The Innovation: Water harvesting through bore-well recharge:

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1 Recharging bore-wells, crops and lives Restored bore-wells in 10 states including Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. (as of October 2018) Introduction: India has 4% of world s water and most of it is used for irrigation. Despite of such vast resources, our country is facing severe water shortage. In fact, on average the availability of water is shrinking steadily leaving farmers with the only choice of digging open wells or bore-wells which resulting in further depletion of water levels. Such indiscriminant use of the underground water is also leading to water scarcity during post monsoon and summer season. The sharp fall in agricultural productivity creates devastating impacts on farmers lives and the livelihoods of those engaged in agricultural activities. The ambitious irrigation and water conservation schemes are able to reach very few regions and hence there is urgent need of innovative water harvesting solutions. The Innovation: Water harvesting through bore-well recharge: Founded in 2008, SRDS is working in rural areas with water issues. This not-for-provit society is staffed with experts in the Vield, who work towards spreading awareness of rainwater conservation practices and reuse of water through recycling. After much deliberation, the SRDS devised a direct bore-well recharge technique - an innovative, sustainable and cost effective solution to improve the water table and increase production of bore-wells within one year. SRDS s direct bore-well recharge technique combines common rainwater harvesting practices with an innovative approach to replenish ground-tables and aquifers with naturally Viltered rainwater. The direct bore-well recharge initially required an investment of around Rs. 48,750 (single ring method) however further innovations have reduced the cost to and Rs. 28,450 (see Annexure II - twin ring method) - on an average while building a new bore-well costs Rs.1,00,000- Rs.1,50,000.

2 This method of direct bore-well recharge has gained the trust of farmers and today results look impressive: bore-wells recharged, water quality and quantity improved and farmers in 10 states reaping good harvests. Awards: Achievements: Mr.Sikandar Meeranayak (founder) received the prestigious Deshpande Foundation fellowship in 2008 Incubated in Deshpande Foundations EIR program in 2008 NABARD Rural Innovation Award 2012 Best Water Harvesting N.G.O award from Water Digest Private Limited, Delhi. Business Responsibility Award from FICCI, Bangalore. Karmaveer Award 2013 from Satya Sai Seva Organization, Maharashtra Total bore-wells recharged Working aggressively in 10 states: Karnataka : Maharashtra : 69+ Andhra Pradesh : 102+ Punjab : 15+ Telangana : 130 Tamil Nadu : 07 Kerala : 03 Madhya Pradesh : 08 Subsidized all projects by 50% through partnerships with Deshpande Foundation, NABARD, & Save Indian Farmers and others Roof top water harvesting, Industrial Industrial: Residential: Run-off tank Viability: From its Virst project, SRDS guaranteed the improved water level. Previous projects completed have proved that the project cost can be easily recovered within a period of 2 to 3 years.

3 Sustainability: The unique technique of SRDS uses those resources which are easily available and last long term. The project protects the environment by preventing over-exploitation of the water resources. In addition, it provides environmental benevits by fully utilizing the rainwater by recharging of Bore-wells and improving the underground water source in nearby regions as well. It also reduces the erosion of the precious topsoil by arresting the runoff water from the farms and open Vields. Scope for replicability / scalability: SRDS s bore-well recharge technique is extremely replicable and can be implemented anywhere in Rural or Urban areas. The project can be executed with fewer labourers after a short but in-depth training. Moreover, it can be customized according to needs and geographic conditions. The Model: Our primary goal is to end water scarcity in India by Droughts have become a harsh reality to billions of people across the world. With water being the substance that sustains life, it is more important now than ever before to use innovation to bring a steady supply of clean water to the people of Karnataka and across India. With a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in implementing projects on the ground, SRDS made sure to incorporate an individualistic approach to each project. We carefully study each site and design site-specivic structures to meet the needs of our clients. Such an approach has also enabled SRDS to eliminate many farmers inhibitions regarding the issue of space usage. Small-scale farmers who are dependent on agriculture Vind it impractical to use valuable land for water catchment areas. By giving farmers the option to choose the size of the ponds (water catchment area), many formerly skeptical farmers have been convinced.

