One realises the worth of water when his wells are dry…
For several years, the desert state of India experienced accute water shortage due to intense climate, extreme temperatures and dry topography. Women had to walk several miles to fetch water from the oasis. To top it, the average annual rainfall in Rajasthan is up to 55 cm. The number declines as we move from land to the deserts. In this scenario, capturing rainwater is perhaps the most sustainable solution to cope with water shortage prevaling in Rajasthan.
Considering the plight of Rajastrhan women, a UK-based NGO ‘Wells of India’ (WI) worked hard to eliminate water scarcity in remote village by capturing and storing rainwater. With their relentless efforts, the natives of Rajasthan can happily enjoy precious drops of rain on World Water Day today.
Two Decades Earlier, Water Scarcity Hampered Growth of Plants & Humankind Earlier
According to CGWB’s reports, 196 out of 243 blocks in Rajasthan fall in the criticial zone. By critical zone, we mean the areas where annual consumption of underground water is more than the rate of rainfall. Most of the natural water reserves present in those areas hold brackish water, which is unfit for domestic use. Moreover, it’s impractical to transfer water over large distances.
The growing imbalance between consumption and supply of water in state was the chief reason behind growing water scarcity. A random study conducted by an anonymous group states that by 2050, the underground water level is expected to go below 439 cubic metre.
How the Efforts of a NGO Brought Health & Happiness to Rajasthan Villages
WI teamed up with their partner ‘GRAVIS’ for repair, restoration and construction of 895 taankas (water reservoirs) in Phalodi and Pabupurua clusters in Jodhpur district. After three years today, these taankas are filled with 21,000 litre capacity that cater to the requirements of 900 families residing nearby.
These rainwater harvesting structures have reduced the working hours of the villagers from 18 to 15 hours. Now, they can relax for nine hours a day. Besides this, it reduces the mental stress, physical workload and health-related problems for women.
These villagers used alum/chlorine tablets to purify this water before daily usage. Now they observe domestic hygiene as they can take regular baths and wash their clothes more frequently. The capacity of humans taking baths has increased by 4 times and water usage by animals has increased by 2.5 times. People have started cleaning utensils and storing water in pots and tanks.
Additionally, the tankas have a significant impact on agriculture in Bhinder block of Udaipur. The water from these restorative structures is supplied to 80 hectares of land. This has helped control water crisis in Rajasthan.
But that’s not all! Apart from the NGOs, even the government is running Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Yojana (MJSA)—an ambitious rainwater harvesting programme for capturing rainwater for irrigation and domestic usage.
It’s safe to say that community participation, government intervention and help from the NGOs has changed countless lives in Rajasthan. Today, the 900 families residing in village can happily enjoy the rains all-year round.
