From neglect to progress: The story of Ranavara’s community-led development

By Bharat Dogra 

Visitors to Ranavara, a remote village in Kherwara block of Udaipur district, are often surprised by its multi-dimensional progress. The village today is known for its impressive school building, regenerated pastures, expanded tree cover, and extensive water conservation and supply works. These achievements are the outcome of sustained community efforts over several years, demonstrating how small, consistent initiatives can lead to significant change.

Thavat Singh, an elder of the village, recalls that about three decades ago Ranavara was a typically neglected settlement in a remote region. The turning point, he says, came when workers from Seva Mandir, a voluntary organisation based in Udaipur, began an adult literacy campaign in the village. During the course of this campaign, discussions gradually expanded to include the development needs of the community.

Another elder, Karma Singh, reflects that meaningful change began when villagers started setting aside internal differences and working collectively for the village’s development. Ranavara comprises several communities and hamlets, and cooperation across social divisions was essential for progress. According to him, the decision to prioritise collective welfare marked a crucial shift.

Narayan Joshi, a senior activist associated with Seva Mandir who has witnessed these changes over the years, emphasises that transformation begins when people from all communities sit together on the basis of equality, leaving behind bhedbhav (discrimination). The jajam—the traditional carpet on which villagers gather without discrimination—became a symbol of unity and shared purpose.

One of the earliest major collective initiatives was pasture regeneration. This effort was seen as beneficial to all sections of the village, although it involved sensitive issues such as the removal of certain encroachments. Around 11,000 trees, mostly indigenous mixed species, were planted as part of the community initiative. Additionally, about 150 farmers planted nearly 100 trees each on their individual farms. Together, these efforts resulted in the planting of approximately 26,000 trees.

Environmental protection work was planned on a watershed basis, bringing together Ranavara and three nearby settlements—Reta, Karmla and Bhilwada. This was followed by a watershed project that strengthened earlier efforts through water conservation measures, including field bunding and the construction of wells.

The increase in green cover contributed to a rise in the water table. Agricultural productivity improved, and farmers were able to maintain more livestock, including dairy animals. Improved water availability also enabled the cultivation of wheat in fields that had previously been unsuitable for the crop.

Four water tanks were constructed to store water for drinking purposes, significantly reducing the drudgery and time spent by households, particularly women, in fetching water.

Women’s vocational training programmes, especially in sewing, were introduced. Several trainees acquired sufficient skills to generate supplementary income. Five women’s self-help groups were formed, and their growing savings were used for small development and income-generating activities. As household incomes improved, villagers also contributed to a village development fund, which became an independent source of support for local initiatives.

The community also took keen interest in improving the village school. Residents contributed from their own savings to enhance its infrastructure and facilities. Narayan Joshi notes that although there were several unexpected challenges during the process, collective determination helped overcome them, resulting in notable improvements.

Efforts have been made to ensure that the benefits of development reach all sections of the village, including different settlements and hamlets. Paro, a resident of the Bhil community, stated during a group discussion that her community has shared in many of the benefits arising from these initiatives. At the same time, there is recognition of the need for greater awareness and focused attention on the most vulnerable groups, including nomadic and semi-nomadic communities such as the Kalbelia, who live in nearby areas.

The experience of Ranavara illustrates how sustained, inclusive and community-driven initiatives can gradually transform a remote village, strengthening both livelihoods and social cohesion.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Man over Machine, Protecting Earth for Children, A Day in 2071 and Planet in Peril