SPWD works with and supports grassroots voluntary organisations in the fields of watershed development, small water harvesting systems, soil improvement and joint forest management; currently working in 12 states; publications include a quarterly newsletter Wastelands New in English and Parti Bhoomi Samachar in Hindi.



A not-for-profit registered society based in New Delhi, the activities of SPWD [Society for Promotion of Wastelands Development] are geared towards, as the name suggests, wasteland development, environmental awareness, water management, and soil conservation. Realizing the importance of initiating regenerative processes in wastelands, the society makes efforts to create awareness about the potential dangers of land degradation and solicits involvement and participation from both public and private organizations in areas such as water harvesting, social forestry, conservation of fuel-wood, and use of waste water.





The organization has worked towards encouraging the participation of women and children in social forestry. It also provides professional expertise, training materials, and limited financial support for operational research projects in wasteland development.



Pastureland development, conducting environmental surveys, seminars, and workshops on wasteland development, and related issues have been the most notable and creditable achievements of this non-governmental organization that has been in existence since 1982. The society also brings out Wasteland News and Parti Bhoomi Samachar---quarterly journals in English and Hindi, respectively. Other publications include occasional discussion and lecture papers.