aarati of Mahanadi
was conducted on the river Ghat in the
evening. The prime objective of Astha
Manch is to keep the river clean and
awaken the people of Chhattisgarh
that Mahanadi is ours and keeping her
clean is our collective responsibility.
Different campaigns are being
conducted for the last seven years.
These efforts are important because
if the honest efforts are not made today
to keep the river clean, tomorrow it
may be as polluted as the Yamuna in
Delhi. Patron of Astha Manch Shri
Dipak Lakhotia, joint patron Shri
Hemraj Soni, president Shri Rajesh
Sahu and many other people actively
participated in the campaign. The
campaign for conserving the river
is significant and shows the way for
all others states where the rivers are
getting polluted. n
81
 PUNJAB

Water Warrior Eco Baba

When Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and his followers started cleaning the
Kali Bein River, many people ridiculed them. But they continued their work and
gradually more people started joining them. Finally, 160 km long almost dead
River was successfully revived. People now enjoy picnic at the same banks of the
river, where they had to once cover their nose due to bad smell. It is the same
Kali Bein where Guru Nanak Devji had attained enlightenment 500 years ago

Vijay Kumar
Lodhi village in Kapurthala. The water Ber Saheb. The work was not so

N
ormally the image of the
saints and Mahatmas
in our country has been
of the persons who
deliver religious discourses. But,
there are saints who have dedicated
themselves to the cause of serving
the needy persons considering them
as their God and also to the cause of
environment protection. Shri Balbir
Singh Seechewal is the same type of
saint, who successfully rejuvenated the
historic Kali Bein River where Guru
Nanakdevji 500 years ago had attained
enlightenment after having a bath in
it. This River originates from Dhanoa
village in Hoshiarpur and joins Ravi
and Vyas at Harikepattan.
Sant Balbir Singh belongs to
Seechewal village of Punjab, located
about 40 km from Jalandhar and around
400 km from Delhi. He saw the poor
condition of Kali Bein near Sultanpur
of the river was then so much polluted
that forget bathing in it, even one was
afraid of touching it. It was difficult
to stand near it due to bad smell. The
sewage and industrial wastes of 35
cities were directly put into the 162 km
river without treatment. Much portion
of the land near the river was either
illegally sold by Patwaris or had been
encroached. Nobody was bothered to
clean and rejuvenate the River. In that
condition, Sant Seechewal pledged to
clean it with the help of the people.
About 20 local youth also joined him.
On July 16, 2001 he started the work
from ancient Ghat of the Gurudwara
simple and easy. Not only the land
mafia, which had encroached the
river land, local politicians and local
administration, some people of the
Gurudwara Committee also started
creating problems. Some people even
snatched the instruments being used in
cleaning.
But Sant Seechewalji did not lose
heart. He too had influence in the area
because of the construction of some
schools and roads there. He had no
desire to either join politics or having
control over any organisation. He
persuaded the people with logics and
love. As a result the resistance reduced

82 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

Baba not only cleaned the
river, but also built a road
on its banks and planted
trees there. He also
repaired the old Ghats
and built new Ghats.
Boating also began in the
river, which attracts the
tourists
and more people started joining him
in the campaign. He put the silt of the
river into the fields, which increased
their fertility. When the exploitation
of ground water through submersible
pumps was curbed the water level
in the river also started increasing.
Gradually, the matter received
publicity in media and more people
started extending help.
Baba not only cleaned the river, but
also built a road on its banks and planted
trees there. He also repaired the old
Ghats and built new Ghats. Boating also
began in the river, which attracted the
tourists. He has also established plant
nurseries at Seechewal and Sultanpur
Lodhi where one lakh plants are
distributed annually free of cost among
the people as prasad of the Guru.
Gradually, the information about
this work reached the then President
of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and
he visited Punjab to see this work on
August 17, 2006. He exclaimed that
an individual when takes a pledge can
make a big difference. Sant Seechewal
has been felicitated with many national
and international awards for this work.
But he treats them only as the Guru
Prasad. Sant Seechewal was also
felicitated with the Safaigiri Award in
Delhi. The award was presented by the
then Union Minister Shri M Venkaiah
Naidu, film actress Aishwaryarai
Bachan and India Today editor Arun
Purie. Addressing the gathering after
HOW THE KALI BEIN WAS CLEANED
4 Sewage water of 40 cities was directly put into the river. It
turned the holy river into a drain
4 Sant Seechewal started the work of cleaning the river in
2000
4 Apart from cleaning the river, he also repaired the banks
and Ghats of the river and built roads there
4 Santji conducted awareness drives and persuaded the
people not to put any garbage into the river
4 The flow of the drains added to the river were turned and
the people living on the banks of the river were sensitised
about her cleanliness
4 People now enjoy picnic on this river where they had to
once cover their nose due to bad smell
WHY IS THE RIVER SO IMPORTANT?
This is the same river where Guru Nanakdevji had attained
enlightenment 500 years ago
receiving the award Baba said a model be resolved. We face floods during rains
to recharge the water for reuse had been and water crisis after that. It is because
presented at Sultanpur Lodhi village. the recharging system of the earth has
Now his model has also been adopted been badly affected. If we improve the
to clean the Ganga. ‘Time’ magazine has recharging system of the Earth, we will
given him the title of Environment Hero. never face any water crisis and we shall
He was honoured with Padmashree in be able to ensure sufficient water for
2017. He says that we are facing water the coming generations. The awareness
crisis today because the ground water that has been generated in Punjab for
level has reduced. But, this situation cleaning of the rivers should spread
can change. The pollution in the rivers across the world. The day we clean our
has blocked the recharging system of rivers and ensure that the rivers are not
the rivers. If the water is stored in the further polluted, we shall resolve the
rivers this problem will automatically water crisis permanently. n
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 83
 Instead of bathing with soaps made of various chemicals, if we start
having lemon bath, billions of litres of water can be saved everyday.
This method also recharges the ground water level miraculously

