SWAGRAMA Lake Rejuvenation Projects 2024

Human-made water bodies, like lakes, play a crucial role in sustaining the ecology of the Western Ghats, especially in the current scenario. Unfortunately, the natural water retention capacity of the Ghats has significantly diminished due to massive deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. These lifeline-like lakes have been neglected over the past few decades as borewell technology came into practice. However, borewells have not been able to sustain the needs of the ecology and farming the way lakes have. Water availability during the summer months is crucial for maintaining the entire ecology.

At this point, it is imperative to focus on reviving the lakes to restore the overall ecology and support the rural economy. Since 2020, SARA Centre and its associate organisations have successfully revived about fourteen lakes with direct involvement and three with outside support in the Shivamogga district. Over the last four summers, we have observed how our lake programs are proving their importance and attracting significant attention throughout the region, instilling confidence in our approach.

In March 2024, rejuvenation work was completed on three lakes in the Shivamogga district’s Sagara and Hosanagara talukas with generous support from ACI Worldwide, Secure Giving organizations, and, most importantly, the lake beneficiaries of respective villages.