< Back Rohit Jadav Sr. Technical Associate

VIKAS CFD defines development process as a movement from marginalized state of existence characterized by poverty, deprivation and under development to a state of being where all attain better quality of life and live with self-respect, dignity and pride. The economically marginalized communities include agriculture laborer, small and marginal farmers, fishermen, small salt producers, charcoal makers and industrial workers. Improving the environment is the key to improving the livelihoods, and vice versa Our Governance Our Philosophy Our Pillars Focus Area Combating climate change Climate change is affecting every country on every continent. VIKAS designs, develops and implements initiatives directed towards combating climate change. Mainstreaming the marginalised VIKAS' core development strategy revolves around the idea of mainstreaming the marginalized. Combing cause and commerce VIKAS believes that to achieve sustainable development, one must combine cause with commerce. Development Strategy VIKAS CFD defines development process as a movement from marginalized state of existence characterized by poverty, deprivation and under development to a state of being where all attain better quality of life and live with self-respect, dignity and pride. The economically marginalized communities include agriculture laborer, small and marginal farmers, fishermen, small salt producers, charcoal makers and industrial workers. VIKAS CFD plans and implements development programs based on the felt needs of the communities and link them with the resources of Government, Industries and donors. Environment and institutional sustainability are two key elements of the development strategy of VIKAS CFD. The organization focuses on participation and empowering of local people, particularly women in the implementation of the programs. VIKAS CFD invests efforts and resources to improve quality of environment as well as build village and area level organizations of local people so that future sustainability of the initiatives is ensured.

