HRH The Prince of Wales saw first-hand the vital conservation work of British Asian Trust charity partner Jal Bhagirathi Foundation (JBF) during a visit to its Water Resource Centre in Jodhpur, India on 5 October.
The Jal Bhagirathi Foundation mobilises local communities to develop and manage ecological resources, especially water, in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. Headed by HH Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur who accompanied HRH The Prince of Wales on his visit, the Foundation promotes traditional water harvesting systems and local strategies for adapting to climate change.
HRH The Prince of Wales, also accompanied by Hitan Mehta, Director of The British Asian Trust, met local villagers who demonstrated how they revived traditional water harvesting systems. Community members benefiting from project work supported by the Trust showcased the success of their village which has attained 90 percent sanitation coverage.
Support from The British Asian Trust and The Prince’s Charities has enabled the Jal Bhagirathi Foundation and Wells for India to develop two model villages in the Thar Desert as models for adapting to climate change and demonstrating best practice in waste water and solid waste management.
HRH The Prince of Wales praised the villagers for their contributions towards sustainable development. The visit, part of HRH The Prince of Wales’ tour of India to open the Commonwealth Games, was enhanced by music and dancing celebrating water and how precious it is for the people in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.
