A Community Engagement and Participatory Assessment (CEPA) workshop was conducted in Vilvanatham village with the participation of community leaders, senior citizens, women, and youth to understand the village’s water heritage, current water challenges, and community needs for sustainable development.

Senior citizens and community members shared their knowledge of the historical significance of the village water resource, traditional water usage practices, and its benefits to agriculture, biodiversity, and livestock, particularly cattle. Discussions also focused on the changing water scenario, increasing water scarcity, and groundwater exploitation since the installation of the water tank, highlighting the need for responsible water management and conservation.

As part of the participatory exercise, villagers collaboratively prepared a village map to identify local water resources, key features, and community needs. A separate meeting was also conducted with the village youth to understand their perspectives, concerns, and expectations regarding water conservation, environmental sustainability, and the future development of their village. This provided an opportunity for young people to express their views and explore their potential role in community-led conservation initiatives.

The workshop brought together traditional knowledge and contemporary perspectives, helping identify community priorities and laying the groundwork for collective action towards water security, ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and long-term village sustainability.