Vanarai – Welcome

Maharashtra receives 1170mm of avg. rainfall
annually, but only 20% is saved.

Our state loses soil worth
rupees 1.86 billion crore every year

More than 42.5% of Maharashtra’s landmass is
undergoing desertification.

The forest cover of Maharashtra is only
16.5% of geographical area against the goal of 33%.

In Maharashtra, an average of 8 farmers commit suicide daily due to agri-based financial distress.

The Birth
of Vanarai

Our Founder Padma Vibhushan Dr. Mohan Dharia was so moved by this situation and he took it as a challenge to drive change! He showed us a vision of a “Sujalam, Suphalam” Bharat. His faith in the Gandhian philosophy of “Let’s get back to our villages” led to the birth of Vanarai way back in the 1980’s.

Since then, Vanarai has been actively involved in thought leadership and action in soil and water conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, ecological restoration, and farm-based livelihoods for socio-economic upliftment of Rural Geographies. For over four decades, we have driven sustainable change at the grassroots level, empowering thousands of families and shaping a brighter future for India.

Vanarai's Approach

We envision a future where rural geographies and communities overcome water scarcity, land degradation, and get back to farming, Leading to sustainable rural development. Our mission is to transform rural areas by meeting their essential needs and creating replicable models of rural transformation.

How We Work

OUR INSPIRATION FOR TOMORROW

Imagine a scenario where villages are Clean, green and prosperous! That’s the future we’re working towards, one step at a time, one village at a time. It’s a grand mission, but with a lot of heart, and loads of support from well wishers like yourself, we will make it happen!