The Hills Are Alive
Up in the mountains, life is different. Nestled amidst the clouds, the beauty of the terrain hides some harsh truths. Today, we discover the reality of the Tehri district.
Weather-beaten faces with twinkling eyes greet all visitors coming through the area. Manjyad Gaon is a village where the Pahadi community liberally shares their smiles and successes. We encounter women brimming with confidence, and so begins their story.
Over the past couple of decades, the changing climate has made the summers up in the mountains hotter and rains more erratic. This led to the topsoil drying up, leaving it unable to absorb any rainwater – a process that helps replenish the groundwater. With groundwater drying up, the women and children were made primarily responsible for water collection. This left the men free to travel to distant cities and towns to earn daily wages. Depending on the distance from the village of the water source, the women and children would walk for 2 and 6 hours per day to fetch water. This caused them to sleep less, put themselves at risk of wild animal attacks, made the children miss school, and reduced their quality of life. Recognising that the water table significantly impacts all domains of life, be it livelihoods, sanitation, livestock and even safety from wild animals, a project to rejuvenate the water table and bring the water source closer to the communities.
In 2013, the Uttarakhand floods further exacerbated the situation. This was when Titan joined forces with Himmotthan to support relief activities in and around the areas. The association is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the profound difference that can be made when companies come together to uplift communities and create a better tomorrow for all.
The spring catchment and recharge work also helped raise the per capita litre levels from 17 litres per capita day (lpcd) to 55 lpcd. Finally, the women and children ended up saving 3 hours per day, a significant change that enabled them to engage in meaningful jobs, complete their education, and spend more time with their families. An unexpected climate impact was that the increase in microclimate and soil moisture from 20% to 30% increased the presence of pollinators, which helped crop production, thus improving their lives overall.
Together with Titan Company Ltd., Himmotthan has woven a tapestry of hope and resilience, where each thread represents a step towards a brighter future for the women in Tehri district. This collaboration is a testament to sustainable solutions and opportunities for growth in the region. The community, united in their efforts, exemplifies the power of unity and compassion in driving meaningful change and creating a lasting impact on the lives of those they touch.
