Beyond government schemes: Tribal wisdom tackles Ratlam’s water crisis

By Vikas Meshram* 

The water crisis has become a grave challenge for the people of Ghodakheda, Bagli, Rampuriya, and Dhavradeh villages in Bajana tehsil of Ratlam district. This crisis extends far beyond drinking water—it affects every aspect of life. Scarcity has left farmers able to cultivate only one crop a year, triggering a vicious cycle of migration, wage labor, hunger, and exploitation.  

The situation was so dire that even animals lacked sufficient water. Farmer Kantabai Waliya recalls that her cow could be given water only once a day. Fetching water meant leaving in the morning and returning by afternoon—a burden that weighed heavily on both humans and livestock.  

Faced with this crisis, the community turned to its ancient traditions. Mohan Bhuriya, a community worker with the Vaagdhara organization, explains the practice of Halma. This age-old Bhil tradition embodies unity and social responsibility. When an individual faces a crisis beyond their capacity, they call for Halma, and the entire village responds, fulfilling its collective duty to help.  

Inspired by this tradition, Shantilal Patel of the Gram Swaraj Group initiated a Halma call to construct a bori bandhan (check dam) to combat drought. Villagers united, pooling their labor to build the dam. This was not merely a technical solution—it was a harmonious blend of tradition and modern water conservation.  

The tribal community’s deep connection with biodiversity has long sustained them. Their traditional knowledge, preserved for centuries, is both cultural identity and environmental wisdom. It safeguards forests and sustains livelihoods, ensuring continuity of existence.  

A massive Halma program was organized in Rampuriya village. Amidst the rhythmic beats of dol-thali and the spirit of collective labor, villagers built the check dam. The event sent a powerful message: when society unites, tradition becomes a force for conservation. It was not just construction—it was a living demonstration of unity and ecological awareness.  

The dam was built on a seasonal stream between Dhavradeh, Bagli, Ghodakheda, and Rampuriya. Its purpose is to retain rainwater and recharge groundwater. By slowing runoff and allowing absorption, wells and hand pumps will see improved water levels, easing the crisis in the years ahead.  

Halma is unique in its voluntary, collective labor. People from multiple villages gather without expectation of payment, driven by cooperation and responsibility. In this event, villagers from Dhavradeh, Ghodakheda, Bagli, and Rampuriya participated with remarkable enthusiasm.  

Speakers emphasized that water is not merely a resource but the foundation of life, and its conservation is a shared responsibility. Collective effort, they stressed, yields lasting results.  

Renuka Porwal, Vaagdhara’s block facilitator, highlighted the necessity of unity. She underscored that blending traditional wisdom with modern technology is the path to sustainable development.  

Community facilitator Mohan Bhuriya ensured smooth coordination. Villagers celebrated with traditional dance and music—dol, kundi, and thali—symbols of cultural identity and collective joy.  

At the program’s conclusion, villagers took an oath to conserve water and pass on Halma’s wisdom to future generations. This pledge was not symbolic but a genuine commitment to continuity.  

Gram Swaraj Groups from Rampuriya, Bagli, and Ghodakheda played active roles, alongside facilitators from Bajana block. Members such as Phoolji Bhuriya, Shantilal Patel, Jalu, Nahar Singh, Hukla, Kali Bhuriya, Walaram Charpota, Aabha Charpota, Praveen Charpota, Walchand Damor, Magan Dodiyar, Kapil Vasuniya, Ramesh Charpota, Kailash Charpota, Ravindra Hari, Ramesh Charel, and many others contributed.  

Women’s participation was a highlight. Members like Kantabai Waliya, Muniya, Parsram, Lunji Bai, Humli, Jhali, and Sunita joined enthusiastically, affirming that water conservation is a shared responsibility. Youth participation, including Lalu and Surpal, ensured the tradition’s continuity.  

In total, 183 people—89 women and 94 men—donated their labor. This number itself testifies to the strength of collective action.  

The results are already visible. Kantabai Waliya reports that her animals now have sufficient water. The check dam has eased scarcity, bringing tangible improvements to daily life.  

This initiative inspires other villages, proving that local problems can be solved locally. Government schemes are important, but community ownership and participation make solutions sustainable.  

Vaagdhara’s role has been crucial—not only in providing technical support but in mobilizing communities, recognizing traditional knowledge, and linking it with modern practices. This is a model of sustainable development.  

Ultimately, this initiative is more than a local event. It carries a broader message: challenges can be overcome through the synergy of tradition and technology, unity and collective effort. Halma demonstrates that ancient traditions are not just heritage—they are living solutions to contemporary problems.  

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Independent journalist and development professional. Areas of interest: Rural development, water conservation, environment