Water is one of our planet's most precious resources, yet it is rapidly becoming scarce in many regions of the world, including India. According to the NITI Aayog report, nearly 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress. With millions of people facing water shortages every day, individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving this precious resource must receive their due appreciation.

From rejuvenating lakes to implementing rainwater harvesting systems, these pioneers are leading the charge in fighting water scarcity. Their efforts are not just about saving water but also about protecting ecosystems, empowering communities, and offering water scarcity solutions that can inspire all of us to take action.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most inspiring water conservation champions and their transformative work across India.

The Waterman of India - Rajendra Singh

Rajendra Singh, also known as the Waterman of India, is a key figure in the field of lake conservation in India. He has been instrumental in rejuvenating over 10,000 traditional water bodies across Rajasthan, earning him widespread recognition.

• Key Contributions: Singh’s efforts include reviving dried rivers and lakes, focusing on rainwater harvesting, and promoting sustainable water management practices in Rajasthan. His most notable achievement was the revival of the Arvari River and the restoration of water storage structures in the region.

• Role in Water Conservation: Rajendra Singh's work has not only provided water scarcity solutions for rural communities but also revived ecosystems that were on the brink of collapse. His initiatives have empowered local communities to take control of their water resources, ensuring sustainable access to water for generations to come.

Anand Malligavad: Lake Man of India

Anand Malligavad is a champion of rainwater harvesting and watershed management in Karnataka. He started the Malligavad Foundation in 2019 as part of his efforts towards lake conservation in India. His tireless work in conserving water in one of India’s driest states has set an example for grassroots efforts in water conservation.

• Key Contributions: Malligavad's most notable achievement is the rejuvenation of the Manchanabele Lake, which had almost dried up. He implemented innovative rainwater harvesting techniques, turning the lake into a sustainable water source for the surrounding areas.

• Role in Water Conservation: Malligavad’s work serves as a model for other communities to follow. His grassroots approach focuses on community-driven solutions to conserve water and manage natural resources effectively, ensuring sustainable access to water in rural Karnataka.

Ramveer Tanwar: PondMan

Ramveer Tanwar is an environmental activist who has made significant strides in lake conservation in India. He is best known for his contribution in the restoration of 40+ lakes and ponds across India.

• Key Contributions: Tanwar’s work in Rajasthan includes the revival and conservation of several lakes and ponds that had dried up due to deforestation, climate change, and poor water management practices. By mobilizing local communities, he was able to reintroduce sustainable practices for water conservation.

• Role in Water Conservation: Tanwar’s contributions have highlighted the importance of local leadership and community involvement in solving the water crises. His initiatives focus on making rural communities more resilient to water scarcity through collective action and sustainable practices.

Kalpana Ramesh: The Rainwater Project

Kalpana Ramesh is known for her innovative work in rainwater harvesting and urban water conservation. Her work focuses on bringing sustainable water practices to urban households and communities, tackling the growing issue of water shortages in cities.

• Key Contributions: Ramesh has been a pioneer in implementing rainwater harvesting systems in several urban areas, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad. She educates citizens about the importance of storing and reusing rainwater and has successfully helped many households set up these systems.

• Role in Water Conservation: Ramesh’s initiatives demonstrate how urban populations can play a vital role in water scarcity solutions by adopting simple yet effective water conservation techniques. Her work not only contributes to reducing dependency on groundwater but also provides a scalable model for cities to conserve water.

Garvita Gulhati: India’s Water Girl

Garvita Gulhati is a young and dynamic water conservationist who founded the "Why Waste?" movement to address water wastage in restaurants and households. Despite her age, she has quickly become one of the leading voices in the field of water conservation.

• Key Contributions: Gulhati pioneered a movement to reduce water wastage, particularly in the hospitality industry, where water is used in large quantities. She launched several campaigns to educate both businesses and consumers on sustainable water practices.

• Role in Water Conservation: Gulhati’s efforts are bridging the gap between awareness and action. She’s inspiring the younger generation to be more conscious of their water consumption and teaching them how simple changes in daily habits can contribute to solving the global water crisis.

Amla Ruia

Amla Ruia is the founder of the Aakar Charitable Trust and has dedicated her career to water conservation and rural development. Her work primarily focuses on educating farmers and rural communities about water conservation techniques.

• Key Contributions: Ruia has worked tirelessly in rural India to introduce sustainable water conservation methods like drip irrigation and water-efficient farming techniques. Her work has improved the livelihoods of thousands of farmers by ensuring they have access to reliable and sustainable water sources.

• Role in Water Conservation: Ruia’s focus on rural water conservation has empowered farmers and communities to improve their water-use practices. Her work also highlights the importance of sustainable water management in India’s agricultural sector, which is heavily dependent on water resources.

What You Can Do: Lessons from the Champions

The efforts of these water conservation champions provide valuable lessons that we can all apply to our own lives and communities. Here are a few practical actions you can take to contribute to the fight against water scarcity:

• Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing rainwater harvesting systems at home is one of the first yet biggest steps we can take towards water conservation. Collecting rainwater for everyday use can help reduce the reliance on groundwater and municipal water systems, especially during dry spells.

• Reducing Water Waste: Simple changes can be made in our homes to reduce water wastage in your home, such as fixing leaks, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and using water-efficient appliances.

• Community Action: Joining or initiating community-driven projects that focus on rejuvenating traditional water systems and raising awareness about the importance of sustainable water management can also be a huge leap towards protecting the water resources.

• Adopt Efficient Watering Techniques: Farmers and gardeners can switch to water-efficient irrigation methods. This not only saves water but ensures that it is used where it's needed most.

By incorporating these strategies into our daily lives and community actions, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future and help tackle India’s growing water crisis.

Conclusion

The contributions of these water conservation champions have made a significant impact in addressing India’s water crisis. Whether it’s through lake conservation in India, rainwater harvesting, or community-driven water management, they have proven that sustainable water practices can have long-lasting benefits.

In recognizing their efforts, we are reminded of the urgent need for each one of us to take responsibility for conserving water. Collective action is key to ensuring that future generations can access this vital resource. Let’s follow in their footsteps and make a lasting impact in preserving water for a better future.