Water security restored
Invasive species clearing restored water bodies' storage capacity, while cattle ponds and groundwater recharge structures secured reliable water sources for livestock.
MI-Tank initiative
A United Way, Mumbai CSR partnership delivered by Coodu Trust in Manur Block and Gangaikondasolapuram, Tirunelveli District — rejuvenating water bodies and building skills for water security and rural livelihoods.
25
Cattle ponds constructed or repaired
25
Farmers trained in advanced cultivation
20
Rural youth trained in machinery repair
20
MI tanks with catchments cleared
The project
What this project set out to do
Project mission
A comprehensive CSR programme to address critical water security and livelihood challenges through water body rejuvenation, sustainable agricultural practices and community capacity building for enhanced resilience and productivity.
The MI-Tank Initiative is a CSR partnership funded by United Way, Mumbai, with Coodu Trust delivering the work on the ground — translating the CSR goals into community-led action in Manur Block, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. From 2023–24, the integrated development phase combined clearing invasive species, installing recharge shafts, planting native trees and community capacity building.
On the ground, the programme constructed or repaired 25 cattle ponds supporting animal health and local dairy activities, trained 25 farmers in advanced cultivation technologies, ran Integrated Crop Management demonstrations with 20 farmers and equipped 20 rural youth with farm machinery repair skills. By restoring traditional tanks and ponds while equipping farmers and youth with modern skills, it aimed to create a sustainable ecosystem for water management and agricultural innovation.
In 2024–25 the work extended into a dedicated Minor Irrigation Programme at Gangaikondasolapuram: village and school awareness campaigns on land and water conservation, training for the Village Natural Resource Management Committee, compartmental bunds across 15 acres per village, de-silting of supply channels and catchment clearance for 20 MI tanks, Prosopis juliflora removal and native tree planting in every project village.
- Water infrastructure
- Ecosystem restoration
- Community capacity building
- Livelihood enhancement
Why this work matters
The challenge on the ground — and our answer
The challenge
Water bodies losing their storage capacity
Invasive Prosopis Juliflora had taken hold of local ponds, reducing the storage capacity of traditional water bodies and leaving livestock without reliable water sources.
Our response
Rejuvenation from clearing to recharge
Large-scale clearing of Prosopis Juliflora restored storage capacity, 25 cattle ponds were constructed or repaired, multiple recharge shafts were installed and native trees replaced the invasives.
The challenge
Farms without modern skills or local repair services
Without training in advanced cultivation, and without local technicians to keep farm machinery running, farming communities face lower yields, higher costs and long downtimes.
Our response
Training farmers and youth side by side
25 farmers trained in advanced cultivation technologies, ICM field demonstrations with 20 farmers, and 20 rural youth trained in farm machinery repair — creating local employment and technical services.
At a glance
The essentials
- Funder
- United Way, MumbaiCSR partnership focused on water security & livelihood enhancement
- Period
- 2023–2025Integrated development phase from 2023–24, extended into a Minor Irrigation Programme in 2024–25
- Coverage
- Manur Block & GangaikondasolapuramTirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu
- Beneficiaries
- Farmers, rural youth & livestock owners25 farmers, 20 rural youth and 20 farmers in ICM demonstrations; 25 cattle ponds supporting animal health & local dairy activities
- Delivered by
- Coodu TrustOn-ground delivery translating CSR goals into community-led action
- Status
- OngoingInvasive species cleared, recharge shafts installed, native trees planted & communities trained
Outcomes
What the project changed
Ecosystem revival
Native tree plantation revitalised local biodiversity and improved soil quality for long-term ecosystem health.
Resilience & local employment
Infrastructure development and community empowerment enhanced resilience and agricultural productivity, while machinery repair training opened local employment for rural youth.
Get involved
Support water security & rural livelihoods
Join us in rejuvenating water bodies and building the skills that keep farming communities resilient — from cattle ponds and recharge shafts to trained farmers and youth across Tamil Nadu.