Over the past three decades, COODU has been at the forefront of community-led transformation — restoring ecosystems, empowering marginalized groups, and creating sustainable livelihoods. Through partnerships with leading corporates, government departments, and civil society institutions, COODU’s initiatives continue to bring measurable, long-term change to rural and tribal communities across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
Each success story reflects our belief that
empowered people and restored environments together create sustainable futures
.
In collaboration with
HDB Financial Services
, COODU implemented the
“Development of Watersheds for Climate Resilience Management”
project across
Annur and Kinathukadavu Blocks
, Coimbatore District.
The initiative transformed thousands of hectares of drought-prone land through
farm ponds, check dams, trench-cum-bunds, percolation tanks, and recharge wells
.
“Earlier, we grew only once a year — now we cultivate all year round,” says Natarajan, Pogalur Panchayat President.
Farmers have achieved a
30–50% increase in crop yield
and diversified into
horticulture and sugarcane cultivation
. The project enhanced
groundwater recharge, soil fertility, and income security
, making the villages resilient against drought and climate variability.
Under ITC’s
“Mission Sunehra Kal”
initiative, COODU implemented the
“Water Stewardship Programme”
in
Karamadai Block
, covering
24 micro-watersheds and over 3,850 farmers
. The project combined
organic farming, agroforestry, precision farming, and managed aquifer
recharge with community-led water governance.
Key highlights include:
•
4.89 lakh native saplings planted
(Silver Oak, Casuarina, Teak, Mahogany, etc.)
• 5b 20 well recharge units, 202 farm ponds, 200+ Renovation and Construction of Water Bodies and 80 loose boulder check dams constructed
•
62 Water User Groups (WUGs) formed
for participatory management
These interventions collectively improved crop productivity, groundwater retention, and biodiversity, demonstrating the impact of corporate–community collaboration on ecological sustainability.
Reviving the Malumichampatti Watersheds – L&T CSR Partnership
With the support of
Larsen & Toubro Ltd
., COODU undertook the
“Conservation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Biodiversity Promotion”
project in
Malumichampatti Panchayat
, Coimbatore District.
The project rejuvenated
39,000+ cubic metres
of desilted water channels,
renovated four check dams
, and conducted large-scale
plantation drives
with the participation of
L&T employee volunteers
.
The formation of the
“Vivekananda Thannarvu Amaippu”
Farmers’ Trust ensures long-term maintenance of the assets. The project now serves as a
model for sustainable water resource management
through
community ownership and corporate collaboration
.
In partnership with
MARICO Ltd
., COODU implemented the
“Coconut Development Programme”
under the theme
“Water Management and Climate Resilience Technologies for Coconut Plantations”
in
Kinathukadavu Block
.
The project introduced
farm ponds, trench-cum-bunds, ring bunds
, and
micro-irrigation techniques
, benefiting
450 farmers
across two phases.
Farmers received hands-on training through
Farmer Field Schools (FFS)
with experts from
TNAU and KVK
, leading to a marked improvement in
water efficiency, soil fertility, and yield
. This initiative became a benchmark for
sustainable plantation management and climate-smart agriculture
in Tamil Nadu.
Under its CSR initiative, Bosch Global Software Technologies Ltd., in collaboration with COODU, implemented the Rejuvenation of Water Bodies and
Afforestation Drive
in the Kalapatti zone of Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation. The project focused on restoring urban water bodies, enhancing groundwater recharge, and expanding green cover through extensive plantation drives. COODU undertook desilting, bund strengthening, and percolation works to improve water retention, alongside the plantation of native tree species to promote biodiversity and climate resilience. The project also includes the maintenance of plantation sites, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
Parallel to the water body works, COODU executed an extensive afforestation drive with the active participation of
Bosch employee volunteers
, community members, and local institutions. Beyond planting, COODU continues to maintain the plantation sites through periodic watering, mulching, soil enrichment, and pruning. Local residents and self-help groups have been sensitized and trained to participate in the upkeep of the plantations, fostering community ownership and environmental responsibility.
The survival rate of the planted saplings remains high due to systematic monitoring and adaptive management practices.
This initiative has significantly contributed to urban ecosystem restoration, community participation, and climate action, aligning with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Supported by TANSACS, COODU implements the Targeted Intervention (Core Composite) Project for MSM, TG, and IDU communities across Coimbatore District. The programme provides HIV prevention, care, psycho-social counseling, and linkage services for over 1,599 People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). COODU also extends nutritional and educational assistance to children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, helping them pursue education and live with dignity. This model of community-based care is now recognized as a best practice in health-sector interventions. Healing Communities – COVID-19 Response & Recovery During the pandemic, COODU collaborated with the Coimbatore Covid Aid students’ forum, raising ₹10 lakh via the MILAP platform. The funds supported:
• Supply of OxiZon cylinders to Kangeyam PHC in Tiruppur District
• Vaccination camps for slum residents, tribal families, and construction workers
• Psycho-social support and counselling for children and families affected by the pandemic
These humanitarian efforts reached hundreds of vulnerable individuals, showcasing COODU’s responsiveness during crises.
Green Commitment – Environmental & Educational Campaigns (Quinbay CSR & Individual Donors)
With the support of
Quinbay Technologies
, COODU implemented
Environmental Awareness and Plantation Drives
at
Ondipudur Govt. Hr. Sec. School
and
Government Boys Hostel, Vellakinaru
, engaging corporate volunteers and students.
In 2024–2025, a similar renovation and plantation initiative is ongoing at the
Government Girls Hostel, Sokkampalayam, Annur Block
. Additionally, individual donors have contributed to
tribal health and education programs
,
environmental awareness campaigns
, and
support for PLHIV and transgender livelihoods
, reflecting the collective power of community philanthropy.
With the support of Quinbay Technologies , COODU implemented Through programs like TREAD (MSME, GoI) , COODU has enabled women entrepreneurs to access skill development, financial literacy, and enterprise support. Livelihood interventions for transgender individuals and tribal families have created pathways to self-reliance, while vocational and health initiatives have built lasting social inclusion.
From Local Action to Global Recognition
COODU’s impactful work in
watershed development, health, and environmental conservation
has earned multiple honors, including the
Global Sustainability Award (Clean Water Category, 2025), World CSR Day Leadership Awards (2023–2025)
, and Sustainability Water
Award 2025 by KPR Institute of Award 2025 by KPR Institute
These recognitions affirm COODU’s position as a trusted implementing partner for governments, corporates, and international development agencies.
From reviving rivers to restoring lives, COODU’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment. Through meaningful partnerships with
ITC, L&T, HDB Financial Services, MARICO, Bosch, Quinbay, and individual donors
, COODU continues to build a future where
development is sustainable, inclusive, and equitable for all
.