4 Twin Ring Method: This more recent innovation was designed to reduce the costs and avoid the use of sand which is often unavailable and / or very expensive. It is a proven effective method for borewell recharge and has been implemented in most of the borewells done since 2016.

5 Figure 1: SRDS Model During the initial years, SRDS focused on creating awareness on rain water harvesting through orientation, exposure and cross learning training programs for the farmers. To enhance the community participation, we executed the rain water harvesting by recharging the bore-wells with a 50% contribution from the community to ensure the active participation and sustainability of the project. After success of Virst bore wells, there was enough evidence for farmers to look at now farmers who can afford the cost opt for the technology. In cases where the farmer is unable to afford the cost of Rs. 28,450, the local bank may approve loans. An effort is also ongoing with local banks to make direct bore-well recharge an ofvicial category on the loan list. SRDS is collaboratively working with communities, banks, grantors, Vinancial institutions and government. Unlike the traditional development approach of providing free aid to lower-income communities, particularly in rural areas, SRDS s unique approach promotes selfsustainability. SRDS cross-subsidizes projects by using its own revenue and also seeks support from partners like Deshpande Foundation, Save Indian Farmers and NABARD. Partner contribution: Deshpande Foundation (DF) funded and extended its support during initial stages. DF advised SRDS to utilize the funds to create awareness, conduct exposure trips, farmer exchange platforms and engage with media to popularize the concept of bore well recharge.

6 Funds from Deshpande Foundation were used in the initial years of inception to create a critical number of bore-wells to demonstrate the impact. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) supported SRDS under the Farmers technology transfer fund scheme. The NABARD also helped SRDS to conduct trainings and Exposure visit in some of the rural areas. SRDS is also working with Save Indian Farmers in Maharasthra and other areas. Water Harvest Foundation (Australia) is also assisting with funds and expertise. Future plans: SRDS is the only organization in India using this specivic method that is cost-effective and permanent to replenish water in dried-up wells, and with a 100% success rate. SRDS is committed for betterment of livelihood and social life of the communities. To achieve the scale SRDS is partnering with local government, banks, grantors and other organizations. SRDS replicates the model by adopting innovative ways such as local employment, capacity building through trainings, collaborating and partnering with local bodies. SRDS is proposing similar collaboration with Rural Development and Panchyat Raj department of Govt. of Karnataka to achieve scale and have greater impact in minimum time. SRDS is increasing its reach-out by rolling out multiple projects with the help of Rural Development and Panchyat Raj department. In next 5 years, SRDS aspires to execute 2500 projects. For this ambitious plan, SRDS is seeking Vinancial (funding) and non Vinancial support from the Rural Development and Panchyat Raj department. SRDS will utilize this funding to compensate cost of the project for farmers who may not be able to implement the project otherwise. SRDS will jointly promote and spread awareness about the water harvesting projects through different events, workshops and mass media.

7 The Impact: SRDS s direct bore-well recharge technique has seen increase in ground-water levels. which also improves the quality of borewell water as the addition of rain water dilutes water contaminants. The availability of the water has enabled farmers to attain multiple crop cycles and crop diversivication. The resulting increased livelihood uplifts farmers lives in enormous ways. It also reduces the demand for new borewells in the areas implemented. SRDS trains and offer employment opportunity to youth and unemployed for executing projects in a region. By its sustainable practices, SRDS is conserving water-resources in an eco-friendly manner ensuring long lasting impact on community. Please Note: The table below indicates average budget for implementing one project. Budget may vary according to geographic and weather conditions and standard local labour wages. The Organisation Consultancy fee is 28% of the total costing.

8 Annexure II: Project Cost Twin Ring Method Borewell recharge Budget Details No Borewell Recharge Budget Details - Twin Ring Method Quantity Rate Total Amount 1 Cement Rings 3 feet diameter Cement 1 bag Mesh - wire (including labour for making holes in casing pipe) JCB Hire 6 hr 850/hr Cement Cover Pipeline Filtration Material 20mm and 6mm and 40mm Jelly 3 tractors Labour Miscellaneous Total 28,450 SRDS dreams of a world where there is plenty of water for everyone. SRDS is proposing this partnership for its success and to accomplish its vision of Enough water for all.

9 Twin Ring Method Pictures: