Highrange Development Society (HDS)

HARITHA SAMRUDHY
Tribal Empowerment Through Tribal Development Fund

NABARD assisted Tribal Development Fund (TDF) Project, Marayoor, Idukki

district, Kerala
“Tribal Empowerment: HARITHA SAMRUDHY”
Indiranagar and Karimutti Village of Marayoor Grama Panchayath, Idukki
district, Kerala.

BY: - NIKHIL GUPTA

Reg No: - 2022JULB02058
 Table Of Content

Sr No Content

1. INTRODUCTION

2. Problem statement

3. Current Scenario

4. Objective

5. Challenges

6. Recommendation

7. Learnings

8. Technical and Economic Viability

9. CONCLUSION
 INTRODUCTION

HDS is a non-profit organization that works in the rural high-range region of India. The
organization aims to promote sustainable development by addressing the challenges faced
by the communities in the region, such as poverty, lack of livelihood opportunities, and
environmental degradation.
HDS has a three-pronged approach to development: socio-economic development,
environmental conservation, and empowerment.
Socio-economic development: HDS works to enhance livelihood opportunities, alleviate
poverty, and reduce economic disparities. The organization implements skill development
programs, fosters entrepreneurship, and encourages the establishment of micro-enterprises.
HDS also provides financial assistance to individuals and families in need.
Environmental conservation: HDS recognizes the intrinsic value of the region's natural
resources and biodiversity. The organization undertakes initiatives such as afforestation and
protection of water sources. HDS also raises awareness about the importance of
conservation and promotes sustainable practices.
Empowerment: HDS believes in the intrinsic potential and capabilities of individuals and
communities. The organization provides capacity-building programs, training workshops, and
community engagement activities. HDS also encourages community participation in decision-
making. HDS has made significant progress in achieving its goals. The organization has helped
to improve the lives of thousands of people in the rural high-range region. HDS is an asset to
the community and continues to work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Here are some specific examples of HDS's work:
HDS has helped to establish over 100 micro-enterprises, creating sustainable livelihood
opportunities for over 500 people. They have planted over 10,000 trees, helped to restore
the region's degraded forests, built over 100 rainwater harvesting systems, provided clean
water for drinking and irrigation, and trained over 1,000 people in various skills, such as
carpentry, masonry, and tailoring.
HDS has organized over 100 community meetings, involving over 5,000 people in decision-
making processes. HDS is a model for sustainable development. The organization's work is to
help to improve the lives of people in the rural high-range region and protect the
environment. HDS is an asset to the community and continues to work towards a more
sustainable and equitable future.
 Problem statement
The main problem faced by people in this area is that they are not a self-sufficient
community where every individual does not have equitable access to essential amenities,
quality education, comprehensive healthcare services, and sustainable
livelihood opportunities.

Current Scenario
The current scenario of the Haritha Samrudhy (Tribal Development Fund) project is as
follows:
The project has been in operation for 18 months and has achieved some success and 17 self-
help groups have been formed and are active in the project area.
A portion of Pepper, coffee, mango trees, etc. are planted and seedlings were prepared in
the nursery which is set up in the project area. Annual crops like vegetables, Raggi, etc. were
very successfully cultivated. Soil conservation measures, water resource development
activities, etc are started. 80% of the families were already given solar lanterns. Livelihood
activities are also in progress.
However, there have been some challenges, such as the adverse weather conditions and the
non-cooperation of the tribal people at the beginning of the project.
The project is still ongoing, and it is expected to make further progress in the coming months.
The Jalanidhi project is also in progress and is expected to be completed in 2023. Once the
project is completed, it will improve the water supply and sanitation in Marayoor Gram
Panchayat, which will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the community.
Overall, the current scenario of the Haritha Samrudhy and Jalanidhi projects is positive. The
projects have achieved some success and are expected to make further progress in the
coming months. These projects are valuable initiatives that will improve the lives of many
people in the Marayoor region.
 Objective
The Haritha Samrudhy project is a sustainable development initiative by the High Range
Development Society (HDS), an NGO in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. The project aims to
improve the lives of tribal people in the Marayoor region by promoting sustainable
agriculture, environmental protection, income generation, and women empowerment.
The project has been running since 2002 and has made significant progress in achieving its
goals. For example, HDS has helped to increase the water supply in the region by building
water harvesting structures and planting trees. They have also promoted sustainable
agricultural practices, such as organic farming, to help conserve the environment. In
addition, HDS has provided training and support to women to help them start their own
businesses.
The Haritha Samrudhy project is a valuable contribution to sustainable development in the
Marayoor region. It is an example of how NGOs can work to improve the lives of people in
rural areas. The project is also a success story for women's empowerment, as it has helped to
improve the social status of women in the region.

