People's Science Institute

People's Science Institute Since 1988, PSI is committed in community mobilisation, environmental quality monitoring, disaster-safe housing, river conservation and policy advocacy.

PSI is registered as a society in New Delhi, under the Societies Act (1860), and under the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act (FCRA) with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Ours is a non-profit research and development organization. We provide technical and managerial support to communities and organizations that work with us; implement development programmes and undertake public interest research.

The Institute is known in India's voluntary sector for its pioneering work in the fields of community-led watershed-based livelihoods development, environmental quality monitoring, disaster-safe housing and dissemination of appropriate technologies. Its activities are spread all over India with a focus on the central-western Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the poverty-ridden districts of Bundelkhand region. Its operational headquarters are located in Dehra Doon, Uttarakhand.

🌱 From Learning to Living It: A Story of Practice, Sustainability & Ownership at PSIAt PSI’s Development Practitioners T...
17/03/2026

🌱 From Learning to Living It: A Story of Practice, Sustainability & Ownership at PSI

At PSI’s Development Practitioners Training Course, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom—it takes root in real life.

Alongside their regular sessions, practical work, and internships, our students transformed an unused space on campus into something meaningful. Small plots were created and allocated to them, where they grew vegetables using organic methods.

Despite their busy schedules, the students consistently nurtured their kitchen gardens—showing commitment, responsibility, and a deep connection with sustainable practices.

The result?
🥕 Fresh vegetables, grown with care and harvested by the students themselves.
💼 Sold to PSI staff at market rates—giving students first-hand experience in micro-entrepreneurship.
🔄 The earnings will now be reinvested into seeds, manure, and other inputs for the next crop cycle—making the initiative self-sustaining.

This is more than just gardening. It’s about building skills, ownership, and a mindset of sustainability.

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After 38 years of working towards nation building, PSI recently paused to reflect on its journey and collectively shape ...
13/03/2026

After 38 years of working towards nation building, PSI recently paused to reflect on its journey and collectively shape the path ahead during its 5th Manthan Retreat, held from 9–11 March 2026 at the PSI office building.

Bringing together team members from different programme areas and field locations, the retreat created a valuable space for dialogue, reflection, and shared learning. As the organisation continues to evolve, discussions have focused on revisiting PSI’s vision and mission, principles that have guided its work since its inception and on how they can be meaningfully aligned with present-day realities and emerging challenges.

The presence of several senior members who have been associated with PSI since its early years enriched the conversations with historical perspective and institutional memory. Dr Debashish Sen, Director of PSI, reflected on the organisation’s journey and the lessons it offers for the future. PSI’s founder, Dr Ravi Chopra, also addressed the team, speaking about the vision that inspired PSI's establishment—rooted in the idea of nation-building and encouraging everyone to carry this commitment forward with renewed purpose.

Through thoughtful group discussions, participants explored organisational strengths, programme experiences, and potential directions for PSI’s work to expand while remaining grounded in its core values. The second day also included a short outing, providing colleagues from different field areas an opportunity to interact informally, deepen mutual understanding, and strengthen team cohesion.

The retreat concluded with a shared sense of purpose and renewed energy. Such moments of collective reflection reaffirm that institutions grow stronger when they take time to listen, learn, and envision the future together.

🌊 Cross-Border Collaboration for River Health 🌱On 20th February 2026, People’s Science Institute (PSI) had participated ...
27/02/2026

🌊 Cross-Border Collaboration for River Health 🌱

On 20th February 2026, People’s Science Institute (PSI) had participated in a landmark workshop on Transboundary Rivers of South Asia (TROSA) Phase II, organised by Centre for Ecology, Development and Research (CEDAR) in Dharchula, bringing together Citizen Scientists from India and Nepal CDRS (Community Rural Development Society) to share and validate water quality data from the Mahakali–Sharda Basin and water storage tanks.

Led by our Environmental Expert Mr. Priyanshu Gupta, the session bridged community-level sampling with scientific benchmarking against BIS standards, covering biological, chemical, and physical indicators of river health and drinking water parameters.

