P-Green Solutions has completed a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF), setting out a proposed rural development programme for two new locations in Assam: Balijana block in Goalpara district, and Chakchaka block in Barpeta district. The assignment, commissioned in mid-2026, marks SMSF’s entry into the state and reflects the Foundation’s long-standing focus on water, agriculture and community-led development. A formal presentation was made to the organization on September 8, 2026.
The exercise involved extensive secondary research and field-based investigation across both blocks, including visits to villages, Gram Panchayat offices and government line departments, and structured consultations with institutional partners already active in the region. The resulting report frames the proposed programme’s context, rationale and phased design for SMSF’s consideration.
The Two New Locations
Goalpara district, Assam — location of Balijana block.
Barpeta district, Assam — location of Chakchaka block.
Both blocks were shortlisted through a comparative screening of candidate districts against a set of qualifying indicators relating to water scarcity, livelihood diversification and implementation feasibility. Assam presents what the report describes as a water paradox: despite the abundant flow of the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, large rural populations continue to face seasonal drinking-water scarcity and quality concerns, alongside a narrow base of livelihood options beyond staple agriculture.
From the Field
Transplanted paddy fields in Chakchaka block, Barpeta district.
A trellised vegetable plot observed during the field visit., Chakchaka Block, Barpeta district.
A community fish pond supporting allied livelihoods in the project area, Chakchaka Block, Barpeta District.
Drawing on this field evidence, the DPR proposes a broad set of intervention areas for SMSF’s consideration, spanning drinking-water treatment and quality testing, irrigation, package-of-practice agriculture extension, vegetable production and marketing, farm mechanization, support to the block’s rubber value chain, and allied livelihoods such as fisheries, piggery and dairy. Across all of these, the report emphasizes working through — and strengthening — existing community institutions such as self-help groups and their federations, and converging with ongoing government schemes rather than creating parallel structures.
The report recommends a phased, multi-year approach, beginning with a preparatory phase to finalise implementation plans, confirm baseline data and put field teams in place, ahead of full-scale rollout across both blocks. As the report is being submitted for the Foundation’s internal review and approval, its detailed contents — including specific budgets, targets and implementation timelines — remain confidential to SMSF at this stage.
This assignment adds to P-Green Solutions’ growing portfolio of work in rural livelihoods, water security and agriculture programming across India’s Northeast and Himalayan states, undertaken for foundations, trusts and development agencies engaged in the sector.
