Save Water Campaign

Background

The Marathwada region is notorious for severe droughts, depleting groundwater tables, and subsequent agrarian crises.

Need / Problem

Unregulated water usage and lack of conservation structures led to acute drinking water shortages during summer months.

Objectives

• Raise mass awareness regarding water conservation.
• Rejuvenate local water bodies.
• Promote micro-irrigation among farmers.

Target Community

Entire village populations, specifically farmers and youth.

Intervention & Implementation Approach

Intervention: A massive awareness drive coupled with structural interventions like tree plantation and watershed management.

Approach: Community-led execution where locals contribute 'Shramdaan' (voluntary labor) alongside institutional support.

Key Activities

• Rallies, street plays, and school campaigns on water saving.
• Plantation of ~20,000 saplings.
• Desilting of village ponds and construction of check dams.

Outputs & Outcomes

Outputs: Campaign successfully reached 120 villages; 20,000 saplings documented.

Outcomes: Increased groundwater levels in targeted villages and a drastic reduction in summer tanker reliance.

Long-Term Impact

Created climate-resilient villages capable of sustaining agriculture even during erratic monsoon years.

Learnings & Sustainability

Learnings: Structural watershed work must be preceded by intensive behavioral change campaigns to be effective.

Sustainability: Village Water Committees have been formed to maintain structures and regulate cropping patterns.

Photographs