In May 2024, Vasundhara Sanjivani Mandal (VSM), in collaboration with Naam Foundation, successfully completed a transformative River Desilting and Widening project at the Pashtepada River Bed in Shahapur. This strategic intervention has significantly enhanced the region’s water retention capacity, resulting in an impressive increase of 6,74,40,000 liters in water storage. This initiative was aimed at rejuvenating the natural water flow, reducing the risk of water scarcity, and reviving the local ecosystem.

Although the financial expenditure has not been disclosed, the scale and impact of the project clearly reflect the thoughtful planning and efficient execution undertaken by the sponsoring organizations. The project has directly benefited 220 people in the nearby areas, providing them with improved access to water for both daily needs and agriculture. By tackling silt accumulation and restoring the river’s natural width, this initiative now ensures better groundwater recharge, cleaner river flow, and increased water availability during dry seasons. The completion status marks a major milestone in VSM’s ongoing commitment to sustainable water management and rural development, and it stands as a replicable model of community-driven environmental restoration.