Lemon Bath: New Method

of Water Conservation
V
ery stirring statistics are
presented in national and
international seminars on
increasing global warming
and reducing water availability all
over the world. Also, special emphasis
is made over the increased public
participation in water conservation
drives. But, there is no mention
anywhere of the need to increase
popularity of eco-friendly new
methods of water conservation. One
of such new Indian methods is lemon
bath, which, if followed honestly,
can save 19.5 billion litres of water
everyday and about 13 billion litres of
water will recharge the ground water
level every day. Through this method
we can save about 60 per cent water.
The lemon water is absorbed by the
soil instantly whereas soap mixed
water takes time.
Protein, fat, calorie and fiber are
found in abundance in lemon juice.
Also, potassium, sodium, calcium,
phosphorus and magnesium are
available in abundance. The mineral
deficiency that rainwater or RO water
create is also easily corrected from
lemon, banana, coconut, etc. A hybrid
lemon tree starts providing lemons in a
year only. Therefore, it is the cheapest
method and easily available.
Vitamin A, E, C and D are also
available in lemon. Lemon also
increases life strength. It cleans the
body in natural way. Hence, lemon has
tremendous power to keep us healthy.
Therefore, a friendship with lemon in
daily life makes us healthy, wealthy
and wise. You can also produce lemon
oil through the lemon skin. You can
use the oil also with the lemon juice
in daily bath. If you use it for 15 days,
you can feel the difference. The use
of lemon is highly beneficial for the
students. It increases their memory
power. The botanical name of lemon
is citrus lemon. Its main source is plain
area of the Himalayas. Lisban and
Eureka are two very popular varieties
of the lemon. It is highly useful for the
human body.
The health benefits of lemon are
due to its many nourishing elements
like vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin
A, vitamin E, folate, niacin, thiamin,
riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper,
calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium,
zinc, phosphorus, and protein. It is a
fruit that contains flavonoids, which
are composites that contain antioxidant
and cancer-fighting properties. It helps
prevent diabetes, constipation, high
blood pressure, fever, indigestion, as
well as improve the skin, hair and teeth.
Studies conducted at the American
Urological Association highlight the
fact that lemonade or lemon juice can
eliminate the occurrence of kidney
stones by forming urinary citrate,
which prevents the formation of
crystals. If one has bath by lemon juice
it cures wrinkles, ageing.
The bath by chemically produced
soap requires more water, whereas
bath by lemon saves water from 50 to
80 per cent. One lemon is sufficient
for one person. Add the juice of one
lemon in one bouquet and have bath.
Therefore stop using soap and turn
to eco friendly bath to save water,
environment, money and to curb
global warming. n

84 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 HARYANA

Irrigation through Sub-Surface Dam

Even though it rains sufficiently (100 mm) in Panchkula,
the irrigation resources are very limited. Satluj, Ghaggar,
Dangari and Markanda flow through Panchkula, but hardly 30
per cent area is irrigated, because many parts of the district
are hilly, where taking river water is difficult and costly. But
the formula evolved by Shri Surendra Singh resolves such
problems. Now his formula has been adopted at many places

M
ost area in Panchkula
is hilly and water
flows immediately
after the rains. Storing
water on the hills by building dams
and then using it for irrigation and
drinking could be a solution. Surely,
this could be a good solution to the
water woes of people. Sukho Majari
and Bungadam are examples of it.
But the cost of such projects is very
high. The execution of such projects
also involves many legal, social
and economic challenges. Highly
technical skills are also required.
Shri Surendra Singh decided to
work on a cheap method of water
conservation. He conducted survey of local people and also some modern Agriculture Minister of Haryana
the area for three months and found a engineers with him. A sub surface inaugurated the project on September
solution. He named the solution as ‘Sub dam was built with the help of the 7, 2005. Since then the project is
Surface Dam’. Under this method, he stones. still functional. It irrigates about 100
creates a filter gallery across the river All people came together on acres of agriculture land without any
and takes the stored water to the fields January 26, 2004 and started the work hurdle. The rain water of the area is
for irrigation. He found that the water with a yajna. The project was finally stored in the dam and that is used for
through this method could easily be completed in September 2005 and the irrigation. Now all the farmers have at
provided to some areas of Ganeshpur water was started being supplied to least two crops in these villages. The
and Bhuria villages. He prepared the farmers in all the three villages. villagers have formed a registered
a detailed project and presented it The water still reaches the villages society to look after the maintenance
before the Resident Commissioner without any electricity consumption. of the project. Many national and
of CAPART in Chandigarh. The The project is very cheap and can be international agencies have visited
project was approved on November executed with very limited fund. the project. Shivalik Agency has
18, 2003. Under this project, some The project has attracted the successfully replicated this project at
fund was sanctioned and 150 farmers attention of many people. Irrigation seven places.
of three villages were to be benefitted. Minister of Haryana Captain Ajay Krishna Kumar, Prant
Shri Surendra Singh took some Yadav desired to watch it. The Sewa Pramukh, Haryana

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 85

 UTTAR PRADESH

Bumper Crops on Barren Land

The wonderful water
conservation work
done by Akhil Bharatiya
Samaj Sewa Sansthan
in dense forest areas
of Chitrakoot not only
turned the barren land
into green belt, but also
enhanced the income of
the farmers. It curbed
migration from the
villages and turned
back many farmers who
had stopped farming

