Water, a fundamental resource, plays a crucial role in sustaining life, agriculture and industry. However, in many parts of the world, the availability of clean and safe water has become a growing concern due to climate change, population growth and unsustainable practices. In India, the Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative is a groundbreaking effort that is leveraging women’s leadership in water conservation.
Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti, meaning women power for water empowerment, is a pioneering approach that focuses on engaging women in water conservation efforts, recognising their pivotal role in managing this precious resource. The ongoing global water crisis is likely to worsen and is predicted to cause financial losses in lower-income countries, with gross domestic product losses averaging up to 15 per cent by 2050.
India faces a severe water crisis, with nearly 40 per cent of its population projected to lack access to clean drinking water by 2030. Agriculture, which consumes about 80 per cent of the country’s water, is heavily dependent on erratic monsoons, making water management even more critical. This situation calls for a comprehensive approach to water conservation that involves communities at the grassroots level.
Women, especially in rural areas, have always been the primary managers of household water. As significant stakeholders, women hold strong influence within their communities. They are often the key communicators and organisers in rural settings.
Through Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti, women mobilised entire communities to adopt water-saving practices, reduce wastage and protect natural water bodies. Their leadership ensured that water conservation efforts are sustainable and widely implemented.
The initiative also contributes to the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 6, which focus on gender equality and access to water and sanitation.
From fetching water for daily use to managing agricultural activities, women are at the forefront of water-related tasks. This initiative taps into their knowledge and experience, empowering them to lead water conservation efforts and ensure water security for their communities.
The Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative has already shown promising results in various parts of India. In Rajasthan, women-led groups have revived traditional water bodies and built check dams, leading to improved groundwater levels and year-round water availability. In Maharashtra, women have played a crucial role in adopting micro-irrigation techniques, reducing water usage in agriculture while boosting crop yields.
In Himachal Pradesh, women are actively involved in rainwater harvesting projects, ensuring that their villages have a steady water supply even during dry seasons. These success stories demonstrate how empowering women can lead to tangible results in water conservation and community development.
Water is the foundation of life and its conservation is vital for the future of our planet. The Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative not only addresses the urgent need for water conservation but also promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment. By involving women in decision-making, water management and community mobilisation, this initiative is creating a sustainable future where both water security and gender equality are prioritised.
As India continues to face the challenges of water scarcity, the leadership and wisdom of women will be key to finding innovative and sustainable solutions. Through Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti, the power of women is transforming the water landscape, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where water is abundant and life thrives.
This initiative also fosters partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organisations and local communities to create a sustainable model for water conservation.
Manas Ranjan Senapati is an environmentalist and his research area is green and sustainable chemistry
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth