Aqualine Bhungru: Pioneering water conservation for future generations

Aqualine Bhungru, founded by social entrepreneur Rathin Bhadra, is a leading enterprise in water conservation. Its flagship initiative, “Pani Ki Kheti,” uses geo-hydrology technology to store rainwater underground, boosting groundwater levels for multiple uses.

Recognized by the Jharkhand government, this eco-friendly solution helps prevent droughts and floods while ensuring irrigation support. Aqualine Bhungru focuses on sustainable practices that empower communities and enhance water access for farmers.

In a conversation with India Business and Trade, Mr Bhadra discusses how their innovative strategies reduce farmers’ reliance on erratic rainfall and improve rural water availability.

IBT: What inspired the foundation of this startup, and how did you come up with the idea?

Rathin Bhadra: Where I grew up, water was always abundant, thanks to a nearby river. We never experienced scarcity or contamination, and the idea of packaged water didn’t even exist. Today, however, people often fight over access to water—sometimes violently—and it’s no longer safe for our children to drink tap water. This made me question why water, which was once plentiful, has become scarce and contaminated.

During my travels, I witnessed women waiting in long queues for water amid a three-year drought. The poor quality of the water they collected was alarming. It made me realize the dire future we are heading toward if we don’t act now. This realization prompted me to leave my 25-year business and consult with my geologist friend, Raja Bagchi. In our discussions, we discovered that most geologists focus on rocks and minerals, while water-related issues remain largely overlooked.

I began researching how water is wasted, despite rainwater harvesting being mandatory in many places. Poor water management, deforestation, and unscientific practices have resulted in massive waste, even in regions that receive 1,000–1,200 mm of annual rainfall. If we don’t adopt more sustainable practices soon, the water crisis will only deepen, jeopardizing future generations.

IBT: Can you explain how your technology helps in disaster mitigation and water conservation?

Rathin Bhadra: When we begin water conservation on barren land, we conduct a thorough walkthrough audit. Our team, which includes scientists, analyzes the climate, water flow, local culture, and even the insects to identify the best places for water storage. Many of these insights come from ancient texts.

Unpredictable rainfall has driven many farmers to suicide. If they had access to stored water during dry spells, they could safeguard their crops and livelihoods. Our technology ensures water is available when needed, helping prevent such tragedies.

Water management also empowers women. For example, women entrepreneurs can use our Bhungru technology to sell water for 25–50 paise per liter, creating sustainable income. We’ve partnered with organizations to help around 1,000 women access water for farming and household needs.

IBT: How is the government supporting your technology? What is the regulatory environment like, and how are the rules helping your startup? Also, how do you think the government can improve its support for initiatives like yours?

Rathin Bhadra: The government should adopt our water conservation technology and implement it in their buildings. This will not only help startups like ours become financially independent but also address water conservation challenges effectively. Our technology isn’t just regular rainwater harvesting—it’s community-based harvesting. A single unit of our system can achieve what 10-20 traditional rainwater harvesting setups would.

However, state governments haven’t provided much support despite us being a recognized startup. It took us four years to get a policy approved, even after repeated efforts. While the central government is recognizing our work and inviting us to collaborate, there are still many challenges. For example, the funds allocated under the AMRUT program by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs should be released to states faster. We need to act quickly, or it might be too late.

IBT: Since water scarcity is a global challenge, what are your plans for both domestic and international expansion?

Rathin Bhadra: We’re already in discussions with organizations like Tata Social Services. Soon, we will rebrand from Aqualine Bhungru to Aqualine Bhumiron—‘bhumiron’ meaning earth—reflecting a more holistic approach. We aim to make India a global leader in water conservation technology. We haven’t patented our technology because we want people everywhere to use it and benefit from it. It’s not just about business—it’s about making the country proud and contributing meaningfully to solving global water issues.

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Rathin Bhadra is a dedicated social entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in marketing and running a successful Electronics & Telecommunications business across Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jharkhand. A graduate of Ranchi University, he is passionate about water conservation, believing that while water cannot be created, it can be preserved for future generations. Actively involved in various social, political, and sports organizations, he serves as President of the Bangali Durga Puja Association and has established the Palamu Sportsman Club to uplift local athletes. His leadership in initiatives like the Rotary International District Water Mission has earned him recognition for his commitment to community betterment, as he champions the idea that “as we farm rice, wheat, and vegetables, we must now also farm water.”