Environment & Climate
The Marathwada region is notorious for severe droughts, depleting groundwater tables, and subsequent agrarian crises.
Unregulated water usage and lack of conservation structures led to acute drinking water shortages during summer months.
Entire village populations, specifically farmers and youth.
Intervention: A massive awareness drive coupled with structural interventions like tree plantation and watershed management.
Approach: Community-led execution where locals contribute 'Shramdaan' (voluntary labor) alongside institutional support.
Outputs: Campaign successfully reached 120 villages; 20,000 saplings documented.
Outcomes: Increased groundwater levels in targeted villages and a drastic reduction in summer tanker reliance.
Created climate-resilient villages capable of sustaining agriculture even during erratic monsoon years.
"Before this campaign, our village relied on government tankers from March to June. By desilting our lake and planting trees, our wells now hold water year-round." — Village Sarpanch
Learnings: Structural watershed work must be preceded by intensive behavioral change campaigns to be effective.
Sustainability: Village Water Committees have been formed to maintain structures and regulate cropping patterns.
