In the year 2023, a significant environmental restoration project involving river desilting and widening was successfully completed at Aapte village, Shahapur, under the joint efforts of NAAM Foundation and Vasundhara Sanjivani Mandal (VSM). This project aimed to rejuvenate the natural water flow, increase storage capacity, and reduce the risk of flooding during monsoons. As a result of the desilting and widening work, the village river now has an enhanced water storage capacity of 48,75,000 litres, creating a long-term, sustainable impact on local water availability.

With 500 villagers directly benefitting from the improved water access, the project has helped boost agricultural productivity, groundwater recharge, and ensured better water security for daily use. Although the total expenditure has not been disclosed, the project stands as a successful example of community-centered water conservation efforts. By restoring the river ecosystem, this initiative has strengthened the region’s resilience against droughts and seasonal water shortages, fulfilling VSM’s core mission of sustainable rural development through eco-sensitive solutions.