Climate change is impacting the world. It is the poorest who suffer the most. Yet often rural Indians are leading the way in sustainable advances and trialling schemes that – if rolled out on a macro scale – can create real change in the environment.
Environment
Water-starved villagers harvest rainwater in multiple tanks
Post-monsoon water scarcity was a common problem. By storing rainwater in many miniature plastic-lined tanks, villagers have solved their water woes and used it for remunerative cultivation
Villagers dig well during lockdown to solve water problem
Increased water demand during lockdown brought to fore Tindori village’s lack of a reliable water source. Digging a well near monsoon ravines, community has ensured prolonged water availability
Revived shallow springs fulfill water needs of villages
Once a perennial source of drinking water, natural springs called jhirias started vanishing. Revived and conserved, the springs’ water is now filtered and supplied through hand posts
Kerala farmers revive age-old check dams
By reviving traditional water management structures called kattas, temporarily built for a few months every year, farmers are solving water problems in an environment-friendly manner
How rural India showed resilience, synergy during lockdown
Republic Day is an ideal occasion to celebrate rural India’s positive progress. VillageSquare recollects how communities used the lockdown productively, despite difficulties and loss of livelihoods.
Community efforts save Goan heritage lake
Santa Cruz residents have come together to prevent dried up Bondvol Lake from being converted to real estate, and got it declared as a wetland, spurring more villagers to protect natural assets
Restoration of ponds leads to revival of agriculture
Despite good rainfall, lack of water retention led to farmers’ migration. Deepening of ponds to store rainwater has stopped migration and helped farmers grow crops across seasons
Lift Irrigation helps monsoon-reliant farmers flourish
With farms lying above Kalnai River, farmers grew rain-fed paddy or jute. Community-owned lift irrigation helps them grow more crops, get better yield and earn more
Tribute to champion of traditional phad irrigation system
Phad, a traditional irrigation management system in Maharashtra, fell into disrepair. Sunil Pote, a development worker revived it, enabling numerous farmers irrigate their lands and increase income