Water scarcity is a significant issue in India, affecting millions of people. The country has a rapidly growing population, and its water resources are under increasing pressure due to climate change and pollution. However, many NGOs are working to address this problem and promote water conservation in India. In this article, we will discuss some of the notable NGOs working in the field of water conservation in India and their efforts to ensure access to clean water for all.
Introduction:
Water conservation is the need of the hour in India, with the country facing severe water shortages in many areas. According to the Central Water Commission, around 54% of the country’s groundwater wells are declining, and 21 major cities are expected to run out of groundwater by 2020. NGOs have been working to address this issue, promoting water conservation, and implementing sustainable solutions to ensure access to clean water for all.
Jal Bhagirathi Foundation:
The Jal Bhagirathi Foundation is an NGO that focuses on water conservation in Rajasthan, one of the driest states in India. The organization has implemented water conservation initiatives in over 1,000 villages, benefiting over 3,00,000 people. Their approach involves community participation, and they work closely with local communities to implement rainwater harvesting techniques and revive traditional water sources like step-wells. The organization also focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture practices to ensure the efficient use of water resources.
Water Aid India:
Water Aid India is an NGO that ensures access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for all. The organization has implemented various projects across India, focusing on water conservation, sanitation, and hygiene education. They work with the government, communities, and other NGOs to provide sustainable solutions and promote behavior change in communities. In addition to promoting water conservation practices, the organization also focuses on advocating for policy changes to ensure access to clean water for all.
Tarun Bharat Sangh:
The Tarun Bharat Sangh is an NGO that works towards water conservation and ecological restoration in Rajasthan. The organization has implemented various initiatives like watershed development, rainwater harvesting, and afforestation. Their approach involves community participation, and they work closely with local communities to ensure sustainable solutions. The organization has also helped revive traditional water harvesting structures like johads and khadins, which have been crucial in ensuring access to water in water-scarce areas.
Samerth Charitable Trust:
The Samerth Charitable Trust is an NGO that works towards promoting sustainable water management practices in Gujarat. The organization has implemented various initiatives like groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, and water purification. Their approach involves working with communities to promote sustainable water use and conservation. The organization has also been working towards promoting livelihoods that are dependent on water resources like fisheries and animal husbandry, ensuring the efficient use of water resources.
Sankalpa Rural Development Society:
The Sankalpa Rural Development Society is an NGO that works towards water conservation and sustainable agriculture practices in Andhra Pradesh. The organization has implemented various initiatives like watershed development, rainwater harvesting, and soil conservation. Their approach involves working with communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ensure access to clean water. The organization has also been working towards promoting livelihoods that are dependent on water resources like dairy farming and horticulture, ensuring the efficient use of water resources.
Dhara Sansthan:
Dhara Sansthan is an NGO based in Rajasthan that works towards the conservation and rejuvenation of water resources. The organization has implemented various initiatives like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and traditional water management practices. They also work with local communities to promote sustainable agriculture practices and livelihoods that are dependent on water resources.
Janajagrun Manch:
Janajagrun Manch is an NGO based in Maharashtra that focuses on water conservation and sustainable development. The organization has implemented various initiatives like rainwater harvesting, watershed development, and soil conservation. They also work with local communities to promote sustainable agriculture practices and livelihoods that are dependent on water resources.
Centre for Science and Environment:
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is an NGO based in Delhi that works towards promoting sustainable solutions for water management. The organization has implemented various initiatives like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and wastewater treatment. They also work towards advocacy and policy change to ensure access to clean water for all.
Gram Vikas:
Gram Vikas is an NGO based in Odisha that focuses on water and sanitation issues in rural areas. The organization has implemented various initiatives like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and sanitation facilities. They also work with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods and ensure access to clean water and sanitation.
Pratham Shyam Education Society:
Pratham Shyam Education Society is an NGO based in Bihar that works towards the conservation of water resources and sustainable development. The organization has implemented various initiatives like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and afforestation. They also work with local communities to promote sustainable agriculture practices and livelihoods that are dependent on water resources.
These are just a few examples of the many NGOs working towards water conservation in India. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring access to clean water for all and promoting sustainable water management practices.
Conclusion:
Water conservation is critical in India, and NGOs have worked tirelessly to address this issue. From rainwater harvesting to groundwater recharge, these organizations have implemented sustainable solutions and promoted behavior change in communities. However, more must be done to ensure access to clean water for all. The government, communities, and NGOs must work together to promote sustainable water management practices and address the water scarcity issue in India. The efforts of these NGOs are crucial in ensuring that India has access to clean water for all, and their work must be supported and amplified to bring about lasting change.