Under this, VEDIC Society works through watershed development and self-help group formation approaches with support of KKS BMZ Germany.
It aims to conserve water in drought-prone and degraded forest area. It has been a boon for the farmers of the drought-stricken area. The objectives of the project are:
The water from the lift towers and big check dams are used for irrigation, the small check dams promote rice cultivation, and the ponds are used for pisciculture. The structures are managed by the Jaljhajan Vikas Samiti, a full-fledged CBO, which also facilitates the repairing and renovation of the structures.
The organization has incorporated various training programs for the development of entrepreneurship among the community and for this purpose; it has trained the people on fisheries, livestock rearing, water management, and conservation.
So far 16 watersheds covering 347.88 hectares of land have been developed. These include 10 watersheds in Satbarwa bock of Palamu district and six watersheds in Latehar district.
Vedic Society has organised people into SHGs to promote self reliance and empowerment of women. The women are enabled in the areas of book keeping and a sense of entrepreneurship is developed in them. They are trained on the concept of microfinance, which entails provision of thrift, credit and other financial services and products, enabling them to raise their income levels and improve living standards. They are also guided on developing cooperatives for the maximum benefits.
So far 200 SHGs have been formed. Out of these SHGs, 105 have been linked to banks.