Wellspring of Resilience: Project Revive Jaisalmer
LOCATION
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
PARTNERS
Aranyani Earth, Fearless Collective, I Love Jaisalmer
In the blistering heat of Jaisalmer, water is both memory and survival. When the ancient well at Degrai Oran, once a lifeline for nearby villages, ran dry and filled with waste, the community knew something had to change.
Project Revive began with one question: could a 500-year-old water source be brought back to life? Led by the people of Sanwata, supported by Aranyani Earth, Fearless Collective, and I Love Jaisalmer, the revival of Maniyara Beri became a shared mission.
Ten tonnes of debris were cleared in 280 man-hours. The well now provides water to over 2,500 people and 5,000 animals. But this is more than infrastructure—it’s a return to a way of being. Through women-led workshops and murals painted in the old granary of Jaisalmer Fort, stories of hardship and devotion were brought to the surface. Beyond access to water, the project rekindled local stewardship and inspired nearby villages to begin restoring their own ancient wells.
The project is already inspiring neighbouring villages to act. As climate extremes intensify, this initiative offers a grounded model of resilience rooted in tradition, shaped by community, and guided by care.
10 tonnes of debris cleared in 280 man-hours.
The revived well now provides water to 2,500 people and 5,000 animals.
