Kobo Chapori, a tiny island close to where the mighty Brahmaputra was formed after the confluence of three big snow-fed rivers (Dehang (Siang), Dibang and Lohit), has been witnessed to unprecedented hydro-ecological transformation since the Great Earthquake of 1950. 

As the population grew, the demand for water increased beyond the carrying capacity of the existing water sources – wells and ponds. The situation worsened during the dry winter months, as the water level sharply dropped, and there was very little water that could meet the needs of the entire village. 

Sanat K. Chakraborty presents a unique case of collective resistance by a local community, U Lum Syiem Lum Mawpat. The community leaders argued that the construction of the market complex along with the infrastructure would lead to the destruction of numerous natural springs and streamlets.

A visual comparison of water in DZONGU and GANGTOK through a montage of visuals by Pema Yangden Lepcha, from, Sangdong, Dzongu, North Sikkim. He is capturing his feeling about water, from a livelihood prospective up to the infrastructure. Questioning; How do we envision our future?

Returning after 30 years to Singerband, Swapan Ashangbam was taken aback by the rapid ‘development’ of the area. What struck him most was the complete detachment of the community’s life with the river Barak, which he recalled, was central to village life. Now, people hardly use the river.

Wetlands are a very important part of nature. In a general sense, the area where water has accumulated or is surrounded by for most of the year is called water bodies or wetlands. The water bodies located near rivers, lakes, canals, farms, or other vegetation, have been commonly identified as wetlands.

A Photo story by Panchamit Lepcha, That he feels “like this small river used to sing a beautiful gurgling song but now it seems to have gone silent. And I have nothing to lose. Is it because even the river doesn’t have anything to say?”. Remembering a small river deep down in the forest in his village.