Author Name
Admin_niti
Choose Report Type
Publication Date
Report Upload
Download
(6.27 MB)
vertical
Water & Land Resources
PDF Text
Compendium of Best Practices in Water Management 2.0
NITI Aayog, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001
www.niti.gov.in
COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES IN
WATER MANAGEMENT
2.0 SEPTEMBER 2021
COMPENDIUM OF BEST
PRACTICES IN WATER
MANAGEMENT 2.0 COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES IN
WATER MANAGEMENT - 2.0
Publisher: National Institution For Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, New Delhi
Research Team: Avinash Mishra, Namrata Singh Panwar, Aakanksha Sharma, Arunima
Chandra, Arunlal K, Priyanka Anand
Date of Publication: September 2021
Copyright © NITI Aayog (2021)
Year of Publishing: 2021
Disclaimer:
This document is intended as a Compendium of Best Practices of Water Management across the
country. While every effort has been made to ensure the correctness of data/information used in
this Compendium, NITI Aayog does not accept any legal liability for the accuracy or inferences
drawn from the material contained therein or for any consequences arising from the use of
this material. All data/information in this Compendium has been self-certified by the respective
implementing agency of the best practice. NITI Aayog does not claim copyright for any images
produced in the Compendium. No part of this report may be reproduced in any form (electronic
or mechanical) without prior permission from or intimation to NITI Aayog.
The full Compendium should be referenced as follows:
NITI Aayog (2021) “COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES IN WATER MANAGEMENT - 2.0, 2021”
Text from this Compendium can be quoted provided the source is acknowledged.
Contact:
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog Bhawan
Parliament Street, New Delhi - 110001, India
Website: www.niti.gov.in
Write to us: amishra-pc@gov.in vii
Increasing urbanization and changing climatic trends exert immense pressure on water resources.
In a country where 51% of rural households do not have access to individual piped water and
about a billion people live with water scarcity for at least one part of the year, water management
plays an undisputedly critical role. In addition to this, water—being a multifaceted resource and
supplied by various sources for different purposes—needs to be managed at different levels of
consumption by different stakeholders.
Several individuals, organizations and government departments have come up with successful
water management solutions. Giving due importance to such innovations and successful practices
on the field, NITI Aayog, as an yearly exercise, collects and lists down some water conservation
and management practices that can be replicated in other regions. The current edition of
the compendium lists out best practices on the following themes: agriculture; groundwater
management; watershed development; water infrastructure; and climate risk and resilience.
The compendium gives prime importance to the role of the community in water management.
Considering the bottom-up approach of planning, it encourages states and non-profit organizations
to highlight the practices of participatory governance. Water management has always been seen
as part and parcel of the rural community in the country. Therefore, prominence of renovation
and rejuvenation of the traditional water bodies can also be witnessed in the document.
Furthermore, water conservation has the potential to support and enhance livelihoods.
Construction of water conservation structures not only creates jobs in rural areas but also
enhances the natural resource base to support the prime livelihood option of a community. The
compendium tries to capture this complex relationship between water and livelihood patterns.
Finally, the integration of technology with water management is the need of the hour.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ix
CONTENTS
Message Ramesh Chand Iii
Message Amitabh Kant Iv
Preface v
Foreword vi
Executive Summary vii
Acknowledgement viii
List of Abbreviations xi
1. Agriculture......................................................................................................................................1
Vidarbha Farmers Livelihood Project 3
Participatory Irrigation Management in Uttar Pradesh 5
Drought Proofing in Maharashtra 7
Low Cost Irrigation in Andhra Pradesh 9
Irrigation Support and Farm Ponds 11
2. Groundwater Management........................................................................................................13
AquiferBased Groundwater Management 15
Community Led Springshed Management 17
Participatory Springshed Management 19
Water Security and Participatory Groundwater Management 21
Springs Wetlands and Groundwater Connect in the Nilgiris 23
Bore-Well Pooling by Farmers to Address Water Security 27
3. Watershed Development..........................................................................................................29
Water Conservation through Integrated Community Based Approach 31
Multi-Layered Water Management in River Sub-basins with Integrated
Development Approach 33
Convergence of Water Management & Farm-Based Livelihood 35
Community Approach to Water Conservation 37
Use of Solar Energy for Decentralized Watershed Development 39
Rejuvenation of Khentawas and Mojamabad Ponds 41 CONTENTS
x
Revival of Water Bodies in Bundelkhand 43
Rajokri Pond Rejuvenation 45
4. Water Infrastructure...................................................................................................................47
Panam Reservoir Project 49
Installation of Solar PV Panel with Net Metering System 51
Up-gradation of Dibrugarh Town Protection Dyke 53
Construction Of Sub-Surface Dams With “Z” Sheet Piling Technology 55
Palasbari Sub-Project under Assam Integrated River Erosion Risk
Management Investment Program 57
Hub-&-Spokes Model to Affordable Potable Water beyond the Piped Urban Areas 59
Construction of Revetment, Geo Bags Apron along the Brahmaputra River 61
Rohini Dam System of Irrigation in Bundelkhand 63
Pirul Leaves Check Dam in Uttarakhand 65
Redefining Urban Water Space using FBTec
®
– DEWATS 67
Reducing Domestic Water Wastage in Gurugram 69
5. Climate Risk & Resilience...........................................................................................................71
Flood Livelihood Restoration 73
Risk Reduction and Livelihood Promotion 75
Sustainable Livelihood & Fair Climate Initiatives 77
6. Miscellaneous..............................................................................................................................79
Making Gurugram ‘Water Conscious’ through Community Mobilization 81
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information and Management System 83
Wastewater Reuse Certificates and Water Entitlement Transfer Trading 85
Gurugram District Enforcement Drive 87
Nuts & Bolts: Key Takeaways from Compendium........................................................................89 xi
List of Abbreviations
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
CFWCash for Work
WUAWater User Association
GDGSGaalmukt Dharan and Gaalyukt Shivar
CSRCorporate Social Responsibility
CECCentre for Environmental Concerns
SWARSystem of Water for Agriculture Rejuvenation
NGONon-Governmental Organization
PRADANProfessional Assistance for Development Action
SSTSrinivasan Service Trust
CRPCommunity Resource Person
HSMHub and Spoke Model
ADPArea Development Programme
WMCWater Management Committee
BPLBelow Poverty Line
INRMIntegrated Natural Resource Management
CSOCivil Society Organization
GISGeographic Information System
LDPELow-density polyethylene
HDPEHigh-density polyethylene
WTPWater Treatment Plants xii
List of Abbreviations
STPSewage Treatment Plants
BODBiological Oxygen Demand
CODChemical Oxygen Demand
TSSTotal Suspended Solids
PPMParts Per Million
MCMMillion Cubic Metre
DTPDibrugarh Town Protection
FREMAAFlood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam
SSDSub Surface Dam
TMCThousand Million Cubic
IDIrrigable Dry
ERPEnterprise Resource Planning
PLCProgrammable Logic Controller
RWAResident Welfare Associations
OAPOld Age Pensioner
NTFPNon Timber Forest Produce
MDMMid-day Meal
APWRIMS
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information and Management
System
LILift Irrigation
MWRRAMaharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority
VDCVillage Development Committee
SHGSelf Help Group
SRISystem of Rice Intensification
SSASamagra Shiksha Abhiyan
CRPCommunity Resource Person
NABARDNational Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
IDEInternational Development Enterprise
ACWADAMAdvanced Center for Water Resources Development and Management
SSTSrinivasan Service Trust
PGWM Participatory Groundwater Management
CHIRAGCentral Himalayan Rural Action Group xiii
List of Abbreviations
O&MOperation and Maintenance
SCISystem of Crop Intensification
PSIPeople’s Science Institute
NREGSNational Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
WASSANWatershed Support Services and Activities Network
WETWater Entitlement Transfer
WRCWastewater Reuse Certificates
IOTInternet of Things
RWHRain water harvesting
ITIIndustrial Training Institutes xiv
List of Abbreviations
© Namrata Singh Panwar
Agriculture
Groundwater Management
Watershed Development
Water Infrastructure
Climate Risk & Resilience
Miscellaneous
“Where there was water, humanity thrived and
survived. In the present times, we humans search for
water as distant as the moon. At the same time, we
have been negligent in preserving water resources
on our own planet.”
—Shri. Ram Nath Kovind
Hon’ble President of India AGRICULTURE 1. V<> idarbha Farmers Livelihood Project
– World Vision India
2. P<> articipatory Irrigation Management in Uttar
Pradesh – Tarapur Alpika Committee
3. Dr<> ought Proofing in Maharashtra – Soil and Water
Conservation Department, Government of Maharashtra
4. L<> ow-Cost Irrigation in Andhra Pradesh – Centre for
Environment Concerns
5. Irriga<> tion Support and Farm Ponds - PRADAN Agriculture
3
VIDARBHA
FARMERS
LIVELIHOOD
PROJECT Agriculture
4
Place of Implementation: Yavatmal
District, Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra
Agency: World Vision India
Year of Implementation: 2007
Background
Initially started in five villages, 10 more were
added to the project in 2009 following
its success. The Yavatmal block holds the
dubious record of the maximum number of
farmers’ suicides in India. The main reason
was rising indebtedness among farmers. With
the interventions taken under the watershed
management project between 2007 and 2016
helped farmers to have alternate livelihood
options while strengthening agriculture.
Objectives
Sustaining farmers’ livelihoods through
integrated watershed management and
conservation of natural resources.
Interventions
The following activities were performed in the
three phases:
Cash for work through implementa-
tion of soil and water conservation.
Support for irrigation, agricultural
inputs, and intercultural operations.
Income-generating activities and capacity building of the community.
Infrastructural support in schools and for educational and vocational trainings.
Distribution of seeds.
Deepening of wells and farm ponds, distribution of horticultural plants, smokeless stoves, and the
construction of toilets.
Outcomes Many farmers are now practising soil and moisture conservation in the operational villages.
With the rise of rainwater harvesting on farmlands to enhance the groundwater table, farmers now have access to improved irrigation
facilities. Women Self-Help Group (SHG) members have been empowered through sensitization, exposure and trainings.
Increase in surface water (stream) flow and soil water retention.
Improved productivity.
Change in asset base and living conditions.
Change in outflow of produce from watershed villages.
For further details contact:
E-mail: newton_issac@wvi.org
Phone: +91–9840616524
Sunken Pond
Gabion Structure
Nala Diversion Agriculture
5
PARTICIPATORY IRRIGATION
MANAGEMENT IN UTTAR
PRADESH
© Tarapur Alpika Samiti© Tarapur Alpika Samiti Agriculture
6
Place of Implementation: Tarapur,
Amethi, Uttar Pradesh
Agency: Tarapur Alpika Committee (Water
User Association [WUA])
Year of Implementation: 2009
Background
Post the enforcement of the Uttar Pradesh
Participatory Irrigation Management Act,
2009, WUAs started managing the irrigation
of agricultural fields.
Objective
To produce more crop per drop using judicious
water irrigation practices.
Interventions
Discussion with farmers, by the WUA, led to a gradual reduction of malpractices such as illegal water-lifting and canal formation.
Monetary contributions by farmers for silt removal from canals.
Under MGNREGA, widening of service roads along canals was done.
In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh groundwater department, canals were created to improve irrigation
Outcomes
Irrigation area increased from 123 ha in 2011 to 386 ha to date.
The problem of tail feeding was solved through water provision.
Silt removal, canal cutting and cleaning resulted in improved water provision.
Reduction of malpractices of illicit irrigation, water-lifting and canal formation.
Sale of silt is a revenue-generation avenue.
For further details contact:
Tarapur Alpika Samiti, Sharda Sahayak, Khand – 41, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture
7
DROUGHT
PROOFING IN
MAHARASHTRA
© Govt. of Maharshtra Agriculture
8
Place of Implementation: Maharashtra
Agency: Soil and Water Conservation
Department, Government of Maharashtra
Year of Implementation: 2017
Background
Maharashtra has the greatest number of
dams and waterbodies in India. However,
every year many villages in the state are hit
by drought—with varied levels of severity—
due to an insufficient and irregular rainfall
pattern and poor rainwater harvesting of
waterbodies due to silt deposit. Removal of
silt, from these waterbodies, helps in restoring
the water storage capacity and improves the
percolation potential, which in turn recharges
groundwater. Also, the silt removed from
these waterbodies can be used to improve
soil fertility.
Objectives
The Government of Maharashtra rolled out
the “Gaalmukt Dharan and Gaalyukt Shivar”
(GDGS) scheme, under which waterbodies
were de-silted using excavating machines.
The resultant silt was given to farmers free
of cost.
Interventions
Farmers can cart the silt from the waterbodies to their respective farms at their own expense. The government pays for the fuel required for running the excavating machines.
The excavating equipment can be hired through community
contribution or through sources such as CSR and philanthropic funding.
GDGS leverages about 10–15% of the total project cost through government support (for fuel supply); another 10–15% through philanthropic funding sources; and the remaining 70–80% is borne by the farmers to cart away the silt.
Outcomes
So far, 5270 waterbodies have been de-silted, resulting in the excavation of about 32.3 million m3 of silt.
This has benefitted more than 4,600 villages and over 6.5 million villagers.
Removal of silt has increased the water-storage capacity of waterbodies to the tune of about 32,300 thousand m3, which is equivalent to the supply of about 3.2 million water tankers. The excavated silt has been spread across more than 54,000 acres of farmland.
This has helped increase farm productivity by two to four times, which has further resulted in improvement in agricultural incomes by 50% to 100%. The scheme has actively helped in making villages drought-resilient.
For further details contact:
Deepti Kommera
E-mail: deeptikommera@gmail.com
Phone no. +91–9833476437 Agriculture
9
LOW COST
IRRIGATION
IN ANDHRA
PRADESH
© thewaterchannel.tv
© M suchitra
© KS Gopal© CEC
© CEC Agriculture
10
Place of Implementation: Anantpur
District, Andhra Pradesh
Agency: Centre for Environment Concerns
(CEC)
Year of Implementation: 2011
Background
Anantpur district is one of the driest regions
of Andhra Pradesh. With lack of water
harvesting and irrigation facilities, the region
was considered as ‘desert’ in the region.
Objective
Produce more crop per drop using judicious
water irrigation practices.
Intervention
A unique sub-surface, plant-root-zone-measured moisture system called System of Water for Agriculture Rejuvenation (SWAR) was introduced. SWAR shifts irrigation from the surface to measure the moisture at the plant root zone. The root zone also serves as an ecosystem to foster microorganisms, besides rationing plant water requirements.
