SEVAI-OFI Join Hands for Climate Action in Karur-Trichy Region 🥉

SEVAI, OFI Join Hands for Climate Action in Karur–Trichy Region*  

In a major step to combat climate change, *SEVAI*, with support from *OFI*, has launched an innovative Climate Change Adaptation Program across the Karur–Trichy region. The initiative builds rural resilience through three key actions: creating waterbodies, tree plantation, and livelihood skill development.

With monsoons turning erratic and groundwater depleting, SEVAI is reviving traditional _kuttais_, farm ponds, and check dams in drought-hit villages. These waterbodies recharge groundwater, support cattle, and provide life-saving irrigation during dry spells. Local Water User Groups, led by women, now manage these community assets.

Alongside water security, the program is greening the landscape. Farmers are planting drought-tolerant, high-value trees like Teak, Mahogany, Neem, and fruit species on their lands. Each farmer commits to nurture the trees for 40 years, turning them into long-term “green pensions” that sequester carbon, improve soil, and promise future timber or fruit income. OFI’s support ensures continuous technical guidance from sapling to harvest.

The third pillar ties ecology to the economy. Rural youth and women receive skill training in nursery management, drip irrigation, solar pump operation, tailoring, and food processing. This ensures families don’t migrate during climate shocks but earn within their villages.

What sets the SEVAI–OFI model apart is its integrated approach: water sustains trees, trees protect water, and skills convert both into livelihoods. Village Climate Adaptation Committees ensure community ownership.

“As climate risks rise, we are not just adapting — we are transforming,” said a SEVAI coordinator. “Every pond, every tree, and every skill is hope taking root.”

The program aims to create thousands of water-secure, green, and skilled households across Karur and Trichy, making climate resilience a people’s movement.  

_SEVAI with OFI: Growing Water, Growing Trees, Growing Lives._