Raintree Foundation

Knowledge Centre

We are registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010

July 2024

Innovation Spotlight

Watershed Ecology: Rethinking Water Security in the Western Ghats

Aptly nicknamed India’s “water tower,” the Western Ghats play a critical role in the well-being of communities and the ecosystem. However, despite ample rainfall, the region of Velhe faces water scarcity due to limited recharge.

A Holistic Approach to Water Security

Recognising water as the cornerstone of healthy societies and ecosystems, Raintree ensures its availability beyond just meeting basic human needs. Our Watershed Ecology program encompasses various innovative solutions that go beyond traditional methods of extracting water.

Water Filters

To address a lack of availability and access to clean drinking water for the community & livestock, we have installed community water filters with ATMs and look after its maintenance.

The Impact:

  • 600 households have equitable access to clean drinking water
  • Special focus on empowering women and girls
  • Families spend less time fetching water

Farm Ponds

Water scarcity often limits agricultural productivity and prevents multiple harvests per year. Raintree constructs farm ponds to address this.

The Impact:

  • 23 farm ponds with storage capacity of 100 million litres of water
  • Crucial water reserves during dry spells in the Kharif season
  • Improved yields and to additional income opportunities


Water Resource Strengthening

The comprehensive project focuses on restoring and desilting vital water sources like rivers, percolation tanks, and river pools. This increases overall water availability and ensures: 

The Impact:

  • 26,00,000 litres water storage during lean months
  • 14 structures hold water year-round
  • Community involvement contributes an average of 15% of major infrastructure works

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