Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR)

🌍 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 🌍 Our 30 years of dedicated rural development work across India is now capped off by the release of Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR)'s Annual Report, "Roots & Resilience." It is more than an annual report, it is a chronicle that captures our journey, showcasing our challenges and triumphs, ensuring that water is readily available, food is secure, and sustainable livelihoods have been significantly improved for 7.92 million people in 7,255 villages. This journey over 3 decades has seen us successfully restore over 3.83 million hectares of land through systemic community-led interventions. The title "Roots and Resilience" for WOTR's annual report aptly captures the essence of the organization's work in watershed management and community development. "Roots" symbolizes the deep connection to the land and the foundational role of healthy ecosystems in sustaining communities. "Resilience" reflects WOTR's focus on building community capacity to withstand and recover from challenges, particularly in the face of climate change and environmental stresses. Together, these concepts highlight WOTR's holistic approach to fostering sustainable, adaptable communities that are firmly grounded in their local ecosystems and prepared for future challenges. To create this report, we also tapped into the insights and opinions of a few leaders in the sector on pressing issues facing the development sector, including: Ashwini Saxena (JSW Foundation) who writes on scaling impact within India's water sector. Dhruvi Shah (Axis Bank Foundation) who writes on building resilient livelihoods amidst climate change. In addition to these expert contributions, we have also included insights from our stalwart researchers at WOTR's own think tank - WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies. Since 2016, W-CReS has published more than 200 papers in reputed journals and established a benchmark for how research can drive path-breaking development. Dive into our Annual Report 2023-24 and be a part of WOTR's continuing story of transformation. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/d-Fg82qc   👇👇👇 When you engage with our posts, you're not just showing support - you're amplifying our voice! 📢 Every like, share, and comment helps our message reach more people who care, helping us tackle rural poverty at its very core 🌳 👍 Like if you support our cause, 💬 Comment to share your thoughts, ➜ Share to spread the word! Crispino Lobo | Marcella D'Souza | Sahana Hegde | Eshwer Kale | Ankita Yadav | Ashwini Wadhu | OMKAR HANDE | Dr Imran Khan YD | Arjuna Srinidhi | Abhijit Shinde | Satyam Rana | Dr. Saurabh Purohit | Sridhar Ganesh

Bringing water security: Transforming Murhu, Jharkhand, with 33.65 lakh litres of water harvesting potential 💧🌾 Murhu in Jharkhand’s Khunti district has long grappled with water scarcity. Despite receiving over 1,000 mm of annual rainfall, the rocky terrain and rapid runoff leave fields parched and water sources depleted. Declining groundwater levels and dry rivers compound the struggles of farmers, making livelihoods an uphill battle. Recognising these challenges, WOTR, with the support of NABARD - National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, launched the Watershed Development Fund project in October 2023. Targeting 10 villages, the initiative began with two—Rania and Kishunpur—covering 100 hectares in the project’s Capacity Building Phase. The project aims to restore ecological balance and improve lives through soil and water conservation measures. Over the past year, watershed structures such as Farm Bunds, Continuous Contour Trenches (CCTs), and Water Absorption Trenches (WAT) have effectively curbed soil erosion and improved water retention across the landscape. Structures such as check dams and farm ponds have amplified the region’s water harvesting capacity to an impressive 33.65 lakh litres. The project’s impact extends beyond water conservation. With 899 saplings planted and agro-horticulture initiatives introduced, farmers have gained additional income sources. Training sessions for the Village Watershed Committee (VWC) on bookkeeping, water budgeting, and watershed management have empowered the community to sustainably manage resources and ensure long-term benefits. Today, over 60 people in Rania and Kishunpur enjoy enhanced water security, increased agricultural productivity, and a rejuvenated ecosystem. As the project moves into its second phase, it aims to transform 913 hectares of land, create water conservation structures with a capacity of 20 million litres, and positively impact 450 households. 🌱 👇👇👇 When you engage with our posts, you're not just showing support - you're amplifying our voice! 📢 Every like, share, and comment helps our message reach more people who care, helping us tackle rural poverty at its very core 🌳 👍 Like if you support our cause, 💬 Comment to share your thoughts, ➜ Share to spread the word! #WatershedDevelopment #WaterConservation #SustainableFarming #Murhu #Jharkhand #ClimateResilience #WOTR4Development #WOTRat30

