Living Lightly Film Festival  

RIVERS FOR LIFE

India, 8:25 min

Produced By Srishti Films

Even as massive infrastructure interventions destroy natural habitats and livelihoods across India, several communities directly affected are resisting. The forested hills by the river Rongyung in Dzongu, Sikkim form a sacred reserve of the Indigenous Lepcha people. The Lepchas believe that in the afterlife, their shamans help guide their souls to the final resting places in the caves beyond the mountains through the river. But now, a mega hydel project threatens the sanctity of the river.  “Rivers for Life” chronicles the 12-year long campaign by the Affected Citizens of Teesta against the authorities to save their biodiversity rich habitat.