NAWA SUSTAINABLE ECO MODEL VILLAGES

Before Independence Nilgiris were known for its ability to supply surplus water to more than 9 districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala through its 2800 streams. Today, Nilgiri's water passes through less than 800 streams, in that also only 20 percent streams were able to survive last summer. These streams act as a lifeline for wild animals and indigenous tribals living inside the forests areas. Along with water scarcity, tribal people face a rise in the acidic level of water due to overuse of fertilizers by bigger estates along with small and medium scale farmers, which ultimately leads to various health issues. Green revolution along with Industrialization era has added more pain to the indigenous tribals by replacing traditional crops like organic millets with cash crops such as tea, coffee, etc .Among the Nilgiri tribals, more than 80 percent of tribal children and elders were diagnosed with dominant health issues such as calcium deficiency, reduced eyesight, less HB levels, sickle cell anemia and malnutrition. With upcoming global climatic changes it is high time we save the tribal people from leaving forest land for livelihood opportunities.

Five chosen villages of Konnavakarai Panchayath covers 381 tribal families, mostly Irulas and Kurumbas where socio-economic opportunities are very scarce.They collectively own 457 acres of agricultural land. We plan to create these 5 villages into model Sustainable eco-villages over a period of 3 years by

* Awareness on benefits of organic manure and methods to produce it.

* Restoration of water bodies (Ponds and streams)

* Clearing invasive plants in and around the forest areas.

* Planting traditional trees which can protect water bodies around the forest, restored ponds, and rivers.

* Creating a safe infrastructure unit for cows, goats to create organic manure and pesticide through its excreta.

* Replacing chemical fertilizers by subsidizing organic manure over 100 acres (20 acres per village).

* Creating 5 nutrition garden per village with fencing and water facility and to supply nutritional demand of village

based on diagnosed diseases and malnutrition.

* Mass producing organic manure for creating sustainable income opportunities.

We are focusing on creating a model tribal village where agriculture and livelihood opportunities are achieved through practices which are ecologically sustainable.

*Nutrition Garden - We will be able to achieve higher HB levels and to reduce vitamin and malnutrition through

the regular supply of nutritious traditional foods and herbs with the regular suggestion from traditional as well as allopathic medicines.

*Pond excavation - We will be able to renew groundwater level and also to provide regular water supply for people as well as cattle even during summer.

*Tree Planting (Water restraining )and clearing invasive plants - We will be able to create a better ecosystem for wild animals to avoid invading agricultural lands and also it will help tribal people with restoring water over the villages.

*Nursery - Nursery will be providing tribals and planting free saplings throughout the year with the help of the forest department.

* Animal husbandry fodder & Manure Unit - We will be able to teach and use manure created from animal husbandry for the nourishment of nutrition garden, which can be improved for mass production.

* Subsidizing Organic fertilizers - We will be able to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers which in turn leads to a reduction in contamination of chemical in soil and water bodies. Over time if we are able to supply organic manure at lower prices than chemical fertilizer we can sustain this model all over the Nilgiris.