Pune: In a moment of pride for Maharashtra, Deepali Lonkar, the Sarpanch of Karhati village in Baramati taluka, has been invited as a special guest for the Republic Day Parade in Delhi. The invitation comes as recognition of the exemplary water conservation work done under the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which transformed Karhati from a drought-prone area into a model water-sufficient village.
This achievement was acknowledged by central authorities after the village earned accolades for its water management efforts. Senior officials from the geological department in Pune confirmed that Lonkar’s leadership was instrumental in this transformation.
Karhati’s journey began with a collective effort by its residents to shed its drought-stricken identity. Under the Gram Samruddhi Competition, the village undertook several developmental initiatives, securing the first position at the district and state levels.
The awards brought the village ₹1.5 crore in prize money. Recognized as "Water Warriors," the village’s work stood out among 106 gram panchayats in Pune district and 13 districts statewide, ultimately leading to this prestigious recognition.
Key projects executed in Karhati included the installation of recharge shafts, mulching sprinklers, shade nets, and polyhouses to promote water conservation. The village also planted trees and organized water literacy workshops to educate residents.
The village employed advanced technologies such as rain gauges, piezometers, water flow meters, and water level indicators to monitor water usage. This data was analyzed by local groundwater volunteers, resulting in a water security plan.
A water budget was developed, and cropping patterns were adjusted based on water availability. By implementing these measures, the village successfully retained runoff water within its boundaries.
The village’s achievements in groundwater management under the Atal Bhujal Yojana were recognized at the national level. As a result, Lonkar has been invited to participate in the Republic Day Parade in Delhi as a special guest.
State Groundwater Survey and Development Agency Commissioner Dr. Bhalchandra Chavan and Deputy Director Pravin Kathane congratulated Lonkar on this honor, emphasizing the importance of the village’s contribution to water conservation.
