The Water Gods

Twenty-two-year-old Anna Paskal joined a trek into Nepal's Arun Valley, site of a proposed two billion dollar World Bank-funded dam. A guide to both the trip and the controversy surrounding the project, Paskal details the near circus atmosphere of the trak. Readers follow Paskal, a documentary film crew, interpreters, sherpas, and internationally respected Cree and Indian activists, as they hike into the mountains to meet the Rai, Tharu, and Tamang villagers affected by the project. Paskal conveys the multiple agendas of the participants and the startling reactions of the villagers. Drawn from taped interviews, official and leaked documents, field notes, and Paskal's own journals, this is a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the World Bank, international development, and foreign aid issues erupting onto the world stage today.