IDS funded an ecological development project in the arid region of the Satara District of Maharashtra. The goal of the project is to create a mini-jungle on the Gairan with a water retention tank for environmental conservation in the area, promoting pollution control and providing a natural habitat for wildlife.

IDS funded PURE India Trust, an organization that works for ecological development in the arid region of Satara District of Maharashtra with a population of approximately 3,000 people. PURE is a tree plantation project with a goal  to create a mini-jungle on the Gairan with a water retention tank for environmental conservation in the area, promoting pollution control and providing a natural habitat for wildlife. In this area of Maharashtra, there is a dedicated piece of land called “Gairan,” comprising 25 acres that is mostly barren. There were many attempts by the Gram Panchayat Shirdhon to revive this land by planting trees year after year. There hasn’t been much success due to harsh summers, no dedicated custodian to look after the land, extensive and recurring plant loss resulting in barren conditions, to name a few. To revive the land for vegetation,  PURE first raised awareness among villagers of the importance of restoring the land. They then worked with volunteers to level the land and dig pits ready for planting. They selected native plants that would promote the natural life cycle of the region, and then reached out to partner organizations with expertise in horticulture for guidance. Local nurseries provided more than 825 trees at a discount, and 100 of these trees were used as a learning tool for students and their teachers through the Learning Spoken English Program.  This project has garnered wide recognition from government officials, and many people have visited the project, inspiring others to start similar projects in their neighboring villages. PURE has established a trusting relationship with local villagers, so much so that much of the project is implemented by volunteers who are tasked with fencing, watering, and weeding amongst other responsibilities.  Over five years time, the plantations will be self-sustaining, promoting environmental conservation in the area.