When Every Drop Counts

An alarming 75% of available potable water is utilized for irrigation. While an important practice, this creates a scarcity of drinking water across small and marginal farming households in the country. To add to their woes, continually drawing groundwater for irrigation has led to a steady decline in soil fertility.

In an effort to cope with this water shortage, and conserve and sustain natural resources, watersheds are being built in increasing numbers. However, this needs to be supported by emerging technological innovations and other best practices for ensuring successful watershed management. L&T Technology Services’ (LTTS’) Watershed Development Projects (WDPs) aims to conserve, regenerate, and optimally utilize watershed resources. The initiative, besides helping improve the quality and quantity of groundwater, aims to increase safe drinking water availability, and empower farmers to leverage natural resources more effectively.

LTTS, in collaboration with National Agro Foundation, a public charitable trust, has shortlisted Kolwadi, Katavadi, Mangdari, and Nigde in Pune District to execute this project. The selection was done using remote sensing maps, and geophysical data. The program was implemented based on a few pre-defined criteria—the primary one being ensuring willful community participation. The development team scheduled a field trip to understand the nature of the terrain, and cover other relevant parameters required for the project.