Enhancing water conservation in one of India’s driest states
01 May 2023
The southwestern state of Karnataka has the second largest arid zone in India. In fact, according to the Watershed Development Department of Karnataka, 79% of its area is drought prone1.
To support local communities and the agriculture that makes up the primary livelihood of many, Intertek India has taken over the management of a 900 square metre water body in the village of Madhure, Bengaluru. This water body is the end point for a local watershed – an area of land through which rain, snow and surface runoff flows into a common body of water.
Watersheds can provide a lifeline to communities in drought prone areas by promoting water conservation and reducing wastage. Well managed watersheds can also enhance the quality of available water by filtering pollutants and preventing soil erosion, reducing the risks of water contamination and depletion, therefore helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources, especially in regions facing water scarcity.
Under our management the water body and surrounding area have been redeveloped to maintain, conserve and improve the watershed’s land. We have increased the storage capacity of the water body from 1 million litres to 3.1 million litres, benefitting around 700 people, with around 3,000 people expected to benefit over a three-year period.
During the rainy season, the water body will now efficiently collect excess surface runoff, serving as a vital reservoir for supplemental crop irrigation, as well as providing safe drinking water for cattle during periods of drought. In addition, our colleagues have spent time building awareness among community members to ensure that they are able to pass on knowledge of good practices to future generations.
