Geeta lives with her extended family in the village of Dadoli, high in the Indian Himalayas.
Since water shortages began 25 years ago, many men in the village have fled for work. To manage survival, the domestic work was allocated carefully. Elderly women were responsible for cooking and caring for the children at home. Younger women, like Geeta, fetched water, collected fuelwood and fodder, managed household cleaning, washed clothes and cared for livestock.
Geeta grew up seeing her mother-in-law and other women prioritising water collection over rest, health, and personal aspirations and was destined to do the same. They often queued for hours at distant trickling springs during acute water shortages. Geeta told us that this collective struggle created silent physical exhaustion and emotional stress among women, yet it was rarely discussed as a problem that could be solved.
In January 2025, Frank Water’s team visited Dadoli village to start exploring the possibility of rejuvenating the community’s spring. Geeta was fascinated by the scientific surveys and wanted to become part of the change.
She learned new technical skills to become a spring guardian – measuring the rate of water flow, protecting the forest recharge areas, learning about water management, sanitation and hygiene. Knowledge that she readily shared with other women in the village.
Six months after recharge interventions, Geeta told us the spring is flowing much more readily. She has more free time each day, and is able to bathe more regularly. The other women in her village say they have more time to earn money, care for their families and that they feel more confident.
“I am proud to have learned something new and that our village now has more water. We will protect our forests and springs for the future,” — Geeta Devi.