The system involves storing water in overhead tanks and sending it through a small diameter pipe to a customized locally made clay pot, which is buried near the root area. The clay pot contains micro-tubes that transmit water through a sand pouch, to prevent the roots from invading the pipes and the pot. The slow oozing out of water provides moisture for a prolonged period, the level of which is calculated based on the soil type, plant species and their age.
Outcomes
Compared to drip irrigation, SWAR uses only one third of the water, with zero wastage. The irrigation architecture and its wide capillary spread suits low rainfall and low water availability and heat-wave-prone areas. The system is also suitable for massive tree plantation programmes.
In 2015, this technique was also used to grow vegetables and flowers. This produced immediate results in terms of both soil and plant health and farmers’ incomes. For vegetables and fruits, where close planting was done, it was discovered that one eighth of the water suffices, compared to drip irrigation.
In 2017, SWAR was piloted under the Ministry of Rural Development and GIZ Environmental Benefit Project in MGNREGS, Andhra Pradesh. It was successfully scaled up in 2018 with the involvement of government agencies, institutions, NGOs, and farmers.
For further details contact:
E-mail: ksgopal1952@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–9848127794
Measuring moisture to plan irrigation
schedule
© CEC Agriculture
11
© PRADAN
IRRIGATION
SUPPORT AND
FARM PONDS Agriculture
12
Outcomes
Farm ponds were made deeper than
usual to conserve more rainwater
and to ensure its availability for a
longer duration.
Changes in cropping pattern led to increased incomes.
Higher yield and improved production of paddy.
Emergence of fishery as a new livelihood activity, due to availability of sufficient water in farm ponds.
Better yield in the lowlands due to water storage and seepage.
Increased confidence of community members on farm ponds for irrigation
Vegetable farming using trellis proved profitable and many farmers now plan to grow more vegetables using water stored in the farm ponds.
For further details contact:
E-mail–preetamgupta@pradan.net
Phone: +91–9098826438
Community members participating
in meeting
Place of Implementation:
Bhanupratappur Block, Uttar Bastar Kanker
District
Agency: Gram panchayat, with facilitation
by Professional Assistance for Development
Action (PRADAN)
Year of Implementation: 2018
Background
South Chhattisgarh, including Uttar Bastar
Kanker district, is plagued with low water
availability and uncertain rainfall, which
results in low agricultural productivity.
Climatic variability disproportionately
affects smallholder farmers and makes their
livelihoods even more unpredictable. In
this respect, water conservation and land
development projects, along with the creation
of small water harvesting structures, proved
to be a boon.
Objectives
The major objective was to make gram panchayats water sufficient and poverty-free while increasing the water-harvesting capacity of the village.
Ensuring participatory planning and educating women on watershed management.
Interventions
Involvement and active participation of village organizations and SHG members.
Training and exposure visits.
Livelihood-focused planning and preparation of resource and social maps.
Linking communities with govern-
ment schemes
© PRADAN Groundwater Management
13
© Namrata Singh Panwar
GROUNDWATER
MANAGEMENT
“What people don’t understand is like when water
gets polluted, it’s an entire aquifer. There’s a whole
fascinating world that exists underneath our feet
that we don’t see, therefore we don’t relate”
—Erin Brockovich Groundwater Management
14
1. Aquifer Based Groundwater
Management – ACWADAM, SST and Arghyam
2. Community led Springshed Management –
CHIRAG, ACWADAM and Arghyam
3. Participatory Springshed Management –
PSI, ACWADAM, Arghyam
4. Water Security and Participatory Groundwater
Management – Samerth, Arghyam
5. Springs Wetlands and Groundwater Connect in the Nilgiris
– Keystone Foundation
6. Adaptation to Climate Change through Participatory Springshed Development – PSI and Department of Land Resources, Nagaland
7. Bore-Well Pooling by Farmers to Address Water Security
– WASSAN, Arghyam Groundwater Management
15
AQUIFER
BASED
GROUNDWATER
MANAGEMENT
© ACWADAM, SST and Arghyam Groundwater Management
16
Place of Implementation: Gadakwadi
Village, Khed Tehsil, Pune District, Maharashtra
Agency: Advanced Centre for Water
Resources Development and Management
(ACWADAM), Srinivasan Service Trust (SST)
and Arghyam Trust
Year of Implementation: 2015–16
Background
Gadakwadi village faces severe water crisis in
the summers, rendering agriculture unviable
and forcing people to migrate in search of
work. The people of Gadakwadi embarked
on a participatory groundwater management
journey with the Advanced Centre for Water
Resources Development and Management,
and Srinivasan Service Trust.
Objectives
To enable water security, enhance groundwater
recharge, promote the efficient use of water
through farmers’ groups and develop a water-
security plan for the village.
Interventions
Awareness generation and sensitiza-
tion of the community on ground-
water management.
Primary data such as water level and
quality, rainfall, socio-hydrological
data, etc., collected through
community resource persons.
Mahila Sarpanch with the village
infographics
The ACWADAM team, along with the community, prepared a groundwater management plan for the village,
which was presented in the gram sabha.
The ACWADAM team also tried con-
vergence with various government
programmes such as the Jalyukta
Shivar, Jalswarajya II, etc.
Outcomes
The community accepted the following recommendations given under the groundwater management plan:
$Ban on drilling of borewells in
the village
$Selection of groundwater recharge sites based on hydrogeological study
$Protocols for drinking water security
$Efficient use of water through the use of drips and sprinklers
$Crop planning based on water availability
Water conservation structures helped
enhance the recharging capability of
aquifers.
From being tanker-fed, the village became completely tanker-free in 2017–18.
A significant change in the cropping pattern and income of the community was observed.
Shramadaan activities in the village
For further details contact:
E-mail ID: acwadam@gmail.com
Phone No: +91–9172246959
© ACWADAM, SST and Arghyam © ACWADAM, SST and Arghyam Groundwater Management
17
COMMUNITY
LED
SPRINGSHED
MANAGEMENT
© CHIRAG, ACWADAM, Arghyam Groundwater Management
18
Place of Implementation: Kumaon
Region, Uttarakhand
Agency: Central Himalayan Rural Action
Group (CHIRAG), ACWADAM, Arghyam
Year of Implementation: 2013–17
Background
Traditionally, Uttarakhand has been water
secure due to the existence of several
springs and small streams in the state. These
springs are of special importance for the
local communities as people are dependent
on them for a variety of needs. However,
fluctuations in weather patterns over time
have led to a significant decline in spring
flows. Perennial springs have turned seasonal
and in some unfortunate instances dried up
completely. Changes in land use patterns and
improper sanitation have also contributed to
the deteriorating quality of spring water.
CHIRAG implemented a participatory
groundwater management (PGWM) approach
for springshed management in the Kumaon
region, with support of Arghyam.
Objectives
To revive and protect springs, thereby ensuring
water security in two villages, Kulgarh and
Basgaon.
Interventions
Community mobilization and aware-
ness
Hydrogeological mapping
Hardware intervention
Promoting efficient water use
through protocols and conflict resolution
Outcomes With the intervention, Spring water
was available even in the lean season despite low rainfall, indicating better revival of springs
The creation of Jal Samitis has
empowered women and developed a core group of women leaders, with the ability to conduct trainings.
The community enforces protocols,
takes up Operation & Maintenance of structures, monitors and evaluates the status of springs regularly.
For further details contact:Phone No: +91- 5942-285738 /
+91- 9412085732
Jal Samiti Members-Kulgarh Village
© CHIRAG, ACWADAM, Arghyam Groundwater Management
19
PARTICIPATORY
SPRINGSHED
MANAGEMENT
©PSI, ACWADAM and Arghyam Groundwater Management
20
Place of Implementation: Thanakkasoga
Gram Panchayat, Himachal Pradesh
Agency: People’s Science Institute,
ACWADAM, Arghyam
Year of Implementation: 2012
Background
Lives and livelihoods of people in the Indian
Himalayan Region are mostly dependent on
springs and streams, instead of on big rivers.
However, of late most of these perennial
springs and streams are becoming seasonal
or have dried up, leading to severe drinking
water shortages. The discharge of springs
and baoris has reduced due to mostly
anthropogenic factors. Moreover, spring water
also gets contaminated with the infiltration of
pathogens.
Objectives
Demonstrate an approach
of community-centric spring rejuvenation, using the principles of common pool resources and PGWM in the Himalayan region.
Build a community understanding
of aquifers and basic hydrogeology; and demonstrate an equitable and sustainable water-sharing mechanism at the village level.
Create a pool of trained resource
persons at the village level, with knowledge on groundwater hydrogeology and PGWM principles.
Establish governance and institutional mechanisms in the village to embed principles of equity, equality and common pool resources.
Interventions
Awareness and capacity-building efforts were undertaken to identify the problem faced by the community and the willingness to resolve it.
A hydrogeological mapping of
the area was done to identify the recharge area of the critical springs
more accurately.
A water budget for the village was
designed based on the estimated amount available for use and demanded by the community.
For demand management, protocols
were established in the village to ensure the sustained impact of the interventions. Some of the protocols included recharge area protection, social fencing, crop-water analysis-based farming, crop diversification, etc.
Outcomes Enhanced spring discharge led to
a more equitable water-sharing system amongst the communities, and increased the availability of water for irrigation. Villagers were motivated to try out the SCI (System of Crop Intensification) technique of farming for crops, such as maize and wheat.
The protection of the vadose zone
and plantation helped in improving filtration, thereby reducing faecal coliform contamination.
Due to capacity building, water
sharing from the two baoris has become a norm. It was observed that the discharge in the baori increased.
For further details contact:
People’s Science Institute
E-mail: psiddoon@gmail.com Groundwater Management
21
WATER
SECURITY AND
PARTICIPATORY
GROUNDWATER
MANAGEMENT
© Samerth, Arghyam Groundwater Management
22
Place of Implementation: Kutch District,
Gujarat
Agency: Samerth, Arghyam
Year of Implementation: 2001
Background
The Kutch region in Gujarat has been
experiencing a steady decline in the
groundwater level. This, along with salinity
and persistent droughts, has made the region
extremely water-stressed. Traditionally, local
communities relied on talabs (ponds) and
wells, along with dependence on rainfall,
to meet their water requirements. Recently,
the village grew heavily dependent on the
Narmada to meet their growing demands.
However, the frequency of the water supplied
through the Narmada was insufficient and
unreliable.
Objectives
Arghyam supported Samerth in designing and
implementing the participatory groundwater
management framework in the region.
Interventions
Community resource persons (or
jal doots) were identified to anchor the initiative in villages and for conducting a baseline survey for parameters such as socio-economic, demographics, geology and water sources.
Based on the survey, a water security
plan was designed.
The trends in water levels and
quality are regularly monitored and discussed with the community.
Activities such as de-silting of
existing ponds, building storage wells and check dams, assigning recharge zones in alluvial areas, and reviving old ponds are done by the community, with the support of Samerth. NREGS is leveraged to incentivize community members to contribute their labour for these activities.
Outcomes The project has ensured security of
drinking water in the region. Also, efficient management of water now ensures its sufficient availability throughout the year. The villages are longer dependent on tankers.
With Samerth’s intervention, the Koli
community renovated two nearby talabs, which were also connected to the Narmada.
The drudgery of water collection has
now been reduced to 3–4 hours per day, giving women sufficient time for other activities.
For further details contact:
E-mail: info@arghyam.org Groundwater Management
23
SPRINGS
WETLANDS AND
GROUNDWATER
CONNECT IN
THE NILGIRIS
© Keystone Foundation Groundwater Management
24
Place of Implementation: Happy Valley
Agency: Keystone Foundation
Year of Implementation: 2006
Background
The Nilgiris are known for their significant
biological and cultural diversity. The region
relies heavily on state water supply systems
and on a network of springs and wells in the
discharge areas. However, issues of falling
water levels and wells running dry have
become common in the region. Water quality
tests revealed coliform presence across
the Coonoor area. To protect these spring
sources, it is important to understand their
behaviour, identify and conserve them.
Objectives
To revive and conserve springs and for
springshed management in the region.
Interventions
Community involvement and
convergence: wetlands that were the primary source of drinking water and were under threat were identified.
A nursery was raised and saplings
planted with the participation of the community, panchayat and a local school.
Outcomes The springs that used to dry up
in the summers has now become perennial. A small shola forest has ensured sustained water levels in the wells.
The community has responded
positively to the intervention and is happy with the water availability in its springs and wells even during the lean season.
For further details contact:
Keystone Foundation
E-mail: keystone-kf@keystone-foundation.org
Phone no.: +91 4266-272277 / 272977 Groundwater Management
25
ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE
CHANGE THROUGH
PARTICIPATORY SPRINGSHED
DEVELOPMENT Groundwater Management
26
Place of Implementation: 11 districts of
Nagaland
Agency: People’s Science Institute (PSI),
Dehradun, and Department of Land Resources,
Nagaland
Year of Implementation: 2016
Background
There has been a drastic decline in groundwater
availability, leading to reduced discharge of
water in spring sheds across the Himalayas.
A user association came up in 2016, along
with the Department of Land Resources,
Nagaland, to restore and regenerate springs.
Objectives
Regeneration of 11 springs (1 spring
each in 11 districts) based on local hydrogeology.
Involvement of local communities,
especially women, in planning and recharge works, maintaining and sharing of water sources.
Knowledge dissemination
and communication to ensure sustainability of the programme.
Interventions Spring inventory: A recce visit
to 50 water-scarce villages was undertaken by the Department of Land Resources to collect baseline information. This was followed by the preparation of an inventory of springs.
Capacity Building and Trainings:
Focused on identification of springs, discharge measurements, estimation of water demand and supply gaps, and hydrogeological studies.
Criteria for selection of springs and
treatment measures.
Outcomes Increased spring discharge during
the lean season in 10 out of the 11 pilots were carried out.
Reduced demand and supply gap:
The spring discharge increased from 3 (litres per minute) lpm in January 2017 (pre-implementation period) to 5 lpm in June 2018 (post implementation).
For further details contact:
E-mail: eqmgpsi@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91 135–2971955
Monitoring of discharge and water
quality Groundwater Management
27
BORE-WELL
POOLING BY
FARMERS TO
ADDRESS WATER
SECURITY
© WASSAN, Arghyam Groundwater Management
28
Place of Implementation: Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana
Agency: WASSAN (Watershed Support
Services and Activities Network), Arghyam
Year of Implementation: 2011–13
Background
Andhra Pradesh suffers from water scarcity as
the permissible level for drawing groundwater
is 40%, but the state draws about 58%.
