Dear Editor,
As much as water crisis is a reality it is equally important that we look for a solution to this largely man -made crisis. Recently the PM himself has extolled the public to come together to work towards water conservation. In his Mann ki Baat on June 30th among other projects he also mentioned about 20000 women in Vellore who have worked to bring the dying Naganadhi River back to life and we are happy to share that the project has been planned and executed by the Art of Living River Rejuvenation Project.
As a leading NGO The Art of Living has been working since 2013 in water conservation in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The Naganadhi River Rejuvenation Project was initiated in 2014. The impact of four years of work is now visible in the form of augmented ground water supply and the region is sufficient in both drinking water and water for irrigation. This has been possible by the technical input and training provided by the Art of Living hydrological experts and volunteers.
The action plan for the work is drawn by expert hydrologist and geologist of the River Rejuvenation team after the initial survey of the topography using geospatial and satellite technology. Once the action plan gets the approval of the local governing bodied the ground work begins. The people participation is initiated largely by Art of Living teachers and volunteers who go door to door explaining the project and its benefits and enlisting the support of villagers. They are trained in the technical know how of the construction of boulder checks dams and recharge wells apart from yoga, pranayam and meditation which is the corner stone of all Art of Living programs. In Vellore district the women showed interest in the water conservation work and many came forward in getting the job card under MNREGA. A fine example of public and private partnership the work done under MGNREGA has benefited the job card holders as well the district authorities in showcasing work done under the scheme. The women together have constructed 3500 recharge well which are a 20ft deep and 15 ft long and 6ft wide. No work is hard for them as one of them said that by doing this we leave a legacy for our future generation so we do not find it hard to do labor. Chitra a young villager says, "When I stand back and observe what we have done - all we women - I feel proud of all the hard work done. Working for the river rejuvenation project has transformed the underprivileged wives, mothers and sisters of the region into self-dependent women. The involvement in the projects has given the women in the region a sense of accomplishment, worth and motivation to be further involved in community initiatives. Having found their own footing, they can now move forward confidently to ignite the flame of inspiration in the hearts of other rural women, both in the region and throughout India.
The story of the Vellore women resonated all over the country especially when many parts are reeling under drought and water shortage.
A link to the original story that appeared in TOI
With best regards,
Rajalakshmi
9884017767
Media Co-ordinator
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Regards,
Lakshmi
9880043327
Art of Living Bureau of Communication
Art of Living International Centre, Bengaluru
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