In a nation that receives ample rainfall during the monsoon, it is prudent to focus on utilizing this precious resource and to work towards sustainable solutions to ease water scarcity.
Rains, nature’s most precious gift, provide life-giving water and are the only source of groundwater recharge.
On average, India receives an annual precipitation of 3,880 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM).
Research indicates that, after accounting for all constraints, 112,048 Million Cubic Meters (MCM) (11.2 million hectare-meters) of rainwater can be harvested across 15 states.
If properly managed, each of India’s 587,000 villages could capture up to 3.75 billion litres of rainwater annually by implementing run-off capture and rainwater harvesting solutions.
169th Welfare Initiative – Rainwater Harvesting: A Solution to Combat Water Scarcity
On the sacred 58th MSG Bhandara, Revered Guru Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan inaugurated Rainwater Harvesting as the 169th welfare initiative.
Rainwater harvesting tanks are already set up in Dera Sacha Sauda to store rainwater, which is further used for irrigation. For the past decade, farmers have been encouraged to adopt this low-cost, effective solution to combat water scarcity.
• The initiative is now being extended to urban and rural areas, where rainwater can be collected in underground tanks, overhead tanks, or water pits.
• Rainwater harvesting systems can also help with borewell and well recharge.
• Dera Sacha Sauda will provide training for effective implementation, ensuring easy adoption of these practices so that this precious natural resource is stored and used judiciously.
This initiative will help ease water scarcity in both rural and urban areas. It could be a game-changer for regions with hard water, which is often unfit for drinking or irrigation.
170th Green Initiative – Mini-Forests: Restoring Green Cover, Sustaining Life
Also launched on the sacred 58th MSG Bhandara was the 170th welfare initiative – Mini-Forests.
Revered Saint Dr. MSG encourages large farm owners to dedicate 1 acre of land for developing dense mini-forests with diverse native trees and plants, including fruit trees. These patches will serve as:
• Biodiversity hubs
• Mini-ecosystems where flora and fauna flourish
• Food forests, if large number of fruit-bearing trees are planted
Farmers with smaller landholdings are advised to line their fields with trees along the boundaries, which not only protect the crops but also increase yield.
This green initiative will significantly improve air quality, benefit humans and wildlife alike, and provide a sustainable solution for afforestation—bringing the benefits of forests into both rural and urban landscapes.
Let’s Step towards a Sustainable Future
Both these initiatives, once widely implemented, will bring immense benefits to the common man. They are powerful steps towards a sustainable future—resolving critical issues, fostering resilience, and combating climate change.
Millions across the world have already pledged to follow these initiatives. Let’s join this noble cause—adopt rainwater harvesting, grow more trees, and nurture nature with respect and gratitude; let’s secure life itself for generations to come.
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