INRM makes Aara-Keram a model village Water conservation, fishery farming, agricultural activities and afforestation, among others; have contributed to making the village of Aara-Keram in Ormanjhi block of Ranchi in Jharkhand a model village, as declared by the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das. The success of the initiatives in the village could be attributed to Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM) under MGNREGA. Situated 28 KMS from Ranchi, Aara-Keram which is surrounded by hills has earned its tag of a model village owing to its pace of development and determination of the village community to transform their village. Objectives and Methodology adopted by MNREGA: With a view to improving the overall living conditions of the people through a holistic approach, active opinion leaders were identified and taken for a visit to Ralegan Siddhi (model village of environmental conservation in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra). The journey and success of the village has inspired and motivated the village heads to do the same. INRM was the way forward, the community decided as they involved youth, women, SHGs in the planning and implementation process. This followed intensive training of SHGs on technical designs, and farmers to adopt improved technology and others on animal husbandry. Results and Impact: Given that agriculture was the main source of livelihood in Aara-Keram, water harvesting structures and ponds were constructed and used for agriculture and fisheries. The Department of Agriculture, Animal husbandry and Co-operatives identified, trained and provided fish spawn to beneficiaries. In addition, Jungle Bachao Samati protected and rejuvenated the forests spread across 80 hectares of land. A total 45 Dova (farm ponds) were constructed of which 33 were filled with adequate water during the rainy season and are being utilized for fish farming while the remaining 12 Dova are located on the upstream ridges and do not have sufficient water retention capacity. Hence, they are used as collection and recharging ponds of surface water. Breeding of different species of fish has been taken up in all 33 ponds, helping the farmer to earn Rs. 10000 to Rs. 15,000 per year. Evaluation: The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Secretary, MoRD, Rural Development Department officials headed by Principle Secretary and other officials visited the village to gain first hand information. The team saw that the people of Aara-Keram were gainfully engaged in agriculture, and cultivation of vegetables and standing crops, showing diversity. Replication and Dissemination: Baridih village in the same Block has also been selected where similar strategy and technology have been planned on ridge to valley approach to increase water recharge and soil productivity for sustainable development. Presently Aara-Keram village is serving as a role model and is a live demonstration site for the state to facilitate formulation of favorable policy frame work for convergence and livelihoods. Sharmdaan: Inspired by Ralegan Siddhi, the village community had resolved to keep their village clean through voluntary shramdaan. Starting with children the whole community now unites for this task and others, to further develop their village. Village committee and Social fencing: A ‘forest protection committee’ had been formed earlier to protect the nearby forest, headed by a young and energetic President. Under this, even plant debris is not used by villagers for their personal use and on 14th April every year Raksha Bandhan is observed when villages are made aware of the importance of forests. Felling of trees is strictly forbidden as women and youth do a remarkable job of protecting the forest lands. Women’s Sector: In Ara-Keram village JSLPS has formed different SHG groups in which members discuss problems and ways to address them. Having decided to make the village liquor free, the women collected all utensils used to make liquor and disposed them off, further reinforcing the message of the ill effects of liquor. Conclusion: Water conservation structures whether check dams, ponds, leveled plots, open wells, bundings and all water bodies as well as biodiversity production systems have to be regularly protected, maintained and managed to get maximum benefits. In this regard the relevant technical support and capacity building are needed. It was also noticed that the community requires financial assistance for maintenance of structures and protection and management of Biodiversity production systems. Other departments are also working toward Natural Resources Management for maximum benefit. Subject matter specialists of CFT regularly visit the village to guide the farmers on different aspects like INRM, agriculture and animal husbandry. Continuous maintenance and management of soil, water and trees are the prerequisites for maximization of benefits. .