groundwater recharge

Amid India’s growing water crisis, meet five inspiring water warriors who are restoring ponds, building check dams, and bringing clean water to millions. This September, The Better India Showcase 2025 is honouring their impact.

Build a low-cost, effective rainwater harvesting system using just a drum, filter, and pump — and protect your water supply for just Rs 10,000.

What started as a simple experiment on one farm is now helping thousands escape drought. With pits dug by hand and powered by rain, farmers are growing more, earning better, and living without tankers. The method is so simple—it’s changing entire villages without a single drop wasted.

Indian homes are turning to simple, affordable rainwater harvesting ideas—from matka filters to soak pits—to save water and build resilience, one drop at a time.

With just Rs 2500, PVC pipes and a barrel, Mumbai’s Subhajit Mukherjee built a simple rainwater harvesting system that’s saving thousands of litres in homes, schools, and parks.

Monsoon floods wreak havoc in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, yet rainwater slips away unused. Learn how to harvest it with this affordable, step-by-step guide used by everyday Indians to save thousands of litres.

Himanshu Nagpal, the chief development officer in Varanasi, initiated a comprehensive groundwater rejuvenation project, notably increasing the water table and improving water availability.

US-based Kapil Sharma, originally from Raipur, founded 'SayTrees', a non-profit dedicated to urban and rural afforestation and lake rejuvenation. Since its inception, SayTrees has planted trees and revitalised lakes and wells in Bengaluru and Pune.

A long-term solution to water scarcity, this low-maintenance system costs just Rs 7,000. And the best part? It doesn't just recharge the groundwater table, it also prevents water from stagnating.

Sot River, once the lifeline of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, lost its natural flow due to decades of encroachment. Here's how IAS Manish Bansal, along with officials and locals, revived the 110-km stretch, restoring water flow and eliminating waterlogging.