Vruksha Prem Seva Trust

Vruksha Prem Seva Trust is a non-governmental organization based at Upleta, Rajkot. The trust was founded by octogenarian, Shree Premji Bhai Patel, a Read moren Industrialist from Mumbai. The organization is known for its innovative techniques and traditional knowledge in the areas of Water Conservation and Tree Plantation. The organization is working on the philosophy of community participation and capacity building in achieving the desired objectives. Initially, the main focus was to provide fuelwood by planting trees of different varieties. We have planted around 1crore trees in different parts of India and constructed more than 2000 check dams in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Other works include the construction of farm ponds and roof water harvesting structures in coastal areas of Junagadh districts.  Vision:  To innovate sustainable techniques and use traditional knowledge for the conservation of environment . Mission : To ensure the availability of fuelwood and water for agriculture purposes . Main Focus Areas of Organization   To plant trees for greenery and other purposes. To construct check dams on seasonal rivers/rivulets/stream for conservation of water. To construct Roof Water Harvesting Structures for drinking and household needs. To construct Farm Ponds to control flood, soil erosion and maintain soil moisture. To construct Percolation tanks in the villages to conserve water. To dig-out the accumulated silt of dams for increasing water storage capacity. The aims and objectives of Organization   To construct check dams on seasonal rivers/rivulets/streams for conservation of water. To construct underground water tanks for rainwater harvesting. To regularly check and monitor the accumulation of silt in dams and deepening of it. To deepen existing ponds/lakes to increase water holding capacity. To enhance the water storing capacity of wells by recharging it. To educate the beneficiaries for conservation of water and benefits of small check dams. To make women’s groups for equal participation and empower them with benefits. To work for ecological growth through innovative ideas of villagers. Strategies employed for the implementation of various programmes The innovative methods and grass-root technologies based on local knowledge. The participation of all the community members is ensured at the level of project implementations.  Identification of local solutions for local problems.  Support of local people who are motivated to bring change. Formation of user groups for each watershed structure to carry out construction and maintenance processes.  Providing cement to the farmers for the construction of watershed structures.  33% contribution from user groups for the construction of check dams. The capacity building of farmers and villagers in the form of training and awareness programmes.