Silenced Stream: Capital Interest and Water Politics in Drought Areas of Ajodhya Hill Region, Purulia, West Bengal.

This article examines how capital-driven decisions and multi-stakeholder governance of water and forest resources in the drought-prone Ajodhya Hills region of West Bengal, India, disproportionately impact the indigenous tribal communities dependent on these resources for their livelihoods. It highlights that hydroelectric projects, particularly pumped storage dams, prioritize urban electricity demands over local water and forest access, leading to resource deprivation, environmental degradation, and increased vulnerability to drought for tribal populations. The study integrates field surveys, geographic information system (GIS) analyses, and local narratives to reveal how power structures and policy choices marginalize indigenous rights, exacerbate social inequalities, and alter ecological conditions such as precipitation patterns and forest cover. The findings underscore the need for equitable, justice-oriented resource governance that incorporates indigenous voices and promotes sustainable development to safeguard both community well-being and environmental integrity in the region.