Latest news with #JalTara
Business Standard
12-08-2025
- General
- Business Standard
The Art of Living's Powerful Water Warriors Are Rewriting India's Future
NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], August 12: India, the land where rivers once sang through the seasons, is now grappling with a hard truth: water scarcity is no longer a distant threat - it's here. From villages to districts, swathes of the country are grappling with dangerously low groundwater levels. Rivers that once flowed year round are reduced to trickles or memories. Floods and droughts now alternate like a grim cycle, damaging crops, displacing communities, and threatening food security. Even with the monsoons sweeping across the land, only 20% of our water needs are met by rainfall and surface water. The remaining 80% - for drinking, cooking, farming - comes from beneath our feet: groundwater. But for over two decades now, India's aquifers have been draining faster than they can refill. So where do we go from here? A Vision Rooted in Nature, Powered by People Under the guidance of spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects has stepped up with not just hope - but action. Action that is deeply rooted in ecology, powered by community, and backed by cutting-edge science. The organisation's mission is bold: to make India water-positive. And the results, even in just a few years, are nothing short of transformational. With 72 rivers/streams and tributaries rejuvenated and 1,05,050+ groundwater recharge structures built across 8 states - including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh - this is no small scale effort. It's a nationwide movement, and it's changing lives. What's the Secret? Tailored, Scalable, Local Solutions Every drop of water saved starts with understanding the land. That's why The Art of Living's Water Conservation team is made up of experts - retired ISRO scientists, hydrologists, geologists, civil engineers, and IT professionals - who have spent years studying the terrain. Using geo-informatics, GIS mapping, and remote sensing, they design region-specific models that treat both the area and the drainage lines. The strategy is simple yet powerful: slow down the rainwater, let it sink, not run away. Recharge structures like check dams, contour trenches, and recharge pits help retain water, increase soil moisture, prevent erosion, and refill aquifers naturally. The base flow of rivers is sustained, turning seasonal streams into perennial ones. And the impact? Across multiple states, groundwater levels have seen dramatic improvement. In Vellore, Tamil Nadu, for instance, the water table rose by 12 feet - verified by the state's Water Supply and Drainage Board. JalTara: A Game Changer in Farmers' Fields Perhaps the most groundbreaking initiative is JalTara, a flagship project of The Art of Living Social Projects. The idea is ingeniously simple: dig a small recharge pit at the lowest point of each farm plot and flank it with two fruit-bearing trees. This pit acts like a natural funnel - directing rainwater past the impermeable topsoil and deep into the aquifers. In just six months, JalTara can turn struggling farms into thriving fields. Sulabai Chavhal, a farmer from Jalna, Maharashtra, is just one among thousands of success stories. "Earlier, I barely harvested a single bag of grains," he says. "Now, my godown is full." Ramchandra Mandale, a farmer from Shirur, shares a similar transformation. He recalls that a population of 3,000 had to manage with only one barrel of water per week until The Art of Living Social Projects intervened. The stats also speak volumes: Water tables are up by 14 feet, crop yields up by 42%, waterlogging down by 100%, farmer income up by 120%, year-round employment up by 88%. With a 100% success rate, JalTara is now set to scale up to 5 lakh structures across 1 lakh villages in the next five years. Not Just Water, Hope is Flowing Back This isn't just about water. It's about restoring balance - to nature, to rural economies, to people's lives. When water returns, so does biodiversity, fertility, and livelihood. Farmers grow more. Women walk less. Children attend school. Communities thrive. Contributing significantly to this revival is The Art of Living's 4R approach - a holistic model addressing water challenges from every angle. 'Reduce' empowers youth through the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP), equipping them to raise awareness and inspire communities to reduce water waste through mindful usage. 'Reuse' taps into Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to treat wastewater for daily and agricultural needs. 'Recharge' uses terrain-sensitive water structures to replenish groundwater, while 'Recycle' employs natural methods like bioremediation and phytoremediation to restore polluted water bodies. Together, these four strategies form a replicable, scalable solution to India's water crisis. Achievements are current till August 2025, the count continues: 1,74,52+ Crores worth of water conserved 3,45,00,000+ People empowered 72 Rivers/streams and tributaries being rejuvenated across 8 States 1,05,050+ Recharge structures constructed 2,90,64,668+ Cubic metres desilted 7,00,000+ Trees planted along river basins in River Rejuvenation Projects As Dr. K. Satyagopal, former Chairman of Tamil Nadu Water Resources Corporation, puts it: "The Art of Living's ability to mobilise communities - especially women - has been the cornerstone of its success. It shows what can happen when the government and citizens work hand-in-hand." And that may be the most powerful takeaway: this isn't just one organisation doing good work. It's a blueprint - scalable, science-backed, and people-powered - for every village, district, and state. The results are already visible: as the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reports, several once "critical" regions now have "safe" water levels thanks to these interventions. Yet the journey is far from over. India's water future still hangs in the balance - but with committed action and community-led leadership, The Art of Living Social Projects has shown us not just what's possible, but what's already underway. The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The organisation works closely with the Government of India and Corporate Entities to relieve the country from water scarcity through various water conservation projects. Follow:
