Watershed management as a key strategy for poverty alleviation

Water is life and it is linked to poverty. Lack of access to water and sanitation services in rural India make the community more vulnerable. Droughts and floods lead to massive human and economic losses, which have been increasing in recent years. Climate change will only intensify the cycles and magnify the consequences.

We have been focusing on Watershed Development as one of the most effective means of addressing the water problem. It has given very encouraging results. The community in Jahlod, Gujarat had not seen water in their villages, now there is plenty of water for their use. They seem to be very happy and lively. Water harvesting structures like ponds, check dams, stop dams, etc. have been promoted with the community participation.