Water security
Enhanced groundwater recharge and improved water availability through comprehensive watershed treatment across 640 micro-watersheds in 24 districts.
Watershed management
Comprehensive watershed development for soil and water conservation — pioneered by Coodu Trust since 2001.
640
Micro-watersheds managed
24
Districts covered
25+
Years of field excellence
Only
Empanelled field agency (MoJS)
Understanding
What watershed management means
What is a watershed?
A watershed is nature's water collection system — a natural drainage basin where all surface water from rain eventually flows to a common outlet such as a river, lake, or ocean.
Watershed management is our comprehensive approach to sustainably develop and manage land and water resources within these critical geographical areas. Since 2001, Coodu Trust has pioneered integrated watershed development that transforms entire ecosystems — 640 micro-watersheds treated across 24 districts.
Our programs focus on the holistic development of natural resources — soil, water, vegetation and human resources — within the watershed area. This integrated approach ensures sustainable utilization while dramatically improving the socio-economic conditions of communities.
- Holistic integration
- Sustainability focus
- Community participation
- Scientific approach
Why this work matters
The challenge on the ground — and our answer
The challenge
Recurring drought, failing wells
In drought-prone districts, wells run dry season after season — pushing families to migrate to cities for work.
Our response
Recharge the ground itself
Check dams, percolation structures and water harvesting raise groundwater across whole micro-watersheds — villages have reported wells that no longer run dry.
The challenge
Degraded land that can't hold rain
Eroded slopes and unproductive wasteland let the monsoon run off instead of soaking in.
Our response
Treat and restore the land
Erosion control, afforestation and pasture development bring wasteland back into productive use — 1,79,486 hectares treated so far.
The challenge
Livelihoods tied to a single rain
In rainfed farming districts, one failed monsoon can wipe out a family's entire year of income.
Our response
Build climate-resilient livelihoods
Watershed treatment paired with livelihood training and diversified farming reduces dependence on a single rain.
The challenge
Structures fail without local ownership
Water assets built without the community decay as soon as the project team leaves.
Our response
Community-led from day one
Participatory planning, village institutions and capacity building keep every structure managed and maintained locally.
At a glance
The essentials
- Active since
- 200124 years of continuous watershed delivery
- Coverage
- 640 micro-watershedsAcross 24 districts of Tamil Nadu
- Government credential
- Only empanelled field agency in Tamil NaduDept of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti
- Programme portfolio
- 6 government programmesNational and state schemes, 2001–2024
- Currently delivering
- PMKSY watershed developmentNational scheme, 2022–2024
- Delivery model
- Participatory & community-ledBaseline studies, consultation, local capacity building
Track record
Programme portfolio, 2001–2024
| Programme | Period | Type | Highlights | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) — watershed development | 2022–2024 | National scheme | Current flagship watershed delivery | Ongoing |
| Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) | 2011–2023 | National programme | 12 years of continuous implementation | Completed |
| Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) | 2001–2004 | National programme | Foundation project — where our watershed work began | Completed |
| Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) | 2001–2005 | National programme | Integrated land and water treatment | Completed |
| Tamil Nadu Comprehensive Watershed Programme (TNCWP) | 2001–2005 | State programme | Comprehensive watershed treatment | Completed |
| National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) | 2002–2004 | National programme | Specialist programme for rain-dependent farmland | Completed |
Impact
What watershed management changes
Soil health
Reduced soil erosion, improved soil fertility, and enhanced agricultural productivity through sustainable soil conservation practices.
Ecosystem restoration
Restored degraded landscapes, improved biodiversity, and created sustainable ecosystems that support both nature and communities.
Community resilience
Built local capacity for natural resource management, enhanced climate resilience, and improved rural livelihoods through sustainable practices.
Get involved
Support watershed conservation
Join us in protecting and restoring watersheds for sustainable water security and environmental resilience. Your support builds climate-resilient communities.