In 1992, Mahindrasinh Zala’s life took an unexpected turn when he lost 90% of his vision during a volleyball game. Undeterred by adversity, Zala channelled his energy into a new passion — water harvesting. Now, at 60 years old, this Rajkot-based ex-ITI employee has become a true hero, preserving 1 lakh litres of rainwater every monsoon.
Innovative Rainwater Harvesting
Zala has meticulously saved rainwater flowing through his Kothariya colony home for over a decade. Collaborating with his brother, son, and nephew, he designed a seamless system that collects, filters, and stores water in tanks and borewells. The result? An astounding 1 lakh litres of water are saved annually, sustaining their entire household for extended periods.
A visionary’s mission of saving water for generations to come
Driven by the urgency of water scarcity, Zala believes that water harvesting is a responsibility shared by all. Recognized as a ‘water hero’ by the Jal Shakti Department, he envisions a world where everyone plays a role in mitigating the impending water crisis. Not limited by economic constraints, Zala encourages people to start small and take up water harvesting as a crucial step towards safeguarding the future.
Inspiring Change
Zala’s incredible work has sparked interest among neighbours and beyond. Curious individuals seek to learn from his expertise, with at least five people replicating his water harvesting process. Despite his visual impairment, his unwavering dedication and determination serve as a powerful reminder that anyone can make a difference in conserving precious water resources.
Zala’s message is clear: water harvesting is not just a choice but a necessity. With only 10% vision, he exemplifies the impact a single individual can make. His family beams with pride as they witness his influence on the community. Recognition or reward holds no comparison to the satisfaction of inspiring others to take up water harvesting for the greater good.
