Digest - Grassroots Chronicles
January 2025
EVENTS
Solar Mini-Grid Launched in Patratoli, Jharkhand under Urja Mandala Initiative
The Rani Urja Mandala Mahila Samiti has successfully inaugurated a 32.5 kW solar mini-grid in Patratoli, Nawagarh, Jharkhand, empowering local entrepreneurs and communities with reliable, affordable, and renewable energy. The event saw an incredible turnout of over 100 attendees, including Urja Mandala Samiti members, local entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders.
#UrjaMandala
Officials from Nepal visit India for LC3 training and Clay Mine Exploration
To promote regional collaboration in sustainable construction, TARA hosted representatives from Nepal’s Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) and the Nepal Cement Manufacturers’ Association (NCMA). The aim was to enhance the understanding of LC3 technology, with a focus on raw material processing and clay mine evaluation.
#UrjaMandala
Exposure Visit to Jhansi’s Sustainable Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
SHG and FIG members visited Jhansi to explore sustainable, community-driven enterprises. Hosted by Development Alternatives, they learned from Shakti Samuday, FPOs, and local businesses, gaining insights into leadership, farming, and small-scale manufacturing. The visit inspired practical strategies for rural resilience and self-reliance.
#IntegratedVillageDevelopment
Raising Awareness on Pond Rejuvenation
Development Alternatives, in collaboration with ATE Chandra Foundation, Wheels Global Foundation, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), successfully organised a 5-day Nukkad Natak (street play) campaign from January 3 to January 9, 2025.
#PondRejuvenation
Rural Collective Enterprises Immersion Programme, Bajju, Bikaner
IMEDF, a Section 8 company of the Development Alternatives Group, under its Capacity Building vertical conducted three days "Rural Collective Enterprises Immersion Programme" in Bajju Bikaner from 2nd to 4th December 2024. The programme aimed to disseminate knowledge and insights on inclusive and regenerative entrepreneurship, with a focus on collective enterprises.
#CapacityBuilding
Citizen Scientist training program for Gurugram Students
Development Alternatives organised a refresher training programme at the DA Headquarters in New Delhi for the Gurugram Citizen Scientists, empowering communities in air quality monitoring. The session was led by Sunil Kumar of AirShed, who covered key topics such as sensor maintenance, troubleshooting, and using the Vayu App for day-to-day functions. Activities included sensor inspections and practical demonstrations, ensuring participants were equipped to manage the equipment effectively.
#AirPollution
Virtual Workshop on "Empowering Rural Innovations through Market Linkages."
Development Alternatives (DA), Indian Micro Enterprises Development Foundation (IMEDF) and Vigyan Ashram jointly organised a workshop titled "Empowering Rural Innovations through Market Linkages for SEED (Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development) supported organisations as part of project TAP-RISE (Technology Acceleration Platform for Rural Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship)
#InclusiveEntrepreneurship
Global Social Entrepreneurship Program of the Yale School of Management
Development Alternatives and Yale School of Management studied C&D waste management in Odisha, exploring business models for SMEs in Bhubaneswar. Through site visits and stakeholder interviews, the team assessed economic, operational, and regulatory factors influencing circular economy adoption. Insights gathered will inform sustainable solutions and long-term collaboration.
#WasteManagement
STORY OF CHANGE
From Small Beginnings to Big Aspirations: The Journey of Rajkumar Kailash Vishwakarma
In the historic lanes of Punawali Kalan village in Babina Block, Jhansi district—where echoes of Rani Lakshmibai’s valor reverberate—Rajkumar Kailash Vishwakarma began crafting his own story of transformation.
PUBLICATIONS
India’s Pond Rejuvenation Programme: Learnings from the Mission Amrit Sarovar Implementation in India
Water is essential for life and ecosystems, but in India, water scarcity and degraded water bodies are growing concerns. The rejuvenation of ponds, which historically play a key role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity support, and meeting human needs, is a vital solution. This report assesses 12 pond rejuvenation interventions, both Amrit Sarovars and non-Amrit Sarovars, across diverse climatic zones in India. It examines their implementation, impact on the triple bottom line, and offers recommendations to improve governance and enhance future efforts under Mission Amrit Sarovar.
PERSPECTIVES (Blog)
Notions of Sustainability in the Built Environment
India’s urban population is projected to reach 1 billion by 2050, posing significant social, environmental, and economic challenges. Dr. Swayamprabha Das and Mohak Gupta emphasise that with the built environment contributing 38% of global carbon emissions, collaboration across architecture, planning, and industry is essential. They highlight the importance of engaging stakeholders and the government, as demonstrated by the National Mission for Sustainable Habitats. Key priorities for sustainable urban development include technological innovation, green public procurement, incentives for eco-friendly buildings, and improved access to green materials and skilled labor.
VIDEO
Episode 5 | Should Development Alternatives Be Better Recognised as an Institution| Dr. Ashok Khosla
Chairman, Development Alternatives Dr Ashok Khosla in a Tete-a-tete with CEO Shrashtant Patara in our Series: 40 Years of Sustainable Solutions- The DA Story. In this video, Dr. Khosla answers if DA should have been more recognised. He talks about how DA should have been more savvy in projecting its work and also highlights on the reason to why this was the case.