Wardha’s Tamaswada emerges as water success story on nat’l stage

Nagpur: Once plagued by recurring water scarcity, crop losses and agrarian distress, Tamaswada village in Wardha district's Seloo taluka has, over the years, come to be recognised nationally for its scientific water conservation model, with the much-discussed ‘Tamaswada Pattern' once again taking centre stage at the ‘Nagpur Jalsamvad-2026' conference. The two-day event spearheaded by Union minister Nitin Gadkari was inaugurated on Sunday at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall in Civil Lines.Developed under Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, brainchild of Gadkari, which is celebrating its silver jubilee this year, the project was presented as the organisation's flagship water conservation initiative. Implemented between 2010 and 2012 in Tamaswada nullah region, the model focused on scientific rainwater and groundwater management through watershed-based development.The model received recognition from Union ministry of Jal Shakti and Central Ground Water Board as the ‘Tamaswada Pattern'. It was also appreciated by NITI Aayog and several national and international water conservation organisations, besides receiving multiple awards. The ‘Tamaswada Pattern' has been replicated at nearly 25 locations with support from industries, consultants and social organisations.The intervention involved deepening and widening of main Moti nullah and tributary drains from "source to confluence", removal of encroachments, desilting and scientific assessment of local topography to improve groundwater recharge. Organisers said the approach slowed the flow of rainwater and increased percolation instead of allowing runoff.Data shared during the conference showed the initiative covered nearly 100km of main and tributary drains across around 24 rural and dryland locations. The project reportedly created surface water storage capacity of nearly 2.6 million cubic metres and annual groundwater recharge of around 6 million cubic metres.According to organisers, the intervention enabled protective irrigation across nearly 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) through improved groundwater availability in wells and other sources. Nearly 5,000 families and around 30,000 people associated with farming and animal husbandry directly benefited, while drinking and domestic water access improved for nearly one lakh people across about 60 villages in Nagpur and Wardha districts.The project also helped protect nearly 200 hectares (500 acres) from flooding and water-related damage, increasing cultivable land in several villages. Within a few years, wells and borewells reportedly remained recharged for longer periods, while irrigation for both kharif and rabi crops became possible.An economic survey conducted in 2017-18 reportedly recorded increased agricultural production, improved rural economic stability and assured irrigation across thousands of acres. Minister of state Pankaj Bhoyar, whose assembly constituency includes Tamaswada village, said the model has since become a recognised example of community-driven water conservation.