Rainwater harvesting: religious institutions show the way

Sri Guru Basava Mahamane in Managundi village, near Dharwad, has been facing a drought-like situation, like the rest of Karnataka. But this mutt, which propagates the teachings of 12th Century reformer Basavanna, is self-sufficient and is holding up well against the odds, all thanks to its rainwater harvesting efforts.

The head of the mutt, Sri Basavanand Swami, who is known across the State for his ‘fasting therapy’, took up rainwater harvesting way back in 2009. The 65,000-litre tank, called ‘Basava Sagar’, is now meeting the drinking water needs of the mutt and its adjoining naturopathy centre. “We still have drinking water that will last for another two months,” said Mallikarjun, who manages the affairs of the mutt. A soak pit built around the borewell at the mutt has ensured that there is water available for other needs as well.

Inspired by this effort, Shivakumar Swami of Mullahalli Mutt, Kundagol taluk, has built a 60,000-litre rainwater harvesting tank, while Siddha Shivayogi Swami of Siddhashrama, Devara Hubballi village, has gone a step further and, with the help of water conservation expert N.J. Devaraj Reddy, built a rainwater harvesting tank that can store three lakh litres of water.

“These mutts have set an example for others to follow. Managundi Mahamane has already shown the way and these religious institutions are leading a water revolution in north Karnataka,” said Chitradurga-based Mr. Reddy, who, through his Geo Rain Water Board, is assisting individuals and institutions set up rainwater harvesting systems.

Leading the way

Ramateerth Ashrama, Chitradurga, was the first religious institution in the State to adopt the technology of rainwater harvesting. It built a 60,000-litre tank 15 years ago. Rayara Mutt in Chitradurga followed it.

“St. Aloysius Church in Mangaluru is another such institution which is effectively harvesting rainwater. While others are affected by the drought, those who have adopted rainwater harvesting still have enough water for their needs,” Mr. Reddy said.

Managundi Mahamane has already shown the way and these religious institutions are leading a water revolution.

N.J. Devaraj Reddy,

Rainwater harvesting expert