NaSH

The Shevaroy region is predominantly a tribal populated, with 67 % belonging to Scheduled Tribe community. They are called Malayalis. It literally translates to people of the hills. They are believed to be migrants from the plains of the northern parts of Tamil Nadu around sixth or seventh century.

Yercaud is the popular town in the Shevaroy Hills. Administratively the Shevaroy Hills is classified as Yercaud Taluk, one among the 9 Taluks in Salem District of Tamil Nadu State. Yercaud Taluk is further classified into 9 Panchayats comprising a total of 61 revenue villages, all remotely located and spread across difficult to access mountainous terrain.

Project Nature Preservation and Income Generation for the Tribals of Yercaud (Project NaSH) is run by Shevaroyhills Tribal Development Institute (STDi).

The project seeks to address two main issues concerning the region. Firstly, to develop a sustainable livelihood option to the tribal Malayali community. Secondly, to promote an organic farming culture in the region among the tribals in particular and other people in general.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE – Sustainable Livelihood for the Tribals of Yercaud

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

• Increase the income of the Tribals so that they are able to access basic necessities of life
• Increase Greenery in the local area. Restore & Preserve indigenous plants and trees.
• Ensure a Financially Sustainable Nursery that will continue to reach out to more beneficiaries even after the Funding for this Project stops

DURATION – 48 MONTHS
Year 1 – Sep 2019 – Aug 2020
Year 2 – Sep 2020 – Aug 2021
Year 3 – Sep 2021 – Aug 2022
Year 4 – Sep 2022 – Aug 2023

SCOPE

• Build a Nursery to support project activities and ensure its financial sustainability
• Train the 800 Tribal People and empower them in increasing their income
• Plant at least 1,000 tree saplings to increase local green cover.