Weight of the Water

Deepti Asthana spent her time documenting the ongoing water crisis in Uttarakhand. In 2022, the National Geographic Society awarded her a grant to advance her project Weight of the Water. The talk examines how deforestation, unchecked development, and the region’s rugged terrain amplify the challenges of water access, with young women shouldering the burden of daily collection. In many villages, groundwater levels plummet, turning water into a constant struggle.

Deepti collaborates with local NGOs, geologists, social activists, and communities to identify sustainable solutions. In her talks, she presents her findings, offering insights into the crisis and its intersection with gender and environmental issues.

Deepti Asthana, a photographer, educator, TEDx speaker, and National Geographic Explorer, is celebrated for her storytelling that blends emotional depth with social impact. Her work, featured in top publications like National Geographic, BBC, and The Guardian, captures challenging experiences with a striking balance of strength and tenderness, establishing her as a leading voice in visual narratives.

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