🌍 Join Our Training on Ecological Principles for Sustainable Watershed Restoration! W-CReS (WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies) is hosting a three-day hands-on training program on 'Watershed Ecology: Integrating Ecological Principles for Sustainable Watershed Restoration'. The programme will take place from January 21 to 24, 2025, at the Darewadi Learning Centre in the Sangamner block of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. This programme will explore the interactions within watersheds, covering ecological principles, threats to watershed health, and practical tools for sustainable management. Participants will benefit from expert-led sessions and field exercises, with the opportunity to network with peers and professionals. The training is open to NGO representatives, government officials, environmental professionals, students, researchers, and community members passionate about ecological restoration. Last date to apply: 11th January, 2025 Languages: English and Hindi 📍 Apply now: https://lnkd.in/dSy_mhqA For more details, visit:  https://lnkd.in/djxPgJTp For queries, contact Dr. Kranti Waghmare at kranti.waghmare@wotr.org.in. Join us to make a difference in restoring our watersheds sustainably! 🌱 👇👇👇 When you engage with our posts, you're not just showing support - you're amplifying our voice! 📢 Every like, share, and comment helps our message reach more people who care, helping us tackle rural poverty at its very core 🌳 👍 Like if you support our cause, 💬 Comment to share your thoughts, ➜ Share to spread the word! #Training #EcologicalPrinciples #CapacityBuilding #SustainableWatershedDevelopment #WOTR4Development #WOTRat30

177 women trained across 10 villages through SHGs towards building resilience in Nashik 🌾👩🌾 In the drought-prone villages of #Nashik district, where annual rainfall continues to decline, communities are finding ways to adapt and thrive. This year, rainfall recorded in the city by late July fell to 279 mm, below the average for the season. Against this backdrop, the Climate Change Adaptation through Participatory Watershed Development project, supported by Kotak Mahindra Bank, is working in 10 villages to address these challenges. A key focus of this initiative, launched in December 2022, is empowering women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). When the project began, low participation was a hurdle. #Migration for work was a major reason—each day, people would leave for nearby villages in search of income, as local opportunities were scarce. Today, the situation is evolving. As water security, improved agriculture, and livelihood opportunities take root, women’s involvement has become indispensable. Meetings now begin only when the women arrive, reflecting their growing confidence and commitment. Recent training sessions in Dubere and Duberewadi engaged 69 women, building on eight earlier sessions completed in FY 24-25, with 177 participants trained so far. These sessions focus on strengthening agricultural and livelihood practices to enhance resilience. Women are learning sustainable farming methods, including setting up kitchen gardens using bio-inputs like Jeevamrut and Dashparni, which improve nutrition and reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers. Livelihood and entrepreneurship trainings have introduced ideas such as poultry farming, spice grinding, leaf plate manufacturing, and operating flour mills, creating avenues for additional income and economic independence. The sessions also incorporate success stories from other regions, inspiring participants to challenge traditional gender roles and explore new opportunities. By combining these practical tools with a broader vision for community development, the project is helping women strengthen their SHGs and contribute to the transformation of their villages. 🌟 👇👇👇 When you engage with our posts, you're not just showing support - you're amplifying our voice! 📢 Every like, share, and comment helps our message reach more people who care, helping us tackle rural poverty at its very core 🌳 👍 Like if you support our cause, 💬 Comment to share your thoughts, ➜ Share to spread the word! #CommunityEmpowerment #SelfHelpGroups #ClimateResilience #SustainableDevelopment #WatershedDevelopment #WOTR4Development #WOTRat30

#FromtheAnnualReport | Water Security: Empowering Communities to Lead the Way in Rural India🌊 By design, India's most vulnerable communities often overlap with its water-stressed regions. Water is more than just a vital resource – it shapes livelihoods, defines local ecosystems, and structures vulnerability. As a result, Axis Bank Foundation’s (ABF) sustainable livelihoods projects centre on improving water availability and access, writes Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee and CEO of Axis Bank Foundation (ABF), in WOTR’s Annual Report 2023-2024. WOTR and ABF’s partnership begins with mapping water supply and demand, then moves to understanding local challenges surrounding water management. Through collaborative efforts, they co-design action plans that focus on restoring and developing water bodies and conserving common lands, including forests. These efforts are key to improving sustained water availability for communities. Community-led institutions are empowered to manage water resources, implement water budgeting, and ensure equitable access, particularly for the most marginalised groups. These projects, in collaboration with local governments, have made significant strides in securing water for communities, particularly in #Maharashtra and #Jharkhand, where year-round water access for irrigation and domestic needs has been achieved. The impact of these initiatives is clear: Increased cropping intensity, higher soil moisture, and elevated groundwater levels. Functional common property resources that improve access to water, fodder, and fuel, reducing drudgery for women. A broader range of livelihoods, including livestock rearing, fisheries, horticulture, and floriculture, which has diversified household income and strengthened economic resilience. These positive ripple effects include enhanced purchasing power, increased savings, and investments in health and education, which collectively uplift the entire community. While significant progress has been made, ABF is committed to continuing its work on ensuring inclusivity, judicious resource management, and fostering partnerships with NGOs and government bodies to implement effective local schemes. For climate adaptation to be truly effective, it must be a systemic response – one that enables communities to adapt with agility. This requires a collaborative, collective effort from all stakeholders. ABF is committed to driving this through its Sustainable Livelihoods Program and inspiring its partners to embrace the same approach. Discover how communities, with WOTR’s effective implementation and ABF’s support, are leading the charge towards a sustainable future. Read the Annual report here: https://lnkd.in/d-Fg82qc 

