Water Security Study Abroad Course 2024

Day 2 - Kotla, Nuh (Mewat)

Today, we had breakfast at the hotel then left for Mewat. We started with a debrief at the Sehgal Foundation’s satellite office, then we got to see an elementary school that the Sehgal Foundation has worked with and see what they had been able to implement there. After that, we went to the field and practiced using our instruments and testing procedures in a low-income area. After some snacks and chai, we visited a groundwater well to test water samples and interview locals about their water insecurity. Next, we explored a check dam and a step well, which became the group's favorite spot of the day.

We had a boxed lunch then the group split up to visit springs and mustard fields, testing water and interviewing more families. We later visited a second check dam and retention basin, used during monsoons and for cricket games. Afterward, we returned for dinner and got to work testing some samples that we collected today.

Day 3 - Delhi - Site visits

The day started with a traditional yoga class, followed by breakfast at the hotel and a visit to the Qutb Minar complex in New Delhi. Our guide, Manu, taught us about Hindu gods and the rich history of the site, including the Qutb Minar, Alai Minar, and the Tomb of Iltutmish. We also explored the impact of the Islamic invasion on Hindu and Jain history.

Afterward, we enjoyed lunch at Akra with a variety of dishes, including tandoori chicken and gulab jamun. The afternoon included a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, where we learned about its symmetry and Hindu cosmic symbolism. We also saw India Gate from the bus and explored Ugrasen ki Baoli stepwell and a public laundry facility. It was an informative and enjoyable day!

Day 4 - Ghaghas, Nuh

Today, four teams went into the field while one stayed for GIS and story map work. After a quick stop for fruit and a break at the Sehgal Foundation's satellite location, we set up a well-water testing operation. Our team tested groundwater wells for total dissolved solids, confirming saline water intrusion, a known issue tracked by the Foundation.

Later, we visited a village for a future project, where we entertained curious local kids despite the language barrier. Afterward, we navigated rural roads back to the hotel just in time for dinner. We then explored the metro in Cyber City, but when it closed, Bradley helped negotiate tuk-tuk rides back to the hotel, where we wrapped up the night with some bargaining practice.

Day 5 - Delhi - Sight Visits

The day began with a buffet breakfast, but heavy rain led to a change in plans. We first visited the National Museum in New Delhi, exploring its extensive collection of artifacts. For lunch, we enjoyed a variety of flavorful Indian dishes at Havemore, where we even spotted a monkey by the road.

Next, we went to Gandhi Smriti, the site where Gandhi spent his final days, and explored the museum despite the rain. Our last stop was the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, a large shopping center filled with Indian handicrafts. After shopping and enjoying coffee at a nearby café, we returned to the hotel for dinner and a restful night. Despite the weather, it was an enriching day of culture, food, and shopping.

Day 6 - Mathura - Elephant SOS

The day began with a surprise encounter—a mother cat and her kittens outside the hotel, which led to a fun moment of inviting the cat into our room for a snack. After a quick breakfast, we faced a door issue, but Sid, our guide, heroically solved it. We then embarked on a five-hour drive to Agra, stopping at Shiva Dhaba for chai served in clay cups, a perfect souvenir.

The highlight of the day was visiting Wildlife SOS, where we learned about the rehabilitation of mistreated elephants and other animals. The visit was moving, as we saw the elephants' close bonds and rehabilitation process. After lunch, we explored Agra Fort, where we learned about royal families and enjoyed seeing roaming monkeys. The day ended with a relaxing evening at the rooftop restaurant at our hotel.

Day 7 - Agra - Taj Mahal

We began the day with a quick but satisfying breakfast at the Howard Plaza, where many of us enjoyed fresh fruit for the first time on the trip. Afterward, we visited the Taj Mahal, where our guide Gary highlighted its architecture and history, including the unique tilt of the minarets and the symmetry of the design. The site was less crowded than usual, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.

Next, we traveled to the Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri, the largest we’d see on the trip. Though under restoration, we admired its depth and design, and learned about its appearances in Bollywood. A smaller group visited a nearby temple for a blessing from a Hindu priest.

The day ended with a return to the hotel and a memorable, home cooked dinner with a local family in Jaipur, who were incredibly hospitable. It was a day filled with unique experiences and emotions.

Day 8 - Abhaneri /Chand Ki Baori

We began the day with a relaxing breakfast at the Zone in the Park Hotel in Jaipur, then headed to Amber Fort. We drove through Jaipur's pink city and past the Palace of Winds. At Amber Fort, we took jeeps up the hill and saw a snake charmer before exploring the fort's impressive architecture, including the Hall of Mirrors and the women's chambers.

Afterward, we stopped at a lake palace, then gave presentations on the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, where we marveled at the astronomical instruments. We toured the City Palace and later visited Bapu Bazar for some vibrant shopping and bargaining. The day ended with a buffet dinner at the hotel, concluding another unforgettable day in India.

Day 9 - Jaipur

Today was about breaking boundaries, from Jaipur’s inspiring architecture to celebrating social and cultural differences during the NYE festivities. We left Jaipur early for Alwar, where fog added mystery to the journey. We stopped at a temple, had chai, and continued through mustard fields and quiet villages.

In the afternoon, we gathered to discuss upcoming fieldwork, and as drums filled the air, we became energized for the evening's celebrations. The night was full of dancing, food, and laughter, creating a sense of unity with locals. We later joined friends for more fun, realizing how far from home we had found a new family. Reflecting on the night, we were grateful for the unforgettable memories.

Day 10 - Sabalpura Check Dam

After a lively New Year's celebration, we started the day with fieldwork in Alwar. The drive through rural Rajasthan was dry, and we even saw camels. We stopped at a market for fruit and were offered sweets at a temple for New Years before heading to a check dam, where we learned about the area's water challenges. We collected water samples to test and surveyed villagers, who were friendly and offered us chai and snacks.

After lunch, we returned to the hotel, enjoyed a Rajasthani folk dance performance during dinner at our hotel, and ended the night by testing the samples.

Day 11 - Baiwala Check Dam

On our second day in Alwar, we had breakfast at the Lemon Tree Hotel before heading out for fieldwork. Our first stop was a school renovated by the Sehgal Foundation, where we toured the facilities and learned about the new water collection system. We also saw a camel cart and watched as some students rode it.

Next, we visited a check dam, where we collected water samples upstream. The local community shared that water levels had significantly improved, and they had switched crops to increase earnings. After a chai stop at a mechanical engineer's house, we returned to the hotel earlier than usual, processed the samples, and analyzed the data. The day ended with a sense of accomplishment and readiness for the next challenge.