Arvari, a river, flows across the Alwar District of Rajasthan, India. In the 1930s it dried up. By the 1960s the groundwater had also vanished. By 1988 a non-profit Tarun Bharat Singh or TBS was building small dams across the area, to capture monsoon rains and help recharge the ground water instead of losing it to surface runoff. Through water small scale broadly implemented water-management projects in the area, TBS along with help from the communities it was serving, saw the river flow again in 1996.
This is just one of the stories Meera Subramanian tells in her book A River Runs Again: India’s Natural World in Crisis. The book is an exploration of India’s environmental challenges, framed through the lens of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. It is educational about the pressing issues facing India right now, and the innovative solutions being implemented by local communities alike. Subramanian’s ability to weave together personal narratives, cultural insights, and environmental science into a cohesive and compelling narrative makes for enjoyable if somewhat uncomfortable read.
The book begins with the element of ‘Earth’, where Subramanian discusses the degradation of agricultural land due to toxic chemicals and unsustainable farming practices. Her vivid descriptions of farmers caught in a cycle of dependency on fertilisers that have become akin to ‘crack for crops’, is a striking metaphor highlights the dire consequences of modern agricultural practices.
Transitioning to ‘Water’, she tells the story of a young 23-year-old, who for the first time in his life saw the Arvari River flow. In her discussion on ‘Fire’, Subramanian addresses the issue of indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods. The statistics are staggering: millions die each year due to smoke inhalation from open fires and inefficient cookstoves. She doesn’t shy away from critiquing international NGOs that often overlook local preferences in their quest to introduce new technologies. Subramanian advocates for solutions that respect cultural practices while improving health outcomes. This chapter is intrinsically linked with the next one on ‘Air’, where she highlights the alarming rates of respiratory diseases linked to pollution. Her narrative is both informative and poignant, as she shares stories of individuals affected by this crisis. Subramanian’s ability to humanise these statistics made the issue more relatable and urgent. She emphasises that addressing air pollution is not merely an environmental issue; it is a matter of social justice.
The final element, ‘Ether’, introduces discussions around reproductive health and women’s rights in India. While this chapter does feel somewhat disconnected from the environmental focus of earlier sections, it nonetheless underscored an essential aspect of sustainability: empowering women through education and health initiatives. Subramanian connects population growth with environmental degradation, arguing that educating girls is one of the most effective strategies for controlling population growth and improving societal health. This is a previously unrepresented perspective in books that talk about climate change and environmental issues. So if you think you’ve read it all and know it all, maybe think again?
Throughout A River Runs Again, Subramanian’s writing is infused with a sense of urgency and hope. They are intertwined. She meticulously details both the problems facing India and the innovative solutions being implemented at local levels. Her focus on micro-level solutions rather than grandiose projects that often fail to consider local contexts make the book relatable to very large section of the population. You don’t have to be a genius to fight climate change. You just have to be willing. Subramanian’s work is a reminder that no solutions are small, and they can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.
This is not a particularly easy read, but its not a difficult one either. It lands squarely in the middle. Not because of the topics or the writing but because of the plight it covers and the hope laden hand it uses to deal with it. Meera Subramanian has crafted an extraordinary narrative that not only highlights India’s struggles but also showcases its potential for transformation. Her ability to look at everything with e human lens makes this a compelling read. Whether you are highly involved in climate activism, or you’re just starting explore the subject, this is a must read for you.
