People's Peace and Water Summit to be held in India
For World Water Day, 20-21 March 2024. Please spread the word
The world is in crisis and pain. Many conflicts and wars, and distress (often illegal) migration have their roots in water crises of drought, flood, and water quality. On one side is increased forced migration due to the deepening water crisis, on the other is a rapidly closing window of countries open to such migrants. Unless water security is achieved at the local level, insecurity, conflict, and control by the powerful over dwindling water resources will only increase. Unless efforts are made, water, the elixir of life will be the root cause of violence, against humanity and nature.
Water brings peace and security. Water brings decent and non-violent livelihoods, equality and dignity. Water rejuvenates nature. Recognising the role of water in peace from local to global levels, the UN this year has declared the theme of World Water Day to be Water and Peace.
Newsletter readers are invited to spread the word about (and of course, attend if you can make it) the ‘People's Peace and Water Summit,’ a unique event dedicated to showcasing the transformative power of water cycle restoration in regions affected by conflict from water stress and scarcity. The villagers of the river basins of nine river basins spread across Dholpur and Karauli districts invite you to celebrate World Water Day with them. They want to share their stories and learn about yours. This year’s World Water Day theme is Water and Peace.
The organisers
This people’s summit is organised by the villagers of Dholpur and Karauli, the Peoples World Commission on Drought and Flood (PWCDF), Tarun Bharat Sangh and Jal Biradari.
This summit is a testament to the remarkable journey of a region that once grappled with violence induced by water stress and has now embraced peace through decentralized water retention and natural agriculture. The community's commitment to harmonizing with nature has led to extraordinary changes, primarily by harnessing the seasonal monsoons to rehydrate the earth. Thousands of wells have been recharged and several rivers have been revived.
Key Highlights of the Summit:
Revival of Rivers: Experience first-hand projects that have revitalized the flow of the Chambal River. Discover the simple, natural strategies employed by local people to rehydrate their landscape, and the health of their water resources.
Water Access for Millions: Witness how these initiatives have positively impacted millions of lives by bringing essential water resources back to communities. Explore the methods employed to heal landscapes and provide water access for all life.
From Violence to Peace: Experience the peaceful and prosperous results of a region that used to be destitute and violent. Due to water stress and scarcity people had no way to provide for their families. Some migrated, others resorted to violence to survive. Years later these same people turned over their arms and asked for forgiveness, as they were now peaceful farmers.
Discussions and experience exchange: This Summit provides an exceptional opportunity to connect, share experiences and learn. While the villagers share their work and dimensions of transformation, we will learn from you all.
We invite you to join this two-day celebration of revival and joy in the Chambal River Basin. Your presence would contribute to the exchange of ideas and knowledge, fostering a collective effort towards a more prosperous and peaceful future.
Getting to the celebration.
Venue: Shri Mahaveer ji, Banwaripura, Karauli,Rajasthan 322220 for stay and discussions.
https://goo.gl/maps/G87jDGcq5gZuK3hG8; https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vRHwXDJii8iaYo3A
Nearest railway stations: Mahaveerji and Hindaun city.
Participants will need to take care of their own travel till the nearest town and will be hosted by the villagers. For those unable to stay in the village, arrangements will be made for stay in nearby towns.
Can you join us in starting the UN’s year of Water and Peace by immersing yourself in this incredible triumph of Humans, Water, and Peace?
For more information and how to register
Registration: Please fill in the google registration form. LINK
Kindly send your confirmation to Paras Pratap Singh (Mob +91 90097 39338) and Rajendra Singh at jalpurushtbs@gmail.com / 094140 66765 with a cc to Indira Khurana at dr.indira.khurana@gmail.com
The Venue
Venue: Shri Mahaveer ji, Banwaripura, Karauli,Rajasthan 322220 for stay and discussions.
https://goo.gl/maps/G87jDGcq5gZuK3hG8; https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vRHwXDJii8iaYo3A
The nearest railway stations are Mahaveerji and Hindaun city.
Date and Time
The Program will begin at 10 am on March 20 and end after lunch on March 21. Field visits are planned for both days.
This is a ‘People’s Summit’ and we are expecting participants to come in from different parts of India and the world.
Free book
Scan the QR code to download the publication Decentralised and equitable climate resilience through Community knowledge, Rainwater capture: Experience. Evidence. This book describes the impact decentralised community driven rainwater conservation in these villages and the relevance for community centred climate resilience and peace.