Women-led change brings new optimism to Jhansi's water-stressed villages

By Bharat Dogra 

Kudri village in Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh, lies close to the Betwa river, yet in recent years it has faced an acute water crisis. Its higher elevation and the impact of relentless sand mining in the river and other water channels have contributed to worsening scarcity. In this already rocky terrain, the situation has become increasingly precarious.

During a group discussion in the village, women pointed to a nearby well that once supplied drinking water to many families. It has now dried up and is filled with dirt. Local residents say that restoring it will not be easy, although an effort could still be made. Under the government’s Har Ghar Jal scheme, taps and pipelines have been installed, but water supply is still awaited. A water tank has also been constructed some distance from the village.

More erratic weather and rainfall have added to people’s difficulties. Women say that rising liquor consumption among men has further strained household budgets.

It is in this challenging context that the voluntary organization SRIJAN began work here, focusing especially on mobilizing women from weaker sections. Based on community consultations, several development initiatives were launched, and within about a year, villagers have begun to see new sources of hope.

Two check dams have been built and around 30 ditches (dohas) have been dug to retain rainwater for longer periods. Systematic field bund construction has been taken up to conserve soil and water. Farmers are being encouraged to grow vegetables and raise fruit orchards. Training in natural farming is being provided regularly to promote sustainable, low-cost agricultural practices. Goat-based livelihoods are also being strengthened, enabling villagers to rear more goats and protect their health better.

These efforts have begun to yield visible improvements. Pooja, a resident, says that some of her land that could not be cultivated earlier due to water scarcity can now be used, and yields on another plot may double because of better water availability.

Asha has emerged as a key participant in these initiatives. She recently received training in Lucknow to treat common ailments in goats, helping villagers reduce costs and lower mortality rates. The training has boosted her confidence, and she now plays an active role in voicing the concerns of women in the village. Other women say that properly constructed farm bunds, particularly on sloping land, have helped conserve water and prevent soil erosion during heavy rains.

The responsiveness of SRIJAN’s team has helped build trust. During a discussion, when some women mentioned the abandoned well that once supplied water, team leader Pankaj Sharma immediately left to inspect it himself. 

Although his initial assessment suggested that revival would be difficult, he asked his colleagues to explore the possibility further with wider community involvement. Such prompt action has strengthened the bond between the organization and villagers, who are now looking ahead with optimism.

A similar resurgence is visible in Dudi village. Here too, two check dams have significantly increased irrigation potential, and field bunds have improved soil and water conservation. Five field ponds have also been created. Several women farmers expressed interest in expanding natural farming, and one of them has started a bio-resource centre to ensure the availability of organic fertilizers for farmers unable to make their own.

Women in Dudi say they value the regular meetings where they discuss livelihood-related initiatives. The hopeful tone of our group discussion itself highlighted how much the situation has improved, despite extremely adverse weather in recent seasons. The previous kharif crop failed or could not be sown due to excessive rain. Later, when rabi sowing had just begun, three days of heavy rain in late October disturbed seeds and forced farmers to redo their work.

Despite these setbacks, water conservation efforts have created new potential for better rabi yields, while natural farming and vegetable and fruit cultivation are opening additional pathways of progress.

Both Kudri and Dudi, despite facing multiple hardships, are finding renewed hope and resilience. Discussions on creative farming experiments, water conservation efforts, and related activities are ongoing. As more people engage with these initiatives, they feel better prepared to overcome the adversities caused by erratic weather. A strong campaign to reduce alcohol consumption could further strengthen this optimism, particularly for women.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, A Day in 2071' and India’s Quest for Sustainable Farming and Healthy Food