Gopalbhai

A
dense forest of Chitrakoot
region in Uttar Pradesh
has a sizeable population
of Kol Vanvasis, who
are deprived of even the status of
Scheduled Tribes. These people live in
about 30 Village Panchayats spreading
in about 250 small localities. Most of
them are either marginalised farmers
or landless labourers. About 70 per
cent families have in average an acre
agriculture land. But, the agriculture
land here could not become prime
means of livelihood because of the
water scarcity. People cry for drinking
water also and they have to fetch
drinking water from 5-6 km away in
May-June every year.
It is believed that Shri Ram had
spent 11 years of his exile with the
ancestors of these Kol Vanvasis. The
most of the region is stony and bushy.
Hence, there is very little production
in the farms. Since the rainwater
flows to the lower areas, this hilly
area remains thirsty. Akhil Bharatiya
Sewa Sansthan started work to change
this scenario. Its prime objective since
inception has been to empower the
last person of the society. It started
water conservation work in 1990-
91. In the beginning, small dams
were built in 10 villages of Manikpur
block. This helped in irrigation of
fields in the areas of 63 km. Naturally,
the immediate benefit of it was food
security of the local people. These
dams are still in use.
After it, Tikaria Watershed
Management work was started in
1995-96 with the initial help of Rs 28
lakh from District Rural Development
Agency, Banda. It was completed in
the year 2000. Five check dams were
built with this amount, two ponds
were repaired and five wells were
renovated. As a result, about 175 acre
of agriculture land in Tikaria village
turned green with bumper crops of
mustard, wheat and rice. Twenty
families of the village started going to
Majhgawan Mandi of Madhya Pradesh
for selling the agriculture produces.
There is a 12 acre garden, which has
1500 trees of mango, guava, amla etc.
The Tikaria Watershed Management
programme belied the misconception
that nothing can be produced in Patha
(the hilly area of Manikpur Block).
It generated a new hope and trust
among the people. The interesting
fact about this programme is that the
local youth have been trained in water
conservation activities.
This was just the beginning. After
Tikaria Watershed programme, a
new feather was added into the water
conservation work of Mangawa
Panchayat with the help of Tata Trust

86 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

Mumbai. This work began in 2008-09
and was completed in 2011-12. Now,
about 60 per cent of the rainwater
is successfully stored in different
fields, ponds, etc. Six channels have
been built on a canal flowing towards
lower areas. Even after rains, water is
available in the top most channel. As a
result, the people living on the higher
areas also have crops of rice, wheat,
gram, mustard etc. Every water body
has sufficient water. The big water
bodies provide water till February.
The families, which never expected
earning money from the fields,
now sell mustard worth Rs 80,000
to the Mandis. Under Mangawa
watershed programme, the families of
Mangawa, Chhivalaha, Motwan and
Gurusarai have been benefitted. All
these families have collectively set
up Shabari Ashram. Both Rabi and
Kharif crops are being taken at about
500 acres of land. The production is
about four times more. Hardly, 108
families were able to take Kharif crop
in 2007. Today about 300 families
have started farming.
Third village Panchayat is Itava-
Patin. Irrigation has been ensured
for 1000 acres of land with the help
of the NABARD. A damaged pond
was repaired in Bagraha village and it
was also deepened. Later, a bund was
made on upper part of this pond to
conserve water. Even after irrigation
of the farms, water is available in
the pond throughout the year. Water
is available for irrigation of 100
hectares of land of 200 families in
Bagaraha, Jagannathpuram and Patin.
There is one more example of water
conservation in Bagaraha village.
There is a historic nullah known as
Datiha in this village. The rainwater
of surrounding hills and also some
other areas of Madhya Pradesh joins
Triveni (Paisuni) river during the
rainy season.
The government provided plots
to some Vanvasis on the banks of
this nullah. But, farming could never
be done on those plots due to lack of
irrigation. The Kol Vanvasis earn their
livelihood by selling wood etc. All
these plots were ensured irrigation by
building six check dams on this nullah.
As the production in the
fields grew, the people
started getting meals
for both times. This has
increased their interest in
farming. The animals also
are not required to be
taken anywhere in search
of water during May-June
every year
Now most of the families have good
production on these plots. Now the
small irrigation department, Chitrakoot
has also built three more check dams
on the nullah. As the production in
the fields grew, the people started
getting meals for both times. This has
increased their interest in farming.
The animals also are not required to
be taken anywhere in search of water
during May-June every year.
There is a 200-year old locality
here known as Naidar in Itava Patin
area. With the collective efforts of
the people of Patin 200 acre barren
land was made fertile. Now, one can
see a 90 feet deep well in this dense
forest. For irrigation, six check dams
have been built. About 20 farmers
here grow wheat and mustard. Many
of them have repaid their loans by
selling the farm produces in the
market. This area is surrounded by
hills and it is very difficult to take
any vehicle here. Now this area has
started witnessing greenery after
about 200 years. Now more than
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
hundred wells, 80 ponds and 60 check
dams have been built in Chitrakoot
Manipur block alone. NABARD
banks of Banda and Lucknow are full
of energy. They have sufficient funds,
while the Sansthan has expertise of
implementation of any scheme.
About 100 acres of land can be
irrigated by building five irrigation
units at Bachheda, Neruva and
Ranj rivers of Banda district. Such
irrigation facility can be ensured
through all rivers of Bundelkhand.
There is no dearth of natural resources
in Bundelkhand. But, no sincere
effort has been made in the recent
past to make use of those resources.
Many rivers including Kain, Dhasan,
Pahuch, Betwa, Chambal, Bagen,
Payashvani, Yamuna etc flow through
the Bundelkhand region. There are
many local canals also. There is a need
to use these water bodies judiciously.
This work cannot be done without the
help of the government machinery.
The Sansthan has also done water
conservation work with 200 families
of 20 villages in Baragaon block in
Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh.
Now 50 families of Shryana village
are irrigating 60 acres of land through
a canal. The farmers here earn good
money through farming after getting
the irrigation facilities. All the projects
going on in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya
Pradesh received the guidance of
senior Sangh Pracharaks Dr Dineshji,
Shri Naval ji, Shri Anandji and Shri
Brijendra Pal ji of Lok Bharati.
The Sansthan has also legally
helped some Vanvasis to get back their
land that had been snatched away from
them. About 12000 acres of land has
been liberated. Irrigation facilities have
also been provided to this land. The
Sansthan also conducted a survey in
400 villages of Banda and 400 villages
of Chitrakoot in June 2010. The survey
found that the ponds are vanishing and
new ponds are not being built. n
87
 JHARKHAND

Where There’s a will, There’s a Way

The saying that
‘Where There’s a Will
There’s a Way’ was
proved correct at
Angara block of Ranchi
where the villagers
stored water from
a hilly source at the
village tank through
a pipeline and used it
for farming and other
needs of the village.
It resolved the water
needs of three villages

T
he water conservation
efforts by young Sewa
Bharati workers in Ranchi
proved to be a boon for the
villagers. There was a time when the
villagers were not able to take even
single crop due to lack of irrigation.
As a result, many people migrated
to cities in search of jobs. But some
youth of the village decided to
change this scenario through their
own efforts. They stored water at a
place in the village and then made it
reusable.
The water stored at a mountain
source was brought to the village
through a pipeline. That water has
now changed the lives of the people
in three villages of Angara block—
Sunuva Bera, Peepara Bera and Tirla
Kocha. This water now irrigates
215 acres of farm land. The water
from the hilly source falls in a tank
specially created in the village, from
where it reaches to the farms of
villagers through different pipelines.
Interesting part of this experiment is
that one does not need any pumping
machine, diesel, kerosene or
electricity to pump this water. Water
is available round the clock. This
saves the production cost of farmers
and also their precious time.
Apart from agricultural activities,
this water also meets other needs of
the villagers like washing clothes,
bathing, cleaning utensils, offering
to animals etc. the people of Peepara
Bera use this water for drinking.
Tirla Kocha is a small revenue
village, which falls under Rajadera
Panchayat. Here also the water is
used for all household activities.
There is one Ekal Vidyalaya in the
village where too the same water is
used. Every house of the village has
toilet with water taps.
Most people of the village now
grow vegetables through organic
farming. There is not a single
farmer in the village, who uses
chemical fertilizer. The villagers
have announced in the village that
none would go to market to buy any
chemical fertilizer. In all the three
villages, the villagers collectively
look after the pipeline. Whenever
there is need of any repairing, they
do it collectively. Some committees
have been formed for maintenance.
Every committee collects certain
amount every month, which is used
in maintenance. This project was
executed by Sewa Bharati workers
with the help of Ramakrishna
Mission.
This experiment is significant
because the villagers waited for
government agencies for years to
come and ensure them water for
drinking and irrigation. But nobody
turned up. Then the Sewa Bharati
workers with the help of the villagers
decided to solve this problem. This
experiment has inspired the people of
other villages also who have started
thinking about solving their problems
themselves. n

88 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 JHARKHAND

Mountain no Challenge
W
hen will power is strong, to complete it. But Champa Bhagat was not
Showing strong even impossible could be ready to surrender. He wanted to ensure water
will power and made possible. The people to the fields at any cost. He decided to build
commitment of Kumbatoli village in a pucca dam. Since it required financial help,
Bishunpur block of Gumla proved it correct. the Vikas Bharati came forward to help. Shri
to the cause The villagers cut a mountain and took water Ashok Bhagat of Vikas Bharati provided
the people to their fields. It looked impossible for many, cement and other necessary resources to
of Kumbatoli but all hurdles failed before the strong will the villagers. Manager of local Cooperative
in Bishunpur power of the villagers. It took almost 14 Bank Shri Manoj Gupta arranged
years to complete the entire project. Now some pipes.
block of Gumla this project successfully irrigates about This is how the villagers again started
collectively cut 15,000 hectares of agriculture land in about work with the renewed vigour and ensured
a mountain and a dozen villages. water to the village in October 2014. Now
The work on the project was started by this project irrigates about 15,000 hectares
took water to
Champa Bhagat of Kumbatoli village in of agriculture land in Kumbatoli, Rehetoli,
their fields. It the year 2000. A group of villagers started Chapatoli, Chatti Seraka, Bheetar Seraka,
now irrigates work under the leadership of Champa. They Haratoli, Navagarh and Bishunpur.
15,000 hectares decided to build a dam by cutting a portion Shri Champa Bhagat says that there was
of the mountain. The work was started. As no arrangement for irrigation in the village
of agriculture
the local people started supporting it, the and the land was barren. They approached
land in about a work was finished. The people of adjoining the government agencies for building check
dozen villages. villages also supported it in the form of dams and wells, but nobody was ready to
It took 14 years shramdaan. Finally, the dam was constructed even listen. The villagers decided to resolve
in ten years and the water was taken to the their problems themselves and the local
for the dream fields. Since the dam was kachcha, it could cooperative bank as well as Vikas Bharati
to come true not face the flow of water for long. It was supported them. Now the greenery in every
washed away. It deeply disappointed the field makes every face smile. Really, fruits of
villagers, as they had worked for 10 years collective efforts! n

