Construction of Vanrai Bandhara
Organized by: Uttam Saraswat Lok Kalyan Jal Foundation
Location: Village Chandai Tepali, Taluka Bhokardan, District Jalna
Participants: Village Panchayat, Senior Citizens, Local Farmers, Youth Volunteers
Overview
As part of its commitment to sustainable rural development and water conservation, USLK Foundation successfully constructed a Vanrai Bandhara at Chandai Tepali on 29 August 2025. This community-led initiative aimed to capture monsoon runoff, increase groundwater recharge, and ensure year-round water availability for agriculture and drinking purposes.
The project saw enthusiastic participation from villagers, the Sarpanch Shri Bharat Rustom Tepale, and District Coordinator Amol Ghorpade from the foundation. The involvement of youth and elderly citizens made the initiative a powerful example of collective rural action.
Purpose of the Vanrai Bandhara
The structure was developed under the widely-adopted model of “Paani Adva – Paani Jirva” (Stop water – Allow it to percolate), a proven method to control monsoon runoff and increase soil moisture.
The key objectives included:
Preventing rainwater from flowing away unused
Increasing groundwater levels in wells and borewells
Ensuring timely water availability for crops
Boosting agricultural productivity
Reducing drinking water scarcity in the village
Strengthening the rural economy through reliable water access
Developing a sustainable watershed for future generations
Execution & Activities
Community members and USLK Foundation volunteers worked together to complete the bandhara:
Soil and gravel were collected and packed in large bags.
These bags were aligned in the stream channel to create a temporary water barrier.
Water flow was controlled to ensure maximum percolation into the surrounding ground.
The bandhara created an immediate pool of stored water visible in the photographs.
Local farmers were involved in measuring, arranging, and reinforcing the structure.
This hands-on, community-supported approach reduced costs and increased ownership among villagers.
Expected Benefits
The construction of the Vanrai Bandhara is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits:
🌿 Environmental Impact
Greater soil moisture retention
Improved groundwater recharge
Enhanced green cover and ecological balance
🚜 Agricultural Impact
Better water availability for crops during dry spells
Increased crop yield and productivity
More stable agricultural income for farmers
🚰 Drinking Water Impact
Reduced water scarcity in the village
Increased water level in wells and handpumps
Sustainable drinking water availability
👨👩👦 Social & Economic Impact
Community ownership and participation in rural development
Improved quality of life
Strengthened rural economy through reliable water resources
A Model for Other Villages
The Vanrai Bandhara at Chandai Tepali stands as a strong example of community-driven rural development. Villagers expressed that such initiatives should be replicated in nearby villages to tackle recurring water shortages.
USLK Foundation aims to continue these efforts and expand similar water conservation structures across the Jalna district and beyond.
