Fields lying dry and parched; village dismal and deserted; all able-bodied have left their homes in search of livelihood. The old and infirm, women and children fending for themselves with little or no ray of hope. Monsoon crop at the mercy of rains therefore very undependable income in a region of less than 12’’ of rainfall (mainly concentrated between July and September). Most wells, bore wells, hand pumps dry; Women fetching water from long distances in pitchers for home consumption. Complete environmental degradation.  We, living in cities, are far removed from the ground reality of rural India. They are not living, I would call it subsisting in the medieval times with no infrastructure and not even the basic amenities.   Willingness of Villagers to help themselves Thus, have they been existing in abject poverty for generations or rather centuries. All they need is a helping hand to pull them out of their miserable condition. A huge plus is that they are willing to help themselves and donate up to 30% of the cost of construction. Empowerment of Villagers The check dams therefore are not only a means to the revive the ecology and symbol economy of the villagers, the structures make them aware of their own strengths. They feel they have made the check dams and are empowered to take care of their structures and maintain them. They do not wait for an outside agency to come and bail them out. when their check dams require a 2% amount of their produce for proper up keep and repair. They are so motivated that they give monetary help to people of other villages to make new check dams. Thus they are not beggars but become kings of their own area pulling their brethren as well as themselves out of the rut of poverty.