Check Dams, Forest Rights & Tribal Livelihoods: Why 2025 Is a Turning Point for Tribal Communities in India

At the Aadivasi Welfare Foundation (AWF), we believe this is more than a policy moment. It is a turning point that can empower millions of tribal families, strengthen ecosystems, and build resilience against climate change. And it is exactly where AWF’s six pillars—Jungle (Forest), Jal (Water), Jameen (Land), Jalvayu (Climate), Jaanwar (Wildlife), Janjaati (Tribes)—intersect with today’s headlines.

Water is life, especially in tribal regions where agriculture, health, and livelihoods depend on local water bodies. Yet, decades of neglect have left many ponds, wells, and small dams silted, broken, or dry.

• In Himachal Pradesh, the High Court recently directed the state to create a policy for check dams in the Shivalik range. This is not just a legal formality—it is recognition that traditional and community-led water structures are vital for climate adaptation.
• Across India, erratic rainfall, flash floods, and longer dry spells are pushing rural communities into crisis. Without reliable water storage, crops fail, migration increases, and poverty deepens.

At AWF, our work in rejuvenating ponds, Chal-Khal water bodies, and natural catchments is already showing results: higher groundwater levels, reliable irrigation, and even new livelihood opportunities like fish farming and beekeeping. Policies like the one proposed in Himachal validate the approach we’ve been taking for years.

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was designed to empower tribal communities with legal rights over their ancestral forests. But the Act has once again come under debate, with some claiming that community rights may degrade forests. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has rightly pushed back, pointing to evidence that when tribal communities have secure rights, forests thrive.

AWF’s experience proves this:

• In Jharkhand and Odisha, tribal families engaged in community forest management and afforestation protect saplings, prevent illegal logging, and monitor wildlife movement.
• Secure rights give communities a reason to care for forests—not just as “resources” but as part of their heritage and survival system.

This is not a conflict between people and forests; it is an opportunity to reimagine conservation as community-led.

Another encouraging trend is the growing recognition of tribal entrepreneurship.

Gujarat’s new agri-business policy, for example, provides incentives for women and tribal entrepreneurs. Similarly, the government’s Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are scaling up value addition in forest produce like lac, tamarind, and honey.

At AWF, we are already doing this on the ground:

• Beekeeping programs in Jharkhand and West Bengal have helped women farmers increase their household income while supporting pollination and biodiversity.
• Handicraft promotion gives artisans fairer markets and preserves indigenous culture
• Linking these livelihoods to larger markets through CSR partnerships ensures that tribal families are not left out of India’s growth story.

While policies and debates grab headlines, AWF ensures action happens where it matters most: the villages.

1. Water Conservation in Action
   • Reviving Chal-Khal water bodies in Uttarakhand.
   • Constructing and maintaining ponds in Jharkhand and Odisha.
2. Forests & Climate
   • Over 7.9 million trees planted across tribal belts—creating carbon sinks, wildlife corridors, and green jobs.
   • Plantations aligned with biodiversity corridors like Dalma (Jharkhand) and Simlipal (Odisha), helping reduce human-wildlife conflict.
3. Livelihoods & Tribal Entrepreneurship
   • Honey bee farming, fishery, handicrafts.
   • Skills training for women and youth.
4. Community Empowerment
   • Rights awareness workshops about FRA and tribal entitlements.
   • Building local governance structures for forest and water management.

These are not abstract issues. They affect climate change adaptation, food security, and India’s SDG goals.

• For Companies (CSR Partners): Supporting AWF projects allows you to directly contribute to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration while fulfilling CSR obligations.
• For Policy Makers: Partnering with community-based organizations like AWF ensures policies translate into impact.
• For Citizens: Supporting indigenous products, spreading awareness, and donating can change lives.

As water policies are rewritten, as forest rights are debated, and as tribal entrepreneurship is promoted, one question remains: who will ensure these changes benefit those who need them most?

AWF stands ready. We are already working in tribal states where these issues are most urgent. With your support—whether as a donor, CSR partner, volunteer, or advocate—we can scale up water conservation, protect forests, and empower communities.

2025 is not just another year. It is a turning point in how India views its forests, water, climate, and indigenous people. By aligning national policies with grassroots action, we can build a future that is climate-resilient, socially just, and environmentally sustainable.

At AWF, we call this vision “Restoring Life.” Together, let’s make it a reality.