We started supporting Wells for India’s work
early in 2009. They focus on the provision of clean water for drinking,
cooking, washing, for animals and crops.
For one of their projects, they have identified ten villages in rural Rajasthan which desperately need a source of safe water for both drinking and irrigation. We are supporting part of this project, funding work in two of the villages, Baniswara and Bhakumbha, to strengthen their water storage and supply capacity. The long-term goal is to develop the food production and livelihood capacity of the two villages, so the villagers will also be offered training in organic farming, animal husbandry, backyard vegetable gardens and fruit orchards.
Overall, around 6,500 people will benefit directly and indirectly from the project.
Wells for India have worked in Rajasthan since 1987, in more than 670 villages. We like that they work with the poorest communities, and that priorities are set by the villagers themselves with their active involvement and contribution, so that they own the projects and are able to sustain activities once a project has run its course.
100mm of rain falling on one hectare of land potentially yields one million litres of water - more than enough for the basic needs of a family and its animals, as well having some left for irrigation. The key is harvesting it on a small scale before it is lost.
Wells for India plan a five-year project covering 10
villages, strengthening water storage and supply capacity, with a
special focus on involving and empowering local people. We have
committed to supporting two of the villages over a three-year period.
Baniwara and Bhakumbha, the villages we are supporting, are in the Aravali Hills, an area which suffers from acute water shortages, only receiving monsoon rains over a few months of the year. Droughts occur frequently and women spend several hours each day searching for and collecting water. The average distance to fetch water varies from 10-14 km. Villagers have to buy water from vendors at highly inflated prices.
A variety of water harvesting and conservation techniques will be used, based on the learning that has come from Wells for India’s other projects, including:
- Well development
- Soil and water conservation measures, such as field bunding and loose stone check dams, which are traditional water harvesting structures.
- Construction of rainwater harvesting structures – small dams and repair of existing structures.
Most of the labour involved in building the structures is provided by the villagers themselves. As a result of water harvesting, irrigation and agricultural production will improve. Villagers will be offered training in organic farming, animal husbandry, vegetable gardening and fruit growing. Self-help groups for women will also be set up, offering vocational training.
Water security transforms lives: it frees mothers and their daughters from the endless task of seeking and carrying water and frees the children to go to school. Safe water significantly improves health and reduces infant mortality rates. We are really excited by the impact this project will have on people’s lives.
