Water and land resource development
We build Doha models, Phad systems, and recharge pits to conserve water and restore groundwater.
5,220 Crore+ Litres watershed water capacity
NGO in Yavatmal · Est. 1994
Dilasa Sanstha — turning rainwater into hope for farmers in Maharashtra
For 30 years, Dilasa Sanstha has been building water, food, and livelihood security for farming communities across 2,600+ villages.
80G ApprovedFCRA Certified30 Years of Impact18 National Awards
30Years in the field
3.20 Lakh+
households reached with water security, sustainable livelihoods and a better quality of life.
16.10 Lakh+
People reached
2,600+
Villages covered
17
Districts of Maharashtra
4,000+
Water structures built
300+
Villages tanker-free
18
National awards received
Dilasa Sanstha is a non-profit organisation based in Ghatanji, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, founded in 1994. It works on water conservation, sustainable agriculture, women’s livelihoods and village development, and has reached more than 3.20 lakh households in 2,600+ villages across 17 districts. Donations are eligible for 80G tax benefits.
The challenge
Farmers in Vidarbha struggle without water. We are changing that.
In drought-prone regions of Maharashtra, farmers depend entirely on unpredictable rainfall. Lack of irrigation leads to crop failure, debt, and distress.
Dilasa Sanstha works at the grassroots level to solve this by harvesting rainwater and creating sustainable irrigation systems that ensure year-round farming and stable incomes.
500+ km
of natural streams rejuvenated through watershed work
Our approach
Connected ways we rebuild a village economy
Water first, then what water makes possible — healthier soil, steadier incomes, and women with money of their own.
Sustainable agriculture
We train farmers in organic farming, soil health, and low-cost sustainable practices.
Livelihood and women empowerment
We empower women through Self-Help Groups, and create income through skills, enterprises and Custom Hiring Centres.
5,000+ Women running income-generating enterprises
Holistic village development
Healthcare access, animal care, digital schools, clean drinking water and youth centres — the essential services a village needs to hold together.
Also: Environment & community forest development · Hasre Gharkul · All six programmes
Featured innovation
The Doha Model: a water revolution
Our award-winning Doha Model is a low-cost rainwater harvesting structure dug into the stream bed itself. It captures monsoon runoff, recharges groundwater and holds enough water for a second crop. More than 2,800 Doha structures have been built across Maharashtra.
- Innovative rainwater harvesting structure
- 500+ km of streams treated
- 300+ villages made tanker-free
- 1 metre rise in groundwater levels
- Cost-effective and community-driven
- Scalable across drought-prone regions
300+Tanker-free villages
Global alignment
Contributing to the SDGs
Creating sustainable impact through water conservation, climate resilience, livelihoods, and community empowerment.
1
No Poverty
2
Zero Hunger
3
Good Health and Well-being
Community health, hygiene and health awareness
4
Quality Education
5
Gender Equality
6
Clean Water and Sanitation
Our primary focus
8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Doha Model, Custom Hiring Centres, rural innovation
13
Climate Action
15
Life on Land
16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Community institutions, SHGs, village governance, NGO accountability
17
Partnerships for the Goals
Voices of change
Stories of hope, resilience and transformation.
Support our work
Your donation changes lives
Every contribution helps farmers access water, improve agriculture and build sustainable livelihoods — and every donation is eligible for 80G tax benefit.
Trusted by leading organisations
Recognition
18 national awards for work done in the field
From the NABARD National Rural Innovation Award to the Safaigiri Award and the Jalmitra Sanman — recognition for three decades of water and livelihood work.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
What is Dilasa Sanstha?
A non-profit NGO in Ghatanji, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, founded in 1994, working on water security, sustainable agriculture, women’s livelihoods and village development.
Where is Dilasa Sanstha located?
Choramba Road, Ghatanji, Tehsil Ghatanji, District Yavatmal, Maharashtra 445301. It works in 17 districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada.
Who founded Dilasa Sanstha?
Late Shri Madhukar Dhas and Mrs Vijaya Dhas in 1994. Vijaya Dhas is Founder & President.
What is the Doha Model?
A low-cost rainwater harvesting approach using saucer-shaped excavations along seasonal streams that stores runoff and recharges groundwater. Dilasa Sanstha developed and scaled it in Maharashtra.
Is Dilasa Sanstha 80G and FCRA registered?
Yes. It is registered under 12A, 80G and FCRA (084010016), and is CSR-1 registered (CSR00001305).
How can a company do CSR with Dilasa Sanstha?
Fund a Schedule VII aligned programme in water, agriculture or livelihoods. Dilasa provides compliance documents and impact reports.
How can I donate to Dilasa Sanstha?
Online through the Donate page via Razorpay, or by bank transfer. Donations are eligible for 80G tax benefits.
Join us in creating water-secure villages
₹2,000 helps strengthen a woman’s livelihood. ₹10,000 contributes to a water conservation structure. Every donation is eligible for 80G tax benefit.
Partner with us for measurable rural impact
CSR-1 registered, FCRA certified, with documented outcomes across 17 districts and reporting your board can rely on.