Urban Setu in Bhuj, Kachchh, is a civil society initiative to empower citizens and bridge the governance gap between them and the administration

Jharcraft, a state government initiative, has helped transform the lives of 2.5 lakh families with support for reviving, enhancing, and marketing their traditional crafts. Local craft-based institutions have also been strengthened.

A team of botanists in the Western Ghats has spent over 30 years on an ambitious project to regrow a rainforest. Akshai Jain reports in the Tehelka

Today, more than a decade after the Gujarat disaster, Hunnarshala has come a long way. One of the goals of its founders was to retain a community feel — a potentially challenging task in an area where caste is a key issue and it is easy to get mired in sectional disputes and attempts to corner the assistance available. But Hunnarshala has managed to stay out of caste controversies.

Mangalajodi villagers have displayed a strong commitment to protect migratory and resident waterbirds at the edge of Chilika lake, Odisha.

Decentralised energy can provide solutions to many of India's energy requirements, especially in rural areas.

Srinivasan Sekar, 50, from Bangalore, has built a two-storey home that is free from dependence on the electricity grid or water supply. He has installed 12 solar panels on his rooftop, at a cost of Rs 4 lakh. On any given day, including rainy days, it can generate 12-15 units which is sufficient for most four-people households.

SWaCH, a cooperative of wastepicker women, along with the Kagaj Kach Patrak Kashtakari Panchayat, has helped provide dignity and enhanced livelihoods to thousands of the poorest and most exploited women in Pune.

The Timbaktu Collective in Andhra Pradesh is transforming the lives of villagers through sustainable dryland farming, conservation of the commons, and empowerment of women.