Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Dr Priyanand Agale’s Eco-Revolution Drives Rural Water Conservation
Dr Priyanand Agale works to protect nature and improve rural communities.
He founded the Eco Needs Foundation to bring people together for environmental projects.
His Eco-Revolution Movement connects water conservation with education, health, technology and village development.
The foundation has held conferences in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
It also teaches people about saving water at the Centre for Water Literacy.
In Marathwada, it has helped restore rivers, lakes and other water resources.
In Parsoda village, a river project was combined with broader village development work.
Dr Agale also supports free education and promotes peace and cooperation among people and living beings.
Dr Priyanand Agale’s Eco Needs Foundation promotes environmental conservation as a people’s movement involving communities, scientists, policymakers and others.
The Eco-Revolution Movement links environmental protection with water security, education, rural development, technology, health and human well-being.
The foundation has organised environmental conferences in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, including a 2013 conference on climate risks to mountain ecosystems.
Its water-conservation efforts include the Centre for Water Literacy, projects along the Kham and Sukna rivers, and the rejuvenation of three major lakes.
In Parsoda village, the Bore River rejuvenation project was combined with an Adarsh Village development approach to address water scarcity and rural development.
- Who
- Dr Priyanand Agale and the Eco Needs Foundation, along with communities, researchers, institutions and other stakeholders.
- What
- A broad Eco-Revolution initiative combining environmental conservation, water management, education, rural development and social transformation.
- When
- Over several years; notable activities include the Eco-Revolution 2013 conference and recognition during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
- Where
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and other parts of Marathwada, as well as locations in Rajasthan, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
- Why
- To make environmental conservation a community-led effort and use water security and sustainable development to improve people’s lives.
- Founder
- Dr Priyanand Agale founded the Eco Needs Foundation.
- Main movement
- The Eco-Revolution Movement brings together science, society, governance, spirituality and community action.
- Water education
- The Centre for Water Literacy was established in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
- Rural project
- The Bore River rejuvenation project was undertaken in Parsoda village, Vaijapur taluka.
- International reach
- Eco-Revolution conferences have been organised in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
- Academic background
- Dr Agale holds an M.E. in Water Resources and has conducted Ph.D. research in wastewater treatment.
- Recognition
- The Government of India featured him as a “Water Hero of India” on the Ministry’s platform.