The region of Bundelkhand in India faces enormous challenges in development. With a population of 18 million people, it has one of the lowest human development indices in India. Groundwater, which the vast majority of people rely on for domestic and agricultural purposes, is being rapidly depleted, while droughts have become more frequent and severe. Livelihood options are narrowing quickly. A lack of public services, infrastructure, and market access has made the situation unlivable for many. The state and central governments carry out initiatives that are extremely expensive but highly ineffective.
In Along the Betwa, Shail Joshi and Radhika Singh, in partnership with Veditum Foundation and Out of Eden (National Geographic), embark on river walk through Bundelkhand. By living with families and visiting villages across the region, the authors learn about the complex interplay of factors that have shaped the region to make it what it is today. Centuries ago, Bundelkhand was a relatively wealthy kingdom with effective irrigations systems, productive agriculture and extensive forests. Colonial rule and subsequent policies by the Indian government has resulted in severely degraded land and water resources that communities can no longer depend upon.
