Kali - The film

Summary

The video explores the profound connection between water, life, and the environment, focusing on the Khali River in India. It follows the journey of Gajanan and his grandmother, Janaki, as they trace the river's source, essential for the survival of the local tribes, like the Kabes. The river nourishes both the land and its people, providing water, agriculture, and a rich ecosystem. The area is known for its biodiversity, especially the endangered hornbill and black leopard. Through this journey, the video highlights the vital role of water in sustaining life, culture, and nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Water covers 23% of our planet, but only 1% is available for human use, primarily sourced from rivers.
• 😀 Gajanan and his 100-year-old grandmother are on a journey to the source of the river that sustains their village.
• 😀 The river, Karli, flows through the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India, and eventually meets the Arabian Sea.
• 😀 Karli River gets its name from the black appearance of the water due to its flow over dark volcanic rocks.
• 😀 The river originates from the Western Ghats, nourishing the land and providing resources for the local tribes and agriculture.
• 😀 Bag Goodi, a small Hamlet, depends entirely on the Karli River for its water, agriculture, and livestock.
• 😀 The Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve, rich in biodiversity, is home to rare species like the Malabar hornbill and black leopard.
• 😀 Hornbills in the region play an essential role in dispersing seeds, aiding the forest's regeneration.
• 😀 The black leopard, a rare and elusive animal, is found in the Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve, with sightings mostly occurring at night.
• 😀 Due to limited road access, the communities in these areas face challenges, though ecotourism offers a sustainable livelihood and environmental education.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Karli River for the local tribes and villages?

The Karli River is essential for the local tribes and villages as it provides water for drinking, irrigation, and livestock. It nourishes the land and enables the tribes, such as the Kabes, to sustain themselves primarily through agriculture, including rice cultivation.

How does the landscape along the Karli River contribute to its uniqueness?

The landscape along the Karli River is characterized by volcanic rocks that make the water appear black. The river flows through diverse terrains, including forests and mountains, contributing to its ecological richness and biodiversity.

What makes the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve a notable place?

The Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare species like tigers, leopards, and various birds, including the hornbill. The reserve is rich in different ecosystems, including dry deciduous jungles and evergreen forests.

What role do hornbills play in the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve?

Hornbills play a vital ecological role in the reserve as they are excellent seed dispersers. By feeding on fruits from up to 40 trees a day, they help maintain the forest's biodiversity. They also contribute to the ecosystem's regeneration through their nesting habits.

What is the unique nesting behavior of hornbills?

Female hornbills seal themselves inside tree hollows to protect their eggs and chicks from predators. During this period, they become flightless and depend entirely on the male for food. This behavior ensures the safety of the family but involves great sacrifice from the female.

What makes the black leopard significant in the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve?

The black leopard, a melanistic variant of the Indian leopard, is a rare and elusive species in the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve. Despite being hard to spot, camera traps indicate their presence, adding to the mystical allure of the reserve.

How do the dams along the Karli River impact the local environment and economy?

The dams along the Karli River submerge large areas of forest, displacing wildlife. However, they also provide crucial benefits such as electricity and water storage for dry months, and they support a thriving fish population, benefiting local fishermen.

How has ecotourism helped the local communities around the Karli River?

Ecotourism in the Karli River region offers sustainable employment alternatives, such as wildlife safaris, trekking, and rafting. The forest department, in collaboration with local communities, uses ecotourism to promote environmental awareness and generate income.

Why are the villages along the Karli River remote and difficult to access?

The villages along the Karli River are located in core areas of the tiger reserve, with limited road connectivity. Most villagers need to walk for hours to reach the nearest motorable road, making access to healthcare and education challenging.

What is the cultural significance of Gajanan’s journey to the source of the Karli River?

Gajanan’s journey to the source of the Karli River is a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage, representing a deep connection to the land and water. By offering prayers to the river, he honors the river’s life-giving role and the tradition of his ancestors.