Water conservation
project insights
Proven Track Record – Rivers
Proven Track Records – JalTara
Plan 2023 - JalTara
Vision for 5 Years - JalTara
Our survival depends on water, it is the basis of the life force. We need to protect the source of water.
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Our survival depends on water, it is the basis of the life force. We need to protect the source of water.
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
India Faces Water Crisis
At least 54% of the sub-continent has turned into a water-stressed dry-land with many rivers rapidly drying up. Experts opine that by 2025, the country will be facing an acute water crisis if no preventive measures are taken today. Interestingly, most parts of the country receive generous amounts of rainfall, but still there is an acute shortage of water for agricultural and domestic use throughout the year. Contrary to general belief, rainfall fulfils only a fraction of India’s total demand for water. Only 20% of India’s agricultural and domestic requirements are met by rain and water bodies like rivers, lakes etc. The remaining 80% is dependent on groundwater for sustenance.
This groundwater is continuously depleting at an exponential rate since the past 20 years owing to the disrupted hydrological cycle leading to a water stress in many areas in the country. Loss of forest cover and vegetation all over the country in the past years has alarmingly reduced the recharge rate of the ground water table. Moreover, developmental activities like the expansion of the road network, construction of hydroelectric projects have impacted the water bodies, rivers and their basins. The most common problems which have been identified include reduced water flow in the rivers, fragile ecology, river bank and soil erosion, siltation etc. All these issues have led to the poor health of the rivers, which is reflected in both the quantity and quality of water, which affects agricultural productivity, livelihood security, public health, and aquatic. And matters are made worse by the blind extraction of water from this already depleting source. According to the Central Ground Water Board of India (CGWB), 239 trillion litres of groundwater is extracted every year. Rainfall over natural catchment areas is the only source of recharging this ground water, but research data from the Central Water Commission of India (CWC) shows that 78% of the water from rainfall runs off the surface and flows in to the oceans, rendering it incapable of domestic use as well as augmentation of the ground water recharge.
These numbers clearly indicate that the existing rainwater recharge mechanisms operating in nature, as well as those few already undertaken by the people of the country will not be sufficient to tackle this problem.
78%
Amount of monsoon rainwater flows
into the ocean every year
6%
Amount of annual rainwater saved
and stored every year
239
Trillion Lts
Of Groundwater extracted every year
Contribution to India's Water Security
The Art of Living Water Conservation Team was formed in 2013, inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision to mitigate water crisis and develop a sustainable & long-term solution to revive dried rivers, and conserve water.
With meticulous planning, the assistance of experts, and consistent efforts, the river rejuvenation team started restoring dried-up rivers and other water sources like ponds, wells, canals, and temple tanks.
70 Rivers/Streams have been rejuvenated and 90,500+ Structures Built in 5 States - Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh in a short span of time and are flowing perennially.
The results proved to be a boon for farmers. It increased groundwater levels, optimized crop production, increased soil fertility and doubled farmers' income.
