Surat, June 30 -- South Gujarat's forests are being transformed into natural water reservoirs under the Forest Department's Ridge-to-Valley model as part of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign, strengthening water conservation, groundwater recharge and rural livelihoods.

In forest areas such as Umarpada in Surat district, rainwater is being conserved through check dams, forest ponds and contour trenches. Over the past five years, the initiative has led to the construction of around 170 check dams and 215 forest ponds, helping recharge nearly 580 crore litres of groundwater.

Farmers say the water conservation structures have benefited both agriculture and local employment.

"A check dam and a pond have been built to store wat...