Scattered Dots

Sarnath Banerjee takes on too many nuances of a water crisis that are difficult to integrate in his graphic novel.

- Shreeshan Venkatesh

IN THE past few years, there have been sporadic incidents of violence across the country due to acute water scarcity. Several research studies also predict an increase in the frequency of these “water wars”. Every year, Delhi witnesses several acts of community and individual violence over access to water. Water has also been used as an instrument to voice protest. For instance, the Jats from Haryana have often held Delhi to ransom by cutting off supply during their reservation stir.

In Sarnath Banerjee’s graphic novel, All Quiet in Vikaspuri, Delhi is in the grip of a crippling water shortage. Residents are forced to resort to violence to fight for their rights over the depleted resource. Meanwhile, a quest is on—to locate the mythical Saraswati river so that the ongoing water crisis and violence in the city can be brought to an end.