Independence Day this year was not only a celebration of freedom but also of collective action towards water conservation and ecosystem restoration. Development Alternatives (DA), under its Natural Ecosystem Restoration and Resource Access and Equity Programme, carried out a series of initiatives across Niwari district in Madhya Pradesh and Sidipur village in Gautam Buddha Nagar between 12 to 15 August 2024.

In Niwari, a three-day awareness campaign reached 14 villages along a 19-kilometre route. Around 655 students from 14 schools participated in rallies, interactive sessions, and public messaging. With banners reading “Save Water – Save Life” and “Clean Village – Healthy Life,” children became ambassadors of change—sparking household discussions on sanitation, hygiene, and environmental protection, and building youth leadership in climate and water resilience.

In Sidipur, the day was marked by spirited community engagement under the Natural Ecosystem Restoration Programme, led by DA in partnership with HCL Foundation. The celebrations included a Community Jal Chaupal on pond protection, a storytelling competition where children shared the beauty of ponds through sketches, and an award ceremony recognising the best herbarium prepared by school students. A dedicated capacity-building session with the Talab Samiti reinforced the importance of community ownership in sustaining restoration efforts.

Adding to the recognition, District Magistrate of Niwari, Mr. Lokesh Kumar Jangid (IAS), applauded Radio Bundelkhand’s efforts after listening to its Independence Day programmes. He entrusted Radio Bundelkhand with compering the official Independence Day function, which was successfully conducted by Ms. Varsha Raikwar, a Radio Bundelkhand RJ. The DM assured that the station will be invited for stage management in all future Republic and Independence Day celebrations, along with a formal letter of appreciation.

These Independence Day engagements across Bundelkhand showcased how partnerships, youth energy, and community ownership can drive sustainable change, making freedom synonymous with responsibility towards natural resources.