Digest - Grassroots Chronicles
January 2024
EVENTS
Eleven-Twelve-Thirteen Affordable Housing in Climate and Resource Constrained India
Zeenat Niazi, Senior Vice President, Development Alternatives spoke at the CRDT Foundation Day in Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. She described DA’s 40-year journey in shaping sustainable housing solutions from climate-resistant materials to community-driven initiatives, and how DA is tackling affordability, access, and environmental impact across rural and urban landscapes.
#SustainableHousing
Memorandum of Understanding signed on exploring feasibility of introducing Green Cement in Nepal for an Eco-Friendly Future
Department of Mines & Geology, Government of Nepal, Nepal Cement Manufacturers’ Association (NCMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the launch of the Limestone Calcined Clay (LC3) in Nepal with TARA (Technology & Action for Rural Advancement). This launch is a counter offensive against the adverse effects of Climate Change and to reduce Nepal’s Carbon footprint.
#SustainableDevelopment
Livelihoods India Summit 2023
Development Alternatives participated in the Livelihoods India Summit 2023 held from 17th to 18th January 2024 in New Delhi.
#InclusiveEntrepreneurship
Launch of Shakti Kendra in Badagaon, Jhansi
Development Alternatives has recently inaugurated its first Shakti Kendra on this Republic Day in Badagaon, Jhansi, marking a significant stride towards sustainability and women empowerment.
#Equality4Progress
USAID India's Coastal and Marine Conservation Activity Pre-Solicitation Workshop
Development Alternatives participated in the USAID pre-solicitation workshop on Marine and Coastal Conservation in Bengaluru. USAID representatives discussed initiatives, strategies, and objectives of their coastal and marine interventions. The workshop included guidance on responding to USAID solicitations and successful stakeholder engagement.
#coastaland marine conservation
Working Group Consultation for ‘Transforming the Built Environment through Sustainable Materials’
On the 9th of January 2024, Development Alternatives Group, New Delhi, organised a Policy Frameworks working group consultation for the project ‘Transforming the Built Environment through Sustainable Materials’, with the support of the XIM, Bhubaneswar.
#circularbuiltenvironment
Workshop on Social Innovation approach with Gram Vaani volunteers in Jhansi
A one-day workshop was conducted with 15 Gram Vaani volunteers in Jhansi on the social innovation approach of micro-enterprise development. The session was conducted to orient the volunteers on listening and co-creation processes as per social innovation methodology.
#Equality4Progress
Inauguration of the first women-led solar mini-grid in Mihinpurwa, Uttar Pradesh
Development Alternatives, in collaboration with Transform Rural India, recently inaugurated a pioneering 60kWp solar mini-grid in Mihinpurwa, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh.
#energytransition
Prabhat's Decade of Impact: 10th Anniversary Celebration
On the 6th of December 2023, Development Alternatives commemorated the 10th anniversary of “Prabhat”, a sustainable community development initiative of HUL. A special placement drive was also orchestrated for trainees to celebrate the occasion.
#SustainableLivelihoods
Development Alternatives Participates in PAANIWATER Stakeholder Meet held by NEERI (Nagpur)
Development Alternatives and TARA together participated in the General Assembly of the PAANIWATER Project which was held at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Efforts were made to ensure sustainability of drinking and wastewater technologies. 200 Indian Airforce Officers were trained on wastewater treatment and reuse at Vayusena Nagar in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
#CleanWater
STORY OF CHANGE
The spark of an All-in-One Shop: Sudhir Kushwaha
Sudhir Kushwaha is a Work4Progress Phase II entrepreneur from Laadpura in Niwari engaged in the Electronics Retail sector. With initial capital challenges, he gained experience working at a hardware store before starting his own shop, Jai Gaud Baba Electronics, in October 2019.
PUBLICATIONS
Work4Progress e-newsletter Issue 6 | Collaboration for Impact at Scale - Shifts in Local Narratives
In this issue of Work4Progress e-newsletter, we present compelling stories of change, highlighting the significance of collaboration for enabling impact at scale.
Low Carbon Development Pathway for Sugar Mills in Bihar
This comprehensive study is part of the 'Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathway for Bihar' project in collaboration with the Bihar State Pollution Control Board and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation. The report underscores Bihar's sugar sector, proposing short-, medium-, and long-term net-zero strategies by 2070 through GHG Protocol analysis. Despite minimal fossil fuel use, the sector exports surplus green electricity, showcasing environmental responsibility. Strategies include methane recovery and aligning with the Biofuels Promotion Policy 2023 for low-carbon development. The report outlines a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable and environmentally conscious development in Bihar's sugar industry.
PERSPECTIVES (Blog)
Radio Bundelkhand - Apna Radio Apni Baatein
Radio Bundelkhand is a community radio station that empowers the local community in the Bundelkhand region of India. In this blog, Maj. Gen Rahul Bhardwaj and Aakriti Uttam discusses the radio station's work in climate change adaptation and other development information in the region and its transforming actions and decisions at the grassroots towards a more climate-resilient and sustainable society.
VIDEO
Community Insights: Radio Bundelkhand's Evolution | रेडियो बुंदेलखंड -3
In this insightful video, delve into the heart of Radio Bundelkhand's listener feedback process. Discover the most beloved programs cherished by our dedicated audience, gaining insight into their preferences and interests. Additionally, explore valuable suggestions from the community, experts, and stakeholders on enhancing Radio Bundelkhand's operations. Witness the collaborative spirit that drives the radio station towards continuous improvement, ensuring that it remains a trusted voice for the Bundelkhand region and a beacon of positive change in the community.