YouthBuild Foundation's Work in Water Conservation
YouthBuild Foundation (YBF), a non-profit organization based in Balewadi, Pune, is dedicated to social development, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and water conservation. By empowering communities and promoting sustainable resource management, YBF addresses critical water scarcity challenges in rural Maharashtra. Through strategic partnerships with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and local communities, YBF implements impactful water conservation projects that enhance water security, support agriculture, and foster economic stability. Two exemplary initiatives ‘ Bhairav Bandhara reservoir in Bavada’ and a ‘ Cement Nala Bund (CNB) restoration in Bori village ‘ , both in Khandala Taluka, Satara District—highlight YBF’s commitment to building resilient, sustainable communities, one drop at a time.
Bhairav Bandhara Reservoir at Bavada
Background
The Bhairav Bandhara reservoir project in Bavada, Taluka Khandala, was desilted and refurbished to address water scarcity in a region where unreliable water availability hampered agriculture and community well-being. YBF identified the need for enhanced water storage to support year-round irrigation and domestic use.
Key Activities
- Desilting and refurbishing of a 70 year old Half TMC Reservoir: YBF led the Desilting and refurbishing of a reservoir with a capacity of half Thousand Million Cubic feet (TMC), enabling significant water storage.
- Community Collaboration: Engaged local stakeholders to ensure the project met community needs and promoted sustainable water management.
Technical Implementation: Focused on infrastructure to improve groundwater recharge and water retention for agricultural and domestic purposes.
Impact
- Increased Water Availability: Provides reliable water for irrigation and domestic use, reducing dependency on external sources.
- Enhanced Groundwater Recharge: Supports long-term water security by replenishing groundwater levels.
- Agricultural and Economic Benefits: Enables farmers to cultivate crops consistently, boosting economic stability in rural areas.
Model for Sustainability: Serves as a replicable example of community-driven water conservation.
Cement Nala Bund (CNB) Project at Bori
Background
In Bori village, Khandala Taluka, severe water shortages left wells dry, fields parched, and families reliant on water tankers. YBF, in partnership with Umicore Autocat India Private Limited through its CSR initiative, conducted surveys with farmers, women, and village leaders, identifying the restoration of a dilapidated CNB as a critical solution to capture and retain rainwater.
Key Activities
- Needs Assessment: YBF’s engagement with the community pinpointed the need to rebuild a crumbling bund to address water loss.
- Project Implementation:
- Cleared the old structure and analyzed soil conditions.
- Constructed a temporary road to transport heavy equipment.
- Built a new CNB within one month, overcoming logistical challenges.
- Community Engagement: Collaborated with locals, including the Gram Panchayat, to ensure sustainable, community-driven outcomes.
Impact
- Restored Water Security: Replenished wells, eliminating reliance on water tankers.
- Revitalized Agriculture: Enabled farmers to cultivate green fields, supporting livelihoods and food security.
- Community Resilience: Enhanced drought resilience, fostering hope and stability for families and children.
- Empowerment: Equipped villagers with a sustainable water management solution.
Stakeholder Contributions
- YouthBuild Foundation: Led planning, resource mobilization, and implementation, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Umicore Autocat India Private Limited: Provided essential CSR funding, inspired by the community’s resilience.
- Local Community: Actively supported the project, with the Gram Panchayat emphasizing its transformative impact.
Some more water harvesting Projects Facilitated by YouthBuild Foundation
YouthBuild Foundation has successfully coordinated rejuvenation of three percolation tanks (PTs) in Village Bavada, namely Bavaddara, Waghjai, and Borjai which were manually constructed during the drought of 1972.
Due to silting and wreckage, their water-holding capacity had significantly been reduced. Pune based Vanrai Foundation carried out the work with financial support from Ujjivan Finance Ltd. and NAB Foundation under their CSR initiatives.
All three percolation tanks shall now hold more water, recharge downstream wells in the surrounding areas ultimately benefitting the farmers and overall community.
Projects in the pipeline
YouthBuild Foundation conducted a survey to assess community needs in 16 villages in Khandala Taluka and identified multiple gaps. A percolation tank in Village Atit, Taluka Khandala needs to be rejuvenated on priority. Work will start soon. Alignment with Broader Goals
All of these water conservation projects align with YBF’s mission of environmental conservation and sustainable development. By integrating infrastructure development with community empowerment, YBF mitigates the impacts of climate change and promotes sustainable resource management. These initiatives demonstrate the power of collaboration between YBF, corporate partners like Umicore, and local communities to create lasting change.
Overall Impact
YBF’s water conservation efforts have transformed rural Maharashtra by:
- Enhancing Water Access: Providing reliable water for irrigation, domestic use, and livestock.
- Boosting Economic Stability: Supporting agriculture and livelihoods through improved water availability.
- Fostering Resilience: Building community capacity to manage water resources sustainably.
- Setting a Precedent: Offering scalable models for water conservation in water-scarce regions.
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