We had 4 to 5 wells in almost every village that had been used for generations. However, after being left unattended for nearly half a century, these wells soon became dumping grounds for garbage and animal carcasses, resulting in a stench. When Team SuryaKala suggested to the villagers to clean the well, the locals were initially reluctant to undertake the cleaning as they were unsure of the result. However, after a few interactions with the team, they realized it was their collective responsibility to preserve their resources. As a result, 15 to 20 residents came forward to clean and restore the well to its former glory. Today, as a result of this activity, the well is being used to store groundwater. For the people of Pipra Bishanpur, this activity proved to be an eye-opener, making them understand the importance of a clean and healthy environment and the power of collective action. Wells are an important source of water conservation, and their existence is vanishing. The SuryaKala team is dedicated to saving them.

Ponds are vital for irrigation, livestock, and groundwater recharge. SuryaKala focuses on cleaning and reviving ponds, which have become polluted and unused. By restoring these ponds, we provide a sustainable water source for agriculture, livestock, and daily needs, while also preserving the natural habitat for flora and fauna. Revived ponds can also mitigate droughts and act as flood absorbers, providing critical benefits in times of natural disasters. In some parts of Bihar, ponds are cleaned so that cattle can cool off in the summer and for various uses such as irrigation, bathing, and cooking.

Educating the community about the importance of water conservation is key to our efforts. SuryaKala conducts awareness campaigns and educational sessions to highlight the significance of clean water and the role of traditional water bodies. We engage with local residents, encouraging them to take active roles in preserving and maintaining their water sources.

Under the Save Water initiative, SuryaKala is reviving a vast network of ponds across rural Bihar. This initiative aims to address the growing water crisis by providing localized solutions that have a lasting impact. By restoring these natural reservoirs, we aim to ensure a sustainable water supply for the future. The ponds not only serve as a source of water but also recharge groundwater and support local biodiversity. By focusing on water conservation, SuryaKala aims to create a sustainable and resilient environment for the communities we serve. We believe that through the revival of traditional water bodies and the promotion of responsible water management practices, we can address the water challenges faced by rural India and ensure a healthier future for all.

In many villages, the water level is rapidly depleting due to excessive reliance on handpumps. With almost every household having its own handpump, the groundwater is being extracted at an unsustainable rate. This situation is further exacerbated by the malfunctioning of government-initiated schemes like 'Har Ghar Nal Jal,' which are intended to provide piped water to every household but are not functioning effectively.

SuryaKala's team is actively working in these villages to raise awareness about the critical state of groundwater resources. We engage with the community to understand their water usage patterns and the challenges they face due to the declining water levels. Our initiatives include:

• Community Education: Conducting workshops and educational sessions to inform villagers about the importance of sustainable water use and conservation techniques. We emphasize the need to differentiate between drinking water and irrigation water to optimize usage.
• Water Resource Management: Promoting the adoption of rainwater harvesting and other water conservation methods to replenish groundwater levels.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Assisting communities in maintaining and repairing existing water infrastructure to ensure its effective functioning.
• Advocacy and Support: Collaborating with local authorities to address the issues with government schemes and advocate for improved water management policies.
• Innovation in Water Usage: Introducing new technologies and practices for efficient water use in agriculture and daily activities to reduce the strain on groundwater.
• Other Uses of Water: Educating communities about using water responsibly in all aspects of daily life, including cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene, to minimize wastage.

Differentiating Water Usage

One of the critical areas of focus is educating the community on the importance of differentiating between water used for drinking and water used for irrigation. By understanding this distinction, communities can implement better water management practices:

• Drinking Water: Promoting the use of treated and safe drinking water sources to ensure the health and well-being of the villagers.
• Irrigation Water: Encouraging the use of alternative water sources, such as rainwater or recycled water, for irrigation to preserve precious groundwater for drinking purposes.

Through these efforts, SuryaKala aims to mitigate the water crisis in rural areas, ensuring that communities have access to safe and sustainable water sources. By working together with the villagers, we strive to create a more resilient and water-secure future.

Other Uses of Water

Water is essential for various daily activities beyond drinking and irrigation. SuryaKala recognizes the importance of educating communities on responsible water use in all aspects of life. Our initiatives include:

Household Activities

• Cooking: Encouraging the use of minimal water for cooking and washing vegetables to reduce wastage.
• Cleaning: Promoting efficient cleaning practices that use less water, such as using buckets instead of running taps for washing floors and utensils.
• Laundry: Advising on the use of full loads in washing machines and promoting hand-washing techniques that conserve water.

Personal Hygiene

• Bathing: Educating on shorter showers and the use of buckets instead of running taps to save water.
• Hand-Washing: Promoting the use of a mug or basin for hand-washing to reduce water wastage.

Sanitation

• Toilet Use: Encouraging the use of water-efficient toilets and educating on the importance of fixing leaks to prevent water loss.

Community Use

• Public Spaces: Advocating for the use of water-saving technologies in public facilities, such as automatic taps and efficient irrigation systems for gardens and parks.
• Events and Festivals: Promoting the use of minimal water during community events and festivals by introducing water-efficient practices.

Educational Workshops

SuryaKala conducts regular workshops and educational sessions to teach these water-saving techniques. By involving local schools, community centers, and households, we aim to create a widespread understanding of the importance of water conservation in every aspect of life.

Monitoring and Feedback

We also establish systems for monitoring water usage in the community and provide feedback to households on how they can improve their water conservation practices. This includes installing water meters and encouraging regular checks for leaks and inefficiencies.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

SuryaKala collaborates with local authorities to implement policies that support water conservation efforts in households and communities. This includes advocating for incentives for water-saving practices and ensuring access to resources that enable efficient water use.

Through these comprehensive efforts, SuryaKala is committed to promoting sustainable water use in all areas of life, ensuring that communities can thrive without depleting their precious water resources.