States
Rajasthan
A large northwestern state of deserts and forts, with Hindi and Rajasthani in use. Panchayati raj and urban bodies govern local affairs.
Democratic
Gram sabhas in the Thar desert villages deliberate on common pasture land, water harvesting, and check-dam maintenance.
Antidemocratic
Groundwater over-extraction from irrigation has deepened the water crisis across the desert and plains districts.