Bengaluru, March 12, 2026: The Art of Living Social Projects, in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, is advancing large-scale water conservation efforts under the Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 initiative, aimed at improving water security and strengthening drought resilience across the state. The programme focuses on river desilting, groundwater recharge and community-led water management in drought-prone regions of Maharashtra.
Implemented through a formal Memorandum of Understanding between The Art of Living Social Projects and the state government, Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 seeks to address increasing water stress caused by declining groundwater levels and erratic monsoon patterns. The initiative is designed to strengthen water storage systems, enhance groundwater recharge and stabilise agricultural productivity in vulnerable regions.
India’s water resources face significant pressure, with nearly 80% of agricultural and domestic water needs dependent on groundwater. At the same time, only about 20% of water supply comes from rainfall and surface sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Experts note that groundwater extraction has exceeded natural recharge for more than two decades, contributing to falling water tables.
The initiative focuses on restoring and strengthening natural water bodies by desilting and deepening rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. The removed silt is reused on nearby farms, helping improve soil fertility while increasing the storage capacity of water bodies.
Maharashtra receives a large share of its rainfall within a short monsoon period, with a significant portion of water flowing away without recharging aquifers. Through scientific and phased interventions, Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 aims to improve water infiltration levels from around 6% to an estimated 25–35%.
The programme builds on earlier work carried out during Phase I (2013–2019), which focused on drought-prone regions through activities such as stream deepening and water storage development. Phase II (2024–2026) expands these efforts to strengthen long-term water resilience across additional regions.
According to programme data, the initiative has removed more than 2,90,64,668 cubic metres of silt from rivers including the Gharni, Tavarja, Jana and Mudgul. Since 2013, the project has helped conserve approximately 16,716 million litres of water and benefited over 12,38,175 people across participating communities.
The interventions have also delivered agricultural benefits by improving soil moisture, enabling multiple cropping cycles and reducing the risk of crop losses during drought or heavy rainfall. Desilted and widened waterways have also helped reduce flood damage and soil erosion in several areas.
The initiative has received national recognition for its work in water conservation. In November 2025, The Art of Living Social Projects was honoured by the Ministry of Jal Shakti with two awards at the 6th National Water Awards 2024, including Best Civil Society (for the second consecutive year) and Best NGO under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB 1.0).
Reflecting on the importance of water conservation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, “Our survival depends on water; it is the basis of our life force. We need to protect and nurture the sources of water.”
Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 continues to promote a model of community-driven, science-based water management aimed at strengthening long-term water resilience for farmers, villages and ecosystems across Maharashtra.
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