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 89

 Key steps to be taken by
various stakeholders
The reliability, financial sustainability and affordability of water supply and
wastewater treatment services need urgent improvement. It is important
that key steps are taken by various stakeholders to improve the situation
KEY IMPERATIVES FOR THE
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT:
4 Modify the National Water
Policy to emphasise re-use of
treated wastewater and reduction
in groundwater usage. This is
especially relevant for sectors like
agriculture that consume over 80
percent of fresh water supplies.
d 4 Expand funding for water resource
he development, sewerage networks
is and sewerage treatment plants
o under schemes like JNNURM
n 4 Increase technical assistance,
grants for capacity building of
Urban Local Bodies to manage
Public Private Partnership regional development 4 Lobby to increase water and
n Projects 4 Support ULBs in developing sewerage tariffs to pay for capacity
4 Increase technical assistance robust water supply and expansions. Reorganise subsidy
grants for ULBs to set up sewage wastewater treatment project system to ensure subsidies reach
treatment facilities structures to attract private the poor via targeted, area-based
investment. subsidies instead of general subsidies
KEY IMPERATIVES FOR 4 Cut non-revenue water by fixing
STATE GOVERNMENTS: KEY IMPERATIVES FOR leaks, monitoring water supply
4 Define roles and responsibilities URBAN LOCAL BODIES: quantity and quality.
of each entity in the sector 4 Upgrade planning capacity within
4 Create regulatory institutions to local bodies by increasing number KEY IMPERATIVES FOR
oversee the management of water of planners, environmental TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES:
resources and pricing of bulk engineers 4 Engage with government agencies
water 4 Initiate gradual increase in to create policy frameworks
4 Initiate reforms of Urban Local water tariffs to ensure optimum that support growth of water
Bodies to diversify revenue utilisation of water resources reuse, wastewater treatment and
sources, improve creditworthiness, 4 Develop plans for expanding standards
facilitate operational autonomy, sewage collection networks and 4 Invest in research and
improve technical capabilities building sewage treatment plants development for technologies
4 Improve information sharing of 4 Explore alternative technologies (through investments in pilot
state-wide water resources among for sewage treatment like Soil projects) and commercial models
agencies responsible for planning Biotechnology based systems suited to the Indian cities, towns

90 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 and rural areas
4 Run awareness campaigns targeted
at households to monitor water
quality, conserve water and provide
education on managing household
waste to lower costs of treatment
KEY IMPERATIVES FOR
AGRICULTURAL USERS:
4 Main contribution is to invest in
water-use efficiency enhancing
technologies such as drip irrigation
4 Organised farmers’ federations
could initiate industrial wastewater
re-use projects in areas with
industrial activity and declining
water availability. Similar initiatives
could be taken up by farmers’ groups
in city outskirts.
KEY IMPERATIVES FOR
INDUSTRIAL USERS:
4 While several industries have
initiated zero-discharge projects
in their factories/plants, many
others continue to discharge
effluents without treatment.
Self-monitoring and regulation
must become the norm for
industries that aspire to grow as
environmental sustainability and
corporate social responsibility
are key pillars of differentiation
among global firms
4 Industry Associations like CII
and ASSOCHAM must facilitate
dissemination of best practices in
water and wastewater management.
KEY IMPERATIVES FOR
HOUSEHOLD USERS
4 Ensure judicious use of water at
home and pledge not to waste even
a single drop
4 Ensure contribution in water
conservation in your locality, village
or area
4 Revive the traditional water bodies
and promote large scale rainwater
harvesting. n
HOW TO SAVE
WATER AT HOME
4 Turn off what’s not in use: Running the tap while brushing your teeth
can waste 15 litres of water.
4 Fix any leaks: Leaky faucets that drip at the rate of one drop per second
can waste up to 10,000 litres of water each year.
4 Recycle, reuse: Everything takes water to make food. Buy only when
you need and reuse what you can. It takes 2500 litres to make a cotton
t-shirt and 10,000 litres for a pair of jeans. Buy fewer clothes, and when
using a washing machine or dishwasher, wait till you have enough for
a full-load.
4 Bath-time: Bathtub – bad! Shower – okay. Bucket – best!
4 Gardening: Moreover, 50 per cent of water used in gardening goes
waste due to evaporation or runoff caused by over-watering. Consider
installing a drip irrigation system rather than using a hose or sprinkler.
Water your garden in the morning or evenings, ensuring that less water
is lost to evaporation. Use local plants in your garden. Check if your
garden actually needs watering. If the soil is still wet 2 inches beneath
the surface, your plants don’t need water.
4 The water you “eat”: If you are a non-vegetarian, consider reducing
your non-vegetarian meals. A kilogram of chicken costs 3900 liters
of water in terms of water input for chicken feed and for processing;
a kilo of mutton costs 6000 litres. In contrast, a kilo of wheat needs
1000 litres. Rice is rather expensive though, a kilo needing 3750 litres.
Like a cup of coffee in the morning? Think about shifting to tea. A cup
of coffee needs 140 litres of water in terms of growing the necessary
coffee beans, and processing; a cup of tea needs only 30.
4 It doesn’t take a whole lot to make a big difference in our water
consumption. With awareness and a few minor changes in lifestyle, we
can save water, and money as well. Unless we learn to conserve water
and use it judiciously, the future of coming generations looks bleak.
Take for example, the case of the Aral Sea in the former USSR, which
was once the fourth largest lake in the world. Thanks to irrigation
projects that diverted its two main source rivers, the Aral Sea has
shrunk to a miniscule fraction of its former size. Hopefully, there won’t
be any other “Arals” in the future. n
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 91
 Interesting Facts about Water
S
eventeen per cent of the
world’s human population
is in India. Yet, the country
has to manage with just
4 per cent of freshwater available
globally. According to the National
Commission for Irrigated Water
Resource Development of India, the water shortage problem
we face arises not due to lack of it, but due to wastage and
poor management.
4 As much as 50% of fresh water is wasted in the country
as a result of leakages and inefficiencies in water
management system
4 While India receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon
months (annual precipitation level that’s second only to
South America), less than 36% of this water is utilized
due to storage limitation.
4 65% rainwater runoff ends up in the sea due to lack of
storage facilities.
4 Significant amount of freshwater is
used for irrigation, yet the efficiency with
which water is used in this sector is lower
than 35%
4When it comes to waste water being
discharged into rivers and other sources
of freshwater, 90% of it does not meet the
safety norms
4 More than 70% of the freshwater available to us in the
form of ground water and surface water is contaminated
4 Thermal and nuclear power plants require huge quantities
of freshwater for power generation. But most of them
don’t disclose the amount of water that’s utilised
4 Kolkata wastes 50% of the water that it receives
4 Bengaluru, which is the third most populous city in
the country, comes a close second at 49%. The wasted
water is unaccounted for, which is even worse
4 Water wastage figures in New Delhi, Chennai and
Mumbai stand at 26%, 20%, and 18% respectively n

