Centre for Improved Rural Health and Environmental Protection (CIRHEP)Working with rural and Indigenous communities since 1994 to conserve natural resources, strengthen livelihoods and build a more sustainable future.Working Together for People and the EnvironmentEstablished in 1994, CIRHEP works in Dindigul District and other rural areas of Tamil Nadu, India.Our work has grown from a commitment to protecting the environment and improving the quality of rural life.

We believe that healthy ecosystems, secure livelihoods and strong communities are closely connected.CIRHEP works with rural and Indigenous communities to promote sustainable agriculture, soil and water conservation, natural resource management, women's leadership, environmental education and access to essential services and entitlements.

We value the knowledge, experience and leadership of the communities we work with. Our approach is to listen to their priorities, strengthen local capacities and work together towards practical, lasting solutions.

Our Vision A just, inclusive and environmentally sustainable society where rural and Indigenous communities live with dignity, enjoy their rights, have secure and sustainable livelihoods, and actively participate in protecting natural resources for present and future generations.

Our Mission CIRHEP works in partnership with rural and Indigenous communities to improve livelihoods, protect the environment and promote equitable development. Through community-led natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, women's empowerment, youth development and environmental education, we strengthen local capacities and support communities in addressing their challenges, accessing their entitlements and shaping their own future.

Our Areas of Work

1. Environmental Protection and Natural Resource ManagementWe promote the sustainable management of soil, water, forests and other natural resources. Our work includes watershed development, soil and water conservation, biodiversity awareness and community participation in environmental protection.CIRHEP has implemented 11 watershed development projects with support from NABARD, TAWDEVA and GIZ Germany, working alongside Village Watershed Committees and local communities.

2. Sustainable Agriculture and Food SecurityWe support farmers in adopting environmentally responsible agricultural practices, including organic farming, biofertiliser and botanical pesticide preparation, seed conservation, kitchen gardening and soil improvement.Through practical training and demonstrations, we encourage farming practices that support food security, protect natural resources and strengthen rural livelihoods.

3. Indigenous Development and Community RightsWe work alongside Indigenous communities, including the Paliyar and Pulayar communities in the Kodaikanal Hills and surrounding areas, to support community priorities, strengthen local leadership and promote sustainable livelihoods.Our work includes community engagement, support for access to government entitlements, awareness of rights, and dialogue with relevant authorities on issues affecting land, housing and livelihoods.

4. Women's Empowerment and LeadershipWe support women's participation in community institutions, Self-Help Groups, livelihood activities and local decision-making.Through capacity building, collective action and livelihood development, we encourage women to strengthen their economic opportunities, build confidence and take leadership roles in their communities.

5. Youth Development and EducationWe engage children and young people through environmental education, nature-based learning, leadership activities and awareness programmes.We encourage young people to understand their local environment, value education, develop leadership skills and participate in building healthier and more sustainable communities.

6. Health, Well-being and Social ProtectionWe work with communities to identify barriers to essential services and strengthen awareness of available healthcare, education, welfare schemes and government entitlements.Our community-based approach supports people in accessing relevant services and improving their overall well-being.

7. Training and Capacity BuildingThrough practical training, field demonstrations, exposure visits and knowledge-sharing programmes, CIRHEP supports farmers, women, young people, community groups and development practitioners.

Our Natural Resource Management Training Centre provides a space for learning and sharing experiences in watershed development, sustainable agriculture and community-based environmental management.

Explore our work: Our Programmes | Stories and Case StudiesWorking with Indigenous CommunitiesSupporting Rights, Livelihoods and Community LeadershipIndigenous communities have deep connections with their land, forests, biodiversity and traditional knowledge. However, many families continue to face challenges related to land and housing, livelihood security, access to essential services and environmental changes.

CIRHEP works alongside Indigenous communities in the Kodaikanal Hills and surrounding rural areas to understand their priorities, strengthen community participation and support their efforts to address these challenges.We believe that development should respect Indigenous identity, traditional knowledge, community leadership and the right of people to participate in decisions affecting their lives.Our approach focuses on listening to communities, strengthening local capacities, supporting constructive engagement with relevant authorities and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Learn more: Indigenous DevelopmentOur ImpactProgress Built Through Community ParticipationCIRHEP's work is rooted in long-term engagement with rural communities and practical action on the ground.Our programmes aim to contribute to:Improved soil and water conservation and more sustainable natural resource management.Stronger agricultural practices and rural livelihood opportunities.Greater participation of women in livelihood activities and community leadership.Increased environmental awareness among children and young people.Stronger community institutions and collective action.Improved awareness of rights, public services and government entitlements.Greater community capacity to respond to environmental and livelihood challenges.We recognise that sustainable change takes time. We continue to learn from communities, review our work and strengthen our programmes in response to local needs.

Explore further: Our Impact | Stories and Case Studies | ReportsOur ApproachCommunity Knowledge. Collective Action. Lasting Change.

Community participation: We involve community members in identifying needs, setting priorities and implementing local initiatives.

Local leadership: We support women, farmers, young people and Indigenous community members to strengthen their capacities and take part in decisions that affect their lives.

Environmental responsibility: We promote practical approaches that protect natural resources while supporting people's livelihoods.