A People-Led Solution for Water Scarcity
Kalki, a remote village in Maharashtra, is surrounded by lush greenery, yet its people have long struggled with water scarcity in rural India. The absence of a nearby sustainable water source forced them to rely on distant water supplies, a daily ordeal that worsened during summers when droughts in Maharashtra depleted their reserves.
When Goonj’s team engaged with the villagers, they shared how the lack of water was not just about thirst—it impacted their farming, daily chores, and dignity. Women and children walked long distances every day, carrying heavy water pots in the scorching sun. The need for sustainable water conservation efforts became urgent.
Through Goonj’s ‘Cloth for Work’ initiative, the community collectively took charge of the situation, building a check dam to restore their water dignity.
Community-Led Check Dam Construction in Rural India
People Power: From Challenge to Change
The village’s heavy dependence on a single water source was a growing crisis. Conventional drought relief solutions often overlook people’s participation, but here, the villagers were not just recipients of aid—they were the doers, decision-makers, and problem-solvers.
When the Goonj team facilitated conversations, 35 villagers stepped up to construct a check dam using local materials. The work was completed in just two days, proving that when communities lead their own solutions, change is not just possible—it’s sustainable and replicable.
For their hard work and commitment, they received Goonj’s Family Kits, comprising essential materials that look after their everyday needs. The exchange wasn’t charity—it was recognition of their effort, dignity, and self-reliance.
Sustainable Water Security Achieved in Kalki Village
Impact Beyond the Check Dam
- Water Access Restored – The check dam now provides year-round water availability, reducing the burden of long-distance water collection.
- Climate-Resilient Development – Inspired by this success, the community is now mobilising resources to build additional small-scale water conservation projects.
- Dignity in Development – The villagers proved that rural development solutions work best when people drive the change rather than waiting for external interventions.
Be a Part of Grassroots-Led Change
This is what dignity-led development looks like—when people come together to solve their challenges with local knowledge and collective action. 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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