"Bhagiratha's Pursuit" - A Village's Effort to Bring Water to their Doorstep

This is a case study in grassroots innovation and community led resource development. This work in Koraput district of Orissa, India, was discovered during the 17th Shodh Yatra in May, 2006. "Bhagiratha was a great king in Hindu mythology who brought the River Ganga to Earth. To the people of Mali Doliamba village Kabikarna Kirshani pursuit to bring a water stream gushing into the village was an act similar to that of King Bhagiratha's!

Water scarcity in most parts of India has risen alarmingly high, largely due to mismangement of the water resources. This case study highlights such mismanagement, wherein the village faced acute water shortage inspite of the fact that three perennial water streams flow at a distance of about four kilometers from the village. It was finally the determination of one man, and hardwork of several others which led the village to solve its problem on its own. In all this, there was no institutional support or intervention.The villager's traditional understanding of water streams and rivers proved vital in design and construction of the stream.
Here lies another important lesson for development agencies -listen to the people. The traditional knowledge of communities can be a vital element in development.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Koraput
• Orissa
• India
• Shodh Yatra
• Participatory Development
• Water Management
• Community
• Anil gupta
• rural innovation
• IIM Ahemadab