Karuna Suddhajalam Project

Catch the rain where it falls

Innovative Initiative for Aquifer Recharging & Rainwater Harvesting

Alongside, the Ashram also took up the construction of the first rainwater harvesting project to meet its need for fresh water. On the Guru’s directions, an unused quarry in front of the Ashram was converted into a rainwater harvesting area with a capacity of 50,000 litres. Called ‘Karuna Suddha Jalam’, this project not only served to end the water shortage in the Ashram but also helped to recharge the groundwater level in the surrounding areas.


Karuna Suddhajalam is a comprehensive rainwater harvesting project implemented by Santhigiri Ashram in 1996. Santhigiri Ashram is located in a water scarce hill area. Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, founder of the Ashram, instructed his devotees to make rain pits in the ashram compound to reap the benefit of groundwater recharging. 12 Channel type pits constructed in the Ashram compound to rejuvenate the Holly Well with perennial abundance of water. Guru promoted natural recharge measures of grass cultivation & protection trees in the Ashram Compound. Abandoned quarry was converted into a rainwater collecting tank in 1999. The quarry tank located at the valley head rejuvenated water level in many seasonal dry wells down stream. Water resource caring practices of Santhigiri Ashram became inspiration for community participation in natural resource management in the state


Santhigiri 4R’s for water prosperity:

Karuna Suddhajalam at a Glance:

Components:


Citation – HUDCO AWARD 1999 - FOR SANTHIGIRI KARUNA SUDDHA JALAM PROJECT


Benefits

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