MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LTD. Integrated Annual Report 2023-24 132 ● Rejuvenation of Traditional Water Bodies (Ponds/Tanks)- This intervention focussed on rejuvenation of existing water bodies like ponds, enabling better land and water resources governance by villagers, and increasing community participation in water management in Ajmer district of Rajasthan. Stakeholder and beneficiary engagement during the impact assessment process has highlighted the following outcomes for projects initiated in FY 2021-22: Roof Rainwater Harvesting in Schools ● 100% of school student respondents highlighted the importance of roof rainwater harvesting and conservation for drinking purposes. ● It was observed that the schools followed hygiene norms for potable drinking water by proper maintenance of roof rainwater storage tank, thereby preventing iron bacterial growth. Rejuvenation of Traditional Water Bodies ● 7,678 individuals benefitted from renovation of 4 ponds. ● Pond renovation led to a shift from rainfed to diversified and irrigated agriculture, resulting in a 70% increase in crop yield and income over three seasons in study surveyed villages. ● 100% of respondents mentioned that the project resulted in improved water availability status for irrigation and increased agricultural production due to pond renovation. ● The study findings suggested that the project also ensured drinking water for approximately 4,000-5,000 livestock, and with the pond water available year-round, the panchayat could supply water to the entire village. ● Intervention effectively converted fallow land into cultivatable areas for griha vartika cultivation. ● The establishment of the Village Development Committee (VDC) fostered leadership by engaging VDC members in monitoring and supervisory tasks and promoted community involvement in the project. Integrated Village Development- Alwar Your Company partnered with Sarv Mangal Gramin Vikas Sansthan (SMGVS) to implement the Integrated Village Development Project in the Alwar district of Rajasthan in FY 2021-22. This project aimed to foster sustainable village development and enhance livelihoods by conserving and restoring natural resources. Key interventions included water harvesting, renovation of earthen ponds, introduction of micro-irrigation systems, roof rainwater tanks for households and schools, and development of various agricultural and livestock enterprises such as goat rearing and poultry farms. These initiatives are designed to improve water availability and agricultural productivity, supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability. Stakeholder and beneficiary engagement during the impact assessment process has highlighted the following outcomes for projects initiated in FY 2021-22: ● 100% of respondents reported increased water levels. The average water level in wells across 12 villages increased by 15 to 30 feet, showcasing the effectiveness of the interventions. ● There has been an increase in irrigated areas by 25%, along with a 25% rise in agricultural income. ● 100% of women experienced easier access to drinking water. ● Study findings indicate that the project strengthened village-level community institutions in Todi, Jhalara, Anantapura, Veerpur, and Nathalwada, increasing collective action and improving women’s participation. Even after the project’s completion, the community continued to own the program, recognising its impact. ● 100% of respondents mentioned that farm bunds acted as barriers, preventing soil erosion, and contributing to sustainable agriculture. ● 90% of respondents perceived a higher return in the range of 10% to 30% from crops sown in bunded fields. ● 95% of beneficiaries reported an average income increase of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 per family due to interventions, including farm bunding techniques and livestock rearing. ● The project significantly supported poultry and goat rearing, leading to reduced mortality rates and increased production. Women beneficiaries reported a substantial boost in monthly income, reaching up to Rs. 8,000, making these ventures their primary income sources. ● This project supported livestock rearing activities by organizing treatment and vaccination camps, facilitating breed improvement, and installing water troughs for animal drinking water. These efforts reduced treatment costs, improved milk, and meat production, and enhanced overall animal health.
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