📢 Abstract Submissions Open: Contribute to W-CReS’s Session at ISEE 2025! 🌍✨ W-CReS (WOTR Centre for Resilient Studies) will host a special session, “Towards Equitable Futures: Linking Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Indigenous Wisdom”, at the 18th Conference of the International Society for Ecological Economics and 11th International Degrowth Conference in Oslo, Norway, from June 24–27, 2025. Among the 56 concept notes shortlisted globally by ISEE for special sessions, this is the only one selected from India. The session brings together Indigenous leaders, researchers, and practitioners to explore the deep connections between Indigenous knowledge systems and biodiversity conservation. It highlights the critical interdependencies between nature and human well-being, emphasising Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) as a foundation for alternative societal growth models. 🌾🦋 The session will feature intriguing presentations, where speakers will share case studies on Indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and community-led conservation initiatives. This will be followed by an interactive discussion, encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and reflection among participants. Organised by Dr Imran Khan YD. and Dr. Saurabh Purohit (Ecology Team, W-CReS), along with Marcella D'Souza (Director, W-CReS), the session is designed to bridge research, grassroots advocacy, and practical applications for a more equitable future. We invite abstract submissions from researchers, practitioners, and community leaders passionate about ecological resilience and social equity. Join us in envisioning sustainable and socially just futures built on the wisdom of Indigenous communities. 🌱📚 To submit an abstract for our session (Special session 225), visit: https://lnkd.in/duJCDp2Q DEADLINE: 20th January, 2025 (at 23:59 CET) For more details about the conference, visit: https://lnkd.in/dSydfd92 👇👇👇 When you engage with our posts, you're not just showing support - you're amplifying our voice! 📢 Every like, share, and comment helps our message reach more people who care, helping us tackle rural poverty at its very core 🌳 👍 Like if you support our cause, 💬 Comment to share your thoughts, ➜ Share to spread the word! #ISEE2025 #DegrowthConference #IndigenousWisdom #Biodiversity #EcosystemServices #WOTR4Development #WOTRat30

#FromtheAnnualReport Scaling Impact: CSR in India's Water Sector for Sustainable Futures 🌊 Water is crucial for life, yet its replenishment, protection and management remains a critical challenge. With over 4 billion people living in water-scarce areas, and global freshwater demand projected to outstrip supply by 40% by 2030, the water crisis looms large.  However, hope lies in collaboration. The private sector with its technical expertise, coordination, and catalytic funding is integral to securing a sustainable future. Strengthening public-private partnerships through CSR initiatives can facilitate long-term water resource management, empower local communities through training and capacity building,  and foster effective policy dialogues. By embracing an ecosystem services lens and leveraging nature-based solutions, stakeholders can multiply the social, ecological, and economic return on investment in water projects. This is an article from WOTR’s Annual Report 2023-24: Roots & Resilience. The magazine-style report celebrates 30 years of WOTR’s impact, featuring stories of transformation, expert insights, and reflections from donors and researchers. 🌱 ✍️Written by: Ashwini Saxena Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ddQySkiC 👇👇👇 When you engage with our posts, you're not just showing support - you're amplifying our voice! 📢 Every like, share, and comment helps our message reach more people who care, helping us tackle rural poverty at its very core 🌳 👍 Like if you support our cause, 💬 Comment to share your thoughts, ➜ Share to spread the word! #RootsandResilience #CSR #Impact #WatershedDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateResilience #RuralEmpowerment #WOTR4Development #WOTRat30

