Importance of Water Development Program in Maharashtra
Water is a universal saver! With our body consisting of 70%water, it forms an important part of our lives. Water plays a prominent role in the survival of the smallest to the largest living organism. The significance of this resource can be fostered by an efficient mechanism, which is offered by WOTR’s water development programme in Maharashtra. At the same time, it serves as an important element in all the day-to-day activities we come across. According to stats, India uses 89% for agriculture, 5% for industry, and 6% for domestic use.
Water as a resource Planet Earth is a water planet. We are privileged enough to have a 3% freshwater proportion, the remaining being immersed in the oceans and glaciers of our world. In order to save water, there are numerous ways and strategies which have been incorporated by our country to save water. As it is indeed a precious resource! -Underground water is being used for irrigation and at the handpumps in rural areas. -India is an agricultural country, the use of sprinklers and an effective water table is significant for growing crops, which is further fulfilled by water. -Rainwater harvesting is now a wide enough initiative that is implemented by various sub-urban cities also. -Besides the above uses, water is used to harness hydroelectricity today. It produces the least solid waste during energy production.
Water uses 1. Drinking needs We cannot survive without water. It helps hydrate the body. Of Course food nutrition only takes the credit for powerful muscles but just having strong muscles is enough? Because we don't talk about it often, people tend to forget that simply giving body strength isn't enough. Building up a wall to protect them from fatigue is also important for the proper functioning of cells in the body. Thus, one of the key reasons to avoid muscle fatigue is the perfect balance of fluidity in the body. 2. Cleaning and bathing needs Access to safe drinking water, decent toilets, and proper hygiene habits are just as vital as having a strong immune system. Because the last few years have been much too difficult for humans owing to the pandemic, individuals who practice appropriate hygiene and sanitation have had a higher survival rate than the overall population. 3. Cooking needs When you go to cut a piece of apple or prepare your favourite meal, it has to start with water. Therefore, water forms an important element in the food that people consume. The water development programs in Maharashtra that are run by WOTR, aims to provide clean and safe water to fulfil the needs of people residing in suburban areas.
Water Management ● ●
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Water management revolves around the optimum use of planning, developing, and distributing water in a way that is sustainable. Sustainable use of resources like water is the need of the hour in all rural, urban and suburban areas of our country. It is necessary to ensure safe drinking water for the coming generations. Water management has been a traditional concept in India. There are several water management and conservation techniques adopted. WOTR has assisted in creating a strong foundation to run water development programs in Maharashtra.
1. Rainwater harvesting 2. Groundwater harvesting 3. Drip irrigation 4. Water saving habits
Tips to Drink More Water ● ● ● ●
Always ensure to carry a water bottle with you and refill it from time to time One can use some safe water bottles in the freezer so that you can drink ice-cold water all day long. Choose to drink water when you feel like taking in some aerated drink Add a pinch of lemon essence to your glass of water.
Role of WOTR in Water Management In Maharashtra WOTR was established in 1993. It is a non-profit organisation that works at the midpoint between practice, policy, and knowledge across scales and in collaboration with stakeholders from various sectors. Their mission is to ensure that water and food are available to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in rural India, along with livelihood and income security. They make good use of watershed technology to manage water. The WOTR team believes in a strong sense of efficiency and commitment towards the work they do. They comprise 209 highly qualified and experienced professionals who are committed to rural development and social transformation at a broader level. The diverse expertise the team has helped in widening their working horizon and serving society better. They have run various water development programs in Maharashtra. Another practice to take up is building up certain small reservoirs instead of investing in mega projects. Developing small catchment dams facilitates water management. Soil management plays an important part in the overall management of water. It basically allows the recharging of underground aquifers. Practising treatment and recycling of municipal wastewater for agricultural use is also helpful. Saving water is equivalent to preventing leakages from dams and canals. WOTR also focuses on the quality of water in Maharashtra. Water Quality has constantly been an integral component of water management plans. It helped in delivering a better knowledge base during stakeholder engagement workshops, communities themselves took a step forward to organise more such awareness workshops. They also took an effort to seek equipment for testing and monitoring the overall water quality index. WOTR provides control contamination and prevention measures for efficient water management.