Conserve Water to Nurture Life and Generations
Dholakia Foundation
(
Non-governmental organization (NGO)
)
#SDGAction50131
Description
Dholakia Foundation a philanthropic arm of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., was established in 2014 with the aim of supporting society and preserving the environment through charitable and conservation activities. The Journey of Social Welfare and other CSR activities started with the foundation of Hari Krishna Charitable Trust in 1996 by Mr. Savjibhai Dholakia and his three brothers, Ghanshyam, Himmat, and Tulsi Dholakia.
Dholakia Foundation is a prominent Organisation dedicated to Environment Conservation and related activities. The Foundation has so far made commendable work of planting over 2.5 Million Trees and developing 111 lakes across various regions of Gujarat and India under the Mission100Sarovar initiative. The foundation adheres to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns as defined by the United Nations, aligning each of its initiatives to these principles. The #Mission100Sarovar initiative is a testament to the foundation's unwavering commitment to sustainability, as it not only provides clean water and sanitation facilities to affected areas but also prioritises climate action and preserving the biodiversity of the surrounding areas.
In addition to its conservation efforts, the Dholakia Foundation contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The foundation is actively fulfilling 17 SDGs, with a special focus on goals 4 (Quality Education), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life On Land). The foundation's initiatives, such as providing scholarships to underprivileged students, promoting sustainable water management, and reducing carbon emissions, align with these SDGs and contribute towards a sustainable future. The Dholakia Foundation's holistic approach to social welfare and environmental conservation is a commendable example of how businesses can prioritise sustainability and social responsibility.
We at Dholakia Foundation are positive that we can make a significant contribution to preserving the environment for future generations by creating 110 lakes and plantation of 2.5 million saplings to enjoy a healthy future. Environmental protection, which includes pollution avoidance and natural resource conservation, is one of the Dholakia Foundation's guiding principles and primary objectives. Each of our initiatives was optimised according to the ESG as stated by the United Nations. Our #mission100sarovar has continued to peak itself at sustainability, as it provides clean water and basic sanitation to the affected regions while being fully conscious of climate action and the life above and below the waters. It boasts itself of bringing economic growth, innovation in Industry, and infrastructure while being responsible and conscious of consumption and production. We use the latest machinery such as the Tata Aiwa and the Hitachi EX-200 excavator for maximum efficiency and sustainability while also bringing the exposure of the latest tech to underprivileged regions. Common industrialists and common farmers can replicate our research and work with their unique perspectives by which they have boosted their profits in diverse aspects. We are very glad as our #mission100sarovar itself Directly works towards SDG6, 13, 14 and 15 on an active base and we are committed to work towards other SDG's as well.
Dholakia Foundation has been conserving and improving the natural resources with an ambitious goal with noble effort of over 2.5 Million tree plantations and developing 111 Lakes (Sarovar) under Mission100 Sarovar in Gujarat and India.
Pre-Implementation Scenario:
Land: Land with dry shrubs and Scorching heat in summer.
Water: The region with a scarcity of water. Non-cultivated Farms in Summer. Water is available at 500 ft depth in borewells. Hard water with 1500-1700 TDS is unsuitable for farming or drinking.
Farming: Only two crops per year. Most farmers had only one crop—no source of irrigation except open wells.
Agricultural Income: 20-30k per acre for farmers. No local employment for labourers during the summer.
Biodiversity: Very few wild species of plants and few species of birds.
Post-Implementation Scenario:
Our Water Conservation activities have impacted the entire community in the region in many ways.
Land: Increased green cover in the areas surrounding up to 18 km. New varieties of plants grown by us have survived in summers and improved soil quality with a significant reduction in salinity.
Water: Water is available around the year, not only for domestic use but also for irrigation. The water table rises to 20-30 ft depth in monsoon and 60 ft in monsoon from 500 ft earlier. Water quality improved to 450-500 TDS from 1500 TDS and continues to improve yearly.
Farming: 5x increase in the farming output. Capacity building of 2 lacs farmers to make them self-reliant Production of crops like cotton increased by 3 times Employment to farmers and poor. This place is now a tourist spot in the Amreli District of Gujarat, with 2000+ visitors on the weekends and at festivals.
Recognising this social work, Savjibhai Dholakia was conferred the Padma Shri award by the Government of India in March 2022, which is the 4th highest civilian award.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
6.1
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.1.1
Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services
6.2
By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
6.2.1
Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water
6.3
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.3.1
Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated
6.3.2
Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality
6.4
6.4.1
Change in water-use efficiency over time
6.4.2
Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
6.5
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.5.1
Degree of integrated water resources management
6.5.2
Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation
6.6
6.6.1
Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time
6.a
6.a.1
Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan
6.b
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
6.b.1
Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
13.1
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
13.1.1
Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
13.1.2
Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030
13.1.3
Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national disaster risk reduction strategies
13.2
Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
13.2.1
Number of countries with nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans and adaptation communications, as reported to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
13.2.2
Total greenhouse gas emissions per year
13.3
Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
13.3.1
Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment
13.a
Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
13.a.1
Amounts provided and mobilized in United States dollars per year in relation to the continued existing collective mobilization goal of the $100 billion commitment through to 2025
13.b
Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities
13.b.1
Number of least developed countries and small island developing States with nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans and adaptation communications, as reported to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
Goal 15
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
15.1
By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
15.1.1
15.1.2
15.2
By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
15.2.1
15.3
By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world
15.3.1
15.4
By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development
15.4.1
15.4.2
15.5
Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
15.5.1
15.6
Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed
15.6.1
15.7
Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products
15.7.1
15.8
By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species
15.8.1
15.9
By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts
15.9.1
(a) Number of countries that have established national targets in accordance with or similar to Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 in their national biodiversity strategy and action plans and the progress reported towards these targets; and (b) integration of biodiversity into national accounting and reporting systems, defined as implementation of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting
15.a
Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems
15.a.1
(a) Official development assistance on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; and (b) revenue generated and finance mobilized from biodiversity-relevant economic instruments
15.b
Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation
15.b.1
(a) Official development assistance on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; and (b) revenue generated and finance mobilized from biodiversity-relevant economic instruments
15.c
Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities
15.c.1
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.1 | By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution |
| 14.7 | By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism |
Deliverables & Timeline
110 lakes have been developed in drought-prone regions of India, improving water availability for irrigation, drinking, and other daily needs. The initiatives involve developing water storage Infrastructure, desilting of existing water bodies, and construction of check dams, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable water management. This serves as an example for similar regions facing water scarcity and contributes to environmental conservation and the well-being of citizens
The Dholakia Foundation has conserved 7 billion liters of water through it's water-efficient practices. This achievement serves as an inspiration for promoting sustainable environmental practices and responsible water management.
The Dholakia Foundation has planted 2.5 million trees to date, contributing to environmental conservation and promoting sustainable practices. The initiative has involved local communities, government bodies, and other organizations and serves as a model for others to take proactive steps towards environmental sustainability.
