Umashankar Pandey

Uma Shankar Pandey (born 5 February 1971) is an Indian social worker who is known for his work and contributions to groundwater conservation. He launched the 'Khet mein Med, Med Par Ped (Trees on weirs in farms)' campaign in 2005, to conserve water by constructing bunds in the fields. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government in 2023 for his contributions to social work.

In September 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also praised his campaign in the Mann Ki Baat program.

In June 1995, he began working on water conservation in Jakhni village with the community. Pandey is known for his efforts to save water in Bundelkhand through Medbandi (bund making) technique. The Prime Minister has also called on the country to adopt Medbandi.

In 2015 and 2016, as part of the Jal Kranti Abhiyan, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, established 1050 water villages based on the Jakhni Model developed by Umashankar Pandey. His innovative water conservation methods contributed to a notable rise in the water level in the Banda district, reaching 1 meter 34 cm. He worked on water conservation in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The NITI Aayog recognized Jakhani as a successful example of traditional community-based water conservation, achieved without government support.

Awards and recognition He received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contributions to social work.