Rajasthan is known for scorching summers, parched soil and lack of sufficient water to sustain life. Now in some villages water is no longer a problem.
Living in the midst of the desert has its own challenges but one woman is trying to change things. 100 villages in Rajasthan have seen a facelift thanks to better water harvesting techniques and building check dams by Amla Ruia.
A strong connect with the localfolk helped generate an income of Rs. 300 crores per annum for 2 lakh villagers.
It was in 1999/ 2000 when Amla heard of the drought condition in Rajasthan and wanted to pitch in to help farmers. Photographs in newspapers and images moved her. She started the Aakar Charitable Trust to translate thoughts into action and started researching about water woes of Rajasthan.
Her first project in Mandawar village showed great success and the farmers managed to earn as much as Rs. 12 crore within a year with the help of two check dams constructed by the Trust. After that, there was no looking back.
The Aakar Charitable Trust has constructed 200 check dams in 100 villages of Rajasthan.
2 lakh people have earned a combined income of Rs. 300 crore per year.
Farmers are growing three crops a year and households are earning additional income from animal husbandry.
Check dams, also known as khadin, involve comparatively small masonry constructions and extensive earthen bunds. They are effective in hilly terrain.
Almost 40 percent of the cost of construction is borne by the farmers.
All dry hand pumps and borewells have been recharged. Women who walked miles to fetch water now get clean water at their doorsteps.
Construction of check dams takes two to three months and it is ready to be used by the next monsoon.
Households have 8 to 10 cattle head and income from milk, ghee and khoa. Increased income provides 1 to 2 motorbikes and 4-5 tractors per village.
Amla’s effort has borne fruit in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is also now working in backward Dantevada district of Chhattisgarh.
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