Rain Water Harvesting

Magadh Jal Jamaat, a loose network of progressive individuals in Gaya has been successfully able to revive over a dozen abandoned water sources and have instilled in people the need to create, clean up and conserve several lakes and ponds in the region. The problem of water scarcity had been of late afflicting the region, which once had a good system of ponds. But through their efforts, the group has managed to revive the traditional methods of irrigation, which are now more effective than the largest irrigation system in the area.

Collecting fodder and firewood to keep the household running would once take four hours of Sunita Arya’s time in Almora district of Uttarakhand every day. Today, she spend just half-an-hour on the same chores. What brought about this almost magical turnaround? The systematic protection of the village forest, thanks to an effective 'van panchayat' (forest governance unit).

What does a techie who now sets up rainwater harvesting systems in rural schools have in common with an urban farmer who advocates growing vegetables on terraces and balconies? Both of them are social and ecological entrepreneurs. This is how they are making a difference.

20 years ago, Bablu and Mary set their feet on this barren land in AP. Read how they have transformed it!