• A community water conservation project was inaugurated at Batabari village (Sonitpur, Assam) under the Dabur Jeevandhara Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

About the Project

• The initiative focuses on scientific rejuvenation and deepening of an existing pond to enhance water storage and availability.
• It is spearheaded by Dabur India Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, in collaboration with local institutions.
• The project follows a participatory planning approach, involving village-level committees.

Key Features

• Increased Storage Capacity:
  • From 16,316 cubic metres to 21,903 cubic metres.
• Total Water Potential:
  • Estimated 29,569 kilolitres based on rainfall.
• Coverage Area:
  • Around seven bighas of land.
• Beneficiaries:
  • Approximately 1,364 residents of Batabari and nearby villages.

Objectives and Outcomes

• Ensure year-round water availability.
• Improve irrigation facilities for agriculture.
• Support fisheries and allied livelihoods.
• Reduce dependence on distant water sources.
• Promote community ownership of water resources.

Exam Hook

Prelims Question:
With reference to water conservation initiatives in India, consider the following statements:

1. Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives can support water conservation projects.
2. Pond rejuvenation helps improve groundwater recharge.
3. Jal Shakti Abhiyan focuses only on urban water management.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

One-line wrap: The Batabari water conservation project highlights how community-driven and corporate-supported efforts can strengthen rural water security sustainably.

SOURCE