A Map of India’s Most Remarkable Water Conservation Efforts: From Kashmir to Tamil Nadu

India has implemented numerous remarkable water conservation efforts across its diverse regions, addressing challenges such as groundwater depletion, drought, and erratic rainfall. Below is an overview of some of the most impactful initiatives from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu:

North India

1. Reviving Stepwells in Jammu & Kashmir:

   • The Bowli Bachao Abhiyan, led by Dr. Vijay Atri and locals, revived 65 stepwells in Udhampur, restoring natural springs and improving groundwater recharge.

2. Cleaning the Kali Bein River in Punjab:

   • Eco Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal spearheaded a community-driven cleanup of this 160-km-long river, removing waste and revitalizing water quality. His model has inspired similar efforts nationwide.

Central India

3. Restoration of Yam Talaiya Pond in Madhya Pradesh:

   • IAS officer Anshul Gupta led a volunteer-driven initiative to restore the pond in Ujjain, enhancing water capacity and biodiversity without government funding.

Western India

4. Check Dams in Rajasthan:

   • Amla Ruia’s Aakar Charitable Trust constructed 200 check dams in 100 villages, ensuring water availability for over two lakh people and transforming agriculture.

5. Drought Relief in Maharashtra:

   • Abhay Todkar mobilized sustainable water solutions in 64 drought-prone villages, securing year-round water access for thousands of families.

Eastern India

6. Combating Saltwater Intrusion in Sundarbans:

   • SEED introduced rainwater harvesting and pond cleanups to combat saltwater intrusion, improving water quality and menstrual health in the region.

7. Spring Revival in Nagaland:

   • Women-led efforts revived 99 springs under NEIDA’s guidance, benefiting over 12,000 households and promoting traditional conservation practices.

Southern India

8. Lake Restoration in Tamil Nadu:

   • Collaborative efforts between IAS officers and environmental groups restored urban water bodies like the Thiruvaimur-Thamarai pond, aiding flood management and ecosystems.

9. Tank Revival and Drip Irrigation in Karnataka:

   • Dr. LC Soans saved the Kadala Kere tank and introduced drip irrigation for pineapple farming, demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices.

10. Urban Water Solutions in Hyderabad:

    • Kalpana Ramesh led initiatives to repair bore wells, implement rainwater harvesting, and restore lakes, improving urban groundwater levels.

11. River Restoration in Kerala:

    • The Haritha Keralam Mission revived the Kanampuzha River with the help of 5,000 locals, enhancing fisheries and aquatic biodiversity.

These efforts showcase India’s commitment to tackling its water crisis through innovative and community-driven approaches. From traditional methods like stepwell revival to modern solutions like drip irrigation, these initiatives highlight the importance of collective action for sustainable water management.