In the hills of Lahan, south-east Nepal, villages of Dalits and other marginalised castes have been “left behind” by development and infrastructure projects elsewhere, leading to widespread migration.

This film tells the story of Lal Bahadur Pariyar, 72, one of the few of his generation who remained in the land of his forefathers. Through intimate first-person testimony, we hear how Lal Bahadur has held firm against the tides of change: depopulation; urbanisation; economic and social marginalisation. For over 50 years, he’s been on the front line of the water crisis, leading his community in the fight to find water. Only now, in his old age, has he found a steadfast ally…

The Beacon Project is a unique long-term partnership between Anglian Water and its alliances, WaterAid Nepal, the Nepal Water Supply Corporation, the Ministry of Water Supply and Lahan municipality. Its goal is to bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to every person in Lahan by 2030, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Co-Producer | Co-Director | Editor