Watershed—Integrated Development

Community Development

Catalyzing transformation in drought-stricken communities by intertwining innovative water management with community empowerment.

Solutions

To support communities in drought-stricken areas of Pune and Nagpur, the Persistent Foundation has taken a notable ridge-to-valley approach to enhance rainwater conservation and water management.

Aligned with the Maharashtra government’s ‘Jalyukt Shivar Yojana’ project, we are focused on comprehensive watershed development to support the objective of becoming a drought-free state. In collaboration with government authorities and local NGOs, efforts have been made to deepen streams, construct dams and farm ponds, and promote rainwater harvesting methods.

Engaging local communities through participatory approaches ensures the sustainability of these initiatives, emphasizing our commitment to water conservation and, ultimately, community empowerment.

Benefits

Through a blend of solutions, this project has had a significant positive impact on the lives of villagers in these drought-prone areas of Khed, Purandar and Shirur. Access to water has greatly improved, leading to a cascade of positive outcomes.

Farmers are now diversifying crops, thereby enhancing agricultural production and economic stability. The construction and maintenance of soil and water structures has been bolstered, improving women’s health and reducing their workload—which, in turn, has allowed them to contribute more effectively to agricultural activities. Innovative practices such as honeybee keeping and solar trap distribution are a further testament to the project’s sustainable and holistic approach to agriculture and livelihood improvement.

With an expansion to include Integrated Watershed Development Projects touching the lives of close to 25,000 beneficiaries across 34 villages, the Persistent Foundation’s efforts align seamlessly with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing a successful model of water management and community development.