Rain Water Harvesting Project

Project Overview:

The Rain Water Harvesting Project, initiated by the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) and implemented by Dr. C. M. Bhuva and his team at Pingaksh Agri-Advisor and Consultant (PAC), aims to address the critical issue of groundwater depletion in agricultural regions. Launched in 2019, this ongoing project focuses on replenishing groundwater through innovative rainwater harvesting techniques, ensuring sustainable water resources for farmers.

Background:

While working on the successful Castor Seed Yield Improvement Program, SEA identified a significant challenge: the alarming depletion of groundwater. Farmers were extracting water from depths of 600 to 1000 feet, exacerbating the water scarcity problem. To combat this, SEA initiated the Rain Water Harvesting Project. Dr. Bhuva and his team were responsible for implementing the project on the ground and carried out all the necessary work.

Objectives:

Replenish Groundwater: Recharge groundwater levels to ensure sustainable water resources for agricultural activities.
Maximize Rainwater Utilization: Capture and divert excess rainwater to prevent wastage and enhance groundwater recharge.
Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage farmers to adopt rainwater harvesting techniques for long-term water security.

Implementation Strategies:

Recharging Wells and Bore Wells: The project employs a filtration system to recharge wells and bore wells effectively. This system includes a series of four-stage pits/chambers filled with stones and gravels to filter impurities from rainwater. The filtered water is then directed to the wells and bore wells, ensuring only clean water recharges the groundwater.

Filtration System: Four-stage filtration with stones and gravels.
Water Quality: Ensures only filtered, clean water enters the wells and bore wells.

Open Pits in Farms: For farmers without wells or bore wells on natural water pathways, the project designs open pits within their farms. Excess rainwater is diverted to these pits, allowing it to be naturally absorbed into the ground, thereby replenishing the underground water levels.

Pit Design: Strategically designed open pits for effective water absorption.
Natural Replenishment: Utilizes natural processes to recharge groundwater.

Financial Support:

Under the scheme, SEA covers 50% of the expenses, while the remaining 50% is borne by the farmers. This collaborative approach ensures that farmers are financially supported while adopting sustainable water management practices.

Achievements and Impact :

Since its inception in 2019, the Rain Water Harvesting Project, under the leadership of Dr. Bhuva, has made significant strides in improving groundwater levels in the target regions. By implementing these sustainable practices, the project has:

Enhanced Water Availability: Improved water availability for irrigation and other agricultural needs.
Promoted Sustainable Farming: Encouraged farmers to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable water management practices.
Mitigated Water Scarcity: Helped alleviate the pressing issue of water scarcity in agriculture-dependent areas.
Improved Water Quality: In areas where water quality was poor or hard, farmers observed an improvement in water quality and a reduction in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels after successful project implementation.

Future Plans:

Dr. BHUVA and his team at Pingaksh Agri-Advisor and Consultant, along with SEA, are committed to expanding the Rain Water Harvesting Project to more regions. They continually innovate and improve techniques to ensure maximum water recharge and sustainability.