đź“Ś Key Highlights

• Comparative review of water quality data across borders
• Identification of pollution sources: sewage discharge, agricultural runoff, and emerging threats like microplastics
• Practical mitigation strategies: ritual waste management, circular economy models, and safe sampling SOPs
• Strengthened participant capacity to act as “Environmental Guardians” for the shared river basin
This workshop marks a milestone in transboundary cooperation, ensuring that citizen-generated data becomes a reliable baseline for future conservation and policy advocacy.

đź’š Together, we are building knowledge, ownership, and action for healthier rivers.

🌊 Revitalizing the Solani River: Scaling Impact Across 19 Villages 🌱 Over the past two weeks, the People’s Science Inst...
27/02/2026

🌊 Revitalizing the Solani River: Scaling Impact Across 19 Villages 🌱

Over the past two weeks, the People’s Science Institute (PSI) team has been on the ground, engaging with the heartbeat of Haridwar district—the people. In collaboration with the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (Regional Office, Roorkee), we successfully reached 19 villages to drive critical environmental awareness.

We believe river conservation is not just about policy; it’s about empowering citizens to safeguard the Solani River—a vital lifeline for local agriculture and ecology.

đź“Ś Campaign Highlights
- Directly engaged 1,400+ community members , including youth, farmers, women’s self-help groups, and NGOs.
- Facilitated technical dialogues on:
i. *Solid & Plastic Waste Management* – impacts of dumping waste into water bodies; demonstration of 2-bin segregation (wet/dry).
ii. *Reducing Single-Use Plastic* – interactive sessions to promote alternatives.
iii. *Water & Sanitation (WATSAN)* – posters on hygiene, safe drinking water, and safe disposal of greywater to prevent pathogen entry.
iv. *Efficient Irrigation Techniques* – banners and posters reinforcing drip and sprinkler methods.
v. *Organic Farming* – promotion of reduced chemical fertilizer use.
vi. *River Conservation & Pollution Reduction* – community-led activities.

Each session concluded with the installation of *information posters* in schools, Anganwadi centers, and Panchayat buildings, followed by an *“Environmental Oath.”*

đź‘Ź The success of this campaign is credited to the dedicated PSI team: Iqbal Ahmad, Prem Narayan, Priyanshu Gupta, Mohammad Tasif Hussain, Uplaksh Saini, Ramsevak, and Bhupendra.

While we’ve reached 19 villages so far, this is only the beginning of our journey to *revitalize the Solani River*.

🌿 How are you contributing to your local environment this year? Share your thoughts below! 👇

🌱 Reviving Springs, Securing Water Futures 💧As climate change accelerates the drying of springs across India’s hill and ...
22/12/2025

🌱 Reviving Springs, Securing Water Futures 💧

As climate change accelerates the drying of springs across India’s hill and mountain regions, restoring and sustaining these lifeline water sources has become a national priority.

On 16 December 2025, the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, in collaboration with SDC and ICIMOD, organised the National Conference on Springshed Management—bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and community voices to advance science-based and inclusive approaches to spring revival.

The conference highlighted scalable solutions, state experiences, and strong partnerships to strengthen water security under the National Mission on Springs.

At the conference, the PSI team shared how science-based local action, when combined with meaningful partnerships, can successfully revive springs and enhance water security. Drawing from our work in Moldhar village, Uttarakhand, we showcased how community-led springshed interventions translate science into real impact on the ground.

The discussions also emphasised the importance of partnerships in scaling up springshed initiatives, with learning shared from Wheels Global Foundation’s project in Himachal Pradesh and NMHS projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Uttarakhand.

One of the most powerful moments came from a village para-worker from Moldhar, who spoke about real field-level challenges, community efforts, and tangible outcomes—reminding us that sustainable water solutions are built where science meets local knowledge.

✨ A timely and inspiring exchange toward resilient, inclusive, and scalable spring revival across India’s mountain regions.
We sincerely thank ICIMOD for organising this conference and creating a valuable platform to understand and reflect on the real progress being made on the ground.