Changes in rainfall distribution have led to
frequent crop losses in low rainfall areas of the
state. To combat this, WASSAN and Arghyam
engaged with farmers in three districts of
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to create a
sustainable model for resource sharing and
groundwater management.
Objectives
To bring the farmers together through a
system of voluntary compliance and by using
a shared network of borewell pooling.
Interventions
Identifying farmers with borewells
and creating a collective of well-owners and non-owners.
Hydrogeology training, establish-
ment of norms and capacity build-
ing to map borewells, aquifers and rainfed areas.
Groundwater-sharing norms de-
vised, along with a system for their maintenance and enforcement.
Promotion of soil conversation
practices, including crop-residue management, green manure compositing, and drip and micro-irrigation systems.
Borewell network designed by
mapping agricultural land and connecting borewells.
Outcomes Reduced pumping time
Improved water availability
Increased crop productivity
Rise in groundwater levels
Assured livelihoods and reduced
migration
For further details contact:
E-mail: info@arghyam.org Watershed Development
29
WATERSHED
DEVELOPMENT
“Now that we have learnt to fly the air like birds,
swim under water like fish, we lack one thing – to
learn to live on earth like human beings.”
—G. Bernard Shaw Watershed Development
30
1. Water Conservation through Integrated
Community Based Approach – World Vision India
2. Multi-Layered Water Management in River
Sub-Basin through with Integrated Development
Approach – Haritika
3. Community Approach to Water Conservation - PRADAN
4. Convergence of Water Management & Farm-Based
Livelihood – PRADAN
5. Use of Solar Energy for Decentralized Watershed Development
– Watershed Management Department, Uttarakhand
6. Rejuvenation of Khentawas and Mojamabad Pond: GuruJal
Society
7. Revival of Waterbodies in Bundelkhand: Sarvodaya Adarsh
Jal Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan Samiti, Jakhni, Uttar Pradesh
8. Rajokri Pond Rejuvenation: Delhi Jal Board Watershed Development
31
WATER CONSERVATION
THROUGH INTEGRATED
COMMUNITY BASED
APPROACH
© World Vision India Watershed Development
32
Place of Implementation: Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra,
Odisha
Agency: World Vision India
Year of Implementation: 2015
Background
An integrated community-based approach
was undertaken to improve access to safe
water for drinking, handwashing and toilet
use. This was done by deepening ponds,
rehabilitating wells and other water sources,
and improving water sources at the household
level through an innovative hub-and-spoke
model (introduced in 2018).
Objectives
To provide universal access to safe water
sources at the community and household
levels in nine Area Development Programmes
across four states in 48 ponds/open wells.
Interventions
Deepening and rejuvenation of wa-
terbodies through de-silting and deepening, strengthening of em-
bankments, pitching of revetments with boulders, retrenching of drains, planting trees on embankments, providing open well platforms, cov-
ering open wells, etc.
The hub-and-spoke model involves
identifying the best local source of water and distributing water as close to the household premises as
possible through solar and electrical submersible pumps.
Water is stored in overhead tanks to
supply to the community later.
The community is educated and
trained on WASH skills to assist in income generation; the model is sustained through WMC.
IndicatorNumbers
# taps installed from water supply
in communities
364
# of households benefitted 4356
# women benefitted4356
# men benefitted4792
# children under 5 – girls 2940
# children under 5 – boys 2983
Outcomes
Increased availability of water for
irrigation and access to safe water
for drinking, handwashing, and toilet
use at the household level.
Improved sanitation and hygiene,
and reduction in the number of diarrheal incidences.
For further details contact:
Mahesh Nathan
E-mail: mahesh_nathan@wvi.org
Phone: +91–9831147934 Watershed Development
33
MULTI-LAYERED WATER
MANAGEMENT IN RIVER SUB-
BASINS WITH INTEGRATED
DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
© Haritika Watershed Development
34
Place of Implementation: Bijawar Block,
Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, and
Jaitpur Block, Mahoba District, Uttar Pradesh
Agency: Haritika
Year of Implementation: 2010–18
Background
To combat droughts, food and water crises,
Haritika proposed a project for implementation
in 12 villages of the Bijawar block on Banne
river basin, and 14 villages of the Jaitpur block
on Karpia river basin, under the support of
the Coca-Cola Foundation between 2010–18.
Objectives
To augment groundwater and
increase the productivity of dry lands through water conservation.
To empower women in the decision-
making process.
To bring about significant
improvement in the quality of life of rural families by adopting an integrated development approach.
Interventions Construction of check dams and
stop dams for restraining the water flow.
Ensuring a participatory approach
and community mobilization by forming village water user committees and training them.
Outcomes In the Bijawar block, water
conservation structures, with storage capacity of up to 2,981,576,460 litres, have been constructed.
In the villages of Jaitpur block, water
conservation structures, with storage capacity of up to 472,931,000 litres, have been built.
Increased groundwater levels.
Area under rabi cultivation increased
approximately by 36%.
Reduced migration and improvement
in the health standards of the villagers.
For further details contact:
Avani Mohan Singh
E-mail: haritika97@rediffmail.com
Phone: +91–7566923870
© Haritika
© Haritika Watershed Development
35
CONVERGENCE OF WATER
MANAGEMENT & FARM-BASED
LIVELIHOOD
© PRADAN Watershed Development
36
Place of Implementation: Chhindbharri
Village, Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh
Agency: PRADAN
Year of Implementation: 2009
Background
Chhindbharri village is near Madamsilli dam,
around 30 km from Dhamtari. Predominantly,
a village for Poor and marginal farmers largely
depends on agricultural labor activities for
livelihood and source of income wherein only
small number of people depends on other
livelihood options such as NTFP collection
and trading.
Objectives
To enhance the productivity of resources
(land and water) by following the integrated
natural resource management (INRM)
approach through the convergence of various
government programmes.
Interventions
Development of irrigation facilities
Provision of agriculture implements
and other inputs.
Infrastructure developed to harvest
56,380 m3 of rainwater in the fields of 31 families.
Soil erosion checked in 91 acres of
land of 31 families and an additional 40 acres covered by irrigation.
Social mapping, resource mapping,
transect visit, finalization of
plan and activity mapping and documentation.
Harvesting rainwater and soil and
water conservation:
Farm pond and seepage tanks
in convergence with MGNREGA; land husbandry, plantations and irrigation system in convergence with the Department of Agriculture and NABARD.
Outcomes Participatory planning and
monitoring enhanced the confidence of the community.
Farmers and SHG members can now
access government schemes from 15 departments.
The village saw a huge increase in
the production of vegetables, fish and poultry. Families are earning an additional income of Rs. 40,000 per annum through vegetable cultivation.
Enhancement of agriculture
income—more than 60% of the families earn an income of Rs. 15,000 and above.
Distress migration stopped.
For further details contact:
E-mail: headoffice@pradan.net
sumitakasana@pradan.net
Phone No.: 0120-4800800 Watershed Development
37
COMMUNITY APPROACH TO
WATER CONSERVATION
© PRADAN Watershed Development
38
Place of Implementation: Masulpani
Gram Panchayat, Narharpur Block, Uttar
Bastar Kanker district
Agency: Gram Panchayat, with PRADAN as
facilitating agency
Year of Implementation: 2018
Background
Masulpani Gram Panchayat has evolved as a
model, because of intensive work done under
MGNREGA for water conservation. Also,
the continuous involvement of community
members has ensured high quality output.
The panchayat is under a high-impact mega-
watershed project, a joint initiative by the
Chhattisgarh government and civil society
organizations, to treat 694,500 acres of land
in 26 blocks of 13 districts in the state.
Objectives
To generate livelihood opportunities within
villages throughout the year, through
MGNREGA and farm-based activities, and to
convert the village from being water deficit
to water sufficient.
Interventions
Construction of 250 water harvesting
structures under MGNREGA.
MGNREGA planning done in a participatory manner, with a focus on land use pattern and water requirement for the same.
Capacity building of women SHGs
through training on the technical aspects of watershed planning.
Identification of Community
Resource Persons (CRPs) in the village with technical knowhow of various structures under MGNREGA.
Water budgeting taken on as the
base for planning of structures.
Integration of GIS tools and maps while planning for the treatment of drainage lines
Employment generation in the
village.
Preparation of detailed plans—with
dimensions and GIS coordinates—for all the structures, and their submission to the MGNREGA cell at the block.
Outcomes Over 50% of the families saw an
increase in their incomes by 30–40%.
Regular employment generation
in the village led to a reduction in migration.
Creation of a village-based cadre
that is technically sound in watershed principles.
Opening of allied agricultural
livelihood options, such as fisheries, goat and bird rearing.
For further details contact:
E-mail: ashutoshnanda@pradan.net
Phone: +91–8327740731
SHG women participating in
discussions Watershed Development
39
USE OF SOLAR
ENERGY FOR
DECENTRALIZED
WATERSHED
DEVELOPMENT Watershed Development
40
Place of Implementation: Almora,
Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal
Agency: Watershed Management Director-
ate, Uttarakhand
Year of Implementation: 2014
Background
Ladholi village in Almora district is a case
in point for building climate resilience. As
the farming was not considered to be very
fruitful with barren lands and lack of irrigation
facilities, villagers used to migrate to towns
more sustainable income.
Objectives
To overcome the situation of water availability
for irrigation, discussions with farmers led to
the idea of impounding water from the river
flowing down stream (through construction
of check dam and collection in sedimentation
tank) and using solar energy to pump water
to the overhead tank in the village situated
at an elevation of 180 metres and to the
agriculture fields up-stream.
Interventions
An irrigation tank with capacity of
up to 15,000 litres was constructed by the villagers.
Scientists and technicians from
Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, provided on-farm training to villagers on how to dig the LDPE tanks.
Through project support, 10 solar
panels with 3000-watt capacity were established and 21 LDPE tanks (each with capacity of 15000-18000 cubic litres) were connected through HDPE pipes from the overhead irrigation tank.
An underground sedimentation tank
was constructed along the river and a submersible pump of 3.2 HP was
installed, which could be operated through solar power generated from the 10 panels.
Nearly 4,35,000 litres of water can
be harnessed in all the tanks, enough to water the crops.
Similarly, six solar panels, with a
capacity of 300 watt each, along with a pump and controller, were installed at Dharkot, Dehradun. Through them, a 20,000-litre-capacity irrigation tank could be filled.
In Kagthun Gram Panchyat, Pauri
Garhwal district, 9 ha plantation, along with the 1200 contour trenches and 500 recharge pits, were dug up to improve the water regime in the catchment area of the natural water source.
Outcomes The farmers in the project villages
now have the capacity for irrigating 50.80 ha gross rainfed area. These farmers have shifted to the cultivation of cash crops and vegetables. This has increased their incomes substantially and improved the standard of living.
A considerable increase in the
water level at the source situated in the lower end of the village was observed.
Reverse migration has been reduced.
Solar energy is a much more
convenient and cheaper alternative to diesel. It is also climate resilient and leaves a low carbon footprint.
For further details contact:
E-mail: wmd-ua@nic.in
Phone No.: +91 135–2760170 Watershed Development
41
REJUVENATION
OF KHENTAWAS
AND
MOJAMABAD
PONDS
© GuruJal Society Watershed Development
42
Place of Implementation: Khentawas
and Mojamabad Villages, Gurugram, Haryana
Agency: GuruJal Society, Gurugram
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Several traditional waterbodies in Gurugram,
which were once used to collect rainwater
from catchment areas, now gather wastewater
along with rainwater due to urbanization and
poor infrastructure. As a result of this, there
are fewer number of clean water sources,
the ecology of ponds has been destroyed,
groundwater has been polluted—all of which
have further exacerbated water scarcity in
Gurugram.
Objective
Treatment of the accumulated wastewater
in the pond, which can be further used
for irrigation, horticulture, construction of
infrastructure and other purposes, which
would reduce reliance on groundwater,
replenish water table and improve the
biodiversity of the area.
Intervention
Dewatering of ponds to increase the
recharge capacity.
Cleaning of peripheral areas of
ponds and levelling of landscape for setting up wastewater treatment plants (WTPs). Aggregates and natural filter media were laid down in the constructed WTPs.
The WTPs/STPs use phytorid
technology, which is a kind of subsurface flow in which water is
applied to beds filled with gravel
and stones.
Creation of biodiversity zones at
project sites to prevent the ponds from future encroachment.
Creation of pathways and
recreational areas.
Various technologies have been
implemented in the 13 project sites and 17 more are in the pipeline.
Outcomes Treated water from ponds is used in
biodiversity zones.
BOD level of 23 mg/L reduces to 10
mg/L, with the help of the Waste Treatment Plants, thereby improving the quality of water, which can be used for agriculture and horticulture, as well as other activities.
The phytorid technology has five
stages, which can be adapted at low cost in several other regions.
For further details contact:
E-mail: gurujal.gurugram@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–124–2331003 Watershed Development
43
REVIVAL
OF WATER
BODIES IN
BUNDELKHAND
© Sarvodaya Adarsh Jal Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Samiti, Jakhni Watershed Development
44
Place of Implementation: Jakhni, Banda,
Bundelkhand Region, Uttar Pradesh
Agency: Sarvodaya Adarsh Jal Gram Swaraj
Abhiyaan Samiti, Jakhni
Year of Implementation: 2007
Background
Located in infamous region of Bundelkand,
Jakhni village was facing water scarcity for
a long time.
Objectives
To revive waterbodies through traditional water
conservation techniques, improve agricultural
productivity, and reduce migration.
Interventions
Intensive plantation of trees on the
ridges of agricultural fields
Construction of farm ponds
Raising of farm bunds
A rainwater harvesting committee
formed: Sarvodaya Adarsh Jal Gram Abhiyaan Samiti.
Trenching around wells and
plantations
Outcomes Jakhni was declared a model
‘jalgram’ (water village) by NITI Aayog. Over 1000 other villages have also been proposed to be developed as jalgrams.
Summers are less harsh in Jakhni
now compared to the other surrounding areas of drought-prone Bundelkhand.
Ponds and wells remain full
throughout the year.
Soil remains fertile as mineral and
salts do not wash away.
There has been noted increase in the
groundwater level.
Exponential rise in agricultural
produce—a formerly dry village now grows a highly water intensive crop such as Basmati rice.
There has been noted increase in
crop diversification.
Incoming migration observed with
increase in livelihood opportunities.
Takeaways
Jakhni farmers undertook the entire
work without any external funding, machinery, or resources.
