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The 38th Rathore Chief of Marwar, maharaja Gaj Singh, popularly
known as Bapji, and Rajendra Singh, secretary of Tarun Bharat
Sangh (TBS), an Alwar-based non-governmental organisation (NGO),
teamed up to popularise community-led water harvesting practices
in the Thar region. The campaign was referred as Jal Chetna
Yatra (JCY) and was organised between October 6 - 8, 2001, in
six villages of Pali, Barmer and Jalore districts of western
Rajasthan. |
Water management practices are strongly rooted in the local
social fabric, which are further strengthened by sincere awareness
generation efforts like Jal Chetna Yatra |
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Maharaja and Rajendra
Singh involved in shramdaan
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The CSE staffer, who was a part of the yatra was fascinated
by the ability of the maharaja and Rajendra Singh to relate
to the villagers in their own language, addressing their immediate
concerns. The respect for Gaj Singh among the villagers was
evident. The manner in which the entire yatra was organised
also spoke volumes on the willingness of the organisers and
people to work towards a wetter future together.
Day: 1
The yatra was launched from Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur. On
October 6, the palace wore a colourful look, as the sardars
of the former princely state of Jodhpur were joined by the villagers
from the seven districts of western Rajasthan, namely, Jodhpur,
Nagaur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jalore, Sirohi and Pali. Rajendra
Singh inaugurated the function by sharing his organisation's
experiences of reviving the traditional water harvesting systems
in Alwar district, Rajasthan. While clarifying his role to act
like a catalyst, the maharaja stressed on community participation
to solve the existing water crisis.
Day: 2
The team reached Rohet, Pali district on October 7 for a public
meeting. The villagers came from far and near to listen to
Rajendra Singh and Gaj Singh. This meeting gave them a chance
to share their problems and clarify their apprehensions. Apart
from relating his work, Rajendra Singh particularly emphasised
the importance of people's involvement in developing local
common property resources. Gaj Singh reiterated that it was
time for the people to start relying on themselves.
The villagers informed about how they have been adversely
affected by the pollution of river Bandi, which flows through
the region. Gangadhan Charan of village Gadhwara, Rohet tehsil,
Pali district informed, "The river used to provide sweet
water to grow vegetables, watermelons and other fruits too.
The upsurge of dyeing units in Pali has drastically deteriorated
the water quality." Their doubts were laid to rest when
they were reassured that even though the topography of Marwar
region was different than Alwar region, rainwater harvesting
still had the potential to drought-proof.
Chakravarti Singh, the erstwhile sardar organised the second
public meeting in village Rakhi, Barmer district. In the very
beginning, he sounded a note of caution, that, "This meeting
should not be considered as a political stunt." Both Rajendra
Singh and Gaj Singh sensitised the villagers on the benefits
of community-led water harvesting. During the meeting, the villagers
submitted a proposal for constructing a water harvesting structure
for which Rs 3 lakh were sanctioned.
Day: 3
At Bhardrajun in Jalore district a huge crowd had gathered
to explore options that could solve their persistent water
problem. Raja Gopal Singh, the erstwhile sardar and speaker
of Rajasthan's legislative assembly, living in Bhardrajun
village had organised the meeting. While expressing his gratitude,
the maharaja said "In the present context maharajas no
longer have wealth. I am lucky to have invaluable wealth in
the form of your support and dedication to mitigate this perpetual
problem."
Similar meetings were organised in Kolar, Guda Keshar Singh
and Chokharia in Pali district. Gaj Singh and Rajendra Singh
performed a bhumi pujan and shramdaan at the site of an anicut
in Kolar, which was constructed with the assistance of CARE,
Rajasthan and TBS and needed further strengthening after the
monsoon.
The first JCY concluded with the formation of a core group
under the chairmanship of the maharaja to approve and monitor
community-led projects. It was decided that only those proposals,
where the community would be willing to contribute one-third
of the total project cost would be considered. The villages
that were covered during the yatra have already submitted
about 49 proposals for works like, anicuts, khadins (earthen
embankment), repair of wells and dhoras (earthen embankment),
digging of wells, farm bunds, developing pasturelands and
plantation.
Water management practices are strongly rooted in the local
social fabric, which are further strengthened by sincere awareness
generation efforts like this JCY.The people's enthusiastic response
has initiated a preparatory process to launch the next yatra,
in the near future.
For further information:
Brig Shakti Singh
Umaid Bhavan Palace,
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Tel: 0291-510101
Fax: 0291-510100/928
marwar@del3.vsnl.net.in
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