News18
12-08-2025
- General
- News18
The Art of Livings Powerful Water Warriors Are Rewriting Indias Future
NewsVoirBangalore (Karnataka) [India], August 12: India, the land where rivers once sang through the seasons, is now grappling with a hard truth: water scarcity is no longer a distant threat – it's here. From villages to districts, swathes of the country are grappling with dangerously low groundwater levels. Rivers that once flowed year round are reduced to trickles or memories. Floods and droughts now alternate like a grim cycle, damaging crops, displacing communities, and threatening food with the monsoons sweeping across the land, only 20% of our water needs are met by rainfall and surface water. The remaining 80% – for drinking, cooking, farming – comes from beneath our feet: groundwater. But for over two decades now, India's aquifers have been draining faster than they can where do we go from here?A Vision Rooted in Nature, Powered by PeopleUnder the guidance of spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects has stepped up with not just hope – but action. Action that is deeply rooted in ecology, powered by community, and backed by cutting-edge organisation's mission is bold: to make India water-positive. And the results, even in just a few years, are nothing short of 72 rivers/streams and tributaries rejuvenated and 1,05,050+ groundwater recharge structures built across 8 states – including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh – this is no small scale effort. It's a nationwide movement, and it's changing lives. What's the Secret? Tailored, Scalable, Local SolutionsEvery drop of water saved starts with understanding the land. That's why The Art of Living's Water Conservation team is made up of experts – retired ISRO scientists, hydrologists, geologists, civil engineers, and IT professionals – who have spent years studying the geo-informatics, GIS mapping, and remote sensing, they design region-specific models that treat both the area and the drainage lines. The strategy is simple yet powerful: slow down the rainwater, let it sink, not run structures like check dams, contour trenches, and recharge pits help retain water, increase soil moisture, prevent erosion, and refill aquifers naturally. The base flow of rivers is sustained, turning seasonal streams into perennial the impact? Across multiple states, groundwater levels have seen dramatic improvement. In Vellore, Tamil Nadu, for instance, the water table rose by 12 feet – verified by the state's Water Supply and Drainage Board. JalTara: A Game Changer in Farmers' FieldsPerhaps the most groundbreaking initiative is JalTara, a flagship project of The Art of Living Social Projects. The idea is ingeniously simple: dig a small recharge pit at the lowest point of each farm plot and flank it with two fruit-bearing pit acts like a natural funnel – directing rainwater past the impermeable topsoil and deep into the aquifers. In just six months, JalTara can turn struggling farms into thriving Chavhal, a farmer from Jalna, Maharashtra, is just one among thousands of success stories. 'Earlier, I barely harvested a single bag of grains," he says. 'Now, my godown is full." Ramchandra Mandale, a farmer from Shirur, shares a similar transformation. He recalls that a population of 3,000 had to manage with only one barrel of water per week until The Art of Living Social Projects stats also speak volumes: Water tables are up by 14 feet, crop yields up by 42%, waterlogging down by 100%, farmer income up by 120%, year-round employment up by 88%. With a 100% success rate, JalTara is now set to scale up to 5 lakh structures across 1 lakh villages in the next five Just Water, Hope is Flowing BackThis isn't just about water. It's about restoring balance – to nature, to rural economies, to people's lives. When water returns, so does biodiversity, fertility, and livelihood. Farmers grow more. Women walk less. Children attend school. Communities significantly to this revival is The Art of Living's 4R approach – a holistic model addressing water challenges from every angle. 'Reduce' empowers youth through the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP), equipping them to raise awareness and inspire communities to reduce water waste through mindful usage. 'Reuse' taps into Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to treat wastewater for daily and agricultural needs. 'Recharge' uses terrain-sensitive water structures to replenish groundwater, while 'Recycle' employs natural methods like bioremediation and phytoremediation to restore polluted water bodies. Together, these four strategies form a replicable, scalable solution to India's water are current till August 2025, the count continues:1,74,52+ Crores worth of water conserved3,45,00,000+ People empowered72 Rivers/streams and tributaries being rejuvenated across 8 States 1,05,050+ Recharge structures constructed 2,90,64,668+ Cubic metres desilted 7,00,000+ Trees planted along river basins in River Rejuvenation ProjectsAs Dr. K. Satyagopal, former Chairman of Tamil Nadu Water Resources Corporation, puts it: 'The Art of Living's ability to mobilise communities – especially women – has been the cornerstone of its success. It shows what can happen when the government and citizens work hand-in-hand."And that may be the most powerful takeaway: this isn't just one organisation doing good work. It's a blueprint – scalable, science-backed, and people-powered – for every village, district, and state. The results are already visible: as the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reports, several once 'critical" regions now have 'safe" water levels thanks to these interventions. Yet the journey is far from over. India's water future still hangs in the balance – but with committed action and community-led leadership, The Art of Living Social Projects has shown us not just what's possible, but what's already Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The organisation works closely with the Government of India and Corporate Entities to relieve the country from water scarcity through various water conservation projects. Follow: Like: Post: Message: (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Business Standard