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On 21st November 2025, People’s Science Institute (PSI) conducted a hands-on bio-input training in Bansagad Khadar, Chot...
01/12/2025

On 21st November 2025, People’s Science Institute (PSI) conducted a hands-on bio-input training in Bansagad Khadar, Choti Bhitarli, and Kiyarkuli villages under the Building Community Resilience in the Purkul Watershed project, supported by Six Senses Vana.

A total of 29 farmers participated in the training, where they learned to prepare and use natural fertilizers and bio-pesticides such as Jeevamrut, Agniastra, and Panchagavya to improve soil fertility, plant health, and crop productivity.

Earlier, in the last week of October 2025, 28 farmers received vegetable seeds (radish, cabbage, fenugreek, peas, mustard, bakla, and spinach) for kitchen gardening. They were trained in land preparation, sowing techniques, spacing, manuring, w**d control, and pest & disease management. With the emergence of seedlings, bio-input training became essential to ensure proper nutrition and healthy crop growth.

During the training, farmers learned step-by-step preparation methods for:
âś” Jeevamrut (for soil fertility and vegetative growth)
âś” Agniastra (natural pest control against aphids, stem borers & sucking pests)
âś” Panchagavya (a nutrient-rich organic plant growth booster)

This capacity-building initiative is helping farmers adopt sustainable, chemical-free agricultural practices, improve soil health, and enhance kitchen garden productivity in the Purkul watershed area.

🌾 Empowering Farmers in Chamoli: Transforming Agriculture with Matka Khad! 🌱We’re thrilled to share a glimpse of our Liv...
15/10/2025

🌾 Empowering Farmers in Chamoli: Transforming Agriculture with Matka Khad! 🌱
We’re thrilled to share a glimpse of our Livelihood Enhancement Program being implemented across 35 villages in Tharali and Narayanbagar blocks, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, with the generous support of Axis Bank Foundation.
Promotion of agro-ecological practices like system of crop intensification and natural farming for food security is one of the important component under the project. Farmers Producer Groups have been trained in preparation of bio -inputs like Matka Khad. This is an indigenous, organic liquid fertilizer that’s revolutionizing traditional farming practices. Made from locally available materials, Matka Khad is not only cost-effective but also enhances soil health, improves crop quality, and reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers. 🌿
So far, 25 farmers have been trained in preparing Matka Khad, and the training continues! These farmers have applied it to their Mandua (Finger millet) crop using crop intensification techniques — and the results are remarkable.
When applied twice during the crop cycle, each plant produced 15–20 tillers, leading to a 20% increase in both grain and fodder yield compared to traditional practices. 🌾✨
This initiative is more than just about improved yields — it’s about sustainable agriculture, economic resilience, and empowerment of farmers. Together, we’re nurturing the land and strengthening rural livelihoods, one Matka at a time. 💪🌱

💧 Inception Workshop on Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM 2.0) – Dehradun 🌍On 3rd September 2025, People’s Science Institu...
20/09/2025

💧 Inception Workshop on Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM 2.0) – Dehradun 🌍
On 3rd September 2025, People’s Science Institute (PSI),along with National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), organized the inception workshop of the Shallow Aquifer Management Project (SAM 2.0 under AMRUT 2.0, MoHUA) at Nagar Nigam, Dehradun.
The session, chaired by Ms. Namami Bansal (Municipal Commissioner) and Sh. Gaurav Bhasin (Deputy Municipal Commissioner), brought together 46 participants from departments, academic institutions, NGOs, NIUA, and People’s Science Institute (PSI).
🔑 Highlights:
• Technical presentations by PSI and NIUA
• Discussions on groundwater recharge, aquifer mapping, rooftop rainwater harvesting
• Strong collective commitment to revive traditional water sources
This workshop marks an important step in shaping science based, community driven solutions for Dehradun city shallow aquifer management.
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The 5th batch of the DPT course, which began on July 22nd, 2025, has completed its first month! We're thrilled to have 1...
29/08/2025

