E

nvironment

71

W

ater harvesting and conservation structures used for irrigation and fisheries have regenerated the flora

and fauna of the area

ollowing pages (72–73):

Villagers from Birgi working on the degraded land which they have converted

to a mango orchard using soil and water conservation measures

f

rom barrenness’) to rejuvenate the seven

dying rivers of the region through watershed

management.

e result has been ‘large-scale impact in

terms of rainwater harvesting and regaining

the soil by creating permanent vegetation

in the fallow lands. Moreover, it created the

confidence that rejuvenation of land, soil and

forest is possible at a scale, and flow of water

can be increased significantly,’ says Debashish

De. Introducing indigenous varieties of crops

and organic practices to help them grow

in the tough terrain has also borne fruit,

restoring the ecology, bringing back flora and

fauna not seen in decades and ensuring good

returns for the farmers, all at the same time.

PRADAN engages with and enhances

the collective agency of women in the

communities it works with, to empower

them as well as increase their income.

It brings in knowledge and technology,

mobilizes people and institutions,

facilitates linkages, all through leadership

of women’s collectives.

HCL Grant Project Approach:

C

ollective-led

climate-resilient approach for sustainable,

regenerative, farming and improving soil

health among local communities

HCL Grant Project Title:

R

estoring Eco-

System by Promoting Nature Sensitive

Endeavour – RESPONSE

Beneficiaries:

6,500 farmers from women

collectives

Location:

4,000 v

illages in 3 districts of

West Bengal