Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Ex-IRS Officer's Water Initiative Transforms 204 Maharashtra Villages
Once, many villages in Maharashtra, India, were very dry and farmers struggled to grow crops.
A former tax officer named Ujjwal Kumar Chavan saw this and decided to help.
He started a project to save rainwater using small dams.
This helped farmers have water for their crops even during dry months.
Many villages joined in, and now, 204 villages have more water.
Farmers are earning more money, and the environment is getting better too.
Ujjwal and his team of volunteers work hard to keep this project going, showing how teamwork can make a big difference.
Ujjwal Kumar Chavan, a former IRS officer, initiated a water conservation project in 2016 to combat drought in Maharashtra.
The project uses the Johad method to build small earthen check dams, storing 500 crore litres of water across 204 villages.
The initiative has doubled farmers' incomes, improved health and education standards, and restored biodiversity.
A volunteer group called Panch Patil, composed of farmers, teachers, and government officials, helps manage and maintain the project.
The project has received national and international attention, including recognition from the United Nations Water Conference.
- Who
- Ujjwal Kumar Chavan, a former IRS officer, and his volunteer group Panch Patil
- What
- A water conservation initiative that has transformed 204 drought-hit villages in Maharashtra
- When
- The initiative began in 2016 and has been expanding since then
- Where
- Marathwada and Khandesh regions of Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To combat drought, improve farmers' livelihoods, and foster community resilience
- Name
- Ujjwal Kumar Chavan
- Occupation
- Former IRS Officer
- Project
- Water Conservation Initiative
- Villages Impacted
- 204
- Water Storage Created
- 500 crore litres
- Beneficiaries
- 6,000 direct beneficiaries
- Method Used
- Johad Method
- Volunteer Group
- Panch Patil