Village water-budgeting modelled
around the collection and storage of rainwater within the boundaries of Jakhni and consequently utilizing it for economic development.
For further details contact:
Umashankar Pandey
E-Mail uspandey40@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–9450514844 Watershed Development
45
RAJOKRI
POND
REJUVENATION
© Delhi Jal Board Watershed Development
46
Place of Implementation: Rajokri Village,
Delhi
Agency: Delhi Jal Board
Year of Implementation: 2018
Background
Rajokri village is located on the outskirts of
Delhi. Earlier, the wastewater from the village
was directly discharged into the Rajokri pond,
which led to its deterioration. This resulted in
several other problems such as the breeding
of mosquitoes, sinking of sewage, etc. In
2018, Delhi Jal Board decided to rejuvenate
the pond
Objectives
To convert the turbid pond fed by sewage
into a clean waterbody for recharging the
groundwater and providing a recreational
spot for the villagers.
Interventions
Construction of artificial wetlands,
floating wetlands, grassland, rain gardens, parks, chhath ghat, amphitheatre, and gravel walkways.
Construction of Sewage Treatment
Plant, with capacity of 600 kilolitres per day
Scientific wetland systems with
active biodigesters technology used.
Interception of drains, from which
sewage is fed into an underground
sedimentation tank equipped with biodigester. This coupled with filtration through aggregated stones reduce the BOD levels to half. Solar pumps push the water to an artificial wetland, where it passes through 2.5 deep gravel lined with water treating plants such as Umbrella and Canna Indica which absorb toxins. The effluent then passes through three terrace gardens. It then gently passes from the slope of the grassland to the pond. A solar power-enabled pump installed in the middle of the pond recirculates the water.
Carbon/sand filters and floating
rafters to be installed.
Outcomes As much as 9500 sq. metres of area
redeveloped, with a 2000 sq. metre waterbody. Sewage is now treated before being discharged into the pond.
Chhath ghat serves as a public
space.
Migratory birds have been spotted
in the area surrounding the pond.
Treated wastewater is used to
recharge the pond.
For further details contact:
Delhi Jal Board Water Infrastructure
47
WATER
INFRASTRUCTURE
“Ensuring the sustainability of our nation’s water and
wastewater infrastructure is not just an administrative
challenge — it is everyone’s challenge. By supporting
collaborations over conflicts and results over
methods, we are working with our utility and private
sector partners to develop the solutions for managing
and sustaining our shared infrastructure assets.”
—Stephen L. Johnson
© Namrata Singh Panwar Water Infrastructure
48
1. P<> anam Reservoir Project –
Government of Gujarat
2. Ins<> tallation of Solar PV Panel with Net
Metering System – Tubewell Division, Dehradun
3. Upgr<> adation of Dibrugarh Town Protection Dyke –
Water Resources Department, Assam
4. C<> onstruction of Sub-Surface Dams With “Z” Sheet Piling
Technology – Water Resources Department, Andhra Pradesh
5. P<> alasbari Sub-Project under Assam Integrated River Erosion Risk
Management – Water Resources Department, Assam
6. Hub-&-Spokes Model to Affordable Potable Water beyond the Piped
Urban Areas – Piramal Sarvajal
7. C<> onstruction of Revetment, Geo Bags Apron along the Brahmaputra
River – Water Resources Department, Assam
8. R<> ohini Dam System of Irrigation in Bundelkhand – Irrigation
Department, Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh & Water Users Association
9. Pirul L<> eaves Check Dam in Uttarakhand – Forest Department,
Uttarakhand
10. R<> edefining Urban Water Space using FBTec® - DEWATS – Nixie
Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
11. R<> educing Domestic Water Wastage in Gurugram – Gurujal Society
© Water Resources Department, Andhra Pradesh Water Infrastructure
49
PANAM RESERVOIR
PROJECT
© NWRWS Gujarat
© World Vision India Water Infrastructure
50
Place of Implementation: Gujarat
Agency: Government of Gujarat
Year of Implementation: NA
Background
The Panam project has 510 MCM of water
allocation for 32,800 hectare of command
area as per the original plan. Panam is a part
of the Mahi River basin, which is shared by
the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and
Gujarat.
Objectives
To provide water for irrigation, apart from
flood protection, fisheries, and hydropower
generation.
Interventions
To ensure higher efficiency of
the canal distribution network, vulnerable stretches were identified using advanced technologies such as tomography.
Canals were restored using materials
like geo-synthetics so that seepage losses could be minimized.
To provide permeability of the surface and shear and bending resistance to the lining, welded wire mesh was used as reinforcement in the concrete lining.
Tunnel on the initial stretch of the
Panam high level canal demand management was also properly implemented through participatory irrigation management and rotational water supply in the canal system.
A 30-km-long, high level canal was constructed, having some initial stretch in the form of a tunnel,
and made functional recently for a nearby area deprived of water.
Outcomes
With all such efforts, the net result
was that the entire command area of 32,800 hectare was served with only 300 MCM of water, and 210 MCM of water was saved.
Conserve the water while allowing
better distribution of water resource
For further details contact:
Vivek P. Kapadia
E-mail: vivekpkapadia@gmail.com
Phone: +91–9909028626
Tunnel in the Initial Stretch of Panam
High Level Canal
© NWRWS, Gujarat
© NWRWS, Gujarat Water Infrastructure
51
INSTALLATION
OF SOLAR PV
PANEL WITH NET
METERING SYSTEM
© Tubewell Division, Dehradun Water Infrastructure
52
Place of Implementation: Nakraunda,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Agency: Tubewell Division, Dehradun
Year of Implementation: 2018
Background
To reduce the cost of running tubewells and to
promote clean energy, the Tubewell Division
in Dehradun initiated the installation of solar
panels for energy production.
Objectives
To save the operation costs of tubewells by
solar power generation.
Interventions
Installed solar PV panels in 200 m2 area, with
a net metering system connected to 11 KV
electric line.
Outcomes
Generation of an average 55 units
per day
Generation of green energy
Saving operation costs of tubewells
i.e., Rs 92,345 per year per tubewell.
For further details contact:
Executive Engineer, Tubewell Division
E-mail: cemechanical2016@gmail.com
Phone No: 91–9412608030
Solar panels used for power generation
© Tubewell Division, Dehradun Water Infrastructure
53
UP-GRADATION OF
DIBRUGARH TOWN
PROTECTION DYKE
© Water Resources Department, Assam Water Infrastructure
54
Place of Implementation: Dibrugarh,
Assam
Agency: Water Resources Department,
Assam, and FREMAA as Special Purpose
Vehicle
Year of Implementation: 2013
Background
The old embankment constructed in Dibrugarh
after the massive earthquake of 1952 was
susceptible to breach and overtopping
at certain reaches. This necessitated its
upgradation, which was started in 2013 and
successfully completed by 2017.
Objectives
To raise the height and strengthen the
Dibrugarh Town Protection Dyke, the lifeline
of the town, to provide a higher level of water
proofing and protection from overtopping.
Interventions
Upgradation of the dyke with earthwork,
including the construction of a toe wall at the
most critical sections where land constraints
are maximum, construction of open drain
at toe wall section, construction stairs at
different locations and construction of a black
topping road over the DTP Dyke from Maijan
to Mohanaghat.
Outcomes
Increased protection of life and
property from floods.
The dyke has evolved to be a major
walking zone.
Antisocial activities across the dyke
has been checked and curbed.
The dyke has added vibrancy to
the urban landscape of Dibrugarh with its open spaces, walkways, and adjacent gardens.
For further details contact:
Chief Engineer, WRD, Assam
E-mail: wrd.assam@hotmail.com
Phone No.: 91- 9954022661
Walking Path built on the Dyke
© WRD, Assam Water Infrastructure
55
© Water Resources Department, Andhra Pradesh
CONSTRUCTION
OF SUB-SURFACE
DAMS WITH “Z”
SHEET PILING
TECHNOLOGY Water Infrastructure
56
Place of Implementation: Y.S.R. District,
Andhra Pradesh
Implementation Agency: Water
Resources Department, Andhra Pradesh
Year of Implementation: 2017
Background
Owing to Kapada district’s complex geology,
the rate of water infiltration into the ground
is not very beneficial to restore groundwater.
Despite constructing numerous water-
harvesting structures, the groundwater table
is rapidly declining. The situation demands the
recharging of freshwater zones, in declining
water table areas, with artificial means to
maintain the groundwater table at optimum
levels.
Objectives
The district administration, after examining
different options, decided to construct Sub
-Surface Dams by using innovative, low-cost
technology. The government’s intention is
to increase the water table up to 3 metres
during the monsoons and 8 metres during
the summers.
Interventions
As a pilot model project, the construction of
sub-surface dams, with an innovative concept
of “Z” sheet piling technology, was taken up
at six locations on the Papagni.
Outcomes
The surface water runoff got
percolated to the sand layers and also in the adjoining alluvium along the river thereby increasing the water table.
By construction of sub surface dams
with Rs.26.36 Crores covering 4
Mandals in six locations, OAP have been arrested for which 7,795 Acres of Paddy irrigated through Ground Water for which 16,563 MTs of Paddy produced, which costs Rs.25.67 Crores in a year. About 8,000 Acres of area comes under irrigation in subsequent years.
Paddy has been stabilized in these
mandals during the Kharif season and unclear.
The water level in agriculture
borewells have been augmented. The sustainability of borewells have been increased.
The increased water level has
facilitated the functioning of centrifugal pumps, which is an indication of shallow water levels, particularly in and around Sugali Tanda SSD.
For further details contact:
District Magistrate, YSR District
E-mail: collector_kadapa@gmail.com
Phone No.: 91–9849904109
Construction of Sub Surface dam
through Z sheet piling
© WRD, AA.P. Water Infrastructure
57
PALASBARI SUB-PROJECT UNDER
ASSAM INTEGRATED RIVER
EROSION RISK MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT PROGRAM
© Water Resources Department, Assam Water Infrastructure
58
Place of Implementation: Palasbari,
Kamrup District, Assam
Agency: Water Resources Department,
Assam, and FREMAA as Special Purpose
Vehicle
Year of Implementation: 2013
Background
The project was envisioned as the Brahmaputra
River front development venture at Palasbari
town. It aimed at the rejuvenation of the town
and its development as a nodal tourist centre.
Objective
To construct flood and erosion control
mitigation structures based on the latest
technologies with cost-effective and
sustainable structural and non-structural
measures.
Interventions
The following were constructed:
The length of embankment cum
black topped road–5.02 km.
Length of Bank revetment with loose boulder for a thickness of 0.60
mover geo-textile fabric sheet–4.90 Km.
Toe-key at lowest water level with boulder filled in wire netting cages for thickness 0.9m for the entire reach.
Top Key along anchorage at bank level of size 4.0m x 0.6m over geo fabric sheet.
Outcomes
This road cum embankment also
acts as an alternative route linking many interior villages. It has also evolved to be a major walking zone.
The Brahmaputra dyke at Palasbari
is a major tourist attraction; it is also a picnic spot.
For further details contact:
Chief Engineer, WRD, Assam
E-mail: wrd.assam@hotmail.com
Phone No: +91–9954022661
Embankment cum Black Topped Road
© WRD, Assam Water Infrastructure
59
HUB-&-SPOKES MODEL TO
AFFORDABLE POTABLE WATER
BEYOND THE PIPED URBAN AREAS
© Piramal Sarvajal Water Infrastructure
60
Place of Implementation: Bhubaneswar,
Delhi, Laxmangarh, Pune
Agency: Piramal Sarvajal
Year of Implementation: 2013
Background
Piramal Sarvajal has devised a hub-and-
spoke model of safe water delivery to
various resettlement colonies and slums
across the country. This comprises locally
installed remote-sensing enabled, state-of-
the-art water purification plants for in-situ
purification of raw water and a network of
automated water vending units for distribution
of drinking water.
Objectives
To create reliable access to 24x7 safe drinking
water services to underserved areas of urban
centres in a decentralized manner.
Interventions
Centralized water purification
system at the community level and dispensing units, where water is transferred through a no-touch transfer mechanism.
A Programmable Logic Controller
(PLC)-based remote tracking device, called the Soochak controller, is installed on the purification plant to
track the quality and volume of water, monitor the plant’s operational status and capture vital machine health parameters to provide preventive maintenance.
SEMS is an online Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) tool, developed in-house by a team of software experts, which captures and processes data sent across by all the water purification and dispensing units.
Outcomes To date, Piramal Sarvajal serves
around 6 lakh people daily.
Specifically in urban areas, it serves
over 50,000 people daily through
148 touchpoints.
Real-time monitoring of water
quality and consumption pattern.
Increased efficiency in water
distribution system.
Time-saving and better health
outcomes for beneficiaries.
For further details contact:
E-mail: info@sarvajal.com
Phone No: +91–07940502100
Hubs and Spokes Model
© Piramal Sarvajal
© Piramal Sarvajal Water Infrastructure
61
CONSTRUCTION OF REVETMENT,
GEO BAGS APRON ALONG THE
BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER
Real Time Monitoring of Water Quality Water Infrastructure
62
Place of Implementation: Mothola,
Assam
Agency: Water Resources Department,
Assam, and FREMAA as Special Purpose
Vehicle
Year of Implementation: 2013
Background
The Mothola-Oakland dyke had been suffering
from continuous erosion by the Brahmaputra
and required immediate protection. Therefore,
to tackle the situation, protection works with
geo-bags apron and CC block revetment
were proposed.
Objectives
To ensure the safety of life and security of
property of the people of Dibrugarh and
adjoining areas.
Interventions
Geo-bags apron and CC block revetment at
eroded reaches were used for 2.4 km. This
gave a new lease of life to the dyke.
Outcomes
The Mothola-Oakland Bank
Protection Work has provided safety to about 25,000 ha of land.
It also protects several public and
private properties.
It has also evolved as a tourist
attraction.
For further details contact:
Chief Engineer, WRD, Assam
E-mail: wrd.assam@hotmail.com
Phone No.: +91–9954022661
Use of CC block revetment on dyke
© WRD, Assam Water Infrastructure
63
ROHINI DAM SYSTEM
OF IRRIGATION IN
BUNDELKHAND
© yuvamitra.org Water Infrastructure
64
Place of Implementation: Lalitpur,
Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh
Agency: Irrigation Department of Lalitpur,
Uttar Pradesh, and Water User Association
Year of Implementation: 2016
Background
The Uttar Pradesh Participatory Irrigation
Management Act, 2009, has been
implemented in the Rohini Dam of I.D. Lalitpur
of Bundelkhand region (UPWSRP) for Water
User Association (WUA) on Chhaprauni Minor,
Tisgana Minor, Chauka Minor and Garauli
Minor which has been formed in October,
2016. The system was handed over to the
respective WUA on 24 February 2018
Objectives
To save water and increase the area of
irrigation in Lalitpur.
