EBG Foundation launched Sambhav Hai on Earth Day, a nationwide rural sustainability programme spearheaded by EBG Group Founder and Chairman Dr Irfan Khan, targeting carbon-neutral villages across India through a phased, data-driven framework that begins with the adoption of Charla Thanda village in Telangana’s Nalgonda district.

The initiative marks one of the most ambitious grassroots climate programmes announced in India this year, with a Rs 30 crore allocation for its first phase covering 50 villages, expanding to 150 villages in Year 2 and scaling to 750 villages in Year 3 with government institutional support. The programme aims to reduce carbon emissions by 10 to 20 percent within the first year, progressing toward full carbon neutrality within three years.

“Real change cannot come from isolated interventions. With Sambhav Hai, we are building a model where environmental sustainability, economic progress, and community ownership go hand in hand. Our aim is to empower villages with the tools, data, and accountability systems they need to lead their own transformation and contribute meaningfully to India’s climate goals,” said Dr Irfan Khan, Founder and Chairman, EBG Group

At Charla Thanda, on-ground interventions have already begun with household-level data mapping to establish a comprehensive climate and resource baseline. The programme will focus on improving access to safe drinking water, strengthening groundwater recharge systems and implementing structured waste segregation and composting solutions. Afforestation drives and regenerative land practices will run in parallel, with local volunteers trained to sustain efforts over the long term.

The village is being developed as a live demonstration of the Foundation’s Minus One Village model — a replicable blueprint designed to be scaled across regions and geographies.

“Sambhav Hai’s success will be tracked through a robust framework that integrates water, energy, waste, food and land systems, along with carbon footprint metrics under the Minus One Village model. This ensures that the impact is measurable, accountable, and scalable across geographies.” — Suresh Goyal, Additional Director, EBG Foundation

“What began as a simple idea has evolved into a powerful movement for large-scale transformation. By placing villages at the centre of climate action and bridging the gap between policy and on-ground implementation, Sambhav Hai creates a pathway for communities to actively lead India’s journey towards environmental resilience.” — Ranjitha M, Additional Director, EBG Foundation

In parallel with its phased village rollout, the Foundation said it would initiate work across multiple states as part of a broader national expansion, extending the programme’s footprint beyond Telangana into a pan-India rural sustainability movement.