Words by Abi Scaife
An Indian river that was ‘dead’ has been revived thanks to the work of conservationists.
Tell me more!
The Kuttamperoor River in India reportedly ‘died a slow death’ ending in 2005. Despite the fact that it was intrinsic to life - for fisherman, for people transporting goods, and for the irrigation of paddy fields - the river dwindled to being just 50 feet wide in some places, from the 330 feet it was before.
So what’s happened now?
Thanks to the government, and the surrounding communities, the river has expanded to almost 165 feet - about the size of a football field!
The project has been underway since 2011, with around 700 villagers spending 30,000 hours initially cleaning up the river. From there, landowners at the banks cooperatively donated some of their land to help widen the river, encroachments were removed, and more.
Today, fresh fish have been spotted in the river - marking the true rebirth of this incredible waterway!
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Woodland Trust. This is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, concerned with the creation, protection, and restoration of native woodland heritage. Support them here.
Rewilding Britain. They aim to tackle the climate emergency and extinction crisis, reconnect people with the natural world and help communities thrive. Find out more here.
Devon’s Wildlife Trust. DWT is the only local charity dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places across Devon - on land and at sea. Learn more here.
