Prakash Hinduja On Building Stronger Communities Through Water Conservation
Water shortage in India has become a big issue, in 2022, states like Maharashtra and Karnataka struggled with water shortages because their reservoirs were empty. Farmers had a hard time growing crops, and cities had to limit the amount of water people could use. The next year, heavy rains in Assam and Bihar caused floods that forced thousands of people to move and destroyed buildings and roads. These events show how important it is to manage water better, not only to stop droughts but also to handle floods more efficiently.
The Impact on Women and Rural Communities
Water shortage affects rural India the most, particularly women. In these areas, many women spend hours every day collecting water from faraway places, which takes away time that could be spent on education or earning money. Carrying heavy water containers also harms their health.
Building Water-Secure Communities
There are many programs happening in India to solve water shortage problems and make water more available. Some successful programs include:
Rainwater Harvesting: In Tamil Nadu, the "Chennai Rainwater Harvesting Mission" is restoring groundwater by using old, traditional methods. This helps provide a steadier water supply for homes.
Watershed Management: In Sukhomajri village, Haryana, water availability has improved by planting trees, protecting soil, and building small dams.
Innovative Technologies: Technologies like drip irrigation in states such as Punjab and Maharashtra save water and help grow more crops. In Bengaluru, smart water meters help find leaks and make water use more efficient.
Investing in better infrastructure, like improving water supply systems and rainwater harvesting, is important for ensuring a steady water supply in the future.
Empowering Communities, Especially Women
One of the best ways to save water is by empowering local communities, especially women. For example, the Pani Panchayat movement in Maharashtra has shown how women-led efforts can successfully manage water resources. Other groups, like the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and Sujal Mahila Maha Sangh, are also working to include women in managing water. The Sujal Mahila Maha Sangh in Rajasthan has brought together more than 450 women to promote rainwater harvesting, with plans to include 2,000 women by 2026.
Learning from Global Success Stories
India can also learn from successful water-saving methods used in other countries:
Singapore has a smart program called NEWater, which recycles wastewater to provide a large part of its water supply.
Israel has invested a lot in desalination technology, which turns seawater into fresh water to solve its water shortage problem.
The Vision of Mr. Prakash Hinduja
Mr. Prakash Hinduja, Trustee, Hinduja Foundation and Chairman of Hinduja Group, Europe, highlights the importance of these efforts: “Water conservation is not just a technical challenge; it is a fundamental aspect of community empowerment and prosperity. By harnessing both technology and local leadership, we can build a future where every community has secure and sustainable access to water.”
About Hinduja Foundation
The Hinduja Foundation was started in 1968 in Mumbai as a public charity aimed at making a positive social impact. It works in different fields like education, healthcare, water management, rural development, and social welfare. The Foundation works together with the Hinduja Group to help achieve its goal of making a positive impact around the world.
Looking to the Future
Water conservation is not just about saving water; it’s about building a sense of responsibility and care for our resources. By using new technologies, backing community solutions, and learning from other countries, India can create a better and more successful future for all.
As we move ahead, remember: every drop of water saved, and every community helped takes us closer to a fair and successful society for everyone