Community participation essential for water conservation

Prayagraj: With a motto to create awareness on water, forests and land conservations, volunteers of the ‘Mangal Bhumi Foundation’ on Sunday embarked on a study tour of the Loni river. During the journey, the volunteers observed the river’s current condition, water flow, pollution levels, encroachments, traditional water sources, and various social, economic, and environmental aspects associated with the river.

The volunteers also interacted with residents of villages along the riverbanks to gather information about the river’s historical significance and the challenges it currently faces. The study team concluded that community participation is essential for water conservation, rainwater harvesting and river rejuvenation in the Loni river region.

As part of the initiative, the team engaged with residents of Jorvat village, located along the Loni river. Arun Singh, a local resident, remarked that the river used to be the village’s lifeline. However, it is currently drying up and its expanse is shrinking, making its rejuvenation absolutely essential.