Summary
In Western Rajasthan, rainwater harvesting system is very ancient and is sustainable mean of water security. Underground Taanka and Beries are such structures for harvesting rains. GRAVIS promotes these structures by technical improvement and renovation.
Background
Western part of Rajasthan lies in Thar Desert which is prone to frequent droughts and acute water scarcity. The rainfall in the region in less than 200 mm in a year which is insufficient for massive agriculture and recharge. There is acute shortage of drinking water as a result of which the community also suffers from serious health threats, poor sanitation, poverty and other complicated socio- economic problems.
Because of rainfed region and saline ground water, situation of project area Bap (Jodhpur) and Jaisalmer are worst. As a part of routine work, women and young girls have to walk miles every day to fetch water for the family in inhospitable conditions. Most of time girls could not go to schools.
GRAVIS has been focusing in the areas of water security and improving the living conditions of women and children in the region for a number of years. Over last 29 years, it has done commendable work in many villages in developing rainwater harvesting techniques. Till date GRAVIS has constructed 5628 taankas and has renovated 522 Beries. The proposed project will promote rainwater harvesting in selected villages of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer district and will reduce the water fetching drudgery of women and children.