Peace with the Earth brings Peace between Bandits
Restoring rivers and aquifers helps local populations live peacefully with each other
India - Rajasthan's Dolphur region. This short film tells the story of water as a healer and unifying force.
India’s groundwater is declining at an alarming rate, and it is said that more than third of India's population lives in water-stressed areas. Earlier, the rain was more timely and seasonal; now it’s erratic. Most of the time now, the clouds just come and go away. The frequency of unseasonal rains has increased, while the temperature is also increasing and decreasing without seasonal changes. All these factors account for climate change.
Seventy-two percent of aquifers in the country are over-discharged. That means these are being discharged at a higher rate than rain is recharging them. When they discharge more than recharge, it makes wells completely dry, which also affects agriculture practices and impacts the livelihood of people.
When livelihoods are affected conflicts arise. Stressed agriculture leads to stressed people.
Dolphur was plagued by banditry due to water scarcity. Dr. Rajendra Singh, known as the "Water Man of India," started to work with villagers using indigenous water management techniques. His team collaborated with local communities to rebuild traditional water structures, replenishing underground aquifers and restoring wells. This community-driven initiative, independent of government aid, relied on trust and collective effort. The local bandits turn in their guns for shovels and become guardians of water.
The video and this story give us hope that we can make peace with ourselves, the Earth and each other.