Contribute for Jalyukt Latur - A Citizens initiative | Milaap
Contribute for Jalyukt Latur - A Citizens initiative
  • RS

    Created by

    Radhika Sarda
  • JL

    This fundraiser will benefit

    Jalyukt Latur

    from Latur, Maharashtra

Latur, with a population of about half a million, is one of the eight districts in Marathwada facing severe drought. The situation was so serious in Latur that in March, the state government imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code to preventing more than five people from gathering, just to prevent fights breaking out over water. However, Latur’s worst water crisis ever, accentuated by the dry, 40 degrees centigrade heat, hasn’t dampened the spirits of its people.

How Latur is tackling drought?

So for the first time in the history of any city, the people of Latur have all come together to help themselves. The movement, named Jalyukt Latur (water-prosperous Latur), was initiated on April 8. With this  initiative, the citizens are  crowdfunding to deepen a stretch of the Manjara river, and possibly find a long-term solution to their water woes.  Manjra river used to be one of the major sources of water supply to Latur several years ago but has run dry this year.

Initiated by the Art of Living and RSS Jankalyan Samiti,  supported by Indian Medical Association (Latur Branch) and Vyapari Mahasangh, the people have started the project for Rejuvenation of River Manjra. The project  aims to deepen the two barrages  by 3 meters (Sai and Nagjhari) on 18 Kms length and 80 mtrs width of Manjra river. The cost of the project is around Rs.9 crores.  “Once completed, there will be enough water to cater to Latur’s water requirement of 20 million litres per day,” says Makrand Jadhav, one of the coordinators of the initiative and a member of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living.


“Our target is to complete the work by May 31, before the onset of the monsoon. With Ritesh Deshmukh agreeing to be voice of the campaign, we are hoping we will achieve what we have set out within the coming month"

How can you help?

The funds raised will be utilised for Project Jalyukt Latur.  A charitable trust in the name of ‘Sarvajanik Jalyukt Latur Vyavasthapan Samiti’ has been registered (Reg Number 56/2016). Any funds raised will be transferred by Trust. 

The work has already begun on the river and constant flow of funds will help in smooth completion of the project. Your support will help Latur and its residents put a permanent end to years of water woes and its struggles. With just a month away from deadline, every little contribution will ensure at work at River Manjra gets completed before the onset of monsoon.

photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Jalyukt-LATUR-Sarwansathi-PANI-1011082385642968/
Photo: Anshuman Poyrekar/HT

Read More

Know someone in need of funds? Refer to us
support