community

Bundelkhand's Drought Struggle

How the people of Bundelkhand have endured and fought against recurring droughts for centuries.

By Community Report · 2026-02-17

Bundelkhand's semi-arid climate and erratic monsoons have made drought a recurring challenge. The region experienced devastating droughts in 2002, 2004, 2007, and 2015–16, leading to crop failures, water scarcity, farmer distress, and mass migration to cities. Traditional water harvesting structures called "chandelas" (named after the dynasty that built them) and "taalaabs" (ponds) once sustained the region but have fallen into disrepair. Community organizations and NGOs have been reviving these traditional water conservation methods. The Government of India launched the Bundelkhand Special Package with Rs 7,266 crore for development. The Ken-Betwa river interlinking project promises to bring water to 6.35 lakh hectares. Despite challenges, Bundelkhand's resilient people continue to innovate—from watershed management to drought-resistant crops.