Reliance Foundation: Holistic development through strong institution building

Located 2,287 metres above sea level in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is the gram panchayat of Luthiyag in Jhakoli Block, popularly known as Chirbatiya Luthiyag. Being remotely located at such an altitude, the villagers faced many issues. Since the village economy could not provide adequate employment, the male members migrate in search of jobs leaving behind women and children. Water scarcity and crop damage due to animal attacks and snowfall created problems resulting in low incomes and nutritional deficiencies. Dearth of proper infrastructure in the village and lack of unity compounded the problems of the people.

However, things changed after #RelianceFoundation helped in formation of the Raj Rajeshwari Village Association in 2014, which partnered with the Luthiyag Gram Panchayat to transform the village. This not only gave the villagers a platform to discuss and resolve issues but also helped in uniting the villagers. Together, various measures to resolve the issues were adopted. With the shramdaan of the villagers, a pond of 11 lakh litres was constructed for rain water harvesting in the forest, which was appreciated by the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in his “Mann ki Baat”. Innovative techniques such as use of ferro-cement to construct a water tank with a capacity of 55,000 litres were used. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and safeguarding the farms from wild animal attacks led to an increase in the farmers’ yields as well as income. To improve the nutrition levels of the villagers, poly-house based Reliance Nutrition Gardens (RNG) were also adopted, which allowed vegetables to be grown even in winter.

Through the construction of toilets in every home, the village was able to become open defecation free (ODF). Moreover, in collaboration with the District Administration, Tourism Department along with Pahal Himalayas Self-Reliant Co-operative, the “Monsoon Hill Half Marathon was organised in 2018 and 2019, which saw participation in large numbers. With the united efforts of the villagers, the local school received government recognition. The women of the village have also created a forest on 7 acres of land and aspire to convert it into a bio-diversity park.

Through progressive thinking and developing strong institutions, the inhabitants of Chirbatiya Luthiyag have succeeded in making the village independent and self-sufficient. It has been transformed into a model of holistic development, winning praise and accolades from many quarters.

Chirbatiya Luthiyag’s transformation is noteworthy because it was spearheaded by women. In the absence of male community members, who migrate in search of employment, it is the women who have come together to work on various issues affecting them. Reliance Foundation salutes the grit and determination of these women to forge a better future.

#RFforWomenEmpowerment

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