🌾 120 Farmers Experience Significant Cost Reductions and Healthier Crops through SRI in Jharkhand 🌟 This year, WOTR initiated the EcoSynergy Initiative: Interconnected Adaptation Strategies project in Jharkhand, supported by Ashraya Hastha Trust. The project spans 39 villages across the Goilkera block of West Singhbhum district and the Karra block of Khunti district. The project is benefiting 4,818 households, addressing critical challenges like water scarcity, soil erosion, and the shrinking size of landholdings in this climatically sensitive region. A key intervention under the project is the promotion of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technique for paddy cultivation. So far, 10 hectares of cropland have been brought under #SRI, with 120 farmers adopting this method. To ensure effective implementation, WOTR has conducted 17 training sessions empowering farmers with practical knowledge and tools. One of the examples of this initiative can be seen in Bankulhi village, Khunti district, where Romila and her husband, Bigu Oraon, farmers from the Oraon tribe, were among the beneficiaries. Farming on their one-acre land was a struggle due to traditional sowing methods that led to overcrowded and weak crops. Managing weeds without adequate resources further compounded their challenges, while the high costs of pesticides strained their budget, making farming increasingly unsustainable. With WOTR’s intervention, Romila adopted the SRI technique, which improved crop spacing and reduced overcrowding, promoting healthier growth. A weeder machine provided by WOTR made weed management more efficient and eliminated the need for costly hired labor. Organic pest control methods, including sticky traps, further reduced cultivation costs. This year, Romila and Bigu’s expenditure on paddy cultivation dropped from ₹4,000 to ₹1,500, a significant relief for their household. These efforts are part of WOTR’s larger vision to enable sustainable farming practices in resource-scarce regions, ensuring that families like Romila’s can find renewed hope and stability in their agricultural endeavors. 🌱 👇👇👇 When you engage with our posts, you're not just showing support - you're amplifying our voice! 📢 Every like, share, and comment helps our message reach more people who care, helping us tackle rural poverty at its very core 🌳 👍 Like if you support our cause, 💬 Comment to share your thoughts, ➜ Share to spread the word! #SustainableFarming #EcoSynergy #RuralDevelopment #OrganicFarming #Jharkhand #WaterConservation #WOTR #EmpoweringFarmers #SRI #SmallholderFarmers #AshrayaHasthaTrust #AHTContributes #WOTR4Development #WOTRat30 Harsha R

Witnessing Change at the #Grassroots: HDB Financial Services Team Visits Chhattisgarh 🌱 Krupa Tanna and Atul Chandra from HDB Financial Services Ltd. (HDBFS), recently visited Korba district, #Chhattisgarh, to review the completed project ‘Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Supply in 6 Villages of Chhattisgarh’ and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The project, supported by HDBFS, has been a game-changer for six villages—Robo, Bakira, Dongripara, Gadhtar, Kudeli & Temri—impacting 227 households. Through the installation of borewells, standposts, and recharge structures, communities now enjoy year-round access to safe drinking water. These efforts were further strengthened by the formation and training of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), empowering local communities to sustain and manage the infrastructure effectively. As part of the visit, the team interacted with community members to hear firsthand how access to safe water has improved their daily lives. Women shared how the availability of water closer to home has reduced the burden of fetching water, freeing up time for other productive activities. These stories brought to life the real, tangible impact of the initiative. The visit also included a tour of 10 villages in Korba, where HDB Financial Services is planning to support a new programme. This exploration provided an opportunity to understand the unique challenges of the region and engage with local communities to identify impactful solutions. In addition, the team visited another ongoing #watershed project in the region. Here, they observed sustainable practices like check dams, Integrated Farming Systems, and vibrant horticulture plantations. This project’s holistic approach to resource management and community development left a strong impression, showcasing how integrated efforts can lead to long-term resilience and sustainability. This visit underscores the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful change. With HDBFS's continued support, WOTR looks forward to building on this momentum, creating sustainable solutions that empower communities in Chhattisgarh and beyond. 🌊 To learn more about WOTR's work in Chhattisgarh, visit: https://lnkd.in/daVVH2en 👇👇👇 When you engage with our posts, you're not just showing support - you're amplifying our voice! 📢 Every like, share, and comment helps our message reach more people who care, helping us tackle rural poverty at its very core 🌳 👍 Like if you support our cause, 💬 Comment to share your thoughts, ➜ Share to spread the word! #FieldVisit #GrassrootsInitiative #CleanDrinkingWater #SafeDrinkingWater #BorewellRecharge #CommunityDevelopment #RuralDevelopment #WaterSecurity #WOTR4Development #WOTRat30 Sandip Jadhav | Anshuman Panda | Anshul Singh Karchuli | Rajasekhar Gorrepati

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