Theme 5 : Protect Biodiversity and Adapt Climate Change

From Barren to Breathing

Case Story 3
Context

In Varalotti and Azhagiyanallur Panchayats of Kariyapatti Block, communities have been increasingly facing environmental challenges that exacerbate vulnerability to climate and disaster risks. Declining green cover, rising temperatures, soil degradation, and falling groundwater levels had begun affecting agriculture, water availability, and overall livelihood security.

Residents identified these factors as contributing to drought, heat stress, and water scarcity, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to restore ecological balance and strengthen local resilience.

Awareness meeting conducted with community people on importace of Tree plantation
Awareness meeting conducted with community people on importace of Tree plantation
Challenges
The twin pressures of environmental degradation and climate variability threatened the well-being and livelihoods of residents.

Reduced tree cover not only heightened temperature extremes but also lowered groundwater recharge and increased soil erosion.

Without coordinated action, these conditions could lead to worsening droughts, water shortages, and diminished agricultural productivity, leaving the community more exposed to climate-related disasters and long-term socio-economic vulnerability.

Intervention

To address these risks, Mission Samriddhi facilitated an awareness and mobilization campaign. On 13th June 2026, 20 community members participated in a meeting on tree plantation and environmental protection.

Discussions through Gram Sabha, SHG groups, and farmer platforms emphasized the role of trees in regulating micro-climates, conserving water, and protecting ecosystems linking ecological restoration directly to disaster risk reduction (DRR).

The Panchayat Secretary, Mr. Mahalingam, ensured institutional support through MGNREGA for sapling maintenance and recommended strategic plantation along public spaces and tank bunds to enhance water retention.

Converging resources from Kariyapatti Agriculture and Horticulture Department (KAHD) and the Himalaya Foundation, the community mobilized 1,000 saplings. On 8th October 2025, in the presence of the District Project Manager, Cluster Coordinators, and local residents, the saplings were planted scientifically with proper pit preparation, natural manure, protective fencing, and regular watering.

Continuous monitoring by PRPs Jayanthi, Thiruvalar Selvi, and CC Alagu Chitra ensured healthy growth.

Plant saplings acquired from Kariyapatti Agriculture and Horticulture Department
Plant saplings acquired from Kariyapatti Agriculture and Horticulture Department
Saplings planted with fencing to protect from attack of wild animals
Saplings planted with fencing to protect from attack of wild animals
Impact

The plantation initiative has strengthened the ecological resilience of Varalotti and Azhagiyanallur Panchayats while simultaneously building community capacity for DRR.

Increased tree cover now helps regulate local microclimates, improve groundwater recharge, prevent soil erosion, and conserve water resources.

The initiative demonstrates how local leadership, community engagement, and inter-departmental collaboration can effectively transform environmental challenges into sustainable, long-term resilience.