Interventions
Water User Associations (WUAs) distribute water from the tail end of canals.
Training to the WUA members
Rehabilitation of minor outlets
A management committee super -
vises the activities.
Outcomes Irrigation was completed seven days before the date mentioned in the roaster.
1.13 TMC water was saved.
No dispute in canal operation.
Tails of Chauka and Garauli minors
were fed after 27 years.
Farmers now able to water the crops
4 times in a year as compared to two times in a year.
For further details contact:
Chief Engineer, ISO, U.P
E-mail: ceisoiduplu-up@nic.in
Phone No.: +91–0522-2625811
WUA meetings to make joint rosters
© ISO, UP Water Infrastructure
65
PIRUL LEAVES
CHECK DAM IN
UTTARAKHAND
© Amar Ujala
© Forest Department, Uttarakhand Water Infrastructure
66
Place of Implementation: Almora,
Ranikhet, Someshwar, Dwarahat in
Uttarakhand
Implementation
Agency: Forest
Department of Uttarakhand
Year of Implementation: 2014
Background
Under the Kosi River Rejuvenation Project,
rainwater conservation-related works are
being done in different recharge zones. These
works include the construction of check dams
to store the surface run-off.
Objectives
Groundwater recharging through rainwater
harvesting.
Interventions
Creation of check dams using pirul
leaves. This was mainly done in first order streams.
Pirul leaves are woven with iron wires.
After this, three quintals of pirul are filled in the net, which is firmly tied with a rope of coconut.
Plants like Jatropha, Sinwali are used in the drains
Nearly 2000 such check dams were made.
Outcomes
These check dams are stronger and
less expensive than their cement counterparts.
Plantation around the dam provides
protection from damage and soil erosion.
These dams are effective for big
drains and can absorb the flowing debris.
Nearly 1,00,605 trees have been
planted in 105.50 hectares of land.
For further details contact:
Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Uttarakhand
E-mail: pccfvanpanchayat@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–0135-2740926 Water Infrastructure
67
REDEFINING URBAN
WATER SPACE USING
FBTEC
®
– DEWATS
© yuvamitra.org Water Infrastructure
68
Place of Implementation: Sangamner,
Maharashtra
Agency: Nixie Engineers Private Limited
Year of Implementation: 2007
Background
Over the years, improper wastewater
treatment and discharge from residential
areas contaminated the surface in Sangamner.
It led to the breeding of mosquitoes and other
insects, and deterioration of the soil. Also,
the wastewater coming from different points
would drain into a common drainage system.
Objectives
After conducting a survey, Nixie Engineers
found that the wastewater could be efficiently
recycled through decentralization at the source
by installing FBTec®, a trademark registered
technology developed in Singapore, in line
with UN guidelines.
Interventions
FBTec® were installed.
Outcomes
About 20,000 litres of wastewater
is recycled every day. The recycled water is reused for sanitation, gardening, etc.
It is a step towards ensuring a
swachh Bharat.
For further details contact:
Mr Lalit Bajare
E-mail: lalitbajare@nixiewater.com
Phone No.: +91–020 2543 5800
Modular in
Nature
No Odour
& Smell
No moving
parts
Movable
Unit
Least Foot
print
FBTec
8
Features Water Infrastructure
69
REDUCING
DOMESTIC
WATER
WASTAGE IN
GURUGRAM
© Gurujal Society Water Infrastructure
70
Place of Implementation: Gurugram,
Haryana
Agency: GuruJal Society, Gurugram
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Residential societies have an important role
to play in water conservation—by reducing
their daily consumption of water, fixing
leakages and infrastructure-related issues,
discouraging the plantation of ornamental
plants and encouraging the plantation of
native trees and plants.
Use of aerators is one of the few water-
conservation measures that could be
retrofitted into existing infrastructure. This
step reduces water consumption at any tap
by 40%, without any difference to the user.
Objective
Leak-proofing of campuses, public spaces
and institutions, and installation of aerators
in resident welfare associations (RWA).
Intervention
Identifying all possible sources of
water leakages and fixing them.
Providing innovative, cost-effective
design solutions.
Assisting institutions in drawing up
water budgets.
Checks done on rainwater harvesting
structures in 572 government schools. The survey revealed that only 128 schools had functional rainwater harvesting structures. However, at full capacity, nearly 304 ML/year can be saved.
Education of RWA members
regarding the importance of installing aerators in kitchens or washbasins to reduce water consumption by 3–4 L/minute.
Outcomes Installation of 8500 aerators
in 15 RWAs of Gurugram saves approximately 230 kilolitres/day.
For further details contact:
E-mail: gurujal.gurugram@gmail.com
Phone No.: 91–124–233100 Climate Risk & Resilience
71
CLIMATE RISK &
RESILIENCE
“The water issue is critically related to climate
change. People say that carbon is the currency of
climate change. Water is the teeth”
—Jim Yong Kim
© Arunima Chandra Climate Risk & Resilience
72
1. Flood Livelihood Restoration – Udyama
2. Risk R<> eduction and Livelihood Promotion
– Udyama
3. Sus<> tainable Livelihood & Fair Climate
Initiative – Udyama Climate Risk & Resilience
73
FLOOD
LIVELIHOOD
RESTORATION Climate Risk & Resilience
74
Place of Implementation: Balenga
Gram Panchayat of Kosagumuda Block in
Nabarangpur District
Agency: UDYAMA
Year of Implementation: 2011
Background
The region was prone to flash floods. From
Koshagumuda Block, Balenga was one of
Panchayats which was worst affected by the
devastating flood. Nearly 90% of the standing
crops and 70% of houses were damaged by
the flash flood. Importantly, one of the most
backward districts of Odisha, Nabarangpur
is also plagued by flash floods, which is one
of the major causes for sluggish growth and
poverty in the region.
Objectives
To restore livelihoods, address food and
nutrition security and build community
institutions.
Interventions
Formation of Village Development
Committee
Formation of Self Help Groups
Formation of Farmers’ Club
Community pond renovation
Sand reclamation from individual agricultural land
Kharif paddy seeds
Training on SRI rabi seeds
Grain bank
Seed bank
Farmers’ training
SHGs’ training
Income-generating support
Pisciculture programme
Outcomes
Institution strengthening
Land-based livelihood promotion
Capacity building
Leveraging resources
For further details contact:
E-mail: udyama.pradeep@gmail.com /
info.udyama@gmail.com
Sand Reclamation
Community Tank Renovation
© Udyama
© Udyama Climate Risk & Resilience
75
RISK REDUCTION
AND LIVELIHOOD
PROMOTION
© Udyama Climate Risk & Resilience
76
Place of Implementation: Western
Odisha
Agency: Sramika Shakti Sangha, Anchalik
Jana Seva Anustan, Bolangir Gramodyog
Samitee, Agency for Social Action, UDYAMA,
Samaja Pragati Sahayog
Year of Implementation: 2006
Background
The area prone to floods was vulnerable to
hunger, starvation, child sale and women
trafficking leading to rampant social, mental
and physical abuse. This has also led to skewed
land distribution, low productivity high debt
traps/credits, livelihood displacement and
more
Objectives
To generate sustainable livelihood practices
based on existing natural resources, to
significantly reduce distress migration.
Interventions
Drought-resistant varieties of
crops promoted based on land classification.
The growth of cereals, pulses,
vegetables requiring less water prioritised.
Animal Husbandry as the better
option for crop diversity and appropriate land management was also promoted.
Promotion of crop insurance as a
part of drought proofing plan.
Outcomes Diverse livelihood options explored
and income-generation activities scaled up.
Revival of growth of drought-
resistant crops to cover risks of crop failure.
Micro water harvesting structures
provides protective irrigation to 20 acres of agricultural land during critical periods.
Watertable in wells has risen, along
with availability of water for longer durations.
Women’s groups and VDC play an
important role.
Emergence of 485 SHGs engaged in
livelihood-strengthening activities.
For further details contact:
E-mail: udyama.pradeep@gmail.com / info.
udyama@gmail.com Climate Risk & Resilience
77
SUSTAINABLE
LIVELIHOOD &
FAIR CLIMATE
INITIATIVES
© Udyama Climate Risk & Resilience
78
Place of Implementation: Nayagarh and
Bolangir Districts, Odisha
Agency: UDYAMA
Year of Implementation: 2014
Background
Erratic weather conditions put at risk
crop output, production and yield, which
contribute to the growing distress among the
rainfed farmers, thereby resulting in distress
migration.
Objectives
Various community-based institutions, such
as VDCs, SHGs and user groups, have either
been newly formed or revamped in the
districts’ villages.
Interventions
Institutional development: exposure
visit, promotion of CRP, village development and assessment plan, nutrition.
Sustainable agriculture: training on
sustainable agriculture, seed support, framer filed school, nutrition garden, organic farming practices, compost pit, grain bank
Value addition and marketing:
leaf plate processing, inland fish cultivation, ultra poor women support.
Biodiversity conservation: forest
conservation and plantation.
Sanitation: training and campaign
Soil and water conservation:
rainwater management, dug well/sallow ponds, water harvesting structures, land development and gully control.
Life skills training: market-led
vocational training.
Green energy: energy audit, biogas,
biomass training, solar dryer, solar home lighting system, integrated energy centre, fuel efficient stove, treadle pump.
Outcomes As many as 28 VDCs and SHGs were
instituted, which are now fucntioning regularly.
Convergence with mainstream
programmes initiated such as NABARD and Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency.
Demonstration of Green Energy
Integrated cropping, integration of
farmers clubs in to intensive farming, appropriate technology on soils and water conservation demonstrated
Building platform for producers’
organization at community level to accelerate farm products in a business model
International Development
Enterprise (IDE) is collaborate in both the district on technical support on Agricultural planning and demonstration
Several community assets created
, institution created with good partnership
The process of community resilience
has opened a new vista to work further on micro-initiatives in harmony with local culture, nature, environment with. It would be brought under agro-ecological tourism on revenue model
For further details contact:
E-mail: udyama.pradeep@gmail.com /
info.udyama@gmail.com Miscellaneous
79
MISCELLANEOUS
“Only when the last tree is cut,
only when the last river is polluted,
only when the last fish is caught,
will we realize that one can’t eat money”
—Native American Proverb
© Namrata Singh Panwar Miscellaneous
80
1. Making Gurugram ‘Water Conscious’
through Community Mobilization –
GuruJal Society
2. Andhr<> a Pradesh Water Resources Information
and Management System – Government of Andhra Pradesh & Vassar Labs
3. W<> astewater Reuse Certificates and Water Entitlement
Transfer Trading – Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority
4. Gurugram District Enforcement Drive – GuruJal Society Miscellaneous
81
MAKING GURUGRAM
‘WATER CONSCIOUS’
THROUGH
COMMUNITY
MOBILIZATION
© GuruJal Society Miscellaneous
82
Place of Implementation: Gurugram,
Haryana
Agency: GuruJal Society, Gurugram
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Community sensitization and behavioural
changes are at the centre of water conservation.
Objectives
Connect with all stakeholders to gauge the
current level of understanding of water-
related issues—what water means for different
people, create awareness on the availability
of water and water quality, and communicate
measures to be incorporated—to promote
the judicious use of water.
Intervention
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mela: Interacting
with farmers and conducting workshops on water conservation measures. Workshops in 50 Gram panchayat centres organized to promote drip and micro irrigation. Promotion of organic farming and introduction of community radios to allow the spread of information easily and readily.
Connect the Drop: A planned module
to sensitize various stakeholders to make Gurugram a water-conscious district. Community meetings are an essential tool to reduce possible resistance amongst locals and educate them on proper measures for water conservation. Jal Sansad, a mock parliamentary structure, comprising school students representing and holding the posts
of the Indian Cabinet. Each post is designed to address water issues in schools. This is an ongoing process in currently 42 schools with 1,050 students. The annual Jal Pe Charcha trains over 100 volunteers through a four-hour-long session, to enable them to spread awareness in their respective localities. The Jal Sabha campaign ran in 133 gram panchayats, with the participation of 3,165 women, men and school students. It raised awareness on various practices of water conservation.
Outcome
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mela led to the
conversion of 150 dried tubewells into recharge pits.
After community mobilisation efforts
and activities in villages, people stopped throwing solid waste in waterbodies; a vehicle would come to the village daily and collect the solid waste.
Communities in certain villages grew
active and volunteered their services in the restoration of their village’s waterbodies.
Workshops for community
mobilization organized in 319 different locations, with 12,892 participants. As many as 156 schools have conducted workshops for their teachers, principals and students.
For further details contact:
E-mail: gurujal.gurugram@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–124–2331003 Miscellaneous
83
ANDHRA PRADESH
WATER RESOURCES
INFORMATION AND
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
© Vassar Labs Miscellaneous
84
Place of Implementation: Andhra
Pradesh
Agency: Water Resources Department,
Government of Andhra Pradesh, with Vassar
Labs
Year of Implementation: 2017
Background
APWRIMS is a smart water solution platform,
targeting the overarching objective of
sustainable water management in the state.
The idea is to have one authoritative system for
all water supply, demand and environmental
factors, with a vision of making water related
data accessible transparently on near real-
time basis to different stakeholder through
an online GIS/MIS web-portal as well as
seamlessly available through mobile, tablets
et
Objectives
To implement the state’s vision of taking a
data-driven and scientific approach towards
drought-proofing the state and providing
water security to all.
Interventions
To ingest all kinds of data related to water
resources in the state and bring in the latest
technologies, such as sensors, satellites,
AI and ML, to reduce human interventions.
The APWRIMS collects data from 1,254
piezometers on real-time basis across 13
districts of the state and correlates the
information with all 15,00,000 borewells
used for agricultural purposes in the state.
Soil moisture data is also collected from over
900 locations across the state. The platform
has data related to more than 100 reservoirs,
over 40,000 Minor Irrigation tanks, 15 lakh
agriculture borewells and more than 10 lakh
water conservation structures.
Outcomes
APWRIMS is benefiting more than
60% of the population that is agriculture dependent in the state either directly or indirectly.
Crop-planning activities resulted in
an increase of about 1.85 lakh ha of horticulture crops.
Groundwater levels improved by
2 meters across the state, despite receiving 14% less rainfall.
Helped to optimize inter-basin
transfer of water, which provided the critical and necessary water to the entire Krishna Delta region, impacting 1.1 million acres.
Due to interventions, about 4,540
farmers benefitted; groundnut farmers increased their yield by 23%.
Saved 970 MW hour of energy for
pumping groundwater for irrigation purpose, which costs about Rs 4,850 million.
Stabilizing an ayacut of 7.11 lakh acres
Lift scheme management: After the
revival of the LI schemes, the ayacut irrigated is increased substantially from 3.81 lakh acres to 6.15 lakh acres.
For further details contact:
Vassar Labs
E-mail: amit@vassarlabs.com
Phone: 91 – 8897701243 Miscellaneous
85
WASTEWATER REUSE
CERTIFICATES AND WATER
ENTITLEMENT TRANSFER
TRADING
© MWRRA Miscellaneous
86
Place of Implementation: Maharashtra
Agency: Maharashtra Water Resource
Regulatory Authority
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory
Authority (MWRRA) is entrusted with the
responsibility to determine the criteria,
regulate and enforce the distribution of
entitlements for the various categories of use
and the distribution of entitlements, within
each category of use, to establish a water
tariff system for levying water charges on
various categories of water users with a view
to establishing a stable and self-sustainable
management of service delivery to such
users and provide clearances to water sector
projects.
Objectives
To encourage wastewater recycling
and reuse in water-guzzling industrial and urban centres, which go beyond the stipulated water reuse targets mentioned in the State Water Policy.
Creation of a transparent water
accounting process.
Interventions
Launch of the Draft Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Water Entitlement Transfer (WET) and Wastewater Reuse Certificates (WRC) Platform Regulations, 2019. The Regulations are yet to be notified for implementation.
Outcomes A benign policy to encourage
wastewater recycling and reuse for industrial and urban centres that consume more water than what has been stipulated in the State Water Policy.
Creation of a transparent water
accounting process, with the use of IOT metering at the water consumption, reuse and environmental discharge points.
Creation of immutable distributed
ledger-based repository of wastewater reuse certificates created through a crowd-sourcing/hackathon process involving practitioners and academia.
Involvement of industry bodies,
stakeholders, and IT experts, with knowhow in wastewater reuse processes to create a knowledge base for possible replication in other states.
For further details contact:
Chairman, MWRRA
E-mail: chairman@mwrra.in
Phone: 91 – 22-22152019 Miscellaneous
87
© GuruJal Society
GURUGRAM
DISTRICT
ENFORCEMENT
DRIVE Miscellaneous
88
Place of Implementation: Gurugram,
Haryana
Agency: GuruJal Society, Gurugram
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Several pieces of legislation and by-laws
have laid down mechanisms for taking care
of different aspects of our ecosystem. In
Haryana, the Haryana Pond and Wastewater
Management Authority Act, 2018, directs the
constitution of a District Consultation and
Monitoring Committee, or a District Pond
and Wastewater Management Authority.
Similarly, according to the Biodiversity Act,
2002, and its Rules, biodiversity management
committees are to function at the district,
sub-division, block, and panchayat levels.
However, effective and regular enforcement
of statutory provisions are sometimes limited.
In this light, the GuruJal Society initiated
a drive to gauge the difference that the
implementation of existing provisions and
mechanisms can make.
Objective
To map out the entire district, conduct due
diligence, pin illegal water activities and non-
functional rainwater harvesting systems and
strict enforcement of statutory and non-
statutory provisions to prevent water wastage
and improve water management practices.
Intervention
As many as 57 different teams
comprising volunteers, government officers, police personnel and engineers were involved in the drive.
Training over 100 police personnel
and 10 plumbing apprentices of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) prior to the enforcement drive to check the functionality of rainwater harvesting structures.
Launch of a helpline to report
water issues, receive feedback and suggestions.
Increase inter-departmental
coordination and revive defunct committees formed under the statutes.
Outcomes A total of 290 illegal borewells/tube
wells were sealed.
Currently, there are 320 identified
sites that require active intervention from various departments for water conservation and restoration of traditional waterbodies across the district.
As many as 520 government schools
have been identified across the district where functionality checks of RWH structures have been identified and through department coordination, the non-functional/semi-functional RWH structures are being repaired.
Through coordination, mandates
of various departments are being aligned and forces are being used to empower the local community with the formation of committees.
Development of standard operating
procedures for better water management practices in the district that can easily translate to block-level implementation.
For further details contact:
E-mail: gurujal.gurugram@gmail.com
Phone No.: 91–124 – 2331003 Miscellaneous
89
A number of community organizations,
along with participation from local and
state governments, in India has adopted
water conservation practices over the years,
which have immensely benefitted farmers
and resulted in optimal allocation of water
resources. A brief description of some of
these best practices has been provided below:
Agriculture
1. Water User Associations, Tarapur, Uttar Pradesh, have played an important role in improving irrigation practices by spreading awareness among farmers. This also helped in curbing incidences of illegal water lifting in the area. Also, under MGNREGA, service roads along canals were widened and farmers were engaged in the process of removal of silt from these canals. This helped in improving water distribution efficiency.
Participatory irrigation management and
convergence of schemes are effectively
implemented here, with active beneficiary
involvement and financial contribution.
This ensures efficient last mile service
delivery and enhances the civic sense for
maintenance of minor canals.
2. A unique, sub-surface plant root zone measured moisture system/irrigation technology called System of Water for Agriculture Rejuvenation (SWAR) was introduced in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. SWAR shifts irrigation from surface to measure moisture at
the plant root zone and uses only one-third amount of water compared to drip irrigation, leading to zero wastage. This technology is a prime example of low cost irrigation and can be emulated in other regions of India.
This is a scalable model across the
country, particularly in areas where water
is scarcely available. In addition to the
significant saving in irrigation water, this
could be further developed to precision
farming by combining with fertigation.
Improved crop yield, better soil health
and use of only the required quantity
of fertilizers make this method very
attractive.
3. The problem of low water availability in South Chhattisgarh was addressed through participatory planning, involvement of village organizations and self-help groups in the construction of small water harvesting structures and in spreading awareness about different types of cropping systems.
Farmers were encouraged to actively
engage in planning and exploring
options for additional income-generating
activities such as fisheries. Beneficiaries
gained confidence by successfully
practicing a scientific cropping pattern
and water conservation measures.
This shows how capacity building and
knowledge dissemination among locals
can put an end to irrigation woes in an
area.
NUTS & BOLTS:
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM
COMPENDIUM Miscellaneous
90
4. The Government of Maharashtra rolled
out “Gaalmukt Dharan and Gaalyukt
Shivar” (GDGS) scheme, under which
waterbodies were de-silted using
excavating machines. This is a programme
where the cost is borne jointly by the
government, farmers and trusts. This is
a prime example where money is pooled
in from different sources and a common
goal is achieved. The scheme can be
replicated in other regions to prevent
droughts.
This initiative has several benefits, such
as increased water storage, improved
fertility by way of depositing silt, and
community participation. Farmers can
recover the financial contribution made
for desilting by way of improved crop
yield and assured irrigation.
5. Yavatmal District, Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra, holds the record of the maximum number of farmer suicides in India. To reduce the pressures of debt on farmers, three phases of developmental interventions were carried out in the area between 2007 and 2016.
Cash for Work (CFW) through
implementation of soil and water conservation.
Support for irrigation, agricultural
inputs, intercultural operations.
Other works such as the deepening
of wells and farm ponds, distribution of horticulture plants, smokeless stoves, and construction of toilets.
There has been an increase in the number of farmers practicing soil and moisture conservation. This model can be adopted in areas that are severely drought hit and economically backward.
Groundwater Management
6. The problem of water scarcity in Gadakwadi village of Pune district in Maharashtra was addressed by sensitizing the local community on groundwater management. Primary data
on water levels, rainfall, water quality and other socio-hydrological data, etc., was collected by community resource persons in the village. Accordingly, a number of recommendations was made, such as a ban on drilling of borewells, crop planning on the basis of availability of water and the efficient use of water through drips and sprinklers.
Scientifically backed recommendations
and their due acceptance by the
community made a significant difference
to the water availability of the area by
making it self-sufficient, which was
once tanker-fed. In addition to hydro-
geological benefits, individuals also
benefited through increased incomes.
7. A participatory approach for springshed management in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and the Nilgiris led to the revival of springs and natural streams in these regions and assured a continuous supply of water to locals. This shows how the involvement of people in groundwater management can go a long way in the preservation of natural aquifers. Conservation of springs and springshed management are crucial in groundwater management. Activities such as the preparation of an inventory of springs, training and knowledge dissemination, afforestation measures, hydro-geological mapping, demand management, protection of recharge area and water budgeting can contribute heavily to springshed management.
8. A shared network of borewell-pooling among farmers was introduced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to address the problems of inadequate access to critical irrigation water, uncertainties in agriculture, and seasonal migration. This is a good example of how resource-sharing can be used to accomplish a common goal of groundwater management.
This also led to energy and water saving
through reduced pumping time. Moreover,
by sharing groundwater equitably, it also Miscellaneous
91
conveyed the message of public trust
doctrine on water resources.
Watershed development
9. An integrated community-based approach was used to improve access to safe water for drinking, handwashing and toilet use by deepening of ponds, rehabilitation of wells and other water sources in communities, and improvement of water sources at the household level through a hub-and-spoke model (introduced in 2018) in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha. The hub-and-spoke should be replicated in areas that don’t have access to water at all.
This model has successfully integrated
source rejuvenation, drinking water
access to people away from the source
through pipelines, solar energy and
improved sanitation. Water management
committees also play a crucial role here.
Since the rejuvenated waterbodies are
now transcends to drinking water source,
it could be expected that its continued
maintenance and conservation will be
handled by the community with priority.
10. Village water user committees were formed in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to prevent food and water crises. Members of these committees were involved in the construction of check dams and water conservation structures and trained about their responsibilities for management of these assets, thus entailing a participatory approach. This shows how collective work by locals can boost irrigation prospects in an area.
Construction of check dams, with
storage of around 3 to 4 million cubic
metres, enhanced the groundwater
level, increased the cultivated area and
reduced migration.
11. Irrigation woes in Chhindharri village, Chhattisgarh, were addressed through
the efficient management of natural resources such as land and water. Farm ponds and seepage tanks were constructed in line with the MGNREGA programme and focus was laid on plantations and irrigation systems. This shows how increased productivity of land and water resources can promote the growth of the beneficiary community.
An approach of integrated natural
resource management was practiced
through the convergence of relevant
schemes, with the active involvement
of the beneficiary community. As a
result, income of farmers increased by
60%, distress migration stopped and
the confidence of the community was
boosted. This is an ideal example that
can be replicated in areas where natural
resources are poorly managed and
experience social distress.
12. Masulpani Gram Panchayat in Chhattisgarh evolved as a model for nearby villages because of the intensive work done under MGNREGA. Water harvesting structures were constructed by involving community members and importance was given to capacity building. The gram panchayat is also under the high impact mega watershed project—a joint initiative of the Chhattisgarh government and various civil society organizations. This is an example of how the MGNREGA programme has been effective in addressing water crises in the area.
The right blend of community
involvement, women’s participation,
dissemination of knowledge on water
conservation structures, use of GIS tools
and maps, and utilization of MGNREGA
funds helped in regular employment
generation and in the creation of a
village-based cadre technically sound
in water management principles. Such
practices make the initiative sustainable
and result oriented. Miscellaneous
92
13. Solar energy has been used to boost
irrigation prospects in three districts
of Uttarakhand: Almora, Dehradun and
Pauri Garhwal. The river was impounded
by constructing check dams and water
was collected in sedimentation tank.
This was pumped to an overhead tank
situated at an elevation of 180 metres and
to upstream agriculture fields powered
by solar panels.
This shows how two natural resources—
water and solar energy—were harnessed
to address agrarian distress without
leaving any carbon footprint. Use of
renewable sources of energy should be
promoted in suitable areas to reduce
costs and prevent pollution.
14. Wastewater treatment plants were set up to treat wastewater in Khentawas and Mojamabad villages in Gurgaon. Several traditional waterbodies in Gurugram collect rainwater, along with wastewater, thereby reducing the sources of clean water. Wastewater treatment plants have been successful in improving the water quality in the area.
Use of Phytorid beds for wastewater
treatment is a low cost method that
could be replicated to generate clean
water from wastewater. The treated
water is filled in ponds to undergo natural
attenuation, which thereby reduces the
BOD/COD/TSS levels to produce clean
water that percolates into the ground.
Water-scarce areas can adopt this
technique; the creation of biodiversity
zones around the ponds can also prevent
encroachment.
15. Traditional water conservation techniques were used to revive waterbodies in Jakhni village, UP. The following works were done by farmers without any external funding, machinery, or resources: intensive plantation of trees on the ridges of agricultural fields; construction of farm ponds; raising of farm bunds; and trenching around wells and plantations.
Jakhni was also declared a model ‘Jalgram’ by NITI Aayog. This is an epitome of social mobilization and rainwater harvesting at the community level, and has already been planned to be replicated in 1030 more villages.
16. Rajokri is a village located on the outskirts of Delhi. The wastewater from the village was directly discharged into the Rajokri pond, resulting in its deterioration and other problems such as mosquito breeding, sinking of sewage, etc. Scientific Wetland Systems with Active Biodigestors technology was used to clean the pond, along with the installation of sewage treatment plants. Sewage is now treated before being discharged into the pond. Similar technology is used for treating wastewater in other areas.
This is a scalable model for waterbodies
polluted by untreated sewerage discharge
and thus causing serious hazard to
the aquatic system and environment.
The area around the Rajokri pond was
transformed into a public place and even
migratory birds were spotted there.
17. A participatory approach was adopted to address irrigation woes in Kutch district, Gujarat. Community resource persons were identified and activities such as de-silting of existing ponds, construction of storage wells and check dams and revival of old ponds were carried out to promote groundwater management in the area with the help of Arghyam.
This endeavour shows how awareness in
the local community can go a long way in
boosting irrigation prospects of an area.
Water Infrastructure18. Solar panels were installed to run tubewells to reduce operational costs and promote clean energy in Dehradun. Dependance on thermal sources should be reduced and use of renewable energy sources should be increased. Miscellaneous
93
This practice can bring down the input
cost on irrigation and agriculture where
groundwater irrigation is dominant.
