The fight to save India’s small rivers

In India, when we think about safeguarding rivers, it’s often the major waterways that grab the spotlight. Yet, for thousands of rural villages, the lifeblood of their daily existence flows through smaller rivers and streams—the tributaries and sub-tributaries of these larger rivers. These smaller water bodies may not make the news, but they are essential to survival, helping provide water for livestock, irrigation, and daily needs. However, as these rivers face mounting threats from sand mining, pollution, and encroachment, many are either disappearing or dangerously close to doing so. The result? Increased water scarcity in the dry months and severe flooding during the rains. But a growing movement of local communities, with support from voluntary organizations and local authorities, is working to revive these crucial waterways—offering a glimmer of hope that could be replicated across the country.

River revivals

The depletion of small rivers can be attributed to excessive sand mining, encroachments, pollution, and heavy silting. In Kolawalpur village of Banda district (Uttar Pradesh), large-scale sand mining had severely damaged the Ken River, increasing the risks of water scarcity in summer and floods during the rainy season. The situation came to a head three years ago when villagers gathered in the river, prayed, and pledged to save it. Their protest against excessive sand mining drew support from neighbouring villages, ultimately compelling authorities to impose restrictions on mining.

Excessive silt and other deposits have become major problems, blocking the flow of water in some rivers. For example, the Naina river near Bahera village in Niwari district, Madhya Pradesh, was affected by rising silt levels. Local residents organized cleaning drives, which greatly improved the river’s flow.

In Bhanwarpur village of Banda, the disappearance of the Gharar river had exacerbated water scarcity, forcing many villagers to migrate. Two years ago, the Dalit community, motivated by the voluntary organisation Vidya Dham Samiti, contributed their labour to partially revive the river. However, arbitrary engineering projects by the administration later increased the community’s vulnerability to floods.

Community power

Parmarth, a voluntary organisation based in the Bundelkhand region, has led efforts to protect several small rivers over the past decade. Their work has resulted in the revival or partial rejuvenation of four rivers: Kanera, Barua, Bacheri, and Bargi. These efforts, supported by administrative initiatives, have significantly improved the rivers’ flow. However, such efforts must continue to prevent a return to the neglect and harmful practices of the past.

What’s encouraging is that local communities, especially women, are leading these protection efforts, which raises hope that this commitment will continue. Some of these projects have also involved collaboration with local panchayats and district authorities, enabling the construction of check dams and other costly projects through government schemes like NREGA. Watershed projects supported by NABARD have also played a role.

A key part of this success has been Parmarth’s group of women volunteers, known as jal sahelis (water friends), who focus on water conservation.

River restoration typically begins with village-level meetings, followed by river yatras–collective foot marches that explore various stretches of the river to identify problems and determine necessary actions. Village leaders, panchayat representatives, and district officials are then engaged, often leading to the formation of community organisations focused on river revival and protection.

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Success stories

The Kanera river flows for about 19 km across several villages in the Babina block of Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh. Villagers said the river had a good flow until around 20 years ago but started to degrade, affecting irrigation, crop yields, and water levels in nearby villages. The restoration work involved removing silt and dirt, deepening parts of the river, building two check dams, and planting trees around the river. As a result, irrigation has improved, water levels have risen, there are more fish, and both farm animals and wildlife can find water throughout the year.

For the Barua River in Lalitpur district, women played an important role in a community-driven effort to create a temporary bund using sand-filled sacks. Villagers, led by jal sahelis, also took action against illegal sand-mining, which was harming the river. This led the administration to agree to stop the mining.

In Tikamgarh district (Madhya Pradesh), repairing a damaged check dam on the Bargi river has delivered promising results. An ongoing NABARD-supported watershed project is further aiding the cause. Similarly, efforts to protect the Bacheri river in Chhatarpur district (Madhya Pradesh) have brought together community members and local officials. These projects often include afforestation and cleaning drives, bolstering the health of these water bodies.

Innovative solutions

Bundelkhand Seva Sansthaan (BSS) has been working alongside the local administration to rejuvenate small rivers and rivulets such as Banai, Odi, and Ur in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. BSS mobilizes communities and explores potential work sites, while the administration contributes by building check dams and carrying out other projects under NREGA or similar schemes. These efforts have led to increased irrigation, higher water levels in wells, better crop yields, and greater water availability for farmers.

On a broader scale, these initiatives also help communities adapt to climate change. By boosting water resources, they strengthen resilience against adverse weather conditions.

Efforts have also focused on improving water usage from small rivers and rivulets. Traditionally, this has involved costly diesel-powered pumps, adding to the financial burden on farmers and increasing fossil fuel dependency. However, farmer-scientist Mangal Singh has developed the Mangal Turbine, which lifts water without diesel or electricity, harnessing the energy of flowing water. The technology has been praised by senior development officials, and the Maithani Committee of the Department of Rural Development, Government of India, has recommended its widespread use under various government schemes. This recommendation should be implemented immediately, as it could significantly benefit farmers and reduce fossil fuel reliance in farming. Given that Mangal Singh is 78 years old, urgent action is needed to set up Mangal turbines at suitable sites and train young technicians in this valuable technology.

The efforts to revive India’s small rivers are a testament to the power of grassroots action. From cleaning silt-blocked rivers to battling illegal mining, communities, especially women, are leading the charge. The success of these initiatives hinges not just on local commitment but also on effective collaboration with government schemes and innovative solutions like the Mangal Turbine, which could revolutionize water usage in rural areas. By continuing to nurture these community-driven restoration projects, India can safeguard its small rivers—ensuring that they remain a reliable source of water for generations to come and strengthening the resilience of rural areas against the changing climate.

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