Empowering Communities and Resolving Water Scarcity
100+
Water bodies created
300K+
Lives Impacted
1000+
Jal Sahelis
From Water Scarcity to Security—Led by Jal Sahelis
Jal Sahelis (Friends of Water) are women-led groups from rural India, especially Bundelkhand, working to address water scarcity through community action. These Water Warriors revive traditional water bodies like ponds, wells, and check dams, promote water conservation, and work with government systems to strengthen local water security. Their efforts have increased water availability, enabled multiple crop cycles, improved livelihoods, and empowered women to lead sustainable change at the village level.
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Origin: Started in 2005 in Madhogarh, Jalaun (Bundelkhand region, UP/MP) by Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan.
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Activities: Desilting ponds, building check dams, rainwater harvesting, advocating for water rights
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Method: Form "Pani Panchayats" (Water Panchayats) and work with local bodies (Panchayats) to implement solutions.
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Recognition: Recognized as a successful NGO model by India's Ministry of Jal Shakti, with over 1000 members across multiple districts.
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Impact: Increased water tables, revived rivers, greater food security, reduced migration, and empowerment of women in decision-making.
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Our Story
In the drought-prone villages of Bundelkhand, water scarcity has long affected daily life, agriculture, and livelihoods. As traditional water sources dried up, local women, those most closely connected to water use and management began organizing to find practical, community-led solutions. This collective effort gave rise to Jal Sahelis (Friends of Water).
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With early handholding and facilitation support from Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan, a long-standing development organization working in the region, these women strengthened their skills, confidence, and ability to act collectively. Drawing on traditional knowledge and local materials, Jal Sahelis revived ponds, wells, and small check dams, promoted water conservation, and engaged communities and local institutions in shared water governance.
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Over time, the Jal Saheli initiative has evolved into a locally owned, women-led model that improves water availability, supports multiple cropping cycles, and enhances rural livelihoods. Today, it stands as a practical example of how modest support, combined with strong community leadership, can lead to sustainable and scalable water security solutions.
Our Initiatives
Join us in creating positive change in the community. Together, we can make a lasting impact for a better future.
We aim to raise awareness on water security and drive meaningful change through advocacy and education.
Building Connections
We believe in the power of community and aim to foster strong connections for a more inclusive and supportive society.
