Water Conservation

WATER IS LIFE!

Hariyali realized this supreme truth early in its social life. The very first project of Hariyali, at Kokanipada, Thane, of afforestation was a beautiful balanced combination of afforestation and water conservation. Along with plantation of saplings the natural surrounding stone quarries were seamlessly converted into water ponds by stone pitching and minimal masonry work around its boundaries. The ponds were made at different heights thereby providing for inbuilt drip water conservation. As the ponds at the upper level got full the water flowed to the pond below and the water finally accumulated in the lowest pond, which was also the biggest, and named as Hariyali lake. This success of water conservation was instrumental in the success of the afforestation at Kokanipada and the once barren area got converted into a nature park.

MICRO DAMS:

Encouraged by the success at Kokanipada, Hariyali took up construction of several small dams through stone pitching and shramdam of students and members. Small dams were built with insignificant cost, mostly out of donations, which helped block and store water in small quantities but nevertheless resulted in a positive effect on the ecosystem. A few such smalls bund dams were built at Bhavale, Bhatsa...

DRIP IRRIGATION – THE HARIYALI WAY:

The saplings planted during monsoon need care and nurturing till they become about 10-12 feet in height and one big challenge is to water the small saplings post monsoon when the land begins to dry up. A novel way of watering the saplings is through use of used plastic bottles which are cut at the bottom and a small hole is made in its cap. One bottle is placed near each sapling. At the time of watering, the cut bottle is filled with water which then drips through the small hole for a longer period of time thus conserving water and optimizing its use.

DELUGE SURVEY:

Hariyali went beyond the scope of water conservation and forayed into the realm of water management through a Deluge Survey in FY 2005-06 to FY 2007-08.

At that time the flash floods had wreaked havoc and water had caused large scale damage. To address the twin issues, of loss due to water clogging and water conservation for future use, Hariyali undertook a Survey of Deluge of 2005 in Thane and submitted a report on repetitive Water Logging in Thane City with well-reasoned and substantiated Engineering Solutions and Environmental Management Plan.

CONSERVATION SITES:

Some of the stone pitched dams built by Hariyali are

  • Tikuji-ni-Wadi to Patona Pada, Yeoor Forest
  • Bhavale
  • Tetavli
  • About 20-22 such dams

DO YOU KNOW?

  • That such Bandharas (Bunds) constructed at Bhavale site has helped to push the water table level in surrounding area higher resulting in wells getting replenished with much more water throughout the year.
  • Water is the starting as well as the focal point of all surrounding ecosystem.

PHOTO ALBUM:

Have a look at the Hariyali lake and some stone pitch dams built by Hariyali...

MAJOR NURSERIES MAJOR NURSERIES MAJOR NURSERIES

@KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Hariyali has laid equal focus on water conservation along with plantation and this has greatly enhanced the success of its plantation projects.
  • Water conservation results in not only ground water recharge but also triggers the eco system to evolve the natural flora and fauna.
  • Small dams made of mud and stones with negligible cost can make a huge contribution to storing small quantities of water at several places.
  • Water attracts insects, small birds as well as animals which in turn facilitates plants and pollination.
  • Water conservation along with plantation makes sites elf sufficient and the eco system robust and gradually improves ground water table over a few years.