Water harvesting changes the destiny of Nimbi

Nimbi, like almost all the villages in the Alwar region, are surrounded by desert-like sandy areas. Nearly 200 years ago, a check dam was constructed by the local ruler. The dam retained the rain water for drinking and irrigation purposes and also made the village soil fertile.

However, the dam suffered from cracks and finally broke down completely in 1900's, and the water was available only during the rains. The wells dried shortly after the rains and there was rapid deforestation. Farming became solely dependent upon the rains and the villagers started to migrate to nearby cities. Animal husbandry became the only source of stable income.

 source: http://citizenxpress.com/blog/view/784/