CLIMATE CHANGE, FOOD SECURIRY AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN RAJASTHAN, INDIA Rajendra SinghTarun Bharat Sanghs Experiences

A Location Map of Arvari River BasinLocation of Arvari River

The Situation in 1985

1985 Degraded and barren land in the catchment areas of Arvari river & extended drought had forced people to migrate out of their villages.

WATER harvesting structures taking shapeJohads and dams are usually built on small tributaries uphill and they directly benefit the forests on the hill.

Success of the first Johad inspired people to take up the building of more such structures the connection between water and forests was made and this also led to the revival of traditional rules.

In the past, forest ownership had been taken over by the Forest Department, leading to alienation of the people and loss of traditions of conservation making it difficult to bring people together again.

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Women were mobilized to actively participate in such efforts. Their self confidence and several initiatives helped in reaching consensus when decisions on major issues were needed.

Village councils were constituted with the specific purpose of rejuvenating Arvari river and protection of forests, using historical and traditional practices.

COMPLETED STRUCTURES ON ARVARI BASIN

Due to increased recharge & controlled discharge river ARVARI is now Perennial. Excess withdrawal of Groundwater River Goes Dry:River is flowing:- Increased groundwater Recharge - Less Groundwater Extraction

The Magic of Arvari River over 12 yearsThe river had disappeared in 1940s, and was revived in 1997 through the efforts of Tarun Bharat Sangh

Arvari, a small river in Rajasthan state of India after rejuvenation

Yearsof drought had caused it to become a monsoon drain.

BENFITS:-Water is made available to cattle and wildlifeMore harvests per seasonReduced migrationSocial issues of women and education get more attentionIncreased awareness about the use of forest resource

Only dry and dead wood is allowed to be collected. No person goes into the forest with an axe.

THE ARVARI PARLIAMENT