The 5th batch of the DPT course, which began on July 22nd, 2025, has completed its first month! We're thrilled to have 10 dedicated students from Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand participating in this program.
Understanding the role of a development worker in social work requires a deep grasp of society and the challenges that come with it. We are incredibly proud of these participants for taking their first step towards becoming agents of change.
Many of these students come from rural backgrounds and have never experienced a city environment before. Naturally, there was some hesitation about coming here and joining the course. On the first day, they were even shy about introducing themselves. Through engaging activities and games, we worked to make them comfortable.
We organized exposure visits to different residential areas in Dehradun and various organizations to help them understand the local environment and the working systems of different institutions. With continuous classroom sessions and interactions with different resource persons, the students have gained a significant amount of confidence and are now able to express themselves much better.
The transformation has been remarkable! The same students who were once hesitant to even state their names performed a theme-based play on Independence Day, and their confidence was truly inspiring. They impressed every member of the PSI team.
In the coming months, these students will participate in internships with various organizations. This will further enhance their practical skills and understanding. We look forward to seeing them grow and contribute meaningfully to society!

Empowering Farmers in Haridwar! 🌱We're excited to share the success of our recent training session on the Scientific Cul...
25/08/2025

Empowering Farmers in Haridwar! 🌱
We're excited to share the success of our recent training session on the Scientific Cultivation of Napier Grass, organized by PSI in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhanuri. This initiative is a part of the DST project "Enhancing Livelihoods of EWS in Haridwar District through Science & Technology Interventions for Strengthening the Local Innovation Systems."
Held on August 22, 2025, the session was attended by 19 enthusiastic farmers from villages like Aurangabad, Asafnagar Grunt, and Jaswawala. They learned about the immense benefits of Napier grass as green fodder, which is more nutritious than traditional options.
Key takeaways from the training included:
• Napier grass is highly beneficial for livestock, with the Super Napier variety containing 18-20% protein.
• Farmers learned about the Ideal planting time, recommended spacing, and high-yielding varieties such as CO6 and Super Napier.
• The session also covered Pest and disease management, and the recommended NPK dosage of 60:20:27 per hectare.
• To improve livestock health, farmers were advised to maintain a 60% green fodder and 40% hay ratio in animal feed.
The training sparked great interest, with many farmers now ready to adopt Napier grass cultivation. We are distributing 2,000 stems per bigha based on their proposed sowing area. So far,
17,000 Napier saplings (CO6 & BNH-11 varieties) have been distributed to 14 farmers.
This project marks a significant step towards strengthening local innovation systems and boosting the livelihoods of EWS communities in Haridwar.

Celebration of Independence Day 🇮🇳🇮🇳Yesterday, the entire country celebrated its 79th Anniversary of Independence. Peopl...
16/08/2025

Celebration of Independence Day 🇮🇳🇮🇳

Yesterday, the entire country celebrated its 79th Anniversary of Independence. People's Science Institute joined in the celebrations with the entire staff. Following the flag hoisting ceremony, our DPT students presented a theme-based play, highlighting the realities and achievements of our nation since its independence.

On behalf of PSI, we wish you all a very happy Independence Day!

Building a sustainable future, one community at a time. 🌳We at People's Science Institute (PSI) were thrilled to host a ...
12/08/2025

Building a sustainable future, one community at a time. 🌳

We at People's Science Institute (PSI) were thrilled to host a four-day capacity-building program from August 5-8, 2025, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystem Management & Livelihoods Improvement Project (HPFEM&L).

Our 10 participants—a dynamic group of Program Managers and Subject Matter Specialists from across Himachal Pradesh—dived deep into Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, socio-economic surveys, and crafting sustainable livelihood strategies.

The highlight? A hands-on field visit to Bansagad village, where theory met practice! Participants drafted real village-level micro plans and put their skills to the test.

The program wrapped up with powerful presentations from the participants themselves, showcasing their actionable ideas and commitment to driving change. It's inspiring to see such dedication to strengthening community-based forest management and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

A big thank you to all the participants for their engagement and hard work! 🙏
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Address

ITBP Road, Near Hotel Sun Park Inn
Dehra Dun
248001

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+911353500308

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