Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: While India’s water crisis may seem like an insurmountable challenge, The Art of Living’s approach offers a refreshing and transformative perspective that transcends mere data and statistics. Focusing on the enormity of the problem, the initiative places a powerful emphasis on empowering communities to lead the charge in water conservation. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the visionary founder of The Art of Living, encapsulates this approach with his profound insight: “Our survival depends on water. It is the basis of our life force. We need to protect and nurture the source of water.” This philosophy underpins the organisation’s River Rejuvenation Projects, which are designed not just to restore water sources but to inspire local stewardship.
Spanning over 20,000 villages and impacting more than 34.5 million lives, The Art of Living has mobilised communities to take ownership of their water resources. By actively engaging in the construction of 92,000 groundwater recharge structures, the removal of 270 lakh cubic metres of silt, and the revitalisation of 59,000 square kilometres of land; 174.02 billion litres of water is safeguarded annually.
Reviving Maharashtra’s agricultural heartland
Water scarcity and soil erosion have long posed challenges to Maharashtra’s agricultural heartland, threatening the livelihoods of countless farmers and the region’s ecological balance. However, The Art of Living’s wave of transformative initiatives is emerging to tackle these issues head on. By revitalising ancient water bodies and implementing innovative conservation techniques across 24 districts, the stage is set for a sustainable future; restoring vital water resources, and enhancing agricultural resilience. Ancient nalas and canals long buried under silt are coming back to life. This revitalisation not only mitigates flood risks but also reignites agricultural productivity, offering a lifeline to farmers and ensuring sustainable water management for the future. By uncovering hidden waterways and restoring their function, The Art of Living is turning the tide on water scarcity, fostering a new era of resilience and prosperity for communities.