How CCD is creating sustainable impact through desilting and farmer-led water resource management

Overview

Since 2021, Centre for Collective Development (CCD) has led one of the largest farmer-driven efforts in South India to rejuvenate traditional waterbodies—creating long-term rural water security and improving agricultural productivity.

This work is not just about removing silt from lakes and ponds—it’s about restoring ecosystems, empowering local communities, and building sustainable livelihoods for small and marginal farmers.

The Need

Over 60% of traditional waterbodies in regions around South Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh perform below 50% of their potential. Sedimentation has severely reduced their capacity to capture and store rainwater—leading to farm stress, reduced yields, groundwater depletion, and increased burden on rural women.

Restoring these waterbodies is essential to reversing this ecological and economic decline.

The CCD Approach

CCD’s desilting initiative is anchored in community ownership, tech-enabled planning, and a farm-impact-first model.
Key pillars of the project:
● Farmer Participation: Silt is removed and applied back on farmlands, improving soil health, yields, and reducing fertilizer use.
● Tech-Driven Execution: Satellite mapping, GIS data, and IIT-IIT platforms are used for site selection, monitoring, and measurement.
● Local Governance: Gram Panchayats and SHGs are actively involved in execution and long-term upkeep

Impact So Far (March 2021 – Present)

● Water Capacity Created: 3.8 Billion Litres
● Silt Removed: 3.8 Million CuM
● Waterbodies Restored: 952 Acres
● Farmland Treated: 19,050 Acres
● Farmers Engaged: 4,000+ (80% women)
● Villages Engaged: 138 Gram Panchayats
● People Reached: 16.6 Lakh (8.28 Lakh women)

 

FY 2024–25 Highlights

● Funds Mobilised: ₹3.95 Crores
● Silt Removed: 1.7 Million CuM
● Water Capacity Created: 1.7 Billion Litres
● Farm Acres Treated: 8,675 Acres
● Area Restored: 434 Acres
● Farmers Engaged: 2,419
● Gram Panchayats Involved: 54

 

Looking Ahead

CCD’s approach proves that rural water security and sustainable agriculture can be achieved at scale—when farmers, technology, and community institutions work together.
Our goal is to expand this work through new partnerships, replicate success across more districts, and continue creating models of community-led climate resilience.

To learn more or partner with us, visit: www.ccd.ngo