Pune: A few years ago, the village of Sonori in Pune district's Purandar taluka was drought-prone. Today, it is becoming water-rich through collective water conservation efforts.
By managing annual rainfall effectively, farmers have cultivated flourishing fig and custard apple orchards. Sonori's transformation was further recognized by winning a thirty lakh rupee prize under the Atal Bhujal Yojana.
Known for its fig, custard apple, and guava cultivation, Sonori spans around 2,000 hectares, with 450 hectares dedicated to orchards and other crops. Previously facing severe water scarcity, the villagers collectively decided to address the problem through water conservation.
The village conducted regular meetings and a water literacy campaign, banning new wells and borewells. In 2021, they deepened a stream to store and absorb rainwater.
Building a Series of Dams
The "Catch and Store Water" initiative followed the stream deepening, leading to the construction of 27 dams from the hills to the village. This resulted in wells and borewells retaining water, resolving the December water scarcity issue.
Lush Green Fields
Nestled at the foot of Malhargad, Sonori is developing fruit orchards, vegetable farming, and tourism. Tourist visits to the fort are increasing, despite its dilapidated state. A dirt road to the fort has been built.
Over four years, 50,000 trees were planted using social organizations and corporate CSR funds, greening the fields. Efforts are also underway to create a sacred grove on forest department land and conserve barren land to sustain groundwater.
Water Recharge Points
Under the Atal Bhujal Yojana, 20 continuous recharge points were established in the stream to increase groundwater levels, using 100-foot borewells with perforated pipes filled with sand, soil, and gravel. This allows water to seep into the ground, benefiting nearby wells and borewells.
A Village with 300 Farm Ponds
Sonori is now known for having 300 farm ponds, ensuring sustainable water availability and flourishing fig and custard apple orchards. Farmers have successfully cultivated summer figs.
For achieving the highest number of farm ponds, Yogendra Girase was honored as the best agricultural assistant by the Agriculture Commissioner in 2023.
Santosh Kale, Sarpanch, Sonori said, "The Atal Bhujal Yojana showed results in 2022. Despite no rainfall in 2023, the conserved water from 2022 lasted throughout the year, enabling farmers to cultivate summer figs. We plan to build contour trenches and CCT dams on the hills soon, making the village self-sufficient in water."
Bharat Shantaram More, former Sarpanch said, "During my tenure as Sarpanch, the village won second place at the district level in the Atal Bhujal Yojana's groundwater-rich village competition, receiving a prize of 30 lakh rupees. The collective efforts of the villagers and the village council members make me proud. We will continue striving for future prosperity."
