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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