70 Rivers/Streams
being rejuvenated
90,500+ structures
have been built
6,57,000+ Trees
Planted Along River Basins
34,500,000+ People
Benefitted
19,000+ Villages
Benefitted
59,000+ Sq Kms
Area Influenced
8 States
Work-in-Progress
Community Engagement and
Employment Generation
Generated 6.5 lac days of rural employement
Sustainable
Resolved immediate needs created systems that ensure reliable supplies in the future
Our Multi-pronged Approach Consists of
Extensive Community Mobilization
and Capacity Building
Construction of Groundwater
Recharge Structures
Area and Drainage
Line Treatment
Extensive
Afforestation
Soil Conservation
Measures
Sustainable
Agriculture
Karnataka
22 Rivers/Streams
being rejuvenated
34,000+ Recharge
structures built
1,557,000+ Trees
Planted
13,000+ Villages
Benefitted
96,685+ Sq Kms
Area Desilting
Tamil Nadu
24 Rivers/Streams
being rejuvenated
65,000+ Recharge
structures built
1400+ Villages
Benefitted
4,84,000+ Lives
Impacted
18,085+ Sq Kms
Area Impacted
Uttar Pradesh
6,500+
People Attended Water Literacy Programs
141+
Recharge Shaft Built in 56 Ponds
41
Villages Benefited
1
Sub-surface Dyke
Maharashtra
37 Rivers/Streams
being rejuvenated
23,600+
structures built
7,28,900+ Trees
Planted
20,75,000+ People
Benefited
27
Districts
2,39,29,900+
Cubic Meters Desilted
941+ Sq Kms
Area Influenced
115
Villages
45,500+
Recharge Structures
40,000
Trees Planted
1,70,000+
Acres Land
Benefited
Hear it from the source
With the blessing of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the "Nala Jodo Abhiyaan" initiative was started in two districts of Nagpur, Maharashtra. Under the Art of Living'g supervision & collaboration with the Maharashtra Government, all the nalas were connected. The benefit of this is that no crop flows with the water during floods. All the drains get water now. 10,000 acres of agriculture land have been irrigated, and people are taking two crops. The design of Nala Jodo Abhiyaan, created by The Art of Living, has been accomplished in our district. All the farmers are happy & grateful for the work done. I am fortunate to be a part of this initiative. Our productive work has set an example for the country and farmers. All the nalas are filled today, and we have enough water for irrigation.
Chandrashekhar Bavankule
Bharatiya Janata, State Party President, Maharashtra
Earlier in Nisatkheda, the water supply was minimal due to construction & development work. The Art of Living team sent a proposal to address this issue, and we began working. The Art of Living has a team of experts who work passionately and enthusiastically.
There was no technocal error as they took care of minor things like slope management, and water shouldn't overflow an anybody's farm. It was a great experience, and I would also like to work with them in the future.
Akshata Vyas
CSR Lead at President Ltd, Nagpur, M.H.
We have been briefed about the Art of Living Jaltara project being carried out from last two years by Art of Living in Jalna district. The project has already been executed by them in 50 villages of Jalna and the results hav been found very encouraging.
Farmers who had taken the Art of Living Jaltara pit in their farms have reported increase in income, in crop yield and increase in water levels in the wells. The project has also generated additional employment in the villages.
We appericiate the excellent work being done by Art of Living and support them in their endeavour.
Dr. Vijay Rathod, I.A.S.
Collector & Dist. Magistrate
Shri Thiru S.A. Raman speaks highly of the scientific approach adopted in the river rejuvenation work. The water table in the region has risen by 12 feet - a fact verified by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply & Drainage Board. The local ladies who have contributed to this effort are proud of their contribution in the upliftment of their village. The success in Vellore has generated confidence in the project and well placed officials have recommended that other districts also implement this water conservation work in their respective areas. Shri Raman has commented that The Art of Living has helped Vellore regain the power of water.
Thiru S.A. Raman
IAS District Collector & Magistrate, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
The Art of Living's Naganadhi River Rejuvenation Project is a multi-stakeholder project which is quite uniue. It provides sustainability in the long run, demonstrates how systematic small initiatives can lead to sustainable climate-resilient development generates multi-seasonal livelihood opportunities for economically backward villagers, thereby helping realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of Gram Swaraj. Surface, subsurface and underground components of the riverine ecosystem and the overall environmrnt in that particular region have been restored. The dream of restoring Naganadhi has come true and surface run-off has exceeded 365 days!
This is phenomenal achievement which has prompted Honourable Prime Minister P.M. Modi to mention this a couple of times in Mann ki Baat.
Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati
IAS Rtd. | Chairman & Managing Director NGT, Tamil Nadu
When I came to know about the benefits of JalTara, I decided to implement it on my farm. It has prevented waterlogging and preserved groundwater for a longer time.
Krishna Takle
Farmer, Pokhari Village, Jalna District
Under JalTara Yojna, recharge structures were constructed on my farm. Usually, during the summer season, we experience drought problems, but this time there is enough water available for farming all year long.
Digambar Baburao Takle
Farmer, Manta Taluka, Jalna District
After the implementation of the JalTara Project, the water level in my area has increased.
