In a remarkable achievement, two projects spearheaded by the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) have been honoured with the CSR Times Awards 2024 in the Water Conservation and Management category.
The first project, ‘Improving Farm-Based Livelihoods through Watershed Approach’ in Telangana, received the Silver Award. Supported by Wells Fargo, this initiative has made a significant impact on local farmers over a three-year period from April 2021 to March 2024.
By treating over 2,900 hectares of land, the project has enhanced soil moisture and crop growth, providing a more stable food source. Additionally, it has harvested over 3 lakh litres of water, benefiting 783 farmers and enabling 93 households to initiate new income-generating activities, including women-led group enterprises. The partnership with Wells Fargo extends beyond Telangana, positively impacting more than 11,000 households across Karnataka and Telangana.
The second project, the ‘Watershed Management Programme’ in Jharkhand, was awarded the Gold. Supported by IndusInd Bank, this initiative has driven significant change in rain-dependent villages over five years, from April 2019 to March 2024.
The project has constructed 300 water conservation structures, repaired ponds and wells, and promoted climate-resilient practices. Through soil and moisture conservation works on 550 hectares of land, 50% of previously fallow land has been brought under irrigation, leading to a 30-40% increase in income for families and a 25-40% rise in crop yields. The project also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing ration and kitchen garden kits to families and supporting women’s self-help groups.
Both Wells Fargo and IndusInd Bank have been instrumental in supporting these projects, which have profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals and communities.
