Where we work
Where We work?
Rooted in Bhal: Mahiti Trust’s Transformative Presence
Mahiti Trust is deeply rooted in the Bhal region of Gujarat—a historically rich yet socio-economically underprivileged low-lying coastal plain along the Gulf of Khambhat. Our work spans the districts of Ahmedabad, Botad, and Bhavnagar, with Dholera village serving as our central base. Once a prominent trading hub, Dholera is now a vibrant nucleus of community-led transformation.
A Region of Complexity and Change
Bhal’s rural communities live amid saline-alkaline soils, water scarcity, and fragile agricultural systems, making everyday livelihoods deeply vulnerable. Inequitable landholding patterns, informal debt traps, and marginalization further entrench poverty and exclusion. These structural challenges are exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and policy neglect, isolating the region from mainstream development.
Yet, the landscape is rapidly evolving. Aggressive land acquisition, speculative development, and environmental degradation—fuelled by mega infrastructure projects—pose new threats to local ecosystems and livelihoods. This changing g context demands flexible, inclusive, and community-driven solutions.
Our Operational Area
Mahiti Trust operates across three districts in Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Botad, and Bhavnagar. In Ahmedabad district, we work in the Dholera, Dhandhuka, and Dholka talukas. In Botad district, our presence spans the Barwala and Ranpur talukas. In Bhavnagar district, we are active in the Bhavnagar and Vallabhipur talukas. Overall, Mahiti Trust’s initiatives impact over 180 villages across these regions.
Our Campus: A Living Lab for Grassroots Innovation
At the heart of our operations is a 20-hectare integrated campus near Dholera, envisioned as a hub for learning, collaboration, and community innovation. Allotted by the Government of Gujarat in 1989 to our founding organization, Utthan, this campus has evolved over three decades into a space of transformation and hope. Equipped with training facilities, residential accommodations, offices, and open learning spaces, the campus hosts a range of programs for farmers, women leaders, youth, and civil society partners. Here, knowledge is co-created, shared, and applied in ways that honour local wisdom while nurturing innovation.
Supported by a dedicated team of 23 locally rooted team, Mahiti Trust continues to strengthen the region’s social fabric—advancing sustainable livelihoods, gender justice, and climate resilience in one of Gujarat’s most underserved geographies.
