Upon beginning the work towards the development of Manav Bustan at Tamhane Tarfe Goregaon (Mangaon Taluka, Raigad District) in August 2021, New Acropolis Cultural Organization sought to find a solution to the grave water shortage that impacts the area from January to June each year. (Click here to learn more about Manav Bustan.)
Despite an annual rainfall of more than 3000mm every monsoon, most of the freshwater runs off because the hard basalt rock terrain does not allow for easy percolation, thereby restricting ground water recharge. In the absence of cohesive rain water harvesting and management infrastructure, the annual water shortage has led to various social and economic challenges in the region. Agriculture has become economically unviable leading young productive members of the community to migrate to cities in search of livelihoods, leaving rural communities further disempowered.
In October 2022, New Acropolis engaged with non-profit organization Anubhav Pratisthan Trust (APT) to determine an effective integrated solution including both development of water conservation, together with social rehabilitation. As a pilot project, a small component of the proposed intervention was identified, consisting of the repair of a defunct checkdam in a tributary of the Kal River.
Volunteers of New Acropolis played the critical fundraising role by appealing to potential donors and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributors, while ensuring that the necessary community engagement, suitable engineering and construction, and permissions from appropriate government authorities are procured.
This first phase of the project was completed in 45 days, by the middle of April 2023, before the monsoon set in. The timely and effective success of this first phase serves as a proof of concept, and has elicited interest from large corporate houses such as Larsen and Toubro, to undertake the full scope of the multi-year project, which includes Water Harvesting, Rejuvenation of Water Bodies, and Community Rehabilitation.
To participate in this impactful initiative, please reach out to us at [email protected]
