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| Home > Events > Happenings > Water Miracles Water Miracles Newton Sequeira SJ
Barren land, no water, sandy soil, rocks and stones – a farmer’s nightmare? Think again. The villages of Guramatti and Ningenhatti think otherwise. Instead of lamenting over their hardships they have taken the initiative to bring about a change in their fortunes. In collaboration with Jana Jagaran they started a watershed project a few years ago. Today their hardwork and effort has borne fruit. What was once a dry and arid land now yields a bumper crop.
The people receive financial help from the German Province of the Society of Jesus through Fr. Klaus Vathroder SJ. Mr. Rudolf an engineer in Germany too provides financial help. The local technical help is rendered by Mr. Chandrashekar Patil. For further information regarding the watershed project or the Jana Jagaran please contact Fr Joe Chenakala SJ. Address
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Shankar, a supervisor with Jana Jagaran says, “A few years back none of us would have dreamed of what we have achieved today. We can more than make ends meet and pay for their children’s education. This is nothing short of a miracle. We are satisfied and there is nothing more that we want.” 
Situated in the Belgaum district this village is an example of successful implementation of the watershed project. This project is based on the village-cluster concept. A few surrounding villages come together to pool their resources and human power in order to improve their prospects. This involves coming together to work and collect funds in order to self-finance the work. Along with this comes the setting up of village self help groups (SHGs), village health centres and biogas plants. This ensures that the villagers lead a comfortable life even without damaging the environment. 
What is a Water-shed project? The watershed project involves a comprehensive program of structural and non-structural measures to preserve or restore the water table. These measures may include retention tanks, channels, gully plugs, continuous collection trenches (CCTs) and possibly other practices to reduce soil erosion. The idea is to facilitate percolation as well as irrigation.© 2008 GOA JESUITS |
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