Benefits of pure drinking water

Increases energy and relieves fatigue: Since your brain is mostly
water, drinking it helps you think, focus and concentrate better and be
more alert. As an added bonus, your energy levels are also boosted!
Promotes weight loss: Water Removes by-products of fat, reduces eating
intake (by filling up your tummy if consumed prior to meals), reduces
hunger (hello natural appetite suppressant!), raises your metabolism and
has zero calories!
Flushes out toxins: Gets rid of waste through sweat and urination, which
reduces the risk of kidney stones and UTI’s (urinary tract infections).
Improves skin complexion: Moisturises your skin, keeps it fresh,
soft, glowing and smooth. Gets rid of wrinkles. It’s the best anti-aging
treatment around!
Maintains regularity: Aids in digestion as water is essential to digest
your food and prevents constipation.
Boosts immune system: A water guzzler is less likely to get sick. And
who wouldn’t rather feel healthy the majority of the time? Drinking
plenty of water helps fight against flu, cancer and other ailments like
heart attacks.
Natural headache remedy: Helps relieve and prevent headaches
(migraines & back pains too!) which are commonly caused by
dehydration.
Prevents cramps and sprains: Proper hydration helps keep joints
lubricated and muscles more elastic, so joint pain is less likely. n

92 Vaishakh
VaishakhKrishna
Krishna13
13(Vaishakhi),
(Vaishakhi),Vikrami
VikramiSamvat
Samvat2075
2075(April
(April14,
14,2018)
2018)