20-06-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Reclaiming Water, Restoring Hope for Kolar: The Art of Living & Ashirvad
NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], June 20: In the drought-worn landscape of Kolar, Karnataka, a quiet revolution has taken root. Not with slogans or grand announcements; but with stone, soil, science and spirit. "The root cause of poverty in villages is the lack of water. Solve the water problem, and prosperity returns," - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Inspired by world renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kolar Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project (April 2024 to March 2025) by The Art of Living Social Projects and Ashirwad by Aliaxis is the story of how a corporate vision, a humanitarian mission, and community participation converged to address one of India's most critical environmental challenges: groundwater depletion. Led by The Art of Living Social Projects, in partnership with Ashirwad by Aliaxis, this year-long initiative set out with a simple but transformative objective - to recharge the earth beneath Kolar's feet and reignite hope in its people. Kolar's Crisis: A Deepening Dryness Once famed for its gold mines, Kolar today faces a far rarer commodity - water. Since the 1960s, unsustainable groundwater extraction has left vast parts of the district parched. Borewells now plunge 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep in search of moisture. Agriculture falters, women walk miles for water, and youth migrate as traditional water systems collapse. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and NITI Aayog's Water Index, Kolar is among India's most 'overexploited' groundwater zones. This is more than an ecological problem. It's a human crisis, disrupting livelihoods, health, and rural dignity. Primary Goals: Turning Vision Into Action The partnership responded with a scientific and human centered solution - a replicable IWRM model rooted in participatory design, data-driven planning, and grassroots empowerment. 1. Scientific Site Identification Using geological and aquifer mapping (aligned with CGWB standards), potential recharge zones were meticulously selected through multi-parametric analysis. 2. Recharge Structure Construction Following the successful JalTara model, each intervention site paired a Boulder Check (to slow runoff) with a strategically placed Recharge Well (to percolate water into aquifers). 3. Water Literacy & Community Capacity Building Training deepened public understanding of water cycles, aquifer behaviour, and the importance of recharge. Youth and elders alike engaged, many for the first time, in local hydrology. 4. Ownership & Decentralisation Elected Representatives (ERs) and Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) were involved throughout - from planning to post-construction monitoring. 5. Monitoring & Documentation Impact dashboards, infiltration tests, and site photographs ensured transparency, while GIS-based maps empowered Gram Panchayats to oversee their own resources. 6. Scalable Sustainability With Kolar as a pilot site, this model is poised for replication across drought-prone districts in Karnataka and beyond. Project Highlights (April 2024 - March 2025): * 135 pairs of Boulder Checks (BCs) and Recharge Wells (RCWs) constructed across 26 villages, reaching 10,000+ residents * Comprehensive geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological surveys for optimal site selection * Water Literacy Training Programmes conducted in every Gram Panchayat * MoU-based execution with strong Gram Panchayat involvement and formal handovers This was not just civil work, it was community work. Beyond Numbers: A Human Story While metrics quantify impact, the spirit of the project lives in the people it touched. Farmers Reclaim Confidence In Arabikothanur and Harati, villagers saw something they hadn't in years - water staying in the soil after a rain. "We had accepted drought as normal. Now we see water in our land - and that is not just water, it is hope." Farmer, Arabikothanur GP Youth and Awareness Water Literacy sessions awakened curiosity among students. "This is the first time I've understood where water goes after it rains." Student Volunteer, Harati GP Panchayat Ownership Local leaders felt seen and empowered."This is the first time a CSR project came and stayed with us till the end - not just for inauguration." Elected Representative, Shapur GP Women in Water Leadership For many women, restored wells meant reclaimed time and energy. "If the well near my house works again, it saves my legs, my time, and my life." Woman Farmer, Bethani Village Seva Meets Science: A New Development Paradigm This project became a model of mindful collaboration, where: * Contractors saw the work as duty, not just deployment * Villagers offered voluntary help without being asked * Corporate partners, scientists, and community members walked together - not in parallel, but in unison Looking Ahead: A Replicable Movement The Kolar IWRM Project has done more than restore water - it has revived trust, participation, and shared responsibility. As a benchmark model, it offers a compelling case for how scientific precision and spiritual intention can co-create sustainable impact. This wasn't a project for the people. It was a project with the people. And through them. The Art of Living Social Projects is committed to creating lasting societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation continues to uplift individuals and communities - earning recognition and accolades along the way. Follow: Like:
Fashion Value Chain
20-06-2025
- General
- Fashion Value Chain
Reclaiming Water, Restoring Hope for Kolar: The Art of Living & Ashirvad
In the drought-worn landscape of Kolar, Karnataka, a quiet revolution has taken root. Not with slogans or grand announcements; but with stone, soil, science and spirit. 'The root cause of poverty in villages is the lack of water. Solve the water problem, and prosperity returns,' – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Inspired by world renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kolar Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project (April 2024 to March 2025) by The Art of Living Social Projects and Ashirwad by Aliaxis is the story of how a corporate vision, a humanitarian mission, and community participation converged to address one of India's most critical environmental challenges: groundwater depletion. Led by The Art of Living Social Projects, in partnership with Ashirwad by Aliaxis, this year-long initiative set out with a simple but transformative objective – to recharge the earth beneath Kolar's feet and reignite hope in its people. Kolar's Crisis: A Deepening Dryness Once famed for its gold mines, Kolar today faces a far rarer commodity – water. Since the 1960s, unsustainable groundwater extraction has left vast parts of the district parched. Borewells now plunge 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep in search of moisture. Agriculture falters, women walk miles for water, and youth migrate as traditional water systems collapse. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and NITI Aayog's Water Index, Kolar is among India's most 'overexploited' groundwater zones. This is more than an ecological problem. It's a human crisis, disrupting livelihoods, health, and rural dignity. Primary Goals: Turning Vision Into Action The partnership responded with a scientific and human centered solution – a replicable IWRM model rooted in participatory design, data-driven planning, and grassroots empowerment. Scientific Site Identification Using geological and aquifer mapping (aligned with CGWB standards), potential recharge zones were meticulously selected through multi-parametric analysis. Recharge Structure Construction Following the successful JalTara model, each intervention site paired a Boulder Check (to slow runoff) with a strategically placed Recharge Well (to percolate water into aquifers). This boulder check dam increases soul moisture & minimizes erosion Water Literacy & Community Capacity Building Training deepened public understanding of water cycles, aquifer behaviour, and the importance of recharge. Youth and elders alike engaged, many for the first time, in local hydrology. Ownership & Decentralisation Elected Representatives (ERs) and Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) were involved throughout – from planning to post-construction monitoring. Monitoring & Documentation Impact dashboards, infiltration tests, and site photographs ensured transparency, while GIS-based maps empowered Gram Panchayats to oversee their own resources. Scalable Sustainability With Kolar as a pilot site, this model is poised for replication across drought-prone districts in Karnataka and beyond. Project Highlights (April 2024 – March 2025): 135 pairs of Boulder Checks (BCs) and Recharge Wells (RCWs) constructed across 26 villages, reaching 10,000+ residents Comprehensive geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological surveys for optimal site selection Water Literacy Training Programmes conducted in every Gram Panchayat MoU-based execution with strong Gram Panchayat involvement and formal handovers This was not just civil work, it was community work. Beyond Numbers: A Human Story While metrics quantify impact, the spirit of the project lives in the people it touched. Farmers Reclaim Confidence In Arabikothanur and Harati, villagers saw something they hadn't in years – water staying in the soil after a rain. 'We had accepted drought as normal. Now we see water in our land – and that is not just water, it is hope.' Farmer, Arabikothanur GP Youth and Awareness Water Literacy sessions awakened curiosity among students. 'This is the first time I've understood where water goes after it rains.' Student Volunteer, Harati GP Panchayat Ownership Local leaders felt seen and empowered.'This is the first time a CSR project came and stayed with us till the end – not just for inauguration.' Elected Representative, Shapur GP Women in Water Leadership For many women, restored wells meant reclaimed time and energy. 'If the well near my house works again, it saves my legs, my time, and my life.' Woman Farmer, Bethani Village Seva Meets Science: A New Development Paradigm This project became a model of mindful collaboration, where: Contractors saw the work as duty, not just deployment Villagers offered voluntary help without being asked Corporate partners, scientists, and community members walked together – not in parallel, but in unison Looking Ahead: A Replicable Movement The Kolar IWRM Project has done more than restore water – it has revived trust, participation, and shared responsibility. As a benchmark model, it offers a compelling case for how scientific precision and spiritual intention can co-create sustainable impact. This wasn't a project for the people. It was a project with the people. And through them. About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living Social Projects is committed to creating lasting societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation continues to uplift individuals and communities – earning recognition and accolades along the way. Follow: Like: Post: Message:
