Project WELL: A Watershed of Change in Mitukuli Village, Odisha, India

Deep in the forested heartland of Nayagarh’s Daspalla block (Odisha, India) lies Mitukuli, a remote tribal village once overshadowed by water scarcity and limited livelihood options. Today, it stands transformed — thanks to Project WELL (Water, Environment, Livelihood)—an inspiring initiative by Jeevan Rekha Parishad (JRP) in partnership with Jeevika Trust, UK.

Reviving the Lifeline:Ratna Gandha Stream Reborn

Once a forgotten stream choked by silt and neglect, Ratna Gandha has been revived through an innovative blend of check dams, desilting, and community-led watershed management. The flowing stream is now a lifeline for irrigation and drinking water, nurturing both crops and community resilience.

Clean Water, Healthier Lives Clean water is not just a basic need—it’s a right.

Project WELL installed solar-powered water purification units and community-run water points, slashing cases of

waterborne illnesses. Safe water now flows directly into the lives of 100 tribal families, improving health, hygiene, and dignity.

Nutri-Gardens: Where Empowerment Takes Root Fifty tribal women became changemakers through organic Nutri-Gardens.

With training, seeds, water sources, and tools in hand, they transformed backyard plots into flourishing

gardens of nutrition and economic opportunity. From leafy greens to marketable surplus, these gardens are micro-enterprises rooted in empowerment.

Cultivating Prosperity: Irrigation for 50 Acres

By establishing sustainable irrigation across 50 acres, the project has unlocked the village’s agricultural potential. Farmers now grow diverse crops year-round, increasing food security, income, and climate resilience—sowing not just seeds, but futures. From forming self-help groups to leading restoration work, villagers have become custodians of change. Sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into every drop and decision.

Women and Water: A Pond of Possibilities

In a defining act of agency, 20 tribal women dug a fish pond, using the revived stream’s water. What began as a hope became a source of fresh fish, food security, and income. Today, the pond is more than water—it’s a symbol of

resilience, dignity, and self-reliance.

Project WELL is not just a project—it’s a proof of what’s possible when water, environment, and livelihoods flow together. In Mitukuli, hope runs deep—and it flows clear.