Revitalising body water
through Sound Healing
According to HH Michel Journal of Biochemistry, brain and heart in
human body has 73% water, lungs 83%, kidney 79%, skin 64% and bones
31%. That is why the human life is so much dependent on water
W
ater in human body
plays a key role in
maintaining balance of
different chemicals and
their circulation and also exits the toxins
and unused liquids. This imbalance
in circulation creates many disorders
among the people who do not maintain
diet schedule. Different types of
treatments are taken to cure the diseases.
The chemically produced medicines are
used to cure the disorders but they leave
behind certain side effects. These side
effects sometimes develop long term
problems in the human body.
From humming to drumming
to Tibetan singing bowls – recent
researches suggest that the influences of
certain rhythms, sounds and vibrations
can help the human body resist and
recover from a wide variety of ailments.
Sound can set a mood. The soundtrack
in aerobics class gets us moving,
for example, while the one in yoga
promotes quiet concentration. Sound
also has a powerful effect on how we
feel throughout the day. Our body and
mind react differently to the unrelenting
noise of a jackhammer than to a trickle
of water in a creek. In other words,
some sounds simply make us feel better
than others. Whether our conscious
minds are paying attention or not, our
bodies take their cues from these sounds
and rhythms, knowing when to get
energised and when to slow down.
Now, a growing body of research
suggests that when used in a directed
way, sound can also help us reduce
stress, create a deep sense of well-being
and even promote healing. From playing
Bach in the nursery to yogic chanting in
the oncologist’s office, sound therapy is
gaining popularity as both a preventative
medicine and as a complement to more-
traditional treatments. Good for both the
mind and the body, it has been shown
to help lift depression, clear sinuses and
help cancer patients recover more quickly
from chemotherapy. The idea that sound
affects the health of the mind and body is
not new. Chanting and mantra recitation
have been part of Hindu spirituality and
the healing power of yoga for thousands
of years. Given the recent interest in
mind-body medicine, it is not surprising
that this ancient tradition is experiencing
a modern-day renaissance.
Using the human voice and objects
that resonate to stimulate healing (think
tuning forks and singing bowls), sound
therapy is one of a growing number of
subtle-energy therapies that make up the
field of vibrational medicine. According
to the law of Physics, everything
vibrates: the chair you’re sitting in,
the food you eat, the rocks and trees.
Whether or not we hear it, everything
has a sound, a vibration all its own. But
does it work? Yes, say sound therapists,
who have successfully treated
everything from stress to Parkinson’s
disease to hormonal problems. Experts
say sound therapy is at the cutting edge
of healing. And soon, like yoga and
meditation, it will enter the mainstream.
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
NEW
EXPERIMENT
Sound therapists make music in
a variety of ways to promote healing.
Classical music has been shown to
increase the rate of development of
synaptic connections in young children’s
minds. It also helps fuel creativity and
enhance joy in adults. Classical music can
even help address physical ailments like
high blood pressure and muscle tension.
Humming not only lifts your spirits, it
clears your head. Whether metal or quartz
crystal, a singing bowl sings when you
run a felt-tipped mallet around its edge.
Along with rhythms produced by striking
the edge of the bowl, the vibrations and
tones slow down breathing, brain waves
and heart rates, producing a deep sense
of calm and well-being. Originally used
to tune musical instruments to the proper
pitch, tuning forks have long been used
by orthopedists to detect stress fractures
in large bones. Now, sound therapists use
the vibrations of tuning forks to increase
the amount of energy in parts of the
body they are trying to heal or energise.
Chanting, the first step to meditation,
is also a means of maintaining health
and well-being. Research shows that
chanting can stabilise heart rate, lower
blood pressure, improve circulation,
produce endorphins and aid the process
of metabolism.
Wizard of Sound is the first of its
kind sound theraphy centre started in
Bhopal. Smt Arati Sinha who heads
this centre is expert in sound theraphy.
It is an effort to cure the human body
ailments without medicines. n
93
 Methods to Purify Water
T
he methods to purify water can be divided into four
categories—separation, filtration, chemicals and
oxydation. There are five types of contaminants
that are found in water: particulates, bacteria,
minerals, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Methods to
remove these elements range from simple and inexpensive
to elaborate and costly. Often to achieve purely potable
water, several technologies must be combined in a particular
sequence. Listed below are general brief descriptions of
some methods to purify water:
SEPARATION
4 Sedimentation gravitationally settles heavy suspended
material.
4 Boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes kills 99.9% of all
living things and vaporises most chemicals. Minerals,
metals, solids and the contamination from the cooking
container become more concentrated.
4 Distillation boils and recondenses the water, but many
chemicals vaporise and recondense in concentration in
the output water. It is also expensive to boil & cool
water.
4 Ultraviolet light is a good bactericide, but has no
residual kill, and works only in clearly filtered water.
Still in its infancy stage it is a new technology involving
super white light.
94 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
CHEMICALS
4 Chlorine is common, cheap, but extremely toxic. It
does not decrease physical or chemical contamination,
it does increase colesterol formations, is a carcinogen,
and causes heart disease.
4 Bromine, used in pools and spas, doesn’t smell or taste
as bad and doesn’t kill bacteria very well.
4 Iodine is not practical, and is mostly used by campers.
4 Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria with oxygen, is
chemically made and is very toxic. It is used in
emergencies.
4 Silver is an effective bactericide but a cumulative
poison, which concentrates and doesn’t evaporate.
4 Nontoxic Organic Acids should be used with caution in
large water plants only.
4 Lime and Mild Alkaline Agents should also be used
with caution only by large water plants, or only for
laundry.
4 Neutralising Chemicals react with the unwanted
chemicals and produce outgases and a sediment, but
levels of need vary.
4 Coagulation-Flocculation adds chemicals, which lump
together suspended particles for filtration or separation.
4 Ion Exchange exchanges sodium from salt for calcium
or magnesium, using either glauconite (greensand),
precipitated synthetic organic resins, or gel zeolite,
 Know the Indian Rivers
4 The river system of India can be classified into four
groups –Himalayan rivers, Deccan (Peninsular) rivers,
Coastal rivers and Rivers of inland water drainage
4 Most of the Indian rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal
but some like Narmada, Tapti and Periyar flow into the
Arabian Sea
4 Luni, Machhu, Rupen, Saraswati, Banas and Ghagghar
are examples of rivers with inland water drainage, i.e.
they do not empty into the ocean but get lost into the sand
4 Five rivers of erstwhile Punjab are Sutlej, Ravi, Beas,
Jhelum and Chenab
4 The river also known as Dakshin Ganga is Godavari
4 The Brahmaputra is known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet
and as Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh. The Brahmaputra
River is known as Jomuna in Bangladesh
4 The river known as Singi Khamban (Lion’s mouth) in
thus softening the water. Minerals, metals, chemicals
or odors are not affected, and the water is salty to drink.
FILTRATION
4 Slow Sand of 1 cubic metre passes about 2 litres/min,
and does a limited bacteria removal.
4 Pressure Sand of 1 cubic metre passes about 40gpm and
must be backwashed daily.
4 Diatomaceous Earth removes small suspended particles
at high flow rates, must be daily backwashed and is
expensive.
4 Porous Stone/Ceramic filters are small but expensive,
and do not effect chemicals, bacteria or odors.
4 Paper or Cloth filters are disposable and filter one
micron, but do not have much capacity.
4 There are numerous plants, animals and organisms that
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)
Tibet River is Indus
4 The river known as Bengal’s sorrow is River Damodar
4 Prayag or Allahabad is the confluence of Ganga,
Yamuna and Saraswati
4 The Ganga is also known as Bhagirathi since King
Bhagirath was responsible for bringing her from the
heavens to the earth. Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda join
at Devprayag to form the Ganga. The part of the River
Ganga, which flows into Bangladesh is known as Padma
4 The number of Indian rivers, which have been classified
as major rivers by the Government is Twelve.
4 There Trans-Himalayan rivers, which originate in
the high Tibetan Plateau and cut across the mighty
Himalayan ranges are Indus, Brahmaputra and Sutlej
4 The largest river flowing through the state of Rajasthan
is the Chambal river. n
are quite effective in filtering water.
OXIDATION
4 Aeration sprays water into the air to raise the oxygen
content, to break down odors, and to balance the
dissolved gases. However, it takes space, is expensive,
and picks up contaminants from the air.
4 Ozone is a very good bactericide, using highly charged
oxygen molecules to kill microorganisms on contact,
and to ozidise and flocculate iron, manganese and other
dissolved minerals for post-filtration and backwashing.
4 Electronic Purification and Dissolved Oxygen
Generation creates super oxygenated water in a
dissolved state that lowers the surface tension of
the water and effectively treats all three types of
contamination: physical, chemical and biological.n
95
Silent Water Revolution
in Vanvasi Areas
Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram workers with the active
support of local Vanvasis have constructed 450 reservoirs of
different sizes in seven districts of West Bengal alone. Similar
water conservation work goes on across the country

Kripa Prasad Singh Among all the village development Abhiyan in Jhabua District and around