19. Piramal Sarvajal devised a hub-and-spoke model of safe water delivery at various resettlement colonies and slums across the country. This project comprises locally installed remote-sensing enabled, state-of-the-art water purification plants for in-situ purification of raw water and a network of automated water vending units or water ATMs installed for distribution of drinking water to the beyond-the-pipe communities in urban areas in Bhubhaneswar, Pune and Delhi. This model can be replicated to provide water supply to far-off regions.
Use of technology in ensuring clean
water supply is a laudable initiative and
can be replicated. It will improve service
delivery efficiency and ensure better
health outcome for beneficiaries.
20. The Mothola-Oakland dyke in Assam was suffering from scour and severe continuous erosion by the Brahmaputra for several years and required immediate protection from further erosion. Accordingly, protection works with geo-bags apron and CC block revetment were proposed to secure life and property of inhabitants of Dibrugarh town and adjoining areas.
This intervention saved Dibrugarh
and adjoining areas from the dangers
of flooding. The damage caused by
the flood would have been manifold
compared to the expenses incurred for
the maintenance work.
21. Under the Kosi River Rejuvenation project in Uttarakhand, rainwater conservation-related works, such as the construction of check dams, were undertaken to store surface run-off. Check dams were constructed using pirul leaves, which were woven into iron wires. Apart from this, plantation around the dams was done to prevent chances of damage and to reduce soil erosion.
This shows wise use of locally sourced
materials for water and soil conservation.
The trees planted in the vicinity of the
drain supplements the outcomes. This
practice could be replicated where such
natural materials are available and the
area around the drain is relatively devoid
of trees.
22. Improper wastewater treatment and discharge from residential area have contaminated the surface in Sangamner town in Maharashtra. Wastewater was recovered by decentralization at the source by installing FBTec®—a trademark technology developed in Singapore with a focus on DEWAT (decentralized wastewater treatment systems) in line with UN guidelines. The technology has been successful in recycling wastewater and can be replicated in other parts of the country.
Decentralization of wastewater treatment
is ideal where drains and sewers are
not well connected. Moreover, it can
facilitate reuse and recycle at the point
of generation itself.
23. GuruJal Society identified all possible sources of water leakages in Gurugram. Rainwater harvesting structure functionality checks were done at government schools and societies. Also, the RWA members were educated about the installation of aerators in kitchens and washbasins to reduce water consumption. Similar work can be done in other metropolitan cities to reduce water wastage.
Prevention of leakages, rainwater
harvesting, use of aerators and water
budgeting at the institution level are
proven water-saving methods. However,
these are not practiced widely due to
lack of awareness on the quantum of
water saved. Here, measures are widely
implemented at the community level and
the estimated the quantum of savings.
This case study could be motivating Miscellaneous
94
to similar communities to adopt and
practice.
24. Sub-surface dams with “Z” sheet
technology have been constructed to
arrest decline in the groundwater table
in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh.
This method is devoid of all impacts a
conventional checkdam or weir causes
to a river system. Sub-surface flow will
be slowed down and percolated to join
ground water table. Similar technology
can be used to recharge freshwater
zones in other regions of India which is
faster and causes very less damage to
the ecosystem during construction.
Climate-Risk Resilience
25. Climate change has wreaked havoc on farmers in Western Odisha in the form of unexpected droughts and floods. Accordingly , the following measures were introduced:
Drought-resistant varieties were promoted based on land classification.
Low water requirement cereals, pulses and vegetable were prioritized.
Selective varieties, such as fruit-root-shoot, were promoted.
Sustainable Agriculture: Training on Sustainable Agriculture, Seed Support, Framer Filed School, Nutrition Garden, Organic Farming Practices, Compost Pit, Grain Bank
Soil and Water Conservation: Rain Water Management, Dug Well/Sallow Pond, Water Harvesting Structure, Land Development and Gully Control
Climate change poses unprecedented threats to agriculture. Erratic rainfall affects the growth and yield of crops. To tackle the situation, it is essential to develop drought- and flood-resistant crops, promote biodiversity conservation
and strengthen institutions. Though the practice can’t be replicated as such in everywhere else, it could be implemented with modifications to suit local conditions.
Miscellaneous
26. A number of measures are being made to make Gurugram water conscious through community mobilization and behavioural change programmes.
Krishi vigyan kendra melas are organized to interact with farmers and conduct workshops on water conservation measures.
Connect the Drop is a planned module to sensitize various stakeholders to make Gurugram a water-conscious district.
The annual Jal Pe Charcha trains over 100 volunteers through a four-hour-long session to enable them to spread awareness in their respective localities.
The Jal Sabha campaign ran in 133 gram panchayats; as many as 3,165 women, men and school students participated. It raised awareness on various practices of water conservation.
An enforcement drive was also conducted in Gurugram to spread awareness on water preservation.
These are good examples of how citizens are educated on water conservation. Similar initiatives can be undertaken in other communities in collaboration with government/non-government organizations.
27. APWRIMS is a smart water solution platform to achieve the objective of sustainable water management in Andhra pradesh and to have a single authoritative system for all water supply, demand and environmental factors, with a vision of making water related data accessible transparently on near Miscellaneous
95
real-time basis to different stakeholders
through an online GIS/MIS web-portal as
well as through mobile and tablets. This
is a good initiative towards data-driven
and scientific approach for drought
proofing and can be replicated in other
States as well.
Lack of information or rather, information
scattered across the system is a major
hindrance to water resource managers
and policymakers. APWRIMS provides
all relevant information on a unified
dashboard. This can be implemented in
every state and could be clubbed at the
national level in due course.
28. Wastewater reuse certificate and water entitlement transfer trading, Maharashtra (Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority) has put forward the idea of creating a transparent water accounting process and published the draft Maharashtra Water Resources
Regulatory Authority Water Entitlement Transfer (WET) and Wastewater Reuse Certificates (WRC) Platform Regulations, 2019. It is intended to create an immutable repository of water entitlement and wastewater reuse certificates with the help of IOT metering at the points of consumption, reuse and discharge.
As per the draft policy, water entitlements
to every user will be updated in the
system, with permission for transfer of
entitlements. Further, a tradable water
reuse certificate is issued to users. The idea
of a common repository of entitlements
and tradable water reuse certificates can
be practiced anywhere, which will help
bring in more accountability in water
consumption and recycle/reuse. Going
further, the tradability could be extended
to avail incentive/subsidy in power/water
tariffs. Miscellaneous
96
© Arunima Chandra Compendium of Best Practices in Water Management 2.0
NITI Aayog, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001
www.niti.gov.in
COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES IN
WATER MANAGEMENT
2.0
NITI Aayog, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001
www.niti.gov.in
COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES IN
WATER MANAGEMENT
2.0 SEPTEMBER 2021
COMPENDIUM OF BEST
PRACTICES IN WATER
MANAGEMENT 2.0 COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES IN
WATER MANAGEMENT - 2.0
Publisher: National Institution For Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, New Delhi
Research Team: Avinash Mishra, Namrata Singh Panwar, Aakanksha Sharma, Arunima
Chandra, Arunlal K, Priyanka Anand
Date of Publication: September 2021
Copyright © NITI Aayog (2021)
Year of Publishing: 2021
Disclaimer:
This document is intended as a Compendium of Best Practices of Water Management across the
country. While every effort has been made to ensure the correctness of data/information used in
this Compendium, NITI Aayog does not accept any legal liability for the accuracy or inferences
drawn from the material contained therein or for any consequences arising from the use of
this material. All data/information in this Compendium has been self-certified by the respective
implementing agency of the best practice. NITI Aayog does not claim copyright for any images
produced in the Compendium. No part of this report may be reproduced in any form (electronic
or mechanical) without prior permission from or intimation to NITI Aayog.
The full Compendium should be referenced as follows:
NITI Aayog (2021) “COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES IN WATER MANAGEMENT - 2.0, 2021”
Text from this Compendium can be quoted provided the source is acknowledged.
Contact:
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog Bhawan
Parliament Street, New Delhi - 110001, India
Website: www.niti.gov.in
Write to us: amishra-pc@gov.in vii
Increasing urbanization and changing climatic trends exert immense pressure on water resources.
In a country where 51% of rural households do not have access to individual piped water and
about a billion people live with water scarcity for at least one part of the year, water management
plays an undisputedly critical role. In addition to this, water—being a multifaceted resource and
supplied by various sources for different purposes—needs to be managed at different levels of
consumption by different stakeholders.
Several individuals, organizations and government departments have come up with successful
water management solutions. Giving due importance to such innovations and successful practices
on the field, NITI Aayog, as an yearly exercise, collects and lists down some water conservation
and management practices that can be replicated in other regions. The current edition of
the compendium lists out best practices on the following themes: agriculture; groundwater
management; watershed development; water infrastructure; and climate risk and resilience.
The compendium gives prime importance to the role of the community in water management.
Considering the bottom-up approach of planning, it encourages states and non-profit organizations
to highlight the practices of participatory governance. Water management has always been seen
as part and parcel of the rural community in the country. Therefore, prominence of renovation
and rejuvenation of the traditional water bodies can also be witnessed in the document.
Furthermore, water conservation has the potential to support and enhance livelihoods.
Construction of water conservation structures not only creates jobs in rural areas but also
enhances the natural resource base to support the prime livelihood option of a community. The
compendium tries to capture this complex relationship between water and livelihood patterns.
Finally, the integration of technology with water management is the need of the hour.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ix
CONTENTS
Message Ramesh Chand Iii
Message Amitabh Kant Iv
Preface v
Foreword vi
Executive Summary vii
Acknowledgement viii
List of Abbreviations xi
1. Agriculture......................................................................................................................................1
Vidarbha Farmers Livelihood Project 3
Participatory Irrigation Management in Uttar Pradesh 5
Drought Proofing in Maharashtra 7
Low Cost Irrigation in Andhra Pradesh 9
Irrigation Support and Farm Ponds 11
2. Groundwater Management........................................................................................................13
AquiferBased Groundwater Management 15
Community Led Springshed Management 17
Participatory Springshed Management 19
Water Security and Participatory Groundwater Management 21
Springs Wetlands and Groundwater Connect in the Nilgiris 23
Bore-Well Pooling by Farmers to Address Water Security 27
3. Watershed Development..........................................................................................................29
Water Conservation through Integrated Community Based Approach 31
Multi-Layered Water Management in River Sub-basins with Integrated
Development Approach 33
Convergence of Water Management & Farm-Based Livelihood 35
Community Approach to Water Conservation 37
Use of Solar Energy for Decentralized Watershed Development 39
Rejuvenation of Khentawas and Mojamabad Ponds 41 CONTENTS
x
Revival of Water Bodies in Bundelkhand 43
Rajokri Pond Rejuvenation 45
4. Water Infrastructure...................................................................................................................47
Panam Reservoir Project 49
Installation of Solar PV Panel with Net Metering System 51
Up-gradation of Dibrugarh Town Protection Dyke 53
Construction Of Sub-Surface Dams With “Z” Sheet Piling Technology 55
Palasbari Sub-Project under Assam Integrated River Erosion Risk
Management Investment Program 57
Hub-&-Spokes Model to Affordable Potable Water beyond the Piped Urban Areas 59
Construction of Revetment, Geo Bags Apron along the Brahmaputra River 61
Rohini Dam System of Irrigation in Bundelkhand 63
Pirul Leaves Check Dam in Uttarakhand 65
Redefining Urban Water Space using FBTec
®
– DEWATS 67
Reducing Domestic Water Wastage in Gurugram 69
5. Climate Risk & Resilience...........................................................................................................71
Flood Livelihood Restoration 73
Risk Reduction and Livelihood Promotion 75
Sustainable Livelihood & Fair Climate Initiatives 77
6. Miscellaneous..............................................................................................................................79
Making Gurugram ‘Water Conscious’ through Community Mobilization 81
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information and Management System 83
Wastewater Reuse Certificates and Water Entitlement Transfer Trading 85
Gurugram District Enforcement Drive 87
Nuts & Bolts: Key Takeaways from Compendium........................................................................89 xi
List of Abbreviations
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
CFWCash for Work
WUAWater User Association
GDGSGaalmukt Dharan and Gaalyukt Shivar
CSRCorporate Social Responsibility
CECCentre for Environmental Concerns
SWARSystem of Water for Agriculture Rejuvenation
NGONon-Governmental Organization
PRADANProfessional Assistance for Development Action
SSTSrinivasan Service Trust
CRPCommunity Resource Person
HSMHub and Spoke Model
ADPArea Development Programme
WMCWater Management Committee
BPLBelow Poverty Line
INRMIntegrated Natural Resource Management
CSOCivil Society Organization
GISGeographic Information System
LDPELow-density polyethylene
HDPEHigh-density polyethylene
WTPWater Treatment Plants xii
List of Abbreviations
STPSewage Treatment Plants
BODBiological Oxygen Demand
CODChemical Oxygen Demand
TSSTotal Suspended Solids
PPMParts Per Million
MCMMillion Cubic Metre
DTPDibrugarh Town Protection
FREMAAFlood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam
SSDSub Surface Dam
TMCThousand Million Cubic
IDIrrigable Dry
ERPEnterprise Resource Planning
PLCProgrammable Logic Controller
RWAResident Welfare Associations
OAPOld Age Pensioner
NTFPNon Timber Forest Produce
MDMMid-day Meal
APWRIMS
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information and Management
System
LILift Irrigation
MWRRAMaharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority
VDCVillage Development Committee
SHGSelf Help Group
SRISystem of Rice Intensification
SSASamagra Shiksha Abhiyan
CRPCommunity Resource Person
NABARDNational Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
IDEInternational Development Enterprise
ACWADAMAdvanced Center for Water Resources Development and Management
SSTSrinivasan Service Trust
PGWM Participatory Groundwater Management
CHIRAGCentral Himalayan Rural Action Group xiii
List of Abbreviations
O&MOperation and Maintenance
SCISystem of Crop Intensification
PSIPeople’s Science Institute
NREGSNational Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
WASSANWatershed Support Services and Activities Network
WETWater Entitlement Transfer
WRCWastewater Reuse Certificates
IOTInternet of Things
RWHRain water harvesting
ITIIndustrial Training Institutes xiv
List of Abbreviations
© Namrata Singh Panwar
Agriculture
Groundwater Management
Watershed Development
Water Infrastructure
Climate Risk & Resilience
Miscellaneous
“Where there was water, humanity thrived and
survived. In the present times, we humans search for
water as distant as the moon. At the same time, we
have been negligent in preserving water resources
on our own planet.”
