Issue 7: Apr - Jun 2026
www.vf.dhan.orgDear Readers
Greetings !!!
Waterways continues to showcase the collective efforts of communities in strengthening water governance, restoring traditional water bodies, and promoting sustainable livelihoods through people-centred development. During the quarter April to June 2026, Vayalagam focussed on knowledge generation, capacity building, institutional strengthening, environmental conservation, and community-led water resource management.
The lead article, “Comparative Impact Assessment of Community-Led Irrigation Tank Rejuvenation Across Three River Basins in Tamil Nadu,” presents evidence on how irrigation tank restoration, combined with strong community institutions, has enhanced water security, agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and climate resilience across diverse river basins. This issue also features key knowledge events, including the 2nd Indo-Global Irrigation Summit 2026, where DHAN Foundation shared its four decades of experience in community water governance, along with programmes on integrated risk management and sustainable seed production.
The newsletter highlights inspiring success stories such as the transformation of Mr. Muniyandi through orchard development, the remarkable leadership journey of Mrs. Kaliyammal, and a series of capacity-building programmes that strengthened the skills of Vayalagam associates and community leaders across Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. We also bring you glimpses of World Environment Day celebrations across different regionsthrough tree plantation and community awareness initiatives.
We invite you to explore this edition of Waterways, which brings together research, field experiences, and community innovations that reinforce the importance of collective action in building resilient water systems, sustainable agriculture, and prosperous rural communities.
Team
Lead Article
“Comparative Impact Assessment of Community-Led Irrigation Tank Rejuvenation Across
Three River Basins in Tamil Nadu”
Traditional irrigation tanks have been the backbone of South India's agrarian economy for centuries, providing irrigation, groundwater recharge, livestock water, and ecological services. However, decades of neglect, siltation, damaged hydraulic structures, and weakening community institutions have significantly reduced their effectiveness. Through the Vayalagam approach, community-led restoration interventions have demonstrated that revitalizing these traditional systems can substantially improve water security, agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and institutional governance.
Read More
Knowledge events
1) 2nd Indo-Global Irrigation Summit 2026: Technical workshop on “Community Water Governance”
2nd Indo-Global Irrigation Summit 2026, organized by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) in partnership with DHAN Foundation, under the aegis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, concluded successfully in New Delhi on 24–25 June 2026. Read More
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8_jhQMyiZE
2) Workshop on Integrated Risk Management for Vice Presidents of the Vayalagam Agricultural Finance Group
A one-day workshop on Integrated Risk Management for Vice Presidents of Vayalagam Agricultural Finance Groups was organised on 16 May 2026 at Dhan People Academy, Pulloothu, Madurai, by Dhan People Academy (DPA), People Mutual (PM), and Dhan Vayalagam (Tank) Foundation (DVTF). The workshop brought together Vice Presidents from the Sedapatti, T. Kallupatti, Kallikudi, Kariyapatti Vattara Vayalagam, and Gundar regions to strengthen their understanding of leadership responsibilities and integrated risk management. Read More
3) District Policy Seminar on Seed Production under Sustainable Financial Inclusion
The District Policy Seminar on Seed Production under Sustainable Financial Inclusion was organized on 23 June 2026 at Selvi Mahal, Kottampatti, bringing together officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, Seed Certification, Rural Development, and Banking Departments, along with representatives from DHAN Foundation, Jeevidam Ltd., Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and farmers from thirteen blocks across the Pambar region. Read More
Success stories / Case Studies
Tree Plantation Intervention Improving the Economic Well-being of a Small Farmer
Mr. Muniyandi is a small farmer from Periyapattinam village in Ramanathapuram district. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for his family. He owns two acres of agricultural land, where he traditionally cultivated seasonal crops. Although he had access to an open well, the land generated only seasonal income, making it difficult to ensure a stable livelihood throughout the year. Fluctuating rainfall, rising cultivation costs, and uncertain market returns further affected the family's financial security Read More
Capacity Building Events
1) 45th Vayalagam Movement Workers Training Programme (Second Week)
The second week of the 45th Vayalagam Movement Workers Training Programme was held from 21–26 May 2026 at Dhan People Academy, Madurai, with 28 associates from the Gundar Basin. Read More
2) 46th Vayalagam movement Workers Training (Bihar State)
The 46th Vayalagam Movement Workers Training Programme was organized for associates from the Kiul Basin, Bihar, with around 50 participants taking part in the programme. Read More
3) 47th Vayalagam Movement Workers Training Programme – First Week
The first week of the 47th Vayalagam Movement Workers Training Programme for the Champavathi Basin was conducted from 19–24 June 2026 at Vizianagaram. Read More
4) Training on Tank Appraisal Using Digital Tools
The Training on Tank Appraisal Using Digital Tools was conducted on 29–30 June 2026 at Dhan People Academy with 30 Vayalagam associates from the Gundar Basin. Read More
5) Cascade Vayalagam Management and Strengthening Training
A two-day Cascade Vayalagam Management and Strengthening Training was organized on 25–26 June 2026 at Dhan People Academy for 21 leaders from the T. Kallupatti Federation in the Gundar Basin. Read More
Life journey of Vayalagam leaders
An Inspiring Journey of Leadership, Integrity, and Water Stewardship: Mrs Kaliyamma Story
Early Life: Mrs. Kaliyammal was born in A. Sathiram village and married into Vembapatti village nearly five decades ago. For the past 50 years, she has been living with her husband in a thatched house near the roadside. Read More
International days event celebrations
Environmental Day Celebrations
1) Kolar Region
On the occasion of World Environment Day, awareness programmes were organized at Mavahalli and Nayakarahalli villages in Bangarpet Block and Kudiyanur village in Malur Block in collaboration with the respective Gram Panchayats, Veterinary Department, and CFL team. Read More
2) Kothagudem Region
On the occasion of World Environment Day, a series of awareness programmes were organized across two blocks of the Kothagudem Region to promote environmental conservation and sustainable living. Read More
3) CURE, Madurai
On the occasion of World Environment Day, 32 volunteers from the HCL Foundation, 20 Adavi Gardeners, and 10 DHAN staff members actively participated in a tree plantation and tree walk programme at Adavi. Read More
4) Gundar Region
Collaboration with departments we mobilized the tree plantation as an free cost and celebrated the Environment Day in 41 vayalagams on that day we planted the 892 tree plantations in common land and farmer’s individual land. Read More
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