In Bihar’s West Champaran district, the Tharu tribal community of Karmaha village, Ramnagar block, faced devastation when continuous heavy rainfall on June 6, 2024, caused the Kapoon River to overflow. The rising water breached an embankment, destroying crops, livestock, and essential supplies. The villagers were left with no means to salvage their belongings as the floodwaters swept away everything in their path.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Goonj’s team visited the affected area, engaging with villagers to understand their most pressing needs. Through Cloth for Work initiatives, Goonj mobilized the community to restore their surroundings, repair the embankment, and clean the irrigation canals, ensuring long-term flood resistance.
Flood-Damaged Embankment Before Repairs
Restoring the Embankment – Collective Effort
Cleaned and Repaired Check Dam After Community Efforts
Community-Led Restoration Efforts
With three days of dedicated labor, 52 villagers (46 women, 6 men) worked together to reconstruct and reinforce critical water structures:
- like check dam construction, embankment repair and canal cleaning
Damaged Check Dam Before Reconstruction
Community Rebuilding Check Dam
Canal Blocked with Flood Debris Before Cleaning
Villagers Cleaning the Irrigation Canal
Goonj facilitated material collection, including plastic sacks and wooden planks, with collective efforts from Ramnagar locals This community-driven effort now ensures that floodwaters will be controlled, safeguarding homes and agricultural lands from future damage.
Impact & Gratitude
With the embankment secured and irrigation restored, nearly over 100 families can now cultivate their remaining crops without fear of further loss. Ramdulari Devi, a community member, shared, “Despite no aid from the local administration, Goonj stepped in, not just to help, but to stand with us in rebuilding our lives.”
This initiative highlights the power of community-led action, where collective effort transforms crisis into resilience.
Restored Canal Ensuring Proper Irrigation
Distribution of Materials for Restoration Work
Be a Part of This Change
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..
