WATER AND LIVELIHOOD PROJECT, Lanjigarh, Odisha

Project Background: Agriculture is the main source of livelihoods in rural India. As in most parts of our country weather is favourable for agriculture almost throughout the year. Odisha is the second poorest state in India. Nearly 22% of the population of the state are tribal’s, whose position is probably the worst in the entire country. Kalahandi is a part of the KBK (Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput) region of the State considered as one of the most backward regions of the country. Demographic characteristics of the district reflect that it is predominantly rural and has a high concentration of weaker sections, i.e., ST and SC communities. Kalahandi is located in western Odisha, commonly referred to as Tatlagarh (hot zone) due to its high temperature and long dry season.

Project Objectives:

The project aims to contribute towards development of the vulnerable communities surrounding Vedanta’s factory site and create a road map for improving socio-economic status of the target communities. The overall goal of the project is to enhance the socio economic conditions of the rural community through systematic management of natural resources and providing livelihood enhancement opportunities. The specific objectives of the project are as follows.

Ø To augment ground water through artificial recharge/rainwater harvesting using watershed approach.

Ø To reduce the risk of extreme climate events through promotion of climate resilient agriculture practices for sustainably increasing farm productivity and income.

Ø To create and renovate the water and sanitation facilities in the project villages for providing clean and hygienic environment.

Ø To promote clean/renewable energy for reducing dependency on traditional energy and conserve environment by increasing access to clean and cost-effective energy in the rural areas.

Ø To enhance the livelihood by creating income generation opportunities for the marginal farmers, landless farmers and youth through farm and non- farm sector interventions and promoting indigenous cultivation of forest produce.

Ø To ensure the improvement in livelihoods conditions of poor families by graduating them from income generation activities to micro enterprises