Vaccine for drought: The 'rain god' of Saurashtra, Gujarat - Shri Premjibhai Patel of Vruksh Prem Seva Trust

Author : Yashodhar Dixit

Saurashtra region of Gujarat state was cursed due to constant drought since many decades. But, not any more. It is due to mammoth efforts made by one man Shri Premjibhai Patel of Vruksh Prem Seva Trust.

Even as a businessman, he was constantly worried about depleting water availability in his birth state. He started planting trees 3 decades ago and with his innovative machine he planted  10 million trees and brought about climate change to the region. His next endeavour was to construct small check dams. Till date 2000 check dams are constructed and that bagged National Award by The Ministry of Water Resources in 2008. Dr. Kalam was so impressed with his work that he personally called him to meet when he was in Gujarat in 2010. He also praised him during "Young Innovators Award" in IIM Ahmedabad.

Shri Premjibhai's work has successfully controlled drought, stopped migration of people from the region, farmers have started taking more than 2 crops per annum, ecology has shown tremendeous change, drinking water problem was dealt with, water table has improvised and endless small and big creatures survived. The skill to take local people's help in work has given him upper edge in social work. Socio economic change was observed and many students studied his pattern of work.

Prof.Anil Gupta of IIM Ahmedabad has written: "Why can't we have a chapter in the text book about Premjibhai or his miraculous work?"

Right now Vruksh Prem is busy with rain water harvesting and so far constructed 1500 underground water tanks in the coastal region of Mangrol district of Gujarat. The prosperity of the Saurashtra region can be easily seen due to availability of essential commodity like water.

Times of India quotes him as "Rain God". The NGO is open in sharing his innovative methodology to any one and welcomes everyone to see the miracle.

For further details you may contact Shri Yashodhar Dixit on yashodhardixit@yahoo.com or 09898995664.

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