The Himalayas are dotted with water temples which were once the lifeline of the region. Fed by the forests, they form an integral part of the mountain eco system and are extremely revered by the local communities. They play an integral role in maintaining the environmental balance.
However after the advent of piped water supply they have largely been abandoned and stand neglected. One such water temple stands at Matogi village in northern India .
The water temple has recently been restored and given a facelift with wall murals as part of a fellowship won by my son from US based Bow Seat.

https://bowseat.org/programs/future-blue-fellowship/2022-fellowship-grantees/

The activity involving local children was a one time affair and the community now feels something more needs to be done on a continual basis to highlight their water heritage and keep its importance alive in the minds of the people. They have realised that for the Water Temple to remain functioning the forests above will have to be saved and once that is achieved the environment in the village will automatically remain pristine and pure.

My project aims at creating a Visitor Centre cum Water Museum in the vicinity of the water temple.
An abandoned cow shed next to the water temple has been identified for the project and discussion held with the owner who has willingly agreed to let the Visitor Centre cum Water Museum be set up there. The project owned operated and managed by the village community will contain the utensils and artefacts used by the villagers in earlier times to draw water from the water temple .
There will also be painting highlighting the water cycle, water festivals and rituals centred around the water temple. There will also be Water temple centred Memorabilia ( for sale to visitors) created by local artists.
The project is expected to impress upon the villagers and visitors the value of the Water Heritage and importance to keep the streams and springs flowing.