Turning an Arid District Green: The Story of an IAS Officer Ravikant Rao.

Meet IAS officer Ravikant Rao, whose innovative approach and relentless dedication transformed "Dewas", a drought-prone district in Madhya Pradesh, into a lush green landscape.

Once an arid region facing severe water scarcity, Dewas now boasts 16,000 ponds across 60-80 acres and supports over 1,000 farmers earning more than Rs 25 lakhs annually.

This remarkable transformation was made possible through Ravikant’s combination of commitment and strategic thinking, which not only revitalized Dewas but also inspired neighboring districts to adopt similar strategies.

THE STORY

When Ravikant Rao took charge as the District Magistrate of Dewas in 2006, he encountered a region struggling with acute water shortages. Farmers were unable to secure loans for constructing ponds, essential for irrigation and water storage.

The severity of the drought was such that Dewas had to have water delivered by train, highlighting the dire need for a sustainable solution to water scarcity. Confronted with this challenge, Ravikant realized that addressing water issues was crucial for the district’s survival and prosperity.

Drawing on his background as a civil engineering graduate, he developed an innovative model for water conservation that also emphasized economic benefits. He introduced the concept of "Jal Bachao Labh Kamao" (Save Water, Earn Profit), encouraging large-scale farmers to invest in building ponds on a small portion of their land.

This model not only promoted water conservation but also provided an opportunity for farmers to increase their income, creating a win-win situation.