From February to August 2023, the Civil 20 (C20) India’s Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) working group organized a transformative series of C-Chaupal events across multiple states, focusing on water conservation. This initiative aimed to address India’s growing water challenges and foster community-driven solutions through grassroots engagement and policy advocacy. The events saw participation from more than 500 villagers and panchayat members.

The series began in February 2023 in Alappad in Kerala, where discussions centered on rainwater harvesting and restoring traditional water bodies, critical to the state’s water sustainability. In March, events were hosted in Ettimadai, Tamil Nadu, with an emphasis on sustainable irrigation techniques to combat drought conditions prevalent in the region. In March events were held in Rajasthan, focusing on groundwater recharge and the preservation of historical stepwells (baoris), vital for addressing water scarcity in arid zones.

In April, Uttar Pradesh became the focal point, with deliberations on mitigating river pollution and optimizing agricultural water use in the fertile Gangetic plains. By May, the initiative reached Bihar, where the spotlight was on flood management and improving rural water accessibility. Himachal Pradesh hosted the C-Chaupal in June, addressing the preservation of glaciers, mountain streams, and sustainable water practices for hill communities.

Throughout these months, the C-Chaupal provided a platform for farmers, local leaders, NGOs, women, and youth to share indigenous practices, innovative solutions, and challenges in water conservation. Each event generated actionable recommendations, from reviving traditional water management systems to adopting modern technologies such as IoT-based water monitoring and advanced irrigation techniques.

The insights gathered from these events have been consolidated into policy proposals, emphasizing decentralized water management and community-government partnerships. This series marks a significant step in C20 India’s commitment to building sustainable and resilient communities, with its outcomes expected to influence both national and global water conservation efforts.