On April 10, 2024, we have organized a program in the village where Shri Akshay Shridhar, IAS, CEO of Zilla Panchayat Haveri, inaugurated the Micro Watershed project in Guddad Hosahalli, Ranebennur. This village, where VRDS is actively working, is benefiting from soil and water conservation and afforestation efforts on a farmer-wise basis. An amount of Rs. 27 lakhs has been approved under MNREGA for constructing trenches and storing rainwater to enhance groundwater levels during the rainy season, utilizing a ridge-to-valley approach. Afforestation works have also commenced on the upper hillock. CEO Sir, along with Vanasiri NGO, pledged continuous support for the watershed, aiming to prevent migration by providing employment opportunities to laborers, who earn Rs. 349 in wages. We express our gratitude to MNREGA and Gram Swaraj Abhiyan. VRDS is expanding this initiative to 5 villages to create models for sustainable development.