Gyaneshwari Kakde
Farmer, Manta Taluka, Jalna District
Before JalTara Yojna no effort was made to conserve water. After the implementation of JalTara Yojna, we have plenty of water in our hand pumps.
Suman Bai
Farmer, Murumkheda Village
Our village, Shivangiri, benefited from the JalTara Project. This strategy has raised groundwater levels and doubled our income. Today, farmers are happy.
Madan Pandrinath Jadhav
Farmer, Jalna District
In the framework of the JalTara project, we built recharge shafts close to wells. After the very first rain, we discovered that the water level had risen to 75%. The JalTara project is an excellent way to end water scarcity and should be implemented by everyone to increase groundwater.
Mahadev Nivratti Narvade
Farmer
JalTara prakalpa was started in our village last year. I want all the farmers to know about its benefits. Since we live in a mountainous region, the water levels in our village were very low. We dug many wells in our village, but none provided water.
The implementation of JalTara in our village benefited us in two ways: first, it increased water levels, and second, the land, which previously turned muddy due to rain, now remains dry as the water is absorbed by the recharge structures.
Every farmer should implement this project in their village.
Balasaheb Bahekar
Farmer, Jalna District
I had 6 acres of land, of which one acre produced crops. Previously, there was mud after rains. After the construction of JalTara recharge structures, the water level in my well has risen. I can grow more crops now.
Appasaheb Bahekar
Farmer, Jalna District
I have been farming for two years. JalTara came into existence in our village last year. I own 32 acres of land for farming where 40 JalTara recharge structures were constructed. Earlier, where there were 8-10 crore crops, now the land is producing 13-14 crore crops every year.
Narayan Vaidyanath Dighe
Farmer, Ambora, Jahangir Village
Our village's water situation deteriorated after the rains because the mud was everywhere. We needed more water to grow crops. After JalTara's implementation, the situation has improved as all the rainwater goes into recharge structures. Now there is no mud, and water levels have risen.
Balasaheb Lomte
Farmer, Jalna District
JalTara's technique benefited us. We didn't have to spend anything to implement the JalTara technique on our farm and reaped immediate benefits after recharge structures were constructed next to our wells as the water levels doubled.
Vikas Hamre
Farmer, Warud Village
Due to JalTara recharge structures, water levels in the well of my village have increased. I recommend that all the farmers in other villages should implement the JalTara technique on their farms.
Baburao Jaivanto Kakde
Farmer, Jaipur Village (MH)
I was hesitant to bring JalTara onto my farm because the water levels in my well were low during the summer and it was muddy everywhere during rains. In the years 2021–2022, the construction of JalTara recharge structures helped absorb the excess water in the soil and raised water levels in wells. Everyone should implement these to see the results.
Sugan Nitnavre
Farmer, Shivangiri Village (MH)
Earlier, there was too much mud on the farm. Excess water was soaked after constructing JalTara recharge structures. Water levels in my wells have increased. Soybean & chana crops production optimized.
Sulabai Chavhal
Farmer, Murumkheda Village (MH)
After JalTara recharge structures are constructed, crop yield has doubled. Earlier, we used to run the motor for two hours but still had no water. After the construction of JalTara recharge structures, the water level has now increased in the summer too.
I have been farming for 15 years. Due to a lack of water, crop production was very low, but now, after the implementation of JalTara, the crop yield has doubled. I believe the JalTara project will benefit all Maharashtra talukas and districts.
Appasaheb Chauhan
Farmer, Jalna District
Earlier, one of my wells dried up and was not in use. I implemented JalTara on my farm, but neighbouring farms faced the problem of excessive mud. After seeing me, they also implemented JalTara recharge structures, which led to an increase in 14 quintals of soybean yield.
Ashok Ambure
Farmer, Jalna District
Previously, 90% of the houses in this area were made of mud. Currently, 60 to 70 % of houses are built of concrete, and the remaining ones will be finished within a year. When I finish building my house, I'll give it the name 'JalTara'
Nivritti Kisarao Palve
Farmer, Palashkheda Village, Jalna