World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Observed under SAFBIN Project
On the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed on 17 June 2026, the SAFBIN Project of MPSSS Mandla organized a series of community-based activities across Thoda, Silpura, and Surangdevri villages to promote awareness and action towards combating land degradation, drought challenges, and climate change impacts.
The event witnessed active participation from 113 community members, including men, women, and children, reflecting strong community ownership and commitment towards environmental conservation. The program focused on strengthening climate resilience through sustainable natural resource management practices and promoting locally relevant solutions for long-term livelihood security.
As part of the awareness initiatives, community members participated in interactive discussions on soil health management, groundwater conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers were sensitized about the importance of maintaining soil fertility and adopting eco-friendly approaches to enhance agricultural productivity.
A practical demonstration on the preparation and management of Azolla units was also conducted, highlighting its role as a sustainable bio-fertilizer and nutritious livestock feed. The initiative encouraged farmers to adopt low-cost, environmentally friendly practices that contribute to improved soil fertility and livestock development.
To support ecological restoration, a plantation drive was organized with community participation, emphasizing the importance of vegetation cover in preventing soil erosion, conserving moisture, and restoring degraded landscapes. Additionally, villagers actively engaged in Shramdan (voluntary labour) to clean and desilt local water bodies, improving their water storage capacity ahead of the monsoon season.
These collective efforts under the SAFBIN Project demonstrate the community’s commitment towards land restoration, water conservation, biodiversity protection, and building climate-resilient rural livelihoods. The initiative highlighted the importance of community-led action in addressing environmental challenges and creating sustainable solutions for future generations.
