Water scarcity is one of India’s most pressing challenges, but amidst the crisis, there are stories of resilience, determination, and innovative solutions. Across the country, individuals and communities have turned barren lands into thriving ecosystems through traditional wisdom and modern conservation techniques. Here are five extraordinary before-and-after stories that showcase the power of collective action in revitalizing India’s water resources.
1. Patqapara Village’s Pond Restoration: A Revival of Lost Water Bodies
Before: Patqapara, a remote village in West Bengal, suffered from acute water shortages. Its once-abundant ponds had dried up, leading to a decline in agricultural output and forcing villagers to rely on erratic rainfall.
After: In collaboration with NGOs, the villagers took matters into their own hands. They restored 15 neglected ponds by removing silt and deepening them, allowing them to store more water. These rejuvenated ponds now ensure year-round water availability for farming and fishery activities, breathing new life into the local economy.
2. Badi Dani’s Revival of the Bartasar Pond: A Community’s Commitment
Before: In Badi Dani, a drought-prone village in Rajasthan, the ancient Bartasar Pond had turned into a dry, cracked expanse. Water scarcity led to crop failures, leaving residents with no choice but to migrate in search of livelihood.
After: The local community, determined to reclaim their water source, desilted and reinforced the pond’s embankments. This initiative significantly recharged the groundwater table, secured irrigation needs, and restored the village’s natural ecosystem. Today, Badi Dani stands as a testament to the power of grassroots action.
3. Surgana Taluka’s Water Conservation Efforts: From Drought to Abundance
Before: Chronic drought in Nashik’s Surgana taluka had left fields barren, forcing villagers to depend on distant and unreliable water sources.
After: Supported by the Naam Foundation and NHPC Ltd, the community implemented water conservation techniques such as trenching, bunding, and rainwater harvesting. These measures successfully raised groundwater levels and boosted agricultural productivity. Today, Surgana serves as a model of sustainable water management, demonstrating how strategic planning can combat drought.
4. Rajendra Singh’s Mission to Revive Rajasthan’s Rivers
Before: In the 1980s, Rajasthan’s Alwar district was reeling under extreme drought. Rivers had vanished, wells had dried up, and agriculture was at a standstill. Many villagers were left with no choice but to migrate.
After: Rajendra Singh, known as the ‘Waterman of India,’ spearheaded a movement to construct johads (traditional earthen dams). In collaboration with local communities, he facilitated the construction of over 8,600 johads across 1,200 villages. His efforts led to the revival of five major rivers, including the Arvari and Ruparel. The result? Groundwater levels rose, agriculture flourished, and prosperity returned to the region.
5. Aabid Surti’s Fight Against Water Wastage: A Drop of Change
Before: In the congested suburbs of Mumbai, thousands of households unknowingly contributed to massive water wastage through leaking taps, each drop adding up to an alarming loss.
After: Aabid Surti, an octogenarian writer and artist, took matters into his own hands by founding the Drop Dead Foundation. Every Sunday, he visited homes and offered free tap repairs, fixing leaks in over 13,000 homes in 15 years. His initiative not only saved millions of liters of water but also raised awareness about the importance of everyday conservation.
A Lesson in Water Conservation
These inspiring stories highlight the undeniable truth: local action leads to lasting change. Whether through large-scale river rejuvenation or small yet impactful measures like fixing leaks, the collective effort of individuals and communities has the power to combat India’s water crisis. By blending traditional knowledge with modern innovations, these regions have turned despair into hope, ensuring water security for generations to come.
Water is life, and these transformations prove that with determination, every drop counts.