The forest had hardly received any rain that year. Roro rabbit’s farm that yielded sweet carrots every year produced tasteless carrots this time.
Rambo elephant’s sugarcane fields were drying up. The yield of papayas and oranges from Bobby beaver’s field was getting spoiled.
The residents were getting severely affected and took their concerns to King Sheru who was aware of the situation.
He and his ministers had been discussing the problem but they failed to come up with any solution to save the crops and the residents.
“My king, our forest is on the banks of a river that has enough water. If we could find a way to bring that water to the fields, our crops can be saved,” suggested Twinkle mynah. She flew to places nearby and was aware of water bodies around the forest.
“You are right. But how do we get the water to the fields?” asked the king.
“My king, if you give the command, all the birds will bring water in buckets made of leaves,” said Twinkle, excitedly.
“That’s very kind of you, Twinkle. I know you are working hard but the birds won’t be able to carry much water and we need more for the fields,” said King Sheru.
“My king, the elephants can do it. They are huge and will be able to fill water in their trunks and bring it to the fields,” said Twinkle, after a little thought.
Sheru liked Twinkle’s suggestion and he looked at Rambo elephant who said, “My King, Twinkle’s suggestion sounds possible. I will put all the elephants to task immediately but…”
“But what?” asked King Sheru.
“We too won’t be able to supply enough water to the fields,” explained Rambo.
King Sheru had to think of another plan. Gabby bear, Browny leopard, Tyson rhinoceros, Jackie jackal and Sweety deer were thinking of ideas but none of them could reach any practical solutions.
“My king, with your permission I would like to say something too,” said someone in a meek voice.
They all looked around and saw tiny Momo mouse standing with folded hands.
King Sheru said, “Yes, of course. Tell us what you have in mind.”
“My king, the mice can get together and dig a drain from the river to the fields. It will allow the water from the river to come here easily,” said Momo.
“Excellent, you have solved the entire problem. This will save our crops from drying,” King Sheru jumped with joy.
While everyone was praising Momo, he looked a little troubled.
“What is troubling you?” King Sheru enquired.
“My king, digging the drain is not a problem but…”
“But what is it?” King Sheru asked.
“But since the current in the river is very strong, the water will enter the drain with great speed and it will wash a lot of soil with it. It may flood the fields as it will let huge amounts of water into them,” explained Momo.
Momo’s concerns dampened everyone’s spirits. They realised that in an effort to prevent a drought, they may create a flood.
This thought disappointed King Sheru the most. Rambo sat with his head in his hands.
Suddenly, Twinkle broke the silence and said, “My king, Momo’s idea is good. We just need to make a few changes.”
“What kind of changes?” a few animals asked in a chorus.
“First, we can dig a large pit close to the river while Momo and his friends can dig a drain from that pit to the fields. Then the elephants can fill up the pit by bringing water in their trunks. This way, we will control the current of the water and it can reach the fields without causing a flood or harming the crops,” chirped Twinkle.
“That is an excellent idea. We, too, can help to fill the pit with water!” Gabby bear and Bobby beaver said in unison.
“And we can make buckets for the other animals to fill the pit,” Dinki Deer added with excitement.
Tyson rhinoceros came forward and said, “My king, please allow me and my friends to take the responsibility of digging the pit. We can start today.”
King Sheru happily permitted him. The unity between the animals convinced him that the crops would be saved.
Everyone performed their tasks immediately. Rambo and his friends joined Tyson to dig the pit. Momo’s team dug a drain to the fields. The rest of them made buckets.
The job was completed in one week. King Sheru filled the first bucket and poured it into the pit. All the others followed his lead.
Soon, water reached the fields. Roro rabbit received water first and started dancing! Each field was given enough water to grow the crops. Water wasn’t wasted.
All the animals celebrated their victory against the drought. They even managed to plant some trees. Soon, the weather changed and it started raining! The animals had defeated a drought with their unity.
COMMENT