The hope-infusing change became possible with the countless efforts of two ambitious entities and the tribal community's participation. The inspiring journey of progress began in November 2018. Atlas Copco Charitable Foundation (ACCF), with its NGO partner Eklavya Foundation, Hyderabad, commenced the Gattepally Watershed Development Project. The project was created to uplift the livelihood of the tribal people in Gattepally through water and soil conservation activities. While the project is nearing completion, it has already made a positive impact and continues to inspire many.
The project is an account of persistent efforts of selfless contribution done by ACCF & Eklavya Foundation. The well-defined objectives and different initiatives continue to benefit the people highlighting the significance of a sustainable lifestyle.
Project Area: Spread across 1533 Hectares covering 8 Villages from Indravelley Mandal of Adilabad District, Telangana
Project Duration: Nov 2018 to Oct 2022
Objectives of the project for Gattepally Watershed Area
The water and soil conservation initiatives are designed by taking vital aspects such as topography, climatic conditions, and the efficacy of the soil to produce. The components of the project provide a complete overview of initiatives undertaken.
Project Components:
Science-led survey and research, knowledge-based approach, proper implementation of initiatives, and villagers' active participation and support to ACCF made progress possible. The positive impact of the project is visible through the benefits gained by tribal families.
Progress and impact:
- Created irrigation facilities for 89 tribal families and 260 acres of land directly impacted, with average income levels increasing to 30 %
- Community income generation assets were created through various entry point activities
- 8 community-based organizations functional to inculcate savings as well as help each other through internal money lending
- Livelihood creation for 30 landless tribal families through mini goatery, dairy, poultry support interventions
- Comprehensive water and soil conservation activities were carried out in the watershed
- Educating households about the kitchen gardens, thereby helping them cultivate vegetables in the backyard and addressing the concerns of malnutrition in the area.
Watershed projects serve a range of benefits to people from dryland tropics where water availability is scarce. Reviving these natural water sources and creating watersheds bear the potential to ensure food security, restore land fertility, and adds to people's livelihood. At Atlas Copco, we promote the conservation of natural resources to provide the coming generation a sustainable way of life.