A
khil Bharatiya Vanvasi
Kalyan Ashram, the
country’s premier
organisation dedicated
to the cause of 12 crore Vanvasis has
been focusing on village development
activities for the last four decades
in Vanvasis areas. Development of
Vanvasis means development of
Vanvasi villages. The focus is primarily
on five aspects—organic farming,
water management, basic amenities in
villages, renewable energy, and village
and artisans (village industry).
The village development
techniques adopted by Kalyan Ashram
are backed by various agencies
including CAPART, Union Ministry
of Rural Development, Unnat Bharat
Abhiyan, IIT, RTD and MHRD and
thousands of social organisations.
activities, water management is the it.
primary necessity which every village Kalyan Ashram workers also run
needs not only for drinking but for 2865 SHGs. Through these SHGs the
irrigation and farm activities also. women have proved to be an effective
Hence, the water conservation work tool of village development. In recent
has been taken up keeping in view the years, 74 villages have been adopted
local requirements. by Kalyan Ashram for development.
Rajasthan Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad During the health camps, organised
has constructed 32 check dams and by Kalyan Ashram in Vanvasi villages
renovated 4583 wells in Banswara, of West Bengal it was noticed that most
Dungarpur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur of the adults were underweight. Their
and some other districts. Equally, weight was alarming ranging—from
Purbanchal Kalyan Ashram is working
in Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram
and has constructed about 110 tanks
with public support. The same work
is going on in Jharkhand and Bihar
too. The Kalyan Ashram workers
have made the water management a
movement. More than 400 tanks have
been constructed with local support
i.e. shramdaan under the Shivaganga

96 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

30 to 38 kg—for the adults aged
between 30 to 60 years. So, a meeting
was held with the village teams to
ascertain the socio-economic condition
of the villagers and also to discuss what
steps should be taken by the villagers
and what help can be provided by the
Kalyan Ashram for their upliftment.
It was found that most of the villagers
own lands measuring one to ten Bigha
that too scattered into multiple small
plots. And only a part (less than 50 per
cent) of the land could be cultivated
during rainy season. harvesting for the entire state. The Wherever required, villagers prepare
It was unanimously agreed upon reservoirs are of 30 ft x 30 ft at the top bricks from excavated soil and use
that unavailability of water after rainy level with a depth of 10 to 15 ft. with for lining of the reservoirs. In last five
season is the major cause of problems. a capacity of about 10000 CFT. Five years, more than 460 reservoirs of
In the absence of water only one crop feet strip around reservoirs is planted different sizes have been constructed.
could be harvested and that too on part with fruit and vegetable plants Each In the current year, the Kalyan
of the land owned by the villagers. reservoir provides irrigation/water for: Ashram has planned to construct
Many times irregular and unpredictable more than 110 reservoirs. Prof
rain even hampers this crop also. This 4 Assured and predictable water SN Panda from the Department of
provides them with food only for 3 to supply for first crop Agriculture, IIT Kharagpur, regularly
6 months. After that they have to work 4 Emergency coverage during provides technical guidance for this
as labourer in scarcely available labour erratic rainy season project. Various types of reservoirs
market. Most of the families get job 4 Second crop for 2-3 Bigha land including community reservoirs, mini
for average of 50 to 100 days during 4 Year round water for few villager reservoirs, micro reservoirs and check
the year. And this provides them with families dams. From the year 2012 to 2017,
a total annual income of only 5000/- to 4 Year round water for live-stock a total of 461 reservoirs have been
15000/- to feed the family for the year. and animals constructed in 60 villages covering
Any other essential facilities such as 4 Ground water recharging seven districts of West Bengal.
clothes, houses, etc are considered Excavated soil is used for (The writer is vice president
luxury and could not be accommodated correcting slope, embankments etc. of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram)
in annual plan. It was also established
that if rainwater is retained in the
area, many of the families would be
able to get second crop and their food
security would improve. This will also
improve ground water situation. It was
ascertained that villagers will prepare
water reservoirs in parts of their land
and plant trees around it to harvest
water and the Purbanchal Kalyan
Ashram from Kolkata would provide
them with guidance and assistance.
Three villagers took the charge of
talking to other villagers and starting
the project.
And, then Kolkata teams activated
and mobilised resources for water

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 97

 Waters! Give us progeny
“Waters! You are health giving, Within waters -- so Soma has
Give us energy, so that Told me – all healing balms,
We may look on great delight. And Agni, benign to all.

Give us a portion of the sap, the most O waters, teem with medicine to keep
Beneficent you have, My body safe from harm,
Like mothers longing with love. So that I long may see the sun.

So gladly do we go with you Whatever sin is found in me,

To the home for which you make us whatever evil I have wrought
live. if I have lied or falsely sworn
Waters! Give us progeny. waters remove it far from me.

Gracious be Divine waters for
our protection, be there for our drink,
and stream on us bliss and happiness.
Sovereigns over precious things,
and rulers over men, Waters!
We seek healing balm of you.
The waters! this day have sought,
And to their moisture have we come
O Agni, rich in milk, come you, and
with your splendour cover me .”
 (Rigveda 10-9)
 (Santanam Swaminathan,
Speaking Tree, May 8, 2014)

98 Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018)

 Life Life and Life
Life Life and Life I am your memory
Turned into strife If I am gone then so are you
The essence I truly am Be close to me, be fully true
Promise of life I can Hold me tight, hold me right
The element, which holds you tight, With love I shall be bright
Do not ever take me light I am you and you are me
I know who you truly are I call to you come to me
Don’t create a deep scar Water, I am born to be free
I know your story Save me now or I shall flee.
(To raise awareness on water conservation, Isha Yoga Center conducted a poetry competition on March 22,
World Water Day. This poem “Life Life and Life” by Neha Barot from Isha Home School was chosen as the best)

Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) 99

Sewa Sadhana
Vaishakh Krishna 13 (Vaishakhi), Vikrami Samvat 2075 (April 14, 2018) (For Private Circulation Only)

No Water
Without Trees