Dolphur, a region in Rajasthan’s once plagued by banditry due to water scarcity has undergone a remarkable transformation. This film by director Lucy Martens looks at how the methods applied by Dr. Rajendra Singh, also known as the Water Man of India, spearheaded this change applying indigenous water management techniques. His team collaborated with local communities to rebuild traditional water structures, replenishing underground aquifers and restore wells. This community-driven initiative, independent of government aid, relied on trust and collective efforts to create a de-centralised water system which would enable local agriculture to flourish.

The local bandits turn in their guns for shovels and become guardians of water. This short film tells the story of water as a healer and unifying force.

Dr Rajendra Singh and his team have built over 14.000 water structures in India, rejuvenated 13 rivers and healed thousands of communities through water. The People’s Commission on Drought and Flood created by Dr Rajendra has expanded awareness worldwide on how a drought-free world can be created through community led projects. This method of water management can be replicated all over the world. It is the path to mitigation, adaptation and resilience from climate change.