Nuh district, formerly known as Mewat, is situated in Haryana and is recognized as one of the aspirational districts in India. Despite its proximity to the National Capital Region, Nuh has faced significant challenges in education, water security, and infrastructure. According to the 2011 Census, the district had a literacy rate of 56.1 percent, with female literacy at a mere 33.71 percent (source: www.census2011.co.in).
In response to these challenges, various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have been implemented to rejuvenate ponds and improve school infrastructure to ensure sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Why Nuh Struggled: A Glimpse into Ground Realities
Located near India’s National Capital Region, Nuh district holds significant potential for inclusive growth and transformation. Despite facing developmental challenges, this region reflects the aspirations of its people. From education and water access to healthcare and livelihoods, the hurdles in Nuh have not been insurmountable—but opportunities for focused, community-driven progress.
1. Educational Challenges
Nuh’s educational landscape is evolving, though it still faces notable challenges.
Strengthening school infrastructure—ensuring clean water, safe toilets, and adequate classrooms—makes schools more welcoming, especially for girls. With improved student-teacher ratios, digital learning tools, and community involvement, Nuh has the potential to become a model for educational transformation in rural India.
2. Water Insecurity and Depleting Resources
Water insecurity is a pressing issue in Nuh, yet the district’s rich heritage of traditional water management—through ponds and stepwells—offers a blueprint for revival. While much of the groundwater remains saline, community-led water conservation and modern piped networks have helped reclaim safe and equitable water access.
The NITI Aayog has identified the urgency of addressing India’s water crisis, with Nuh at its forefront. Solutions like rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of traditional sources, and smart water management have helped the region move toward sustainable water security.
3. Healthcare Deficits and Poor Nutritional Indicators
Healthcare access in Nuh remains a work in progress. Limited primary health centers and skilled personnel have contributed to challenges in maternal and child health. Yet, increased investment in mobile health units, telemedicine, and community health workers is already showing promise in bridging the care gap.
4. Poor Livelihood Opportunities
Nuh’s economy, anchored in agriculture and daily wage work, has improved subsequently with the right support. While small landholdings and limited irrigation have historically limited productivity, introducing sustainable agriculture practices and skill-building initiatives have opened up new avenues for income and dignity.
5. Gender Inequality and Social Barriers
Empowering women in Nuh is not just necessary—it is central to the region’s future. While traditional norms have limited women’s participation in public life, many local initiatives are already challenging the status quo.
Improving education access, menstrual hygiene, and self-help groups have helped girls and women reclaim agency over their lives. Tackling issues like early marriage and gender-based violence through legal awareness and community dialogue have further strengthened gender equality in the region.
Also Read: How Is Gender Inequality A Different Fight For Women In Urban And Rural Areas
CSR Initiatives: A Beacon of Hope
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, several organizations have undertaken CSR projects focusing on pond rejuvenation and school improvement in Nuh.
Pond Rejuvenation: Reviving Traditional Water Sources
In rural India, ponds serve as critical reservoirs for irrigation, domestic use, and livestock. Beyond their utilitarian value, they help recharge groundwater and sustain biodiversity. However, decades of neglect, unregulated waste disposal, and silt accumulation have rendered many ponds nonfunctional. According to a 2023 NITI Aayog report, nearly 40 percent of India’s groundwater blocks are overexploited, and water bodies like ponds must be restored to address this crisis.
Case Study: Uleta Pond Restoration
In Uleta village of Nuh district, a targeted CSR initiative, supported by S M Sehgal Foundation, exemplifies how pond rejuvenation enhances community resilience. The intervention included:
- Desilting and deepening of the pond to increase water storage capacity.
- Reinforcement of embankments to prevent erosion.
- Creation of catchment areas to enhance rainwater collection and groundwater recharge.
As a result, the rejuvenated pond has become a year-round water source, improving agricultural productivity and restoring the local ecological balance.
School Improvement: Building Foundations for the Future
Education is a key enabler for long-term rural development. However, infrastructural deficits in rural schools—like broken toilets, leaky roofs, and lack of clean drinking water—often lead to absenteeism and school dropouts, especially among girls. As per the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, 25 percent of rural government schools still lack usable toilets for girls, and 28 percent lack drinking-water facilities.
Case Study: Manuwas School Transformation
To bridge this gap, S M Sehgal Foundation, under its CSR-led intervention, undertook significant infrastructure upgrades in the Government High School of Manuwas village. Project outcomes include:
- Classroom renovations created a safer, more engaging learning space.
- Construction of a kitchen-cum-mess supports the Mid-Day Meal scheme.
- Upgraded sanitation facilities, particularly for girls, promotes hygiene and regular attendance.
These improvements have led to measurable increases in student retention and engagement, showing how infrastructure is foundational to learning outcomes.
Also Read: Transformation Brings New Life to the School
Community Engagement: The Heart of Sustainable Development
True sustainability is achieved when communities are not just beneficiaries but active stakeholders in development. CSR projects that embed local participation in their design are more likely to endure and evolve. A 2023 UNDP India study on rural sustainability notes that “community involvement increases project efficiency by 35 percent and sustainability by over 50 percent.”
Formation of Village Committees
In the case of Nuh’s development efforts, Village Management and Development Committees (VMDCs) have been instrumental. These bodies:
- Conduct regular inspections of pond conditions and school facilities.
- Mobilize villagers for periodic cleaning and repair activities.
- Liaise with local authorities to address emerging concerns.
Capacity Building and Training
Beyond infrastructure, behavioral change and knowledge sharing have been priorities. The foundation facilitated:
These initiatives empower residents with the tools to manage and maintain local assets, ensuring that benefits are long-term and not donor-dependent.
Impact Assessment: Measuring Success
The CSR initiatives in Nuh have yielded significant positive outcomes:
- Enhanced Water Availability: Rejuvenated ponds have improved water storage and groundwater recharge, alleviating water scarcity.
- Improved Educational Outcomes: Upgraded school facilities have led to increased enrollment and reduced dropout rates.
- Community Empowerment: Active participation has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Despite the successes, several challenges persist:
- Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term maintenance of infrastructure requires continuous community engagement and support.
- Scaling Up: Expanding these initiatives to other villages necessitates additional resources and coordination.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular assessment is essential to measure impact and make necessary adjustments.
A Model for Rural Development
The CSR efforts in Nuh demonstrate the transformative potential of targeted interventions in water and education sectors. By combining infrastructure development with community engagement, these projects offer a replicable model for rural development across India.
About the Author
Priya Chaudhary
Social Impact, CSR, and Gender & Development
Priya Chaudhary is an expert in Social Impact, CSR, and Gender & Development with a focus on gender equity, social inclusion, and evidence-based change. With extensive experience in project management, storytelling, and qualitative research, she has worked on various NGO marketing and development projects.
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