Wetland Rejuvenation Through Nature-Based Solutions in Rojhauhi Village, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh
摘要
Rural landscapes in India are increasingly grappling with environmental degradation, groundwater stress, and livelihood vulnerabilities. Globally, wetland rejuvenation is vital for enhancing climate resilience, water security, and ecosystem services, aligning with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and the Sustainable Development Goals. Wetland restoration holds global importance as it mitigates climate change impacts, supports biodiversity conservation, and sustains livelihoods serving as a cornerstone for achieving integrated environmental and socio-economic resilience worldwide. It is a case study of Rojhauhi village, located in the Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, falls within the Central Highlands region (Malwa and Bundelkhand) as per ICAR classification. In recent years, the area has been experiencing significant environmental stress, particularly in the form of land degradation—an issue closely linked to climate change. This has directly impacted the ecological health of two notified wetlands in the region, with Machawa Talab being a key focus of concern. The study represents a nature-based approach to rejuvenate Machawa Talab, using hydrological and GIS-based mapping to guide planning and design. A detailed primary survey was conducted to understand on-ground conditions and community perspectives. The restoration strategy includes phased implementation, cost analysis, and funding alignment with state-supported schemes, with an emphasis on ensuring a meaningful return on investment—both ecologically and socio-economically. In addition, this study explores a multi-criteria GIS analysis, supporting the broader goal of sustainable watershed management. All proposed interventions are aligned with different government programs, aiming to restore local ecology, enhance groundwater levels, support livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Rojhauhi wetland offers a replicable pathway for semi-arid villages across Central India aiming to achieve climate resilience and environmental justice.