< Back Pooja Joshi LEAD- Gender Integration

VIKAS CFD is a small, independent and accountable public charitable trust. The organisation has Core and Finance Committee Groups which look after Programme and Financial areas of the organisation through monthly and quarterly meetings respectively. Home: Welcome Improving the environment is the key to improving the livelihoods, and vice versa Our Governance Our Philosophy Our Pillars Our Board Rajesh Shah Architect Founder Trustee of VIKAS, Since 1978 A founder Trustee of VIKAS Centre for Development. He is presently heading the organisation as Managing Trustee(Hon.). The major development programmes of VIKAS in the rural areas are in the field of Human Resource Development through Education, Training and Capacity Building and Support to Organisations of the Poor. In Urban areas the emphasis is on setting up Micro Credit and Social Security Systems. MS. NEETA HARDIKAR Development Practitioner Trustee of VIKAS, Since 2014 An alumnus of M.S. University, Vadodara, India (1988-90 batch), currently based in Devgadh Baria. She worked with Mahila Samakhya Gujarat and Janvikas prior to setting up ANANDI - Area Networking and Development Initiatives. Prof. Indira Hirway M.A., PhD. Founder Trustee of VIKAS, Since 1978 A Founder Trustee of VIKAS Centre for Development. Doctorate in Agricultural Economics from University of Mumbai. She was associated with Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research and Mahatma Gandhi Labour Institute as Professor of Economics. She is now the Director of Centre for Development Alternatives, an Academic Research Centre, Ahmedabad. Mr.Somnath Bandyopadhyay Independent Research Consultant Trustee of VIKAS, Since 2024 Dr Somnath Bandyopadhyay is an independent Development Ecologist based in India. His core education in aquatic ecology (both freshwater and marine) was supplemented by Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis training from Harvard University (USA) and Market Systems Development from Springfield Centre (UK). Through international non-profit organizations such as the Aga Khan Foundation and Safe Water Network, he has worked on community institutions, strategies and programs in rural livelihoods, poverty reduction, and social enterprises. Through national government agencies such as Gujarat Ecology Commission and the National Mission Clean Ganga, he has worked on restoration planning, State-level environment strategies, and the rejuvenation of river systems. Most recently, he was a founding faculty at the School of Ecology and Environment Studies at Nalanda University. He crafted an interdisciplinary curriculum for post-graduate studies, managed an international research project on groundwater management for small farmers, and participated in various government commit-tees to conserve biodiversity. He is presently an independent consultant based in Vadodara, working on interdisciplinary programs related to surface and groundwater and related policies. He tends to adopt sustainable market approaches to address the problems of ecology and development, particularly in the context of livelihoods in stressed and degraded ecosystems. Alka Palrecha Architect Trustee of VIKAS, Since 2014 Dr. Alka Palrecha Rawal, Director People in Centre Consulting Services, Ahmedabad, India has studied M.L.A. (Master of Landscape Architecture) at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. G.D. Arch. (Government Diploma in Architecture),Academy of Architecture, Mumbai. Has been Advisor, Natural Resource Management Programmes Ambuja Cement Foundation, Executive secretary, Coastal Salinity Cell, A joint initiative of Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) and Government of Gujarat, Coordinator, Coastal Management and River Basin Management, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Harinesh Pandya Development Practitioner Trustee of VIKAS, Since 2014 Mr. Harinesh Pandya, a secretary of ‘Janpath’ a Network of Voluntary organisations in Gujarat. He is a founder and active member of ‘Jan Sangharsh Manch’, Civil Liberty Organisation working on human rights violations issue, housing rights of marginalised sections, issues of displacement due to industrial growth etc. He is actively associated and promoter of various people’s movements in Gujarat, (such as Jan Andolan, Movement against pota etc.) He has worked with Shreyas Foundation, Ahmedabad, from 1982 to 1986 and also worked actively in trade union movement of Gujarat from 1986 to 1999. Guiding Principles We believe in staying small and focused while creating a meaningful and lasting impact. Being a small organisation allows us to adapt quickly to the needs of the communities we partner with. It also helps us stay grounded, working closely with people to co-create solutions that truly reflect their realities. Our creativity drives us to think outside the box, finding innovative ways to address challenges in housing, waste management, health, and education. We believe in partnerships and collaboration—working hand-in-hand with local communities, governments, and other organisations to multiply the impact of our efforts. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. Accountability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to being transparent, sharing our progress, and learning from our experiences. By empowering local communities to take ownership of initiatives, we ensure that our work remains relevant and sustainable over time. Instead of growing bigger, we aim to deepen our impact, spreading ideas and solutions that inspire others to create change. For us, it’s not about size, it’s about staying true to our values and making a difference where it matters most. The center will remain small, but its ripples will keep growing... Disclosures Vikas - Centre for Developemnt is registered as Public Charitable Trust under Bombay Public Charitable Trust Act 1950 Trust Registration No : Date of Establishment : Income-Tax Certificate u/s 12 A : Income-Tax Exemption u/s 80 G : FCRA Registration No. : FCRA Designate Bank : CSR1 Number : FC Contribution Statement : Auditors : E 3183, Ahmedabad 4th January 1978 No.III/32/V-75/71-70/VI dated 16/02/1978. DIT(E)/80G(5)/1084/2008-2009 dated 20/07/2009 041910016 dated 10/01/1985.(Renewal Certificate dated 01/11/2016.) State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch(NDMB), New Delhi – 110001. FCRA Savings Account – 40030079307 (Account Open Date: 23/2/2021) FCRA Financials (F.Y. 2019-2024) H. Rustom & Company, CA Ahmedabad A. S. Shaikh & Company, CA Ahmedabad Download Download 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 Organisation Structure Our organisational structure is designed to ensure community ownership, effective decision-making, and seamless knowledge transfer. The leadership of the Core Working Group and Finance Committee drives key decisions, while local community-based organizations (CBOs) play a crucial role in empowering and involving the community. Through peer learning and exposure visits, we continuously strengthen our knowledge base and improve project outcomes, creating a collaborative environment for sustainable development. * CBO - Community Based Organisation

VIKAS CFD has been working since 1978 to address environmental and poverty in urban and rural areas. Home: Welcome

Discover how to improve village economy through women-led solutions and community-driven transformation. Learn more now. Annual Reports Baseline Study Impact Assessment Videos Annual Reports 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 Baseline and Research Studies Charcoal Workers Study Charcoal Workers Study Need Assessment Study Need Assessment Pinch of Salt Describe your image Yet to be Free Describe your image Impact Assessment Drip Linked Solar System (DLSS) Pilot Revitalising Communities through Restoring Mangroves Describe your image Videos Play Video Play Video 00:22 National Symposium on Mangrove Replenishment #ggwg #mangrove #odisha #symposium Play Video Play Video 00:24 Exposure Visit of SHG for Enterprise Development #shg #enterprise #bananafibre Play Video Play Video 00:41 Awareness Rally #wastesegregation #wastetowealth #wastedisposal #garbagecrisis #solidwaste Play Video Play Video 04:20 Great Green Wall of Gujarat Play Video Play Video 07:15 Bioshield Play Video Play Video 07:04 Bio Shield (The green cover at coastal area)

