RIVER WATER HARVESTING
PANACEA FOR WATER WOES
CA A. K. Jain
“Preserve the vast reserves of
fresh water from Indian rivers from turning saline upon merging with the sea.
This can be achieved effortlessly without burdening government resources,
unlocking unprecedented growth for India. The solution lies here………………”
India has not yet made the most
needed concerted or large-scale efforts to conserve the vast quantities of sweet
river water that ultimately flow into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal,
where it becomes saline and unusable.
“While a few scattered river
waters harvesting projects are underway in this direction, they lack the
necessary urgency and commitment. As a result, vast quantities of fresh water
continue to flow into the sea every minute across the country, turning saline.
This represents a major loss of a vital natural resource”.
A practical and innovative
solution lies in implementing river water harvesting by constructing a series of
water channel recharge wells along both banks of major rivers on government
land. These wells would capture river water throughout the year and gradually
recharge the vast network of underground water channels that extend across
thousands of kilometres beneath the Indian subcontinent.
“Since a calculated volume of
water is diverted into numerous wells located along both banks of the river, the
river will be completely drained by the time it reaches its mouth at the Bay of
Bengal or the Arabian Sea. As a result, all the water is absorbed into the
land.”
By doing so, India can
significantly raise the groundwater table across rural and urban areas, enabling
sustainable water extraction for agriculture, domestic consumption, and industry
throughout the year. This decentralized and low-cost method of water
conservation can be implemented with minimal involvement of public finances.
Philanthropic organizations like the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and social trusts
can take the lead in digging and managing these wells as part of their
environmental and social outreach. Additionally, corporate entities can
contribute through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, aligning their
environmental responsibility goals with national water security objectives.
The ultimate benefit of such a
project is the transformation of India into a water-secure nation, where 24-hour
water availability becomes a reality for households, farmers, and industries
alike-without imposing a heavy financial burden on the government. If executed
effectively, the improved water availability can directly contribute to a 25%
increase in India’s GDP, by boosting agricultural productivity, supporting
industrial expansion, and enhancing quality of life.
River Water
Harvesting Initiatives In India :
1. Rajasthan’s Johads and
Check Dams (Alwar District) – Led by water conservationist Rajendra Singh
(Waterman of India), hundreds of johads (traditional water harvesting
structures) were built to conserve rain and river water.Revived five rivers (Arvari,
Ruparel, Sarsa, Bhagani, and Jahajwali), raised groundwater levels, and
transformed barren lands into fertile agricultural zones.
2. Pani Panchayat Movement
Maharashtra – Introduced equitable distribution of water using check dams,
contour trenches, and percolation tanks along rivers and streams.Enabled water
sharing across farming communities, improved irrigation, and prevented migration
from drought-prone areas.
3. Hiware Bazar Model,
Ahmednagar, Maharashtra – River water harvesting and watershed management
through check dams and recharge wells. Once a drought-hit village, Hiware Bazar
is now a model of prosperity with flourishing agriculture and rising incomes.
4. Mission Kakatiya,
Telangana – Project: Restoration of minor irrigation tanks and linking them
with river tributaries to conserve runoff and recharge groundwater. Improved
groundwater levels and provided irrigation to lakhs of acres.
International Examples of
River Water Harvesting :
1. Australia-Murray-Darling
Basin Project – Managed aquifer recharge and river basin planning. Balanced
ecological preservation with agricultural water needs through systematic river
water harvesting and underground storage.
2. Israel-National Water
Carrier and Recharge Wells – Technique : Use of treated water and surface
runoff from rivers stored in underground aquifers. Created water
self-sufficiency in an arid region, supporting agriculture and urban needs
without over-reliance on external sources.
3.USA-Orange County
Groundwater Replenishment System (California) – Harvested storm and river
water is treated and injected into aquifers. Supplies water to 2.5 million
people and is considered a global benchmark for water recycling and aquifer
recharge.
Conclusion :
The central idea is to capture
and store river water in thousands of wells before it escapes to the seas,
ensuring long-term water availability for all sectors. With community
involvement, NGO participation, and CSR funding, India can implement a
large-scale water recharge program at minimal public cost. This vision, if
realized, will not only address water scarcity but also act as a major economic
multiplier by supporting sustainable livelihoods, reducing drought impacts, and
accelerating national development.
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Idea Authored By : CA Anil Kumar Jain
44, Sardar Club Scheme
Ratanada Jodhpur – 342011
Email :
caindia@hotmail.com
Cell : +91 98 100 46108
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