Khet ka Paani Khet Mein, Khood ka Paani Khood Mein translates to “Let the field’s water stay in the field; let pit’s water stay within the pit”
Medbandi is a simple yet powerful practice — small earthen bunds built along the contours of farmland to hold water where it falls. Guided by this principle, medbandis ensure rainwater does not run off but stays within the field, increasing soil moisture, building fertility, and allowing organic matter to settle rather than wash away. Over time, they support crops across seasons and contribute to recharging groundwater — playing a quiet but crucial role in river revival.
Over the past 15 years, Sambhaav has guided more than 250 farmers in building medbandis. Today, farmers plan, build, and maintain these structures themselves — Sambhaav remains only a guiding force.
Bharti* and Maya* Gujjar, two sisters-in-law whose husbands work in the city, tend their land entirely on their own. When they understood the value of medbandi, they reached out to Kunj Bihari Sharma, a Sambhaav karyakarta, for guidance. They contributed 25% of the construction cost themselves — and within a year, the change was visible. The soil holds moisture longer. The crops are more resilient.
They also speak of Sambhaav’s earlier water revival work, which helped raise the water table across the region. There was a time, they recall, when wheat had to be bought from outside. Today, outsiders come to them to buy wheat
.
That is the full meaning of khood ka paani khood mein — a community nourished by what it holds within.
*names changed
Link to the Flickr album used here.