The film Paani was recently released on October 18, 2024. It captures the glimpses of a journey involving water conservation efforts in Nagdarwadi village of Maharashtra. While the movie presents a narrative for mass appeal, it merely scratches the surface of a far richer story. A story of struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the community members and different stakeholders.
Recently, Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal, the organization i am placed as a fellow with, hosted a special screening for those who played vital roles in this initiative. Their reactions to the film and its real-life implications reveal a deeper narrative that deserves more attention. This blog is about that.
Nagdarwadi, like many villages in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, suffered from severe droughts year after year. The situation was terrible. Wells ran dry, crops failed, and many residents were forced to migrate to cities for survival. Those who stayed behind, especially the women, endured long walks to fetch water from distant sources. Sumanbai Kendre, one of the villagers, recalls,
“We had to walk miles every day to fetch water. It was an endless cycle of exhaustion.”
By the late 1990s, the village was on the brink of collapse. People lost hope, and the youth left in search of better opportunities. Agriculture, the village’s primary source of livelihood, was dead. The villagers’ lives revolved around the constant search for water, and the future looked bleak. Nagdarwadi was brimming with desperation and something needed to be done.
Amid this crisis, a local leader Hanumant Babu Kendre, stepped forward. He could not watch his home disintegrate. He then contacted Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal (SSM), an organization working on rural development. Together, with the support of organizations like WOTR (Watershed Organisation Trust) and NABARD, they initiated a watershed project to address the water problem.
The project involved building structures such as check dams, percolation tanks, and contour bunds to conserve water. The journey began with the realisation that access to water is a fundamental right, one that is crucial for the development of rural areas. Community members, especially women, took the lead in these initiatives, driven by their understanding of the challenges faced by their families and neighbours.
In the early phases of the project, challenges were huge. Many villagers were unsure about the proposed changes, fearing disruptions to their traditional practices. However, Kendre’s relentless passion and belief in community empowerment, deeply rooted in SSM’s philosophy, began to shift perspectives. SSM organized workshops and training sessions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and education.
By the end of 2000, over 300 villagers had participated in these workshops, learning effective water management strategies. Their hesitance turned into enthusiasm. They recognized that these practices could lead to a more sustainable and secure future for Nagdarwadi.
Additionally, NABARD provided crucial funding and guidance for various initiatives aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods through sustainable water management. With NABARD’s assistance, SSM could expand its outreach and implement more comprehensive training programs for the villagers. WOTR played a significant role in facilitating knowledge transfer and best practices related to watershed management. Their expertise in community engagement and capacity-building complemented SSM’s grassroots efforts. This fostered a collaborative approach that empowered villagers to take ownership of their water resources.
As the project gained traction, the impact became increasingly evident. The years between 1999 and 2002 led to the revival to the traditional water management techniques. This resulted in the construction of three check dams, four new wells, and the installation of 50 rainwater harvesting systems. This collective effort not only improved access to water but also empowered women within the community. Approximately 60% of the participants in the training sessions were women, who took on leadership roles, driving initiatives vital for their families’ well-being. With SSM’s support, they transformed from passive participants into active agents of change, showcasing their resilience and commitment to improving their lives and those of their families.
During the special screening of Paani, emotions ran high as those who played integral roles in the project gathered to witness their story on screen. After the movie, Hanumant Kendre expressed his heartfelt sentiments, stating,
“It was a great pleasure watching the movie. SSM is my mother organization; Deshmukh ji is my guru, and I’ll always be his shishya.”
His words were impactful and humbling. Only true community work creates such profound relationships. Pramod Deshmukh also reflected on the experience, saying, “While I was watching, I saw all the characters and could recall who all were present on ground—the staff, technical supervisors, and women social workers. They all were present in the screening today which made me extremely happy.” These reflections encapsulated the collective spirit and dedication that fueled the project in Nagdarwadi.
The narrative behind Paani extends beyond the film’s portrayal of water scarcity. It serves as a reminder that the true story involves the individuals and organizations who dedicated their lives to creating sustainable solutions for their communities. The screening highlighted the importance of recognizing the unsung heroes of water conservation. It also emphasized that the real journey is filled with struggles, achievements, and personal connections.
In Conclusion
Paani did raise awareness about the issue of water conservation. However, it is important to delve deeper into the stories that unfold behind the scenes in the water conservation project. The screening brought together those who embody the spirit of this movement, reminding us of the significance of community action. As we move forward, we must ensure that the voices of those affected by water scarcity are heard.
Their stories continue to inspire change in the fight for sustainable water management. The journey of Nagdarwadi exemplifies the power of grassroots initiatives and the determination of individuals, alongside organizations like SSM, to create a better future for their communities. Let’s also acknowledge the irony: while the water conservation project was executed on a fraction of the movie’s budget, it delivered what the film could not.
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