District Rural Development Agency, Dharmapuri & District Climate Change Mission, Dharmapuri have jointly organised “Workshop on Rejuvenation of Minor Irrigation Tanks”, on 23 May 2025 at Pachamuthu College of Arts & Science for Women, Dharmapuri.

The sessions are

Session 1: Empowering Local Communities to Build Resilience through Water Body Conservation: Experiences from DHAN Foundation by Thiru. V. Venkatesan, Chief Executive, DHAN Foundation, Madurai

Session 2: Water Conservation and infra development in Harur and Pappireddipatty Block by Thiru. Jayapal, Srinivasan Services Trust, TVS, Harur

Session 3: Restoring Minor Irrigation Tanks: A climate responsive environmental strategy by Er. R. Superintending Engineer (Retd), Water Resources Department, Madurai

Session 4: Rejuvenation of Lakes & Water Bodies by Thiru. M. Prasad, The People’s Society of Hosur, Hosur

Final Reflections: Implementing DRDA Initiatives: An approach to Effective Execution by Thiru. S. Balakrishnan, EE, Thiru. S. Maheshkumar , AEE and Thiru. D. Srinvasan, District Rural Development Agency, Dharmapuri

DHAN Foundation has participated in the event and shared decadal experiences of Vayalagam programme in the irrigation tank conservation. The summary of the presentation are as follows. The presentation covered the various aspects and experience on “Community-led Conservation and Development of Traditional Water Resources”. The connection between water and poverty and statistical facts about water scenario at present. The overall mission, vision, core values and way of approach of DHAN Vayalagam programme was shared. DHAN works on the community governance model of farmer group – cascade – federation – sub basin and basin approach, from minor to macro approach. The three decadal evolutions of our conservation model approach is one among the unique model involving strong social capital. Another experience of Basin approach with the funding support of Axis Bank Foundation was an example of the wholistic approach of the conservation principle. DHAN’s unique strength of community governance and building strong social capital model was shared. Overall, DHAN experience in community model approach was very much appreciated in the workshop and become lead for next action.

News coverage of the event: Tamil Nadu Today