THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

LANJIGARH, JUNE 6, 2026

The SBI Gram Saksham Project, supported by the SBI Foundation and implemented with technical support from Gram Vikas, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 at Kutingpadar village under Lakhbahali Gram Panchayat in Lanjigarh block of Kalahandi district on Friday.

The project is dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable practices, strengthening rural livelihoods, and enhancing long-term community resilience across ten villages of the Gram Panchayat. Its core interventions focus on water conservation, afforestation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and groundwater recharge to address water scarcity and build climate-resilient farming systems.

The World Environment Day programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from the community and featured an awareness rally, village procession, slogan campaign, and community meeting. Distinguished guests, including Dr. Sachinandan Senapati, Medical Officer of Benagaon Primary Health Centre, Dr. Bibek Sahu, and Karna Sahu, Health Outreach Coordinator, emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and urged villagers to actively participate in tree plantation and sustainable natural resource management.

Members of Village Development Committees, women’s Self-Help Groups, youth groups, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, farmer organizations, and local residents actively took part in the celebrations.

Aligned with the World Environment Day 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” the project continues to prioritize ecosystem restoration and natural resource conservation. Notable achievements include the construction of 4,040 staggered contour trenches (SCTs) across 33 acres, field bunding over 12 acres, and the plantation of 5,660 trees across 10 acres of land, benefiting 375 households in five villages.

The project has also rejuvenated five community ponds and three farm ponds, significantly enhancing water storage and irrigation potential. These interventions are expected to support irrigation across 61 acres of farmland and benefit around 50 farmers. Additionally, two check dams have strengthened rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, providing irrigation support to 22 acres and benefiting 34 farmers.

To promote sustainable agriculture, solar-powered irrigation systems have been introduced, reducing farmers’ dependence on diesel and grid electricity. Plans are also underway to establish a Farm Tool Bank to improve access to modern agricultural equipment. Furthermore, seasonal vegetable seeds have been distributed to 70 small and marginal farmers to enhance household nutrition and supplement income.

Through its integrated approach encompassing natural resource management, agriculture, health, and community development, the SBI Gram Saksham Project continues to drive sustainable rural development and environmental stewardship across Lakhbahali Gram Panchayat, creating lasting benefits for local communities and ecosystems alike.