A Collective Response to Water Scarcity
Water has always been a challenge in Karkatta village, Latur (Maharashtra). With delayed monsoons and drying borewells, the village women walked longer distances just to fetch water. It wasn’t just about daily survival—the crisis affected their dignity, time, and well-being.
When Goonj’s team engaged with the community, conversations led to a simple yet powerful realisation: their check dam—a once-functional structure—had the potential to restore water access. The villagers, especially over 80 women, took up the task of cleaning, deepening, and repairing the dam.
This wasn’t about waiting for solutions from outside but about people solving their own challenges together.
Women Powering Change, One Stone at a Time
- Cleaning & Deepening the Check Dam – The women cleared garbage, weeds, and silt, ensuring better water retention for the months ahead.
- Strengthening the Structure – Using local stones and available resources, they reinforced the boundary walls, making the dam more resilient to seasonal changes
- Recognizing the Effort, Not Charity – For their hard work and leadership, they received Goonj’s carefully curated Material Kits, a recognition of their contribution, not a handout.
This is what people-led development looks like—when communities take ownership and find solutions using their own wisdom, skills, and collective strength.
Before transformation of a check dam, revived through Goonj’s Cloth for Work initiative
Women cleaning and deepening a check dam in Maharashtra to restore water access.
Transformation of the check dam, revived through Goonj’s Cloth for Work initiative.
Impact & Next Steps
More Water, Less Struggle – With the check dam revived, the village now has a stronger water source for daily use.
Women Leading Climate Resilience – This initiative is a testament to the role of women in solving water crisis in drought-affected regions.
Sustainable Water Conservation in Rural India – One of many people-driven projects under Goonj’s Dignity First approach to rural development.
Across India, communities like Karkatta lead their own solutions—from building rainwater harvesting structures to restoring traditional water bodies.
Be a Part of This Journey
Change doesn’t happen when people wait—it happens when people act. Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
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