Rural development activities in various fields are interconnected and success in one area is conditional upon addressing other issues. A holistic approach with broader outlook covering all aspects is essential for laying the foundation for sustainable development. Developmental activities should not over exploit the available natural resources. There is a need to give due thought to regenerate natural resources and improve the carrying capacity of the land. Planning must start from meeting the felt needs of the people so as to improve the quality of life. We have to consider conservation and protection of environment while implementing developmental activities. The best course of action will be to adopt an integrated watershed development approach.
Sustainable rural development should aim at empowering the community as the route to success lies within the community, at grass root level. Community participation is crucial. Community’s participation in successful initiatives creates self confidence, self esteem & a sense of empowerment. It generates a will to succeed.

The Project has mobilized the community through “Gram Sabhas” and each ‘Gram Sabha’ electing its own ‘Gram Vikas Samiti’ to plan, supervise, execute and maintain all assets created. Whereas, the Gram Sabha & Gram Vikas Samities ensure village level cohesion; intra-village problems are considered and solved in a democratic manner by the ‘Vikas Sabha’ comprising of all chairmen and secretaries of Vikas Samities of the cluster which also ensures emotive bonding.

The village level institutions are guided by the technical advisers of the Trust in various fields who maintain continuous liaison with various government departments to ensure that the latest technologies are introduced in the rural areas. To ensure unity of action, the village level institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions and the Trust maintain close working relations with each other.