Jalna district in Maharashtra, once notorious for severe drought conditions, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a water-secure region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of The Art of Living and the Sri Sri Grameen Foundation (SGF). This initiative, rooted in integrated watershed management and community participation, has not only alleviated water scarcity but also revitalized agriculture and livelihoods.
The Drought Crisis in Jalna
For decades, Jalna faced acute water shortages, with farmers struggling to sustain crops and families facing daily hardships. The region's undulating terrain and erratic rainfall exacerbated the problem, leading to migration and economic distress. Groundwater levels plummeted, and the once-fertile land turned barren.
Intervention by The Art of Living and SGF
In 2016, The Art of Living, under the guidance of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, launched a comprehensive water conservation project in Jalna in partnership with SGF. The strategy focused on three key pillars: watershed management, community engagement, and sustainable practices. Over 50 villages were covered, with activities including:
- Construction of check dams, farm ponds, and percolation tanks to harvest rainwater.
- Deepening and desilting of existing water bodies to enhance storage capacity.
- Promotion of drip irrigation and crop diversification to reduce water usage.
- Formation of village water committees to ensure equitable distribution and maintenance.
Impact and Achievements
The results have been transformative. Groundwater levels have risen significantly, with some wells showing a 10-15 feet increase in water table. The cropping intensity rose from single to double or even triple cropping, boosting farmers' incomes by up to 40%. Migration reduced drastically, and women, who previously walked miles for water, now have access to clean water near their homes. The project also planted over 2 million trees, improving biodiversity and soil health.
Community Empowerment
Central to the success was the active involvement of local communities. Village water committees trained in water budgeting and management now oversee the assets. Over 1,000 women were trained in water conservation techniques, becoming change agents in their villages. The Art of Living's volunteer network provided technical expertise and mobilization support, ensuring sustainability.
Recognition and Future Plans
Jalna's transformation has garnered recognition from state and national bodies. The model is now being replicated in other drought-prone districts in Maharashtra and beyond. The Art of Living and SGF aim to expand the initiative to cover 100 more villages in the next five years, focusing on climate resilience and integrated farming.
This success story underscores the power of community-driven, holistic approaches in addressing water scarcity. Jalna, once a symbol of drought, now stands as a beacon of hope and water security, demonstrating that with collective action and sustainable practices, even the most arid regions can flourish.