< Back Snehal Bhangabhai Padvi Social Mobilizer

< Back Jhanvi Arjunsinh Raj Documentation & MIS-Assistant

< Back Anandi Dodiya Community Worker

< Back Hardevsinh Yadav Technical Associate

Discover VIKAS CFD Ahmedabad office, a grassroots organisation dedicated to holistic development in Gujarat. Home: Welcome Waves are inspiring not because they rise and fall, but because each time they fall they never fail to rise again -Ralph Waldo Emerson Our Journey VIKAS Centre for Development began its journey addressing urban challenges, focusing on marginalized communities in informal settlements. Over time, it recognized the interconnectedness of rural and urban issues, particularly the root causes of migration and resource exploitation. This led to its transition into rural development in Jambusar taluka, Bharuch district, Gujarat. Engaging with marginalized groups, VIKAS tackled natural resource degradation, poverty, and unemployment through community-driven initiatives. Read More What's New Recognitions In Media Impact Makers at COP29 Winner of HSMA 2024 Actionist at COP28 Impact Makers at COP29 1/3 GGWG recognised GST exemption for Mangroves Sabras GGWG recognised 1/7

< Back PANI Sustaining Water, Enriching Life, Transforming Futures The Pani Initiative empowers rural communities, particularly in water-scarce regions like Bharuch district, to sustainably manage and develop water resources through participatory governance. It tackles critical challenges such as recurring droughts, salinity, and social inequities in water access, ensuring the availability of potable water and improving environmental quality. A central component of the initiative is the formation of village-level committees to enable community-driven decision-making for water resource management. These committees are pivotal in planning, implementing, and maintaining interventions such as pond redevelopment, grey water management, rainwater harvesting pits, and rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. The redevelopment of a village pond in Luvara village serves as a pilot project. This initiative combines environmental restoration with community participation, promoting sustainable water use, enhanced groundwater recharge, and socio-economic benefits. Methodology for Implementation The Pani Initiative adopts a holistic, participatory approach emphasizing community empowerment and long-term sustainability. The process begins with mobilizing and raising awareness among stakeholders, including panchayats, marginalised groups, and women, to ensure inclusive participation. Campaigns highlight the importance of water conservation, equitable access, and environmental sustainability. Village-level committees, representing diverse demographics, are formed to oversee planning, implementation, and maintenance. These committees receive training in technical aspects, governance, and conflict resolution, fostering local leadership and ownership. Through participatory planning, communities identify water-related challenges and co-develop solutions, such as pond redevelopment, grey water management, rainwater harvesting pits, rooftop rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge. Implementation focuses on infrastructure development, including pond redevelopment with features like stone pitching, slope correction, and safety railings. Additional improvements, such as solar street lights, walkways, and tree plantations, enhance usability, environmental quality, and the micro-climate. Community members actively contribute through sweat equity, strengthening engagement. Social inclusion is integral, addressing caste-related inequities and involving marginalized groups. Women play a central role in decision-making due to their significant responsibility for household water management. Livelihood opportunities are generated during project execution and sustained through better water availability for agriculture and livestock. Sustainability is ensured through regular monitoring and infrastructure upkeep by village committees, supported by capacity-building sessions. Partnerships with government schemes like the Swachh Bharat Mission provide funding and technical assistance. Periodic evaluations promote transparency, accountability, and adaptability, fostering a self-reliant and water-secure community. This comprehensive methodology ensures the Pani Initiative addresses immediate water scarcity challenges while building long-term resilience and socio-economic well-being in rural communities. Project Gallery Partners Partners of the Pani Initiative play a vital role in driving sustainable water resource management and community empowerment through collaborative action and shared expertise. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Impact of the Initiative The Pani Initiative has revitalized water-scarce villages by enhancing groundwater recharge, increasing water body levels, and ensuring access to potable water. It has strengthened local institutions, enriched biodiversity, and promoted greenery through tree plantations and ecosystem restoration. These efforts have improved livelihoods, reduced migration, and fostered resilient, sustainable rural communities. 1/1