Rooted in humanitarian relief since the 1966-1967 drought, evolving into a pillar of socio-economic upliftment and community empowerment across Bihar.
To form a just and self-reliant society based on Gospel values of peace, love, justice and equality.
Organize and empower the marginalized communities to take their rightful place in the society and to promote and preserve life in all its diversities.
The origin of Bihar Water Development Society (BWDS) can be traced way back to 1966-1967, when the state was reeling under severe drought. The Bihar famine was an excellent example of the harshness of poverty going hand in hand with the vagaries of nature.
Following a humanitarian call from then Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Mahamaya Prasad for help, many international humanitarian agencies like Oxfam, CRS, USAID, CARE, etc., responded. A philanthropist named Fr. R.M. Donahue, SJ, residing in Kudra in the then Shahabad district, also responded and initiated large-scale relief work in South Bihar. Realizing the deep-rooted poverty and distress, he and others dreamed of a productive human chain for the social and economic upliftment of distressed and depressed people. They formed Catholic Charities with a head office in Patna and an operational office at Kudra.
Eventually, recognizing the distinct needs of South Bihar districts, Catholic Charities was renamed for the Chhotanagpur districts (now in Jharkhand), while a separate entity for South Bihar was registered under the new name "Bihar Water Development Society" on 14th December, 1967.
Although the Government of Bihar declared the end of the famine on 14th November 1967, the plight of the people persisted. Visualizing the long-term need for a non-governmental humanitarian organization, BWDS established a 13-member Governing Body to formulate policies executed by executive officers and field staff based in Kudra, Rohtas district.
Starting as a full-fledged social development organization for South Bihar districts (Shahabad, Patna, Gaya, Munger, and Bhagalpur—now serving 10 districts across Central and South Bihar), BWDS spent its first 18 years concentrating on developing surface and tube wells, irrigation, and agricultural water projects in the arid regions of Rohtas.
Discover our ongoing community projects or support our mission to uplift marginalized families across Bihar.
