For generations, the Ghongha river was the lifeblood of Belgahana village in Chhattisgarh, but by the mid-2000s, it had been reduced to a dry scar on the land. Its decline began with the construction of a dam in 1980, which disrupted its natural flow and was exacerbated by unchecked stone quarrying. Now, a community-led revolution, spearheaded by local women, has legally declared the Ghongha a Gram Panchayat River Sanctuary, a model for sustainable, grassroots conservation.
From Crisis to Community Action
The river’s decline had a devastating impact on Belgahana’s economy and culture. The water table dropped, traditional farming practices became impossible, and many young people were forced to emigrate in search of work. Amid this crisis, Jugni Bai Patel, a local women’s self-help group (SHG) leader, and village sarpanch Laxmi Kumar Jaiswal took a stand. They partnered with the non-profit Nature People Network (NPN) to educate the community on its Panchayati Raj rights, empowering them to take conservation into their own hands.
By convening a Gram Sabha, the community legally designated the river a sanctuary, granting it protection through a grassroots mandate. The restoration model is centered on community participation, with the women’s SHG leading patrols, mobilizing villagers, and spreading awareness.
Broader Impact and a Model for the Future
The community’s efforts have created a ripple effect. The Ghongha River Sanctuary has led to several positive developments:
• Ecological Restoration: The community is working on a zero-waste policy, reforesting riverbanks with native species, and promoting sustainable farming.
• Government Support: The success has attracted the attention of local authorities, who are now channeling welfare schemes for irrigation, horticulture, and fisheries into the village. A new waste management facility and a horticulture unit have created jobs for SHG women.
• Healthcare and Research: Citizen groups have set up free medical camps in the village, and Belgahana has become a “living lab” for researchers from various universities studying everything from local diets to conservation dynamics.
• Regional Inspiration: Inspired by Belgahana’s success, neighboring villages, including Barar and Bhakura-Nawapara, have also begun their own conservation efforts, creating a region-wide, community-driven conservation wave.
While the Ghongha river is still in the early stages of recovery, its story stands as a testament to the power of collective action and a model for how communities can reclaim their natural resources and build a more resilient future.