Water scarcity is a major pain point of Bundelkhand region because of undulating topography, breakage in traditional water bodies system and drought-like-conditions. Districts by virtue of being located in Bundelkhand have very undulating topography, erratic rainfall and unpromising agriculture. With erratic rainfall, the agricultural lands located in the vicinity of the small streams are left with a limited source of water for irrigation. These shallow streams, running dry without any scope of recharge, take its toll on the rabi crop. There are around 8000 traditional water bodies built during the 8th century to 12th century. Once, these tanks were the life-line of Bundelkhand and supported rural livelihoods. But due to lack of maintenance, breakage in the traditional management system, and ignorance from local administration, these tanks are in need of serious attention for their survival and existence.

Access to drinking water is a major issue in the region, community especially women bear the brunt of this. During the summer season they travel around 1.5km or more to fetch water for domestic needs. In many villages barely a few kilometres away, people haven’t had the time and “luxury” to worry about the Covid-19 pandemic. These villages have a much bigger crisis to deal with — water scarcity, which has peaked along with the summer, like every year. For nearly two dozen villages in this Bundelkhand region, water scarcity is common at most times of the year and reaches its peak in the summer months of April to June. Most hand pumps in the region have stopped running water, and wells have dried up.

In this context, BIWAL has equipped and engaged the relevant platform of Gram Sabha and PRIs, which has been vested with the constitutional status as the supreme authority at the village level, with more pronounced roles and purpose leading to participatory decision making and long-term sustainability. BIWAL envisions that the Tank Management Committees (TMC), will work in close coordination with these village level democratic institutions. Strengthening the Tank Management Committees (TMC), is an important strategy to empower the user communities with decision-making responsibilities. This will be done by providing access to ready-to-use information of water available and its sparing use, providing appropriate skills on water budgeting, creating an enabling environment and devolving financial management responsibilities.

There are around 8000 traditional water bodies built during the 8th century to 12th century. Once, these tanks were the life-line of Bundelkhand and supported rural livelihoods.

Access to drinking water is a major issue in the region, community especially women bear the brunt of this. During the summer season they travel around 1.5km or more to fetch water for domestic needs.