In Maharashtra’s parched landscapes, former IRS officer Ujjwa Kumar Chavan initiated a transformative water conservation project. Driven by a deep commitment to his homeland, he constructed reservoirs and check dams, increasing water storage across 204 villages. His efforts rejuvenated rivers, boosted farmers’ incomes, and fostered community resilience, demonstrating the power of collective action.
A Land Ravaged by Drought
Maharashtra’s sun-scorched terrains are no strangers to drought, an uninvited visitor that leaves behind a trail of despair—parched fields, failed crops, and, tragically, farmer suicides. The agrarian regions of Marathwada and Khandesh bore the brunt of this calamity, particularly in 2016, when the drought crisis reached an alarming peak. As water sources dwindled and farmers lost hope, many took desperate measures, leaving behind grieving families and shattered dreams.
For Ujjwa Kumar Chavan, the turning point came when he learned about the suicide of a farmer in North Maharashtra. The news struck a personal chord with him. Despite a thriving career in the Indian Revenue Service, he couldn’t turn a blind eye to the plight of his people. A visit to his village that same year solidified his resolve—to harness the power of water conservation and bring hope back to the land.
Building Hope, One Drop at a Time
With a vision to reverse the drought’s impact, Ujjwa initiated an ambitious water conservation project. His plan involved constructing a reservoir capable of storing 10 crore litres of water. However, the project exceeded expectations, yielding a reserve of 14 crore litres—breathing life into the barren lands and setting an example for others to follow.
This success ignited a movement, inspiring neighboring villages to join the water conservation effort. What began as a single initiative quickly spread, transforming not just one, but multiple communities.
A Collective Victory: Villages That Fought Back Together
Ujjwa’s efforts soon expanded to six more villages, where community-driven projects resulted in the construction of over 60 small check dams. By July 2018, the reservoirs were full, offering a glimmer of hope where despair had once reigned.
By 2019, his work had grown into a large-scale movement. He formed a dedicated team called ‘Panch Patil,’ comprising volunteers who played a crucial role in sustaining the project. Named after their responsibility of overseeing five villages each, these volunteers—including farmers, teachers, and government officials—dedicated their weekends to raising awareness, establishing ‘pani samitis’ (water committees), and implementing sustainable water management practices.
Pankaj Pawar, a Panch Patil from Dhamangon, explained their role: “Earlier, our monsoon water would only last until October or November. Now, thanks to the check dams, it lasts until March—giving us an extra two to three months of irrigation.”
The Johad Method: Reviving Rivers and Groundwater
Ujjwa and his team adopted the Johad water conservation method, pioneered by environmentalist Rajendra Singh. This technique involves building small earthen check dams to capture and store rainwater, recharging groundwater and providing a crucial water source during dry months.
The impact was monumental—500 crore litres of water storage was created across 204 villages, mitigating both drought and flood risks. This effort directly benefited approximately 6,000 people, ensuring water security for their communities.
Transforming Lives Beyond Water
Beyond just water conservation, Ujjwa’s initiative reshaped lives in multiple ways:
- Economic Growth: Farmers’ incomes doubled, as improved irrigation reduced dependency on purchased fodder and expanded agricultural opportunities.
- Environmental Restoration: Once-dry rivers began to flow again, and local biodiversity flourished.
- Social Upliftment: Increased agricultural productivity enabled families to invest in education and healthcare, improving overall quality of life.
Ujjwa recalls an emotional moment when a farmer, whose wells were replenished by the initiative, ran up to him holding marigold saplings as a token of gratitude. “He was finally able to feed his family,” he recounts.
A Legacy of Sustainability and Empowerment
Ujjwa’s work has garnered national recognition and even the attention of international bodies like the United Nations Water Conference. However, for him, the true reward lies in the transformation he has witnessed firsthand—the return of water, life, and hope to the people.
Now, though no longer in the government, Ujjwa continues his mission through the law industry, advocating for sustainable water management policies. “This project is a part of my soul,” he says, knowing that his legacy will be defined not by titles, but by the water his efforts brought back to life.
His initiative, which has now expanded to 204 villages in Maharashtra, stands as a powerful testament to what personal resolve, combined with community spirit, can achieve. It is a lesson in sustainability, resilience, and the boundless potential of grassroots change.