K.M. Sonawala Trust and Nitin Sonawala Transform Kaprada with 114 Farm Ponds for Sustainable Rainwater Harvesting
The remote and hilly terrains of Kaprada taluka in South Gujarat have long been characterized by a paradoxical struggle: while the region receives some of the highest rainfall in the state, it suffers from severe water scarcity during the summer months. The rocky topography and steep slopes lead to rapid rainwater runoff, leaving tribal communities to walk for miles to secure drinking water once the streams dry up. To combat this cyclical crisis, the K.M. Sonawala Charitable Trust, led by founding trustee Nitin Sonawala, has implemented a life-changing water conservation initiative. Over the past four years, the trust has constructed 114 farm ponds, known locally as Khet Talavdi, providing a sustainable solution to the water woes of 108 tribal villages in the Kaprada and Dharampur regions.
The philosophy behind this movement is simple: “Jal e Jeevan” or Water is Life. Nitin Sonawala, a visionary who has dedicated over three decades to the upliftment of Kaprada, recognized that traditional government schemes often failed to reach the most interior hilly pockets due to logistical challenges. By mobilizing private donors and utilizing his trust’s resources, Sonawala initiated a grass-roots campaign to build large-scale catchment areas. Each farm pond is typically designed with dimensions of 150 by 150 feet and a depth of approximately 15 meters. These reservoirs are strategically placed to capture the monsoon deluge that would otherwise drain into the sea. This stored water serves as a vital reserve for both domestic use and livestock during the parched months of April and May.
The impact of the 114 farm ponds extends far beyond surface storage. According to B.N. Joshi, a trustee of the Shabari Dham, approximately 95 percent of these water bodies have been established in tribal-dominated areas, with the remaining five percent in the Amreli district. These ponds act as massive recharge pits for the local ecosystem. By allowing water to percolate into the ground over several months, they effectively raise the water table, breathing new life into nearby borewells and natural springs. This secondary effect has been a boon for tribal farmers, many of whom are now able to cultivate a second crop during the winter season, significantly improving their economic standing and food security.
The K.M. Sonawala Trust’s work is part of a broader vision that includes the Shabari Chhatralaya, a hostel facility that provides education and vocational training to nearly 130 tribal girls annually. Nitin Sonawala’s approach integrates education with environmental sustainability, believing that a village can only truly prosper if it has both knowledge and water. The success of the Khet Talavdi project has earned widespread acclaim, as it demonstrates a viable model for decentralized water management in difficult terrains. Unlike large-scale dam projects that can lead to displacement, these farm ponds are community-centric and have a minimal environmental footprint, while providing immediate relief to the residents of Kaprada, Dharampur, and Vansda.
Local residents have expressed deep gratitude for the trust’s intervention, noting that the presence of these ponds has reduced their dependency on government water tankers during the summer. The project also incorporates modern farming consultation, helping villagers transition to crops that are better suited for the local soil and stored water levels. By combining traditional wisdom with modern engineering, the trust has empowered tribal families to become “water warriors,” taking ownership of their natural resources. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder that when civil society and visionary individuals collaborate, they can solve even the most persistent geographical challenges.
As the project enters its fifth year, the K.M. Sonawala Trust aims to further expand its reach, targeting even more remote hamlets where water access remains a challenge. The 114 farm ponds completed thus far represent more than just infrastructure; they represent a promise of health, hygiene, and prosperity for the tribal heartland. For Nitin Sonawala and his team, the sight of a full pond during a hot May afternoon is the greatest reward for their years of “blood, sweat, and tears.” The legacy of this water conservation movement will be felt for generations, as the recharged earth continues to sustain the vibrant tribal culture of Kaprada.
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