But rainwater harvesting or otherwise won't solve the people's water problems. These are romantic nations. There are areas in western India, in Gujarat and Rajasthan, that sometimes get rain only once in four or five years. Since Arundhati is inviting all to visit the Narmada Valley with her let us invite her to visit Suratgam in Rajasthan and see the miracle that's been wrought with Soviet help by bringing water from the extended Rajasthan Canal. An endure in the sandy desert has been transformed into agricultural land producing some of the finest wheat and pulses.
Rainwater can do nothing for a desert.
If it could, there couldn't be desert. The Russians have the technology to convert desert into arable land. They have done it in their own country umpteen times. But without Medha Patkars obstructing their work. Arundhati concedes that Big Dams have generated electricity.