rainwater harvesting
Every drop counts: Bhunav’s journey to water security
A village called Bhunav, in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, demonstrates that water security is achievable through smart planning and community action. Its success can serve as a model for other villages looking to manage their water resources sustainably.
Baaghi finds a way
Amarpura, in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, barely receives any rain but when it does, the heavy downpours carry away the topsoil and manure, destroying the crop. Rainwater that can be harvested for farming and domestic use goes to waste. For many, like Baaghi, this has meant losing their livelihoods.
Chashi bandhus help communities restore ecosystem in Bengal
In Bankura district of Bengal, known for its barren hillsides, chashi bandhus or farmers’ friends are recognising the importance of arresting rainwater runoff, and implementing measures to transform the landscape and people’s livelihoods.
Purulia farm transforms barren land into green oasis
Breathing new life into the arid, red soil and the souls of its people, this agricultural venture has transformed into a catalyst for community empowerment and ecological restoration in West Bengal’s Purulia district.
Thar villagers revive ponds to tackle water scarcity
Understanding the importance of traditional water sources for water security, villagers revive ponds that have kept the Thar desert communities water secure for generations.
The elderly are leading climate action in Thar
In a time when heatwaves and droughts continue to threaten the future of human life as temperatures rise, GRAVIS (Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti)has been working with Help Age International to revive traditional water harvesting techniques in the Thar desert. The initiative focuses on getting the elderly together and taking charge of their situation.
Parched Thar villages get safe drinking water
Simple bio sand filters make water safe for drinking in arid Rajasthan villages, preventing diseases and ensuring health of people.
Rainwater Harvesting: How a parched village catches rain to prosper
Six years ago, farmers of drought-hit Hottal migrated to the cities to earn their livelihood. But thanks to rainwater harvesting, underground aquifers are full and they’re now growing three organic crops a year.
Cost-effective jalkunds help Manipur’s farmers tide over water woes
With climate-induced erratic rainfall affecting agriculture, the farmers of Manipur turn to jalkunds – low-cost water harvesting structures that go beyond irrigation needs and double their income.
Futuristic luxury in a water-scarce Himachal village
A savvy, innovative villa in Fagu, Shimla, is reimagining aesthetics and utility. In a water scarce region, it is offering practical insights into how a looming water crisis can be tackled.
Smart water management mitigates coastal salinity
Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge through ponds and desilting of check dams have curtailed salinity ingress in coastal Gujarat, increasing freshwater availability
Land shaping benefits Sundarban farmers
A combination of reshaping land and harvesting rainwater has helped farmers in the Sundarbans to overcome soil salinity and increase farm incomes. They now need consistent technical support
Irrigation key to fighting poverty in Kandhamal
Groundwater recharge in Kandhamal’s undulating terrain and pumps to lift water are needed to break the nexus between lack of irrigation and poverty in this seriously underdeveloped area of Odisha
Coastal farmers tackle salinity with innovative measures
Farmers in coastal Tamil Nadu are countering salinity caused by droughts and groundwater depletion through rainwater harvesting and by reviving traditional organic farming practices
Marathwada farmers harvest water in streams, reap rich yields
Farmers in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra that is prone to droughts have made agriculture remunerative by harvesting rainwater in pond-like pockets in streams, leading to groundwater recharge
Tarapur villages use saltpan to harvest water
Although land and groundwater around the Tarapur atomic plant had turned saline due to seawater ingress and presence of a saltpan, villagers have successfully redeemed and reclaimed the land
Tribal village in Palghar ensures water availability through summer
Residents of water-scarce village of indigenous people in Mokhada have collectively built a concrete embankment on a dry rivulet to harvest rainwater and become water-sufficient
After the drought, Kerala to chase monsoon to catch rain where it falls
After the century’s worst drought, people in Kerala are now getting ready to harvest rain in their backyard wells, temple ponds and lush forests. Citizens, voluntary groups and the state government are ready with a set of measures. It just needs to rain.