‘Run for Water’ Event Draws Good Response

India-West News Desk

FREMONT, CA – Over 200 people ran or walked 5k and 10k on July 16 at the behest of Suvidha International Foundation, a California non-profit, aiming to support river rejuvenation in India.

The River Rejuvenation Project, which started in 2013 to provide a long-term and lasting solution, has revived 33 dying rivers in four states – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala – benefitting over 3,000 villages to date.

Suvidha’s representative, Bhaskar Vempati said it has partnered with Art of Living Foundation (AOLF), Overseas Volunteers for a Better India (OVBI) and Silicon Valley Global Impact Rotary Club and the vision is to raise a cumulative million dollars over a three-year period, ending 2025 to help five million farmer families.

The River Rejuvenation water project in Andhra Pradesh is utilizing a comprehensive and scientific watershed management approach to implement managed aquifer recharge in order to improve groundwater levels and rejuvenate the rain-fed rivers that will bring back the glory of the riverine ecosystem. The project also involves eco-restoration, which includes educating farmers, tree plantation on the riverbanks, greening the hillocks, and involving the communities to understand the importance of preserving, conserving, and keeping the water free of chemical dumps.

The project will be run in six districts of Andhra Pradesh including Anantapur, Kadapa, Chittooru, Kurnool, Prakasam and Srikakulam. These districts have 500 plus villages.

The Silicon Valley Global Impact Rotary Club President, Dolly Parikh pointed out that both the world and India are facing the worst water crisis in four decades and 54% of the Indian sub-continent has turned into a water-stressed dust bowl with many rivers rapidly drying up.

According to experts, India will be facing an acute water crisis by 2025 if no preventive measures are taken today. To mitigate the water crisis, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired the Art of Living community to revive lost rivers in various parts of India and other water bodies such as ponds, wells, canals, and temple tanks.

Anyone can adopt a village for $2,500 to implement a water project. For more: http://tiny.cc/suvidha-water