Development Alternatives Group

Development Alternatives (DA) is social enterprise and a think tank focused on sustainable development. DA combines research and action to create positive change. Its goal are socially fair, environmentally friendly, and financially practical development solutions.

DA develops innovative green technologies for essential areas like housing, water, energy, and waste. These technologies not only fulfill basic needs but also create long-term economic opportunities. In India's most underdeveloped regions, DA's work has demonstrably reduced poverty and restored natural ecosystems.

The mission of DA is to create models that generate sustainable livelihoods in large numbers, while its vision is "A world where every citizen can live a secure, healthy and fulfilling life, in harmony with nature."

History
The Development Alternatives (DA) was founded in 1982 by environmentalist Dr. Ashok Khosla and environmental pioneer and grassroots activist Dr. Christian deLaet. DA is considered the world's first social enterprise focused on sustainable development and aim to use business-like approaches to tackle environmental issues. Their work emphasizes social equity, environmental protection, and economically viable solutions

1982 - 1990

In the year 1982, the Development Alternatives Group was born as the first social enterprise setup to create and deliver sustainable solutions for social and economic development.

In 1984, the TARA Balram Mub Block Press was launched that addressed the problem of the more than 50 million families in India who cannot afford steel and cement for their houses. It compresses ordinary earth into solid building bricks that need no firing. Thus it saves the precious topsoil, needed for agriculture, and scarce forest resources, needed for human survival. TARA Balram can produce up to 600 blocks in one day if the mix is prepared manually.

In 1986, TARA Chulha 101 was launched which is a clean, efficient and safe metal cook stove. TARA has introduced its range of fuel-efficient and smoke-reducing Chulhas for rural India.

In 1987, DA got its first 100% earth-based urban building - DA Headquarters. The design for the Development Alternatives headquarters arises out of an organisational desire to make a strong statement in earth architecture.

in the year 1989, TARA loom was introduced to the markets which was a breakthrough innovation in the field of handloom technology. This innovative handloom offers both adaptability and user-friendliness. Even with no prior experience, weavers can create top-quality textiles that are viable for commercial sale. The TARA Loom's versatility allows it to work with a variety of yarns, including cotton, wool, silk, and even synthetic fibers.

Group
The Development Alternatives Group comprises the not-for-profit flagship Society for Development Alternatives (DA), the business-oriented incubator Technology and Action for Rural Advancement (TARA), and its commercial subsidiaries, which include TARA Machines and Tech Services (TMTS), TARA Environmental Services Pvt Ltd (TARAenviro), TARAhaat Information and Marketing Services Ltd (TARAhaat), TARA Nirman Kendra (TNK) and DESI Power Orchha Pvt Ltd (DESI Power).

TARA Machines and Tech Services (TMTS)
TARA Machines and Tech Services Pvt. Ltd., delivers green business solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for building construction, waste recycling, and handmade paper production. TMTS is a specialist company in Eco-concrete Technology, Eco-Kiln Technology, Fly Ash Technology, and Recycling Technology.

DESI Power Orchha Pvt Ltd (DESI Power)
Decentralised Energy Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., more commonly known as DESI Power, is an independent rural power producer involved in providing electricity and energy services.

TARAhaat Information and Marketing Services Ltd (TARAhaat)
Launched in 2000, TARAhaat Information and Marketing Services Ltd. introduced Information Technology (IT) services in rural India. These services include literacy, vocational skills, and other products needed in rural communities.

TARA Environmental Services Pvt Ltd (TARAenviro)
Incorporated in 2008, TARAenviro, a part of the Development Alternatives Group, is a private company that markets water testing kits and filters under the Jal-TARA brand, which helps test the potability of water and offers cost-effective solutions for improving water quality.

TARAenviro products:
 * Jal – TARA Water Testing Kits
 * Jal – TARA Water Filters
 * TARA Aqua-check vials

Radio Bundelkhand
Based at TARAgram Orchha, DA’s Technology Centre at Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, Radio Bundelkhand is an ICT-based community radio initiative started by Development Alternatives (DA) and jointly managed by the local community and DA.