'Jal Yatra' for social, economic change

Allahabad, May 20 (UNI) The Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute here, in its continued efforts to facilitate all round social and economic change in villages, is organising its second 'Jal Yatra' (water rally) from May 22 to June 10.

The yatra, scheduled from Sansarpur village in Koraon block, is aimed at addressing the problem of rapidly depleting ground water in the region.

A re-awakening of community consciousness would help to curb problems like dried up ponds, dying animals and thirsty villagers, 'Jal Yatra' coordinator Dr Sunit Singh said yesterday.

Dr Singh said traditional ponds in the village are a great tool for rain water conservation but in the past, lack of upkeep and maintenance and absence of community ownership resulted in a vicious cycle of repeated droughts, especially in the southern region of Allahabad.

The 'Yatra' will cover 60 villages in Koraon, Manda, Meja, Jasra and Shankergarh development blocks, he noted.

He said the 'Yatra' would be led by a 'Jalnayak' (waterman) who will select 30 water friends 'Jal Mitras'. They will formulate action plans for conserving rain water in their villages.

After presenting the action plans, they will volunteer to rejuvenate ponds, rivelets and wells in their villages with the commitment to conserve each drop of water within the village ''gaon ka paani gaon mein, khet ka paani khet mein'', he maintained.

UNI