Introduction
Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) is a renowned non-governmental organization based in Rajasthan, India. It was founded in 1975 by Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the “Waterman of India.” TBS has played a significant role in reviving traditional water management systems and improving watershed development in rural areas. Its efforts have not only brought water to drought-prone villages but have also empowered rural communities and improved their livelihoods. TBS is a strong example of how voluntary action can bring sustainable change in rural development.
What is Watershed Development?
Watershed development refers to the conservation, regeneration, and proper use of water, soil, and other natural resources within a watershed – an area drained by a common water source like a river or lake. It includes constructing water harvesting structures, afforestation, soil conservation, and improving land productivity. Watershed development is essential for rural communities, especially in arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan.
Major Contributions of TBS to Watershed Development
1. Revival of Traditional Water Structures
TBS has revived and reconstructed thousands of traditional water harvesting systems like johads (small earthen check dams), check dams, anicuts, and talabs (ponds). These structures help in capturing rainwater, improving groundwater recharge, and ensuring water availability for agriculture and daily needs.
2. Community Participation and Empowerment
TBS follows a bottom-up approach. It involves villagers in planning, designing, and implementing watershed projects. Community participation ensures better maintenance and sustainability of the projects. Villagers are also trained to take ownership of water management in their areas.
3. Groundwater Recharge and River Revival
Through its efforts, TBS has helped in the recharging of groundwater and the revival of rivers like Arvari, Sarsa, and Ruparel in Rajasthan. The Arvari River, which had dried up completely, started flowing again due to watershed work by TBS. These efforts brought ecological balance and made water available year-round in many villages.
4. Afforestation and Soil Conservation
TBS promotes tree plantation and checks soil erosion as part of watershed development. Planting trees helps in holding the soil together, improving rainfall absorption, and maintaining the health of the ecosystem. These efforts also support biodiversity and improve the quality of life in rural areas.
5. Improved Agriculture and Livelihoods
With better water availability, farmers are now able to grow crops even during dry seasons. The agricultural productivity has increased, leading to better incomes and food security. TBS also supports organic farming and traditional cropping patterns that are sustainable and climate-resilient.
6. Women’s Participation and Leadership
Women have been actively involved in TBS initiatives. They participate in water user groups, forest protection committees, and village development planning. Their leadership has ensured better community cohesion and inclusive development.
7. Educational and Awareness Campaigns
TBS conducts training programs and awareness drives to educate villagers about the importance of water conservation, climate change, and environmental protection. These initiatives have built a culture of water respect and environmental stewardship among rural communities.
8. Replicable Model for Other Areas
The model developed by TBS in Rajasthan has been replicated in other states of India. NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations have adopted similar strategies to manage watersheds effectively. This shows the scalability and sustainability of TBS’s approach.
9. Policy Advocacy
TBS also advocates for policy changes in water governance, rights of communities over natural resources, and the importance of traditional knowledge. It has influenced national and state-level policies on watershed development and decentralized water management.
Impact and Recognition
- More than 11,000 water harvesting structures have been built.
- Over 1,200 villages have become water self-sufficient.
- Several rivers that had dried up are now flowing again.
- Rajendra Singh received the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Stockholm Water Prize for his work.
Conclusion
Tarun Bharat Sangh’s contribution to watershed development has transformed the lives of thousands of villagers in Rajasthan and beyond. Through voluntary action, traditional knowledge, and community participation, TBS has shown that sustainable water management is possible even in drought-prone areas. Their work not only addresses the issue of water scarcity but also promotes rural empowerment, ecological balance, and long-term development. It stands as an inspiring model for rural development in India and the world.