In May 2024, a major river desilting and widening project was successfully completed at the Bandhanpada–Malad river bed in Murbad, significantly enhancing the region’s water-holding capacity and ecological health. Spearheaded by Vasundhara Sanjivani Mandal (VSM) in collaboration with Naam Foundation, the project has led to an impressive increase in water storage—4,26,37,000 litres—which will directly support the agricultural and domestic water needs of 7,221 people residing in the area. Despite the expenditure details not being publicly mentioned, the scale and outcome of the project reflect a powerful grassroots effort toward climate resilience and water security.

This intervention not only rejuvenated a vital water source that had been suffering from silt buildup and reduced flow but also restored the hydrological balance, benefitting the local ecosystem and economy. By unlocking this vast water potential through desilting and widening, VSM and Naam Foundation have empowered local communities with sustainable access to water, even in periods of low rainfall. The project stands as a successful model of community-driven water conservation, blending traditional knowledge with modern environmental strategies for long-term impact.