Swaraj’s Project Pani enhances the lives of thousands of students across Rajasthan

At the Government Senior Secondary School in Dhanwa, Rajasthan, the installation of a rainwater harvesting tank has drastically improved the lives of its students, bringing a wave of relief to those who once struggled with health issues due to lack of water and the poor quality of available water. Dimple Kumari, a Class 12 student, reflects on the change. “Earlier, there was no clean water,” she says, recounting how the available saline water affected her health. “I used to feel pain in my bones, but now, with the availability of clean water, that problem has subsided. I feel healthier and more fit.” For Dimple, who aspires to become a teacher, this transformation has given her not just better health but also hope for a future free from such worries.

Pragati, another Class 12 student, shares a similar experience. She recalls how she used to suffer from digestion issues because of the water quality. “It was tough to focus on my studies when I was constantly dealing with health problems,” she says. “Now, having clean and safe drinking water at school is such a relief. I can finally concentrate on my education without worrying about my health.” Pragati has been studying at the school since Class 9 and has noticed a significant improvement in her overall well-being, thanks to the new water system.

This transformation is part of Project Pani, an initiative launched by Swaraj Tractors in collaboration with Sarv Mangal Gramin Vikas Sansthan to tackle the water crisis in Rajasthan. Under the project, rainwater harvesting tanks were installed in government schools, including the one installed at Dhanwa school.

This positive shift is credited to a 1-lakh-litre rainwater harvesting tank built at the school, ensuring a steady supply of clean water. “Ever since the tank was installed, we’ve been able to provide clean and safe drinking water to all our students,” says the school’s principal, Gomaram. He proudly notes that the student enrollment has also improved, with numbers rising from 370 to 400 this year.

“We now have ample water not only for drinking but also for maintaining the hundreds of plants in our school,” he adds. Previously, the school was entirely dependent on limited government supply.

In the Dhanwa region, the local population has long battled the harmful effects of high fluoride and salinity in water, leading to widespread bone problems, digestive issues, and even discoloration of teeth. “By the age of 45, most people's knees would become stiff, and they suffered from digestion problems,” Gomaram explains. “But with the increasing number of rainwater harvesting tanks in the area, the situation is getting better.”

To monitor their students' health, the school conducts annual check-ups, and the results are promising. "These health issues are now settling down," says the principal, as he sees the impact of this simple yet life-changing solution.

The project, recognised by the Government of Rajasthan for its impact, has benefited 54 schools across eight districts in the state, positively affecting 18,151 students. By improving water access, Project Pani has not only addressed a critical health issue but also allowed students to focus on their studies and aspirations, free from the constant burden of health concerns. Dimple and Pragati's experiences are just two of many success stories emerging from this initiative.

In a ceremony held recently in Udaipur, Rajasthan’s Education Minister, Shri Madan Dilawar, honoured Dr. Arun Raghav, Head of HR, ER, Admin & CSR, M&M Ltd. Swaraj Division, for his leadership in Project Pani. The initiative has reduced water transportation costs by Rs 12.8 lakhs per year and helped improve health outcomes for students across the state.

With Project Pani, Swaraj continues its commitment to sustainable development, bringing clean water and brighter futures to students like Dimple and Pragati in Rajasthan’s most water-stressed regions.

Swaraj launched Project Pani in 2020 to tackle the issue of groundwater depletion in both Punjab and Rajasthan. The project primarily focuses on conserving water by restoring traditional water ponds in underprivileged villages across these states. This effort aims to conserve approximately 40 lakh cubic meters of water annually, benefiting the irrigation and drinking water needs of villages.

Impact report

• Villages covered 54
• Districts covered 8
• Schools covered 54
• Blocks covered 17
• Roof rainwater tanks installed 54
• Students benefitted 18 151