Challenges
The project area is a rain shadow region and there is scarcity of rain and water. There was a
heavy drought during the initial stage of the project and so we were unable to supply
planting materials in time and those given could not survive. This adverse weather was a
major challenge. Another challenge was the non-cooperation of the tribal people at the
beginning of the project due to a lot of suspicions and wrong assumptions. But we can
overcome the same. Since the location is in the deep forest, getting support from the part of
the forest department was also a challenge at times.

Recommendation
1) Expand the project to other tribal regions in Kerala. The project has been successful in
the Marayoor region, and it could be replicated in other tribal regions in Kerala. This
would help to improve the lives of more tribal people and promote sustainable
development in the state.
2) Partner with government agencies and other NGOs. This would help to pool resources
and expertise, and it would also help to ensure that the project is sustainable in the
long term. The project could partner with the Kerala government's Department of
Tribal Affairs, as well as other NGOs that are working in sustainable development.
3) Promote gender equality. The project has made some progress in promoting women's
empowerment, but it could do more to ensure that women are benefiting from the
project equally. The project could focus on providing training and support to women
to help them start their own businesses, and it could also work to address the social
and cultural barriers that prevent women from participating fully in the project.
4) Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for reuse rather than
allowing it to run off. Rainwater is collected from a roof-like surface and redirected to
a tank, cistern, deep pit (well, shaft, or borehole), aquifer, or reservoir with
percolation so that it seeps down and restores the groundwater. Dew and fog can also
be collected with nets or other tools. Rainwater harvesting differs from stormwater
harvesting as the runoff is typically collected from roofs and other surfaces for storage
and subsequent reuse.
5) They can build a temple or a place of cultural value so that all of them can come
together to that place and can interact with each other. People not interacting with
each other is one of the major reasons that is coming in the way of the community to
grow. If they have a common place they will come together and interact with each
other which will lead to unity and will further start helping each other.
 Learnings
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: - I got to know about the different cultural norms and
values that exist and being respectful of them.
Empathy and Compassion: - I understood and share the feelings of others and was willing to
help them in their time of need.
Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: - Engaged with the community and be
aware of its needs. This means being involved in local organizations and events and being
willing to listen to the concerns of the community members.
Collaboration and Teamwork: - able to communicate effectively, to be willing to compromise,
and to be supportive of others.
 Technical and Economic Viability

The project aims to improve the lives of tribal people in the Marayoor region by
promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, income
generation, and women empowerment. These are all worthy goals aligned with
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It uses various methods to achieve its goals, including water harvesting, planting
trees, promoting organic farming, and providing training and support to women.
These methods are all sound and have been shown to be effective in other
contexts.
The project has a budget of INR 100 million and a timeline of five years. This is a
realistic budget and timeline for a project of this scale.
Project has the potential to make a significant positive impact on the lives of the
tribal people in the Marayoor region. It could help to improve their access to
water, food, and income, and it could also help to improve their health and well-
being.
HARITHA SAMRUDHY is designed to be sustainable in the long term. It uses
methods that are environmentally friendly, and it also involves the community
in its implementation.
The Haritha Samrudhy project is technically and economically viable. It has a
clear set of goals and objectives, uses sound methods, and has a realistic budget
and timeline. The project also has the potential to make a significant positive
impact on the lives of the tribal people in the Marayoor region.
 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Haritha Samrudhy implemented by the Highrange Development Society
(HDS) in Marayoor, Kerala, has made significant progress in achieving its objectives of
sustainable agriculture development, environmental protection, income generation, and
women empowerment among the tribal communities. The project has successfully
established orchards, implemented soil conservation measures, developed water resources,
promoted renewable energy conservation, and facilitated livelihood activities. Notable
achievements include the cultivation of organic vegetables and ragi on a large scale, the
distribution of solar lanterns for improved lighting, and the establishment of an agriculture
nursery for seedling distribution. The project has also formed self-help groups (SHGs) and
conducted training programs to empower women and enhance their income-generating
capabilities.

Despite challenges such as drought, initial tribal skepticism, and limited support from the
forest department, the project has demonstrated visible changes and positive impacts within
a relatively short period. The efforts of the Highrange Development Society and its
collaborative approach with local institutions have played a crucial role in ensuring the
project's success.

The Haritha Samrudhy project aligns with the broader mission of the Highrange
Development Society, which focuses on holistic socio-economic development, environmental
conservation, and community empowerment. By addressing critical needs, promoting
inclusive growth, and fostering sustainable practices, the organization strives to create a
thriving and self-sufficient community in Marayoor and its surrounding areas.

Moving forward, the Highrange Development Society aims to overcome the remaining
challenges and achieve the project's goals by completion. The organization believes that the
project will bring about significant positive changes in the financial and health aspects of the
tribal communities, rejuvenate agriculture, and preserve natural resources. Through its
continued efforts and commitment to empowerment, HDS envisions a future where the
tribal villages of Marayoor flourish as vibrant centers of prosperity, with improved quality of
life and strengthened community bonds.
Thank You