Case Study of the Day: Gram Laporiya: Internationally Known for Water Conservation

Gram Laporiya is a small village in the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, India. It is home to about 1,500 people and is located in a semi-arid region. The village has been internationally recognized for its water conservation efforts.

In the early 1990s, Gram Laporiya was facing a severe water crisis. The village had only one well, which was not able to meet the needs of the community. As a result, people were forced to walk long distances to collect water. In addition, the water quality was poor and caused health problems.

In 1993, a local NGO, Gram Vikas Navyuvak Mandal (GVN), was formed to address the water crisis in Gram Laporiya. GVN worked with the community to implement a number of water conservation measures, including:

• Rainwater harvesting: GVN constructed a number of rainwaters harvesting structures, such as check dams, percolation ponds, and rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. These structures help to collect rainwater and store it for later use.
• Watershed management: GVN worked to improve the watershed in the area around Gram Laporiya. This included planting trees, terracing the land, and constructing water channels. These measures help to prevent soil erosion and improve water infiltration.
• Water use efficiency: GVN educated the community about water conservation practices, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and watering plants in the evening. These practices help to reduce water consumption.

Impact

• As a result of these efforts, Gram Laporiya has been able to achieve self-sufficiency in water. The village now has a number of water conservation structures, and the community is well-informed about water conservation practices. As a result, the water quality has improved and health problems have decreased.

Recognition

• The water conservation efforts in Gram Laporiya have been recognized by the government of India and by international organizations. In 2007, the village was awarded the National Water Award by the Government of India. In 2015, Gram Laporiya was featured in the documentary film “Water Warriors” by National Geographic.

The story of Gram Laporiya is an inspiration to other communities around the world that are facing water scarcity. The village’s success shows that it is possible to achieve self-sufficiency in water through community-led efforts.

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