How Farmers Reshaped a Region and Solved Drought
Andrew Millison・1 minute 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.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
How did Rajasthan overcome water scarcity?
By implementing extensive water harvesting techniques.
Related videos
Summary
00:00
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.
