Halma, is a traditional practice of Bhil and Bhilala Tribes of the Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, which emphasises on the community participation for completion of a work. A Bhil evokes Halma when s/he has no financial or physical resources to complete a work or her/his resources are exhausted before the completion of the work. In this tradition, every family which accepts Halma, sends one or more family members to help the needy. They bring their food, tools, and other necessary objects required for the completion of the work. They all work until the task is not completed. The one who evoke Halma, does not bear any financial or moral obligation, but when time comes s/he has to repay through working for other’s Halma.
Halma is one of those Traditions, which tribal communities have been practicing since time immemorable. This tradition was identified and revived by Padma Shri Mahesh Sharma ji, Founder of Shivganga Foundation, who used this tradition to replenish the waterbodies and protect environment of the Jhabua region. He used this long-standing system and practice to manage natural resources through community participation and in a very democratic way.

Shivganga explored the significance and efficacy of tribal traditional practices in natural resource management. Tribal communities possess a deep understanding of their local environments, often gained through intimate and sustained interactions with nature. This knowledge is passed down through oral traditions, cultural practices, and collective memory, forming the foundation for their resource management systems. Tribal traditional practices incorporate a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnections between humans, plants, animals, and the land. Traditional practices ensure the long-term availability of natural resources by promoting practices such as rotational grazing, selective harvesting, and regenerative farming techniques. These methods prevent overexploitation, maintain biodiversity, and allow ecosystems to regenerate and thrive.
Tribal traditional practices also foster cultural and spiritual connections with natural resources. Sacred sites, rituals, and ceremonies are interwoven with resource management practices, reinforcing the reverence and respect for the environment. These cultural values contribute to sustainable resource use and act as a deterrent against unsustainable practices. Halma is such an initiative started in 2009 under the able leadership of Sh. Mahesh Sharma and Sh Harsh Chauhan who revolutionised this tradition in protecting the nature and its resources and set an example. They called a Halma by saying that Mother Earth was thirsty and she called a Halma to arrange water for her. This Halma is being called every year and nearly 10000 Bhils and Bhilalas came together to arrange water for the mother earth.
Today, a large part of Hathipawa hills, where the movement was implemented, has a lush green forest patches and multiple reservoir which not only quench thirst of the people but also the mother earth. Water level has risen to a significant level and these indigenous people grow a variety of crops to sustain their economy and livelihood.