The review of  THULIR  (Addressing Land and Water Issues) Cluster programme covering the central Tamil Nadu was held at TASOSS, Trichy on 9^th and 10^th of January, 2019. The collective thinking was facilitated by Dr. John Arokiaraj, Caritas India Thematic Manager and  Tamil Nadu State Officer. A total of 22 participants from 10 Diocesan Social Service Societies participated in this 2 days review programme.

In his inaugural address Fr.Albert Thambidurai, Director of TASOSS explained and shared his concerns how the land and water sources are encroached by the corporates and vested interest people. He urged the project partners to lead the target communities towards movement building so that their rightful demands are channelized appropriately and addressed.

Each of the 10 partners made the presentation focusing on programme interventions, inclusions, innovations, information, challenges, and learnings. The technical input session by Dr.Haridas, NRM Thematic Manager added value to the review as the participants gained insights into various land and water issues and how they can be addressed through micro-initiatives.

The sharing of PMSSS, Pudukottai that farmers of Rasiyamangalam volunteered to clean the land before digging the rainwater recharge structure and that 321 farmers have visited the model for replication in the water-starved district has created interest among other participants.

An in-depth discussion on alternatives and suggestions for the revival of livelihood through climate adaptive models and practices especially in the aftermath of Cyclone Gaja was held.

The information board made available on the Government Schemes and programmes and utilizing street theatre for awareness creation are found to be effective tools used by Coimbatore MSSS. Cultivation of minor millets by more number of farmers and the pictorial comparison of before and after situation by Dindigul MSSS was appreciated. One lakh seed balls prepared with indigenous drought proof seed varieties and involving children in the work as volunteers is a good contribution by Trichy MSSS. When Madurai MSSS presented the details of trenches and bunds constructed, the members were educated on how to calculate the water retention capacity of the water holding structures. Solar panel installation, rainwater harvesting system and fertigation are the models shared by Thanjavur MSSS.

CEEMA’s efforts in creating linkages with Government line departments and agricultural officials have enabled them to distribute 2600 vegetable saplings and 260 fruit tree saplings to  52 farmers. Udhagamandalam SSS (USSS) is reaping the harvest out of the seeds sown by Caritas India (in 2012) through the efforts of Dr.John Arokiaraj and Dr.Haridas in Thalavady , its operational area. USSS is able to reach out to 789 farmers and has collected 15000 Kg of millet seeds and distributed to the farmers on the barter system. Organic cultivation is practiced in this area.

The presentations witnessed lots of evidence-based activities like photos, disaggregated data, Farmers Producers Group, receipt of payment, etc., which proves the enhanced professionalism and accountability of the implementing partners.

The review also helped to make planning for the next 3 months in terms of constructing 1000 trenches (measuring 5’x2’x1’), pond deepening in 30 villages, establishing 200 experimentation plots in 100 villages and adding at least 500 volunteers more. The partners said that they are motivated to commit that at least 5000 members will be attending the Gram Sabha meeting on 26.01.2019  with micro plan proposals.

The review meeting gained significance as the operational areas of 5 of the 10 partners were devastated by Cyclone Gaja. There is 50% deficient rainfall. The areas are sandwiched between devastation and ensuing drought-like situation. The collective planning was aimed at mitigating the disaster and protect the land and water through local participation and good governance.