Katri,Nandurbar: The remote village of Katri in the Nandurbar district has turned a new leaf in sustainable development through community-driven water conservation efforts. Recognizing the critical role of water abundance in tackling rural challenges, villagers joined hands to construct a “Vanrai Bandhara” (a temporary dam) along a 100-meter stretch of the Khata River. This initiative, undertaken with unwavering local participation, is poised to bring year-round prosperity to the region.
The Vanrai Bandhara, supported by the Katri Gram Panchayat and local residents, is part of a broader mission to ensure water security for agriculture, livestock, and daily needs. “Sustainable growth hinges on water abundance,” said Sarpanch Sandeep Valvi. “With this project, we envision eliminating poverty, improving health, and fostering economic development in harmony with nature.”
The project also included afforestation efforts to balance the environment, with the involvement of the Surya Darshan Farmers Producer Company. Villagers like Jayant Uttarwar from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and local leaders such as Rajendra Valvi and Deepak Padvi, contributed significantly.
The initiative addresses the village’s geographic challenges by enabling year-round cultivation of vegetables like wheat and chickpeas, as well as fruits like guavas and pomegranates. “This bandhara has not only boosted our crops but also reinforced our community’s self-reliance,” shared a local farmer.
Strategically located, the dam benefits multiple hamlets, including Patil Pada, Khassad Pada, and Aamli Pada, promising better livelihoods for hundreds of residents. The community-driven approach sets an example for water conservation practices across rural India.
–Sandeep Valvi, Sarpanch ,Katri, TK. Dhadgaon. Dist. Nandurbar