Traditionally, in Rajasthan, rainwater is stored in Tannka (underground water tank). People use the same water rest of the year for drinking and other purposes. However, with an increase in the number of livestock and human population, these traditional Taanka are proving inadequate against the demand curve.

Karanpura is a scattered hamlet in Vankalpura panchayat with a population of nearly 350 where it is believed ‘agriculture and animals’ husbandry we depend on God, for water’. There are some ways people tend to acquire water like by bore wells or water tanks in backyards. The remaining people are relying on rainwater. “Water is scarce in Barmer be it for drinking or general use. Whatever groundwater is available, it is saline and found very deep. Hence, people store rainwater in tanks in their yards,” says Mr. Hariram, a member of the farmer club from Karanpura village.

The livelihoods of the people are dependent on monsoon agriculture produce and animal husbandry in the Barmer region. “Youths are sitting idle at home or going outside to work in factories to get extra money for family; Unemployment is a real worry here,” says Mr. Kanjilal. Water scarcity and unemployment are common denominators in almost all families.

“I used to buy water containers from Barmer City at higher rates, mostly during the summer season. The vendors used to hike the prices of water containers, whenever there is high demand, especially from nearby villages”, Mr. Sitaram, a resident, shared how some people turned basic water needs into business.

“As a community, we have verbally informed Sarpanch multiple times about our water needs, but he did not take it seriously. After a point, we also stopped following up with him,” says Mrs. Nenudevi, a member of Self Help Group, which has been formed under the Saksham program. “After getting training on application writing, we have decided to write an application to Sarpanch about the water scarcity issue,” said Mrs. Nenudevi. The community initiated a Ward Sabha in September 2022, where community members signed an application for a water pipeline and submitted it to Sarpanch/ Panchayat.

Mr. Sanwalaram, Sarpanch of Vankalpura Panchayat said, “As soon as I received the application from the community for the regular water supply in the village, I reached out to the local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Water Resources Department and came with the assurance of work completion”. Under ‘Jal Jeevan Mission – Har Ghar Jal Yojna’ this work was carried out in a short span of time.

“After decades, I have seen water running through taps in our hamlet, which makes me feel elated. We women only depend on the water more as we take care of Kitchen work. Hence, we feel the scarcity more, but I guess we will have it enough,” said Mrs. Latadevi from Karanpura, with a wide smile.

“Drinking water for animals, during summers, is a real question as we have to wander for water. Here, the livelihoods of the community are mostly dependent on animal husbandry. Hence, this water pipeline will act as a booster to local livelihoods,” with a hint of gratitude, described Mr. Tirathram the importance of this pipeline for the hamlet.

“We are fortunate enough to get water in our kitchen; hence, we should also act responsibly whenever using water,” said Ms. Nenudevi, Sarpanch, sensitively.