ARVARI, THE RIVER

a people’s movement

by

Rajendra Singh
Tarun Bharat Sangh (India)
LOCATION OF THE “ARVARI” RIVER

A location map of
Arvari river basin
THE SITUATION IN 1985
 Before 1985: Degraded and barren land in the catchment areas of Arvari
river & extended drought had forced people to migrate out of their villages.
 1985

TARUN BHARAT SANGH (TBS),

a non government organization
starts to bring people together
on the issues of management of
forests and water resources.
February 1993

Catchment area of Arvari, the River missing since 1940s

February 2003

Power of the People’s participation in Water Management

 The magic of Arvari
river over 10 years

The river had disappeared in

1940s, and was revived in
1997 through the efforts of
Tarun Bharat Sangh

Maximum possible use was made of
people’s traditional technology and
wisdom with the help and advice from
engineers if needed.
Minimum 30% of total cost
was to be contributed by
community for each project
– the rest was to come from
financial support agencies
through TBS
 COMPLETED
STRUCTURES ON
ARVARI BASIN
 BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Success of the first Johad inspired people to take up the building of more such
structures – the connection between water and forests was made and this also
led to the revival of traditional rules.
In the past, forest ownership had been taken over by the Forest Department,
leading to alienation of the people and loss of traditions of conservation – making it
difficult to bring people together again.
 Arvari, a small river in
Rajasthan state of India
after rejuvenation

Years of drought had

caused it to become a
monsoon drain.
 FORESTS, WATER & WILDLIFE

Water security, Conservation of forests and wildlife

are closely interlinked. One cannot be separated
from another.

Tarun Bharat Sangh triggered off the process by

building one Johad (a pond like water structure)

Johads serve to recharge ground water and as

drinking water for the wildlife and cattle of the area
Awareness campaigns were run in the
villages with the help of children.

Religious traditions were

used as a uniting factor.
 Village councils were
constituted with the
specific purpose of
rejuvenating Arvari
river and protection
of forests, using
historical and
traditional practices.

Women were mobilised

to actively participate in
such efforts. Their self
confidence and several
initiatives helped in
reaching consensus
when decisions on major
issues were needed.
WATER HARVESTING STRUCTURES TAKE SHAPE

Johads and dams are usually built on small

tributaries uphill and they directly benefit the
forests on the hill.
1985: Very few people are motivated enough to work together in common interest.

1995: It is difficult to keep people away from working for the common cause.