Natural Resource Management
The constant strain on the ecology due to ill practices by humans have adversely affected the environment. However, the problem of water shortages remained. Wells had to be dug deeper and deeper as the water table sank lower and lower. The solution, which was reached by a consensus of community members, was to restore the forests, regenerate water storage ponds and revive, in some form, traditional systems of conservation that had long proven their effectiveness. To overcome the troubles being faced by the people of this area because of the drought,. Uunder this programme activities, which can conserve water and soil, were given the maximum preference. As we believe that “A Making hand is better than a taking hand”,. SMUT took an initiative to make community aware about methods to the restore traditional water harvesting structures, to adopt new water saving technologies, plantation, etc. Purpose was same to enablemake easy to storage ofe rain water and environmental restoration through plantation and conservation.
01. Connect4climate Campaign
The Connect4Climate campaign aimed to raise awareness about Climate Change and its issues. The campaign conducted meetings in 10 villages of IDER block, distributing informative IEC materials and forming eco-clubs with volunteers. Over 100 volunteers will continue spreading awareness and organizing plantation programs. Utilizing PPTs, videos, and pamphlets, the campaign reached around 1500 men and women. Resource persons were invited to share specialized knowledge on climate change. Mobilization efforts included distributing pamphlets, notices, and door-to-door visits by the natak team. The villagers are now aware of climate change and its impact, and they will share this information with others. Their actions can set a great example for others. Each village has an eco-club, and volunteers will organize environment-related activities and awareness programs.
02. Connect4climate Workshop
SMUT organized a District-level Connect4Climate Workshop with 153 participants, both male and female, working for the environment and having a deep understanding of climate-related issues. The aim was to provide a common platform for these individuals. We invited experts like Prof. Nikhil Mori from Savli College, Dr. Hiteshkumar Solanki from Gujarat University, and Dr. Nirjari Shaikh from Idar College to share their knowledge on climate change. NABARD's DDM Sabarkantha also participated and shared their insights. Other esteemed guests included Principal Dr. A.M. Patel of Ider College and the SMUT team. During the workshop, we honored individuals like Mr. Bharatbhai Parmar, who runs the Mishri Sakhi Mandal seed bank, Mr. Upendrasinh Parmar, leading a group of youngsters to rescue animals, and Mr. Shaileshbhai Parmar, who, along with his family, makes seed balls for plantation on barren land.
03. Natural resource Management
The ground-level water situation has deteriorated significantly, declining day by day. It is crucial to prioritize the recharge of groundwater. In response to this issue, SMUT has constructed two rainwater harvesting structures in the Idar and Poshina blocks of Sabarkantha districts. Additionally, gabion structures and well recharging measures have been implemented. In the Kotda block of Rajasthan, a total of 7 well recharging structures were constructed. These water bodies serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, providing drinking water for livestock, and recharging wells downstream. Currently, they support the irrigation of 157 bigha of land and provide drinking water to 1483 animals.
