Unsung Hero: Shirish Apte : The Lone Crusader of Water Conservation

Unsung heroes, often hidden in the shadows of the spotlight, are individuals whose remarkable contributions and selfless actions shape the world without seeking recognition. While the world celebrates prominent figures, it is the unsung heroes who quietly work behind the scenes, driving change, progress, and compassion. These unheralded champions emerge in various walks of life, from local communities to global stages, leaving an indelible mark on society. Their stories inspire us to appreciate the power of humility and the profound impact that individuals can have on the world, regardless of the recognition they receive. In this series of articles, we will be sharing stories of such unsung heroes of India.

In the state of Maharashtra, India, there is a remarkable story of a man who has dedicated his life to rejuvenating a traditional water system that had been left to die for centuries. Shirish Apte, an Executive Engineer of Minor Irrigation division of Bhandara, has been instrumental in restoring the Malguzari tanks, which were once the lifelines of villages in eastern Vidarbha.

 The Malguzari tanks were built by the Malguzaars, who were the local landlords or zamindars, over three centuries ago. These tanks were designed to harvest water for irrigation and local consumption, and were maintained by the Malguzaars. However, after the abolition of the zamindari system in the 1950s, the state government took over the tanks and began to collect water tax from the farmers who used the water for irrigation. This led to a dispute between the Malguzaars and the state government, and the tanks were left to die.

The dispute between the Malguzaars and the state government eventually reached the Supreme Court of India. In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that the Malguzari tanks were indeed the property of the Malguzaars, but did not lay down conditions for who should maintain them. This led to a further deterioration of the tanks, as neither the Malguzaars nor the state government took responsibility for their maintenance.

A Lone Crusader

Shirish Apte, who belongs to a Malguzaar family, was determined to revive the traditional water system. He had always been interested in water conservation and was passionate about helping his community solve the ever-persistent water crisis. In 2008, he began the restoration of the Janbhora Malguzari tank, which was located 35 kilometers away from Bhandara. The first step was to de-silt the tank, which was a massive task that required the community to come together and work tirelessly.

A Success Story

The restoration of the Janbhora Malguzari tank was a huge success, and it has led to the recharge of groundwater levels. The positive results of this project have encouraged the state government to restore 22 more Malguzari tanks. The prosperity of the villages has returned, and the community is once again self-sufficient.

Shirish Apte's work has shown that water conservation doesn't have to be done through conventional methods such as building dams. His persistence and community efforts have brought back traditional prosperity to his village, and can restore Indian villages back to their glory. His approach to water conservation is a shining example of how small, community-led initiatives can make a big difference in the lives of people.

A Lesson in Community-Led Development

The restoration of the Malguzari tanks is an ode to the power of community-led development. Shirish Apte's work has shown that when communities come together to address a common problem, they can achieve remarkable results. His approach to water conservation is a lesson in community-led development, and it can be replicated in other parts of the country.

Shirish Apte's work is a tribute to the unsung heroes of water conservation. His dedication, persistence, and community spirit have made a significant impact on the lives of people in eastern Vidarbha. His work is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference in the lives of people, and that community-led development is the key to sustainable development.