Digest - Grassroots Chronicles
March 2025
EVENTS
Accidental Anecdotes: Of Conversations, Experiences, and Reflections on Sustainability
An evening filled with stories, voices of experience, moments of serendipity, and deep reflections on sustainability unfolded at Accidental Anecdotes, held on 31st March 2025 at the DA Headquarters in Delhi. It was a gathering to reminisce about India’s sustainability journey and the milestones that followed.
#SustainabilityDialogues
MoU signing between Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) and Development Alternatives (DA)
The strategic partnership was formed to "Collaborate in Building Resilient Cities and a Sustainable Built Environment by Promoting Low-Carbon and Circular Building Materials and Technologies."
#DAXBMTPC
E-Rickshaws Flagged Off in Uttar Pradesh on International Women’s Day
On March 8, 2025, 14 women entrepreneurs from Uttar Pradesh launched e-rickshaw businesses under the Safe Mobility Initiative. Flagged off in Lucknow by Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, the event celebrated women's financial independence and mobility.
#SafeMobility
Inspiring Middle Eastern Low-Carbon Concrete Innovation
The Middle East is adopting LC3 cement, cutting carbon by 40% and costs by 20%. At Cemtech MEA, TARA and Promac showcased its potential, reinforcing the industry's low-carbon commitment. LC3 is set to drive the region’s green construction revolution.
#GreenHouseGas
Project Prakriti Handing Over Ceremony
Formal handover of waste and water management systems to the community
#ProjectPrakriti
Empowering Women Through Water Dialogues: Jal Chaupal in Sidipur
Dialogue on women-led water conservation in Sidipur village
#WomenAndWater
Online workshop series on ‘Present Trends in Women Entrepreneurship’
IMEDF, a special-purpose vehicle of the Development Alternatives (DA) Group, hosted an online workshop on "Present Trends in Women Entrepreneurship" on March 18, 2025. It explored systemic prototypes and schemes that support women-led enterprises and economic empowerment. The session provided insights into strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems for women.
#WomenEntrepreneurship
STORY OF CHANGE
Jitendra Kumar: From Local Services to Empowering Through Technology
For years, he ran a small online application and photocopy service, helping his fellow villagers with their daily needs. His business, though modest, was essential for the community, but Jitendra knew there was more he could offer.
PUBLICATIONS
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)
Water: The Most Critical but Most Used Resource of the World
Water is crucial for life, but water usage varies significantly by region, from 47 litres per person per day in Africa to 578 litres in the USA. The UN Water Summit highlights a potential 40% shortfall by 2030 due to pollution and misuse. In this blog, Dr Soumen Maity discusses the various initiatives taken by Development Alternatives that emphasises community awareness and innovative conservation strategies to address these challenges.
VIDEO
Episode 7 | India or Bharat from a Development Point of View | Dr. Khosla Answers
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 discusses the huge gap that exists between India and Bharat