Vasudha Ecological Restoration Council
The Tamil Nadu Ecological Restoration Movement (TNERM) is our flagship initiative, restoring degraded forests and critical wildlife corridors across the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats.
Every initiative is designed to create measurable ecological improvements and lasting community benefits across Tamil Nadu.
Vasudha Ecological Restoration Council
Our Waterbody Restoration program rehabilitates lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands — improving water security, recharging groundwater tables, and reviving aquatic ecosystems across Tamil Nadu.
After desilting, bund strengthening, and community-led efforts, the lake now recharges the water table and supports hundreds of farming families in the region.
Vasudha Ecological Restoration Council
We work with farming communities to preserve indigenous seeds, promote natural farming methods, and build climate-resilient agricultural systems that honour Tamil Nadu's rich agri-cultural heritage.
Our community-managed seed bank preserves indigenous rice varieties that are drought-resistant and climate-adaptive, helping farmers transition to sustainable traditional farming.
Vasudha Ecological Restoration Council
From youth entrepreneurship programs to eco-tourism development and community welfare initiatives, we put people at the heart of conservation — building skills, creating livelihoods, and nurturing tomorrow's green leaders.
Our summit and incubation programs catalyze green startups in renewable energy, waste management, organic farming, and eco-tourism across South India.
Seven interconnected pillars driving our mission across Tamil Nadu.
VERCouncil is a registered non-profit working at the intersection of ecological restoration, sustainable development, and community empowerment. We believe that nature and people thrive together.
To create a greener, self-reliant, and environmentally sustainable Tamil Nadu for future generations — where communities live in harmony with nature, and development is measured not just by growth, but by the health of our ecosystems.
We work through a decentralized, community-led model — partnering with local leaders, Panchayati Raj institutions, schools, and farmer cooperatives. Every project is co-designed with the people it serves, ensuring ownership, relevance, and long-term sustainability. Our state, district, and regional teams collaborate to plan, execute, and monitor programs with measurable outcomes.
Flagship initiatives across restoration, livelihoods, and sustainable development — each designed to create measurable ecological and community impact.
A flagship initiative restoring degraded forests, critical wildlife corridors, and biodiversity hotspots across the Eastern and Western Ghats. Activities include native species afforestation, invasive species removal, and community-managed conservation zones spanning 50+ villages.
Promoting indigenous seeds, natural farming methods (zero-budget natural farming, Jeevamrutham), and sustainable agricultural practices. Our community seed banks preserve 25+ indigenous rice varieties and facilitate farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange across 40+ villages.
Rehabilitating lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands through desilting, bund strengthening, check dam construction, and catchment area treatment. Each restored waterbody improves irrigation access, recharges groundwater, and revives aquatic ecosystems for surrounding communities.
Transforming rural communities through integrated approaches: afforestation, household waste management, renewable energy adoption (solar lighting, biogas), water harvesting, and sustainable livelihood training. Our model village program is active in 15 panchayats across 5 districts.
Creating community-based eco-tourism destinations that generate income while preserving natural and cultural heritage. We train local youth as nature guides, establish homestay networks, and develop responsible trekking routes, bird-watching trails, and cultural tourism circuits.
Supporting young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 through training, mentorship, seed funding access, and networking opportunities. Our Green Entrepreneurship Summit and incubation programs have catalyzed 30+ green startups in renewable energy, waste management, organic farming, and eco-tourism.
Meet the people and places transformed by our restoration and empowerment programs.
— Murugan, 54, traditional farmer
"After attending VERCouncil's natural farming workshops, I revived my family's 3-acre plot using indigenous seeds and Jeevamrutham. My input costs dropped by 70% and the yield is better than ever. I'm now training 20 other farmers in my village."
Traditional Agriculture Revival
— Lakshmi, 38, women's self-help group leader
"Our lake was dry for 15 years. VERCouncil mobilized the entire village for desilting and bund restoration. Now the lake is full again — our wells have water, the women don't walk 3 km for drinking water, and we've started kitchen gardens on the bunds."
Waterbody Restoration
— Priya, 22, founder of EcoCraft India
"The Youth Entrepreneurship Council gave me my first mentorship and a small seed grant. Today my upcycled home décor business employs 12 women from my village and uses only waste materials. VERCouncil showed me that business can heal the planet."
Youth EntrepreneurshipFrom community members, partners, and volunteers who experience our work first-hand.
"VERCouncil doesn't just talk about conservation — they show up with tools, saplings, and a plan. Their community-first approach means the work doesn't stop when they leave. Our village tank is now a model for the entire district."
"I volunteered for the monsoon tree plantation drive expecting to plant a few saplings. Instead, I learned about soil conservation, native species ecology, and community organizing. VERCouncil turned my weekend service into a life-changing experience."
"As a CSR partner, we needed an organization with measurable impact and transparent reporting. VERCouncil exceeded our expectations — every rupee is accounted for, every tree is geo-tagged, and the community outcomes are documented with rigour."
A dedicated leadership team driving ecological restoration across Tamil Nadu through collaborative governance.
Founder & Chairman
Founder and visionary leader dedicated to environmental restoration, social development, and sustainable community empowerment. With over 15 years of experience in the development sector, Selva has pioneered community-led conservation models across Tamil Nadu.
State, District & Regional Leadership
Our decentralized leadership structure includes State Coordinators, District Leads, and Regional Teams working collaboratively to plan, execute, and monitor programs. Each district team includes subject-matter experts in ecology, agriculture, water management, and community development.
Stories, insights, and field reports from our restoration and community programs.
Over 200 volunteers joined us across 12 villages in Tamil Nadu for our biggest tree plantation drive, restoring native forest cover along the Eastern Ghats. 80% survival rate expected through community caretaking.
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After 8 months of desilting, bund strengthening, and community engagement, the lake now holds 30% more water, recharging the water table and benefiting over 500 farming families in the region.
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A community-managed seed bank preserving 25 indigenous rice varieties, including drought-resistant and flood-tolerant strains, helping farmers transition back to climate-resilient traditional crops.
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Our two-day summit connected aspiring green entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and successful eco-business founders from across South India, catalyzing 12 new green startups in renewable energy and waste management.
Read MoreMoments from our restoration projects, community programs, and capacity-building initiatives across Tamil Nadu.
Stay updated with upcoming events, launches, training programs, campaigns, and announcements from across our network.
Community lake restoration drives, native seed collection workshops, and quarterly training sessions for farmers and youth — held across 5 districts.
Get notifiedNew initiatives including a mangrove restoration project along the Coromandel Coast, an urban forestry program in Chennai, and renewable energy partnerships for village electrification.
Partner enquiryCapacity building for youth, farmers, and local leaders — including natural farming certification, water budgeting, eco-guide training, and entrepreneurship bootcamps.
ApplyPublic awareness drives on plastic-free villages, water conservation, wildlife protection, and climate resilience — reaching over 10,000 people through school programs and community events.
ParticipateNew district coordinators appointed for Thanjavur, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli districts. Our team continues to grow to meet the increasing demand for community-led conservation programs.
Media coverage of our lake restoration model featured in The Hindu and Times of India. Our Traditional Seed Bank project recognized by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University as a best practice.
Also available: Youth Member, District Coordinator, and Environmental Ambassador roles. Contact us for details.
Reach out to collaborate, volunteer, donate, or partner with VERCouncil. We'd love to hear from you.
Vasudha Ecological Restoration Council
Tamil Nadu, India
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Field visits by appointment. Our teams are often in the field — email is the fastest way to reach us.
