Development Alternatives Group

| In Niwari, Bundelkhand, access to safe drinking water required more than infrastructure, it demanded stronger systems, coordination, and community ownership.

Through the Resource Access and Equity (RAE) initiative, Development Alternatives and its partners improved water access for nearly 8,476 households while strengthening local water governance through the District Water Coalition. By bringing together government departments, local institutions, and communities, the initiative laid the foundation for more equitable and sustainable water security.

Read the story below to learn how collective action is transforming water governance in one of Bundelkhand's most water-stressed regions.

Under the Local Institutions and SDG Action programme, Development Alternatives and ReNew Jal Urja Private Limited inaugurated the schools renovated under the Integrated Village Development (IVD) Project and formally handed them over to the School Management Committee for Operation and Maintenance in Falai and Basti villages of Rudraprayag on 23 and 26 May 2026.

The events witnessed the presence of Mrs. Niharika Tomar - Superintendent of Police, Rudraprayag, Mr. Axay Bhardwaj- Plant Head ReNew, Ajay Kumar Choudhary - Chief Education Officer, PRI members, SHGs, teachers, and community representatives.

From school infrastructure improvements to women-led enterprises like mushroom farming, dhoop batti, and choulai laddoo production, the program is strengthening local institutions and community ownership for sustainable rural development.

In Bundelkhand, where recurring droughts and declining groundwater continue to threaten rural livelihoods, Development Alternatives (DA), through its Resource Access and Equity (RAE) programme, is strengthening community-led water resilience across Niwari district.

Under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan and Water Resilient Bundelkhand Programme, DA’s Technical Support Unit (TSU), in collaboration with the District Administration, has been working to restore traditional water systems, improve groundwater recharge, and enhance equitable access to safe drinking water and irrigation resources.

From revival of Chandela-era ponds and restoration of check dams to shramdaan drives, water conservation rallies, river rejuvenation, and decentralized solar water supply systems managed by Jal Upbhokta Samuhs, the initiative is strengthening local stewardship and reducing water stress across rural communities.

The programme also reflects an integrated development approach by facilitating dialogue on social inclusion issues, including school enrollment support for Saharia tribal children in Chandravan and Mathurpura villages.
These efforts have received wide recognition across regional media platforms, including Niwari Bhaskar, Nav Rashtriya Prerna, Gaurav Khabar, Suvidha News, and several district-level rural media networks, helping amplify community voices and strengthen awareness around water conservation and climate resilience in Bundelkhand.

In Bundelkhand, where recurring droughts and declining groundwater continue to threaten rural livelihoods, Development Alternatives (DA), through its Resource Access and Equity (RAE) programme, is strengthening community-led water resilience across Niwari district.

Under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan and Water Resilient Bundelkhand Programme, DA’s Technical Support Unit (TSU), in collaboration with the District Administration, has been working to restore traditional water systems, improve groundwater recharge, and enhance equitable access to safe drinking water and irrigation resources.

From revival of Chandela-era ponds and restoration of check dams to shramdaan drives, water conservation rallies, river rejuvenation, and decentralized solar water supply systems managed by Jal Upbhokta Samuhs, the initiative is strengthening local stewardship and reducing water stress across rural communities.

The programme also reflects an integrated development approach by facilitating dialogue on social inclusion issues, including school enrollment support for Saharia tribal children in Chandravan and Mathurpura villages.

These efforts have received wide recognition across regional media platforms, including Niwari Bhaskar, Nav Rashtriya Prerna, Gaurav Khabar, Suvidha News, and several district-level rural media networks, helping amplify community voices and strengthen awareness around water conservation and climate resilience in Bundelkhand.

From balancing daily responsibilities to building a livelihood of her own, Santoshi’s journey reflects the power of local institutions, enterprise training, and self belief.

With support through the Integrated Village Development initiative by Development Alternatives and ReNew Power, Santoshi transformed an everyday routine into an opportunity for sustainable income through goat rearing.

Her story is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with small, confident steps rooted in existing skills and community support.

| Development Alternatives endorses the Rohini Nayyar Prize, a prestigious award recognising individuals for their exceptional contributions to rural development. Dr. Rohini Nayyar, one of India’s pre-eminent economist-administrators, has left a lasting legacy through her impactful work in rural India.

Are you under 40 years of age and working in rural development?

Apply for the fifth edition of the Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development in India.

The prize has been instituted in memory of the life and work of the late Dr. Rohini Nayyar by her family. The late Dr. Nayyar, an eminent economist-administrator was associated with cutting-edge research on rural poverty as well as the flagship rural development programmes of successive governments from the late 1980s to the mid-2000s when she retired as Principal Adviser in the Planning Commission.

Over her long career, she mentored several young professionals in the field, in government and outside. By recognising the outstanding work of persons under 40, the Rohini Nayyar Prize hopes to carry forward her legacy.

For eligibility criteria and further information, please visit www.rohininayyarprize.org.

Last date to apply: May 31st 2026

As tourism grows in Ladakh, so does the pressure on its fragile mountain ecosystem. Rising waste generation during peak seasons is challenging local systems and natural resources.

Under the Local Institutions and SDG Action programme, Development Alternatives along with local partners and communities, through Project Tsangda, is supporting decentralised waste management systems across Ladakh through community-led Solid Resource Management Centres (SRMCs).

Swipe through to explore the challenges and pathways shaping sustainable waste management in the region.

| Bihar is projected to add nearly 790 million m² of built-up area by 2070, making sustainable and resource-efficient construction critical for the future.

Development Alternatives, in collaboration with IIT Patna and supported by Energiva Ventures, is convening a stakeholder workshop focused on sustainable materials, low-carbon construction pathways, and collaborative action for Bihar’s built environment.

25 May 2026
Chanakya Hotel, Patna

Stay tuned for more updates!