How Farmers Reshaped a Region and Solved Drought

Andrew Millison2 minutes read

Rajasthan thrives with extensive water harvesting, led by Lakshman Singh in transforming the village of Loria with large-scale watershed restoration and groundwater recharge, resulting in increased groundwater levels, agriculture productivity, and a greener environment through tree planting efforts over 40 years.

Insights

  • Lakshman Singh spearheaded the successful water conservation initiatives in Loria, Rajasthan, by implementing large-scale watershed restoration and groundwater recharge projects, resulting in increased groundwater levels and sustained agriculture during drought years.
  • The Chala system, a unique water harvesting technique utilized in Loria, has played a crucial role in promoting grass growth, creating grazing areas, and infiltrating stormwater runoff through a series of pits and bunds, showcasing the village's commitment to sustainable resource management and environmental conservation.

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Recent questions

  • How did Rajasthan overcome water scarcity?

    By implementing extensive water harvesting techniques.

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Summary

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Water Harvesting Transforms Rajasthan's Arid Landscape

  • Rajasthan, an arid land, now thrives due to extensive water harvesting, ensuring water availability throughout the long 9-month dry season.
  • Lakshman Singh, son of former rulers, led the transformation of the village of Loria, facing water scarcity and hardship.
  • The village implemented large-scale watershed restoration and groundwater recharge, connecting water systems between villages for maximum percolation and water table storage.
  • The unique Chala system in Loria, designed for flat terrain, involves a series of pits and bunds to infiltrate stormwater runoff, promoting grass growth and grazing areas.
  • Efforts in soil water conservation, including the Chala system, have significantly increased groundwater levels, supporting irrigation and agriculture even during drought years.
  • The village's prosperity is evident through increased agriculture productivity, visible changes like new houses, and a greener environment due to extensive tree planting efforts over 40 years.
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