—Shri. Ram Nath Kovind
Hon’ble President of India AGRICULTURE 1. V<> idarbha Farmers Livelihood Project
– World Vision India
2. P<> articipatory Irrigation Management in Uttar
Pradesh – Tarapur Alpika Committee
3. Dr<> ought Proofing in Maharashtra – Soil and Water
Conservation Department, Government of Maharashtra
4. L<> ow-Cost Irrigation in Andhra Pradesh – Centre for
Environment Concerns
5. Irriga<> tion Support and Farm Ponds - PRADAN Agriculture
3
VIDARBHA
FARMERS
LIVELIHOOD
PROJECT Agriculture
4
Place of Implementation: Yavatmal
District, Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra
Agency: World Vision India
Year of Implementation: 2007
Background
Initially started in five villages, 10 more were
added to the project in 2009 following
its success. The Yavatmal block holds the
dubious record of the maximum number of
farmers’ suicides in India. The main reason
was rising indebtedness among farmers. With
the interventions taken under the watershed
management project between 2007 and 2016
helped farmers to have alternate livelihood
options while strengthening agriculture.
Objectives
Sustaining farmers’ livelihoods through
integrated watershed management and
conservation of natural resources.
Interventions
The following activities were performed in the
three phases:
Cash for work through implementa-
tion of soil and water conservation.
Support for irrigation, agricultural
inputs, and intercultural operations.
Income-generating activities and capacity building of the community.
Infrastructural support in schools and for educational and vocational trainings.
Distribution of seeds.
Deepening of wells and farm ponds, distribution of horticultural plants, smokeless stoves, and the
construction of toilets.
Outcomes Many farmers are now practising soil and moisture conservation in the operational villages.
With the rise of rainwater harvesting on farmlands to enhance the groundwater table, farmers now have access to improved irrigation
facilities. Women Self-Help Group (SHG) members have been empowered through sensitization, exposure and trainings.
Increase in surface water (stream) flow and soil water retention.
Improved productivity.
Change in asset base and living conditions.
Change in outflow of produce from watershed villages.
For further details contact:
E-mail: newton_issac@wvi.org
Phone: +91–9840616524
Sunken Pond
Gabion Structure
Nala Diversion Agriculture
5
PARTICIPATORY IRRIGATION
MANAGEMENT IN UTTAR
PRADESH
© Tarapur Alpika Samiti© Tarapur Alpika Samiti Agriculture
6
Place of Implementation: Tarapur,
Amethi, Uttar Pradesh
Agency: Tarapur Alpika Committee (Water
User Association [WUA])
Year of Implementation: 2009
Background
Post the enforcement of the Uttar Pradesh
Participatory Irrigation Management Act,
2009, WUAs started managing the irrigation
of agricultural fields.
Objective
To produce more crop per drop using judicious
water irrigation practices.
Interventions
Discussion with farmers, by the WUA, led to a gradual reduction of malpractices such as illegal water-lifting and canal formation.
Monetary contributions by farmers for silt removal from canals.
Under MGNREGA, widening of service roads along canals was done.
In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh groundwater department, canals were created to improve irrigation
Outcomes
Irrigation area increased from 123 ha in 2011 to 386 ha to date.
The problem of tail feeding was solved through water provision.
Silt removal, canal cutting and cleaning resulted in improved water provision.
Reduction of malpractices of illicit irrigation, water-lifting and canal formation.
Sale of silt is a revenue-generation avenue.
For further details contact:
Tarapur Alpika Samiti, Sharda Sahayak, Khand – 41, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture
7
DROUGHT
PROOFING IN
MAHARASHTRA
© Govt. of Maharshtra Agriculture
8
Place of Implementation: Maharashtra
Agency: Soil and Water Conservation
Department, Government of Maharashtra
Year of Implementation: 2017
Background
Maharashtra has the greatest number of
dams and waterbodies in India. However,
every year many villages in the state are hit
by drought—with varied levels of severity—
due to an insufficient and irregular rainfall
pattern and poor rainwater harvesting of
waterbodies due to silt deposit. Removal of
silt, from these waterbodies, helps in restoring
the water storage capacity and improves the
percolation potential, which in turn recharges
groundwater. Also, the silt removed from
these waterbodies can be used to improve
soil fertility.
Objectives
The Government of Maharashtra rolled out
the “Gaalmukt Dharan and Gaalyukt Shivar”
(GDGS) scheme, under which waterbodies
were de-silted using excavating machines.
The resultant silt was given to farmers free
of cost.
Interventions
Farmers can cart the silt from the waterbodies to their respective farms at their own expense. The government pays for the fuel required for running the excavating machines.
The excavating equipment can be hired through community
contribution or through sources such as CSR and philanthropic funding.
GDGS leverages about 10–15% of the total project cost through government support (for fuel supply); another 10–15% through philanthropic funding sources; and the remaining 70–80% is borne by the farmers to cart away the silt.
Outcomes
So far, 5270 waterbodies have been de-silted, resulting in the excavation of about 32.3 million m3 of silt.
This has benefitted more than 4,600 villages and over 6.5 million villagers.
Removal of silt has increased the water-storage capacity of waterbodies to the tune of about 32,300 thousand m3, which is equivalent to the supply of about 3.2 million water tankers. The excavated silt has been spread across more than 54,000 acres of farmland.
This has helped increase farm productivity by two to four times, which has further resulted in improvement in agricultural incomes by 50% to 100%. The scheme has actively helped in making villages drought-resilient.
For further details contact:
Deepti Kommera
E-mail: deeptikommera@gmail.com
Phone no. +91–9833476437 Agriculture
9
LOW COST
IRRIGATION
IN ANDHRA
PRADESH
© thewaterchannel.tv
© M suchitra
© KS Gopal© CEC
© CEC Agriculture
10
Place of Implementation: Anantpur
District, Andhra Pradesh
Agency: Centre for Environment Concerns
(CEC)
Year of Implementation: 2011
Background
Anantpur district is one of the driest regions
of Andhra Pradesh. With lack of water
harvesting and irrigation facilities, the region
was considered as ‘desert’ in the region.
Objective
Produce more crop per drop using judicious
water irrigation practices.
Intervention
A unique sub-surface, plant-root-zone-measured moisture system called System of Water for Agriculture Rejuvenation (SWAR) was introduced. SWAR shifts irrigation from the surface to measure the moisture at the plant root zone. The root zone also serves as an ecosystem to foster microorganisms, besides rationing plant water requirements.
The system involves storing water in overhead tanks and sending it through a small diameter pipe to a customized locally made clay pot, which is buried near the root area. The clay pot contains micro-tubes that transmit water through a sand pouch, to prevent the roots from invading the pipes and the pot. The slow oozing out of water provides moisture for a prolonged period, the level of which is calculated based on the soil type, plant species and their age.
Outcomes
Compared to drip irrigation, SWAR uses only one third of the water, with zero wastage. The irrigation architecture and its wide capillary spread suits low rainfall and low water availability and heat-wave-prone areas. The system is also suitable for massive tree plantation programmes.
In 2015, this technique was also used to grow vegetables and flowers. This produced immediate results in terms of both soil and plant health and farmers’ incomes. For vegetables and fruits, where close planting was done, it was discovered that one eighth of the water suffices, compared to drip irrigation.
In 2017, SWAR was piloted under the Ministry of Rural Development and GIZ Environmental Benefit Project in MGNREGS, Andhra Pradesh. It was successfully scaled up in 2018 with the involvement of government agencies, institutions, NGOs, and farmers.
For further details contact:
E-mail: ksgopal1952@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–9848127794
Measuring moisture to plan irrigation
schedule
© CEC Agriculture
11
© PRADAN
IRRIGATION
SUPPORT AND
FARM PONDS Agriculture
12
Outcomes
Farm ponds were made deeper than
usual to conserve more rainwater
and to ensure its availability for a
longer duration.
Changes in cropping pattern led to increased incomes.
Higher yield and improved production of paddy.
Emergence of fishery as a new livelihood activity, due to availability of sufficient water in farm ponds.
Better yield in the lowlands due to water storage and seepage.
Increased confidence of community members on farm ponds for irrigation
Vegetable farming using trellis proved profitable and many farmers now plan to grow more vegetables using water stored in the farm ponds.
For further details contact:
E-mail–preetamgupta@pradan.net
Phone: +91–9098826438
Community members participating
in meeting
Place of Implementation:
Bhanupratappur Block, Uttar Bastar Kanker
District
Agency: Gram panchayat, with facilitation
by Professional Assistance for Development
Action (PRADAN)
Year of Implementation: 2018
Background
South Chhattisgarh, including Uttar Bastar
Kanker district, is plagued with low water
availability and uncertain rainfall, which
results in low agricultural productivity.
Climatic variability disproportionately
affects smallholder farmers and makes their
livelihoods even more unpredictable. In
this respect, water conservation and land
development projects, along with the creation
of small water harvesting structures, proved
to be a boon.
Objectives
The major objective was to make gram panchayats water sufficient and poverty-free while increasing the water-harvesting capacity of the village.
Ensuring participatory planning and educating women on watershed management.
Interventions
Involvement and active participation of village organizations and SHG members.
Training and exposure visits.
Livelihood-focused planning and preparation of resource and social maps.
Linking communities with govern-
ment schemes
© PRADAN Groundwater Management
13
© Namrata Singh Panwar
GROUNDWATER
MANAGEMENT
“What people don’t understand is like when water
gets polluted, it’s an entire aquifer. There’s a whole
fascinating world that exists underneath our feet
that we don’t see, therefore we don’t relate”
—Erin Brockovich Groundwater Management
14
1. Aquifer Based Groundwater
Management – ACWADAM, SST and Arghyam
2. Community led Springshed Management –
CHIRAG, ACWADAM and Arghyam
3. Participatory Springshed Management –
PSI, ACWADAM, Arghyam
4. Water Security and Participatory Groundwater
Management – Samerth, Arghyam
5. Springs Wetlands and Groundwater Connect in the Nilgiris
– Keystone Foundation
6. Adaptation to Climate Change through Participatory Springshed Development – PSI and Department of Land Resources, Nagaland
7. Bore-Well Pooling by Farmers to Address Water Security
– WASSAN, Arghyam Groundwater Management
15
AQUIFER
BASED
GROUNDWATER
MANAGEMENT
© ACWADAM, SST and Arghyam Groundwater Management
16
Place of Implementation: Gadakwadi
Village, Khed Tehsil, Pune District, Maharashtra
Agency: Advanced Centre for Water
Resources Development and Management
(ACWADAM), Srinivasan Service Trust (SST)
and Arghyam Trust
Year of Implementation: 2015–16
Background
Gadakwadi village faces severe water crisis in
the summers, rendering agriculture unviable
and forcing people to migrate in search of
work. The people of Gadakwadi embarked
on a participatory groundwater management
journey with the Advanced Centre for Water
Resources Development and Management,
and Srinivasan Service Trust.
Objectives
To enable water security, enhance groundwater
recharge, promote the efficient use of water
through farmers’ groups and develop a water-
security plan for the village.
Interventions
Awareness generation and sensitiza-
tion of the community on ground-
water management.
Primary data such as water level and
quality, rainfall, socio-hydrological
data, etc., collected through
community resource persons.
Mahila Sarpanch with the village
infographics
The ACWADAM team, along with the community, prepared a groundwater management plan for the village,
which was presented in the gram sabha.
The ACWADAM team also tried con-
vergence with various government
programmes such as the Jalyukta
Shivar, Jalswarajya II, etc.
Outcomes
The community accepted the following recommendations given under the groundwater management plan:
$Ban on drilling of borewells in
the village
$Selection of groundwater recharge sites based on hydrogeological study
$Protocols for drinking water security
$Efficient use of water through the use of drips and sprinklers
$Crop planning based on water availability
Water conservation structures helped
enhance the recharging capability of
aquifers.
From being tanker-fed, the village became completely tanker-free in 2017–18.
A significant change in the cropping pattern and income of the community was observed.
Shramadaan activities in the village
For further details contact:
E-mail ID: acwadam@gmail.com
Phone No: +91–9172246959
© ACWADAM, SST and Arghyam © ACWADAM, SST and Arghyam Groundwater Management
17
COMMUNITY
LED
SPRINGSHED
MANAGEMENT
© CHIRAG, ACWADAM, Arghyam Groundwater Management
18
Place of Implementation: Kumaon
Region, Uttarakhand
Agency: Central Himalayan Rural Action
Group (CHIRAG), ACWADAM, Arghyam
Year of Implementation: 2013–17
Background
Traditionally, Uttarakhand has been water
secure due to the existence of several
springs and small streams in the state. These
springs are of special importance for the
local communities as people are dependent
on them for a variety of needs. However,
fluctuations in weather patterns over time
have led to a significant decline in spring
flows. Perennial springs have turned seasonal
and in some unfortunate instances dried up
completely. Changes in land use patterns and
improper sanitation have also contributed to
the deteriorating quality of spring water.
CHIRAG implemented a participatory
groundwater management (PGWM) approach
for springshed management in the Kumaon
region, with support of Arghyam.
Objectives
To revive and protect springs, thereby ensuring
water security in two villages, Kulgarh and
Basgaon.
Interventions
Community mobilization and aware-
ness
Hydrogeological mapping
Hardware intervention
Promoting efficient water use
through protocols and conflict resolution
Outcomes With the intervention, Spring water
was available even in the lean season despite low rainfall, indicating better revival of springs
The creation of Jal Samitis has
empowered women and developed a core group of women leaders, with the ability to conduct trainings.
The community enforces protocols,
takes up Operation & Maintenance of structures, monitors and evaluates the status of springs regularly.
For further details contact:Phone No: +91- 5942-285738 /
+91- 9412085732
Jal Samiti Members-Kulgarh Village
© CHIRAG, ACWADAM, Arghyam Groundwater Management
19
PARTICIPATORY
SPRINGSHED
MANAGEMENT
©PSI, ACWADAM and Arghyam Groundwater Management
20
Place of Implementation: Thanakkasoga
Gram Panchayat, Himachal Pradesh
Agency: People’s Science Institute,
ACWADAM, Arghyam
Year of Implementation: 2012
Background
Lives and livelihoods of people in the Indian
Himalayan Region are mostly dependent on
springs and streams, instead of on big rivers.
However, of late most of these perennial
springs and streams are becoming seasonal
or have dried up, leading to severe drinking
water shortages. The discharge of springs
and baoris has reduced due to mostly
anthropogenic factors. Moreover, spring water
also gets contaminated with the infiltration of
pathogens.
Objectives
Demonstrate an approach
of community-centric spring rejuvenation, using the principles of common pool resources and PGWM in the Himalayan region.
Build a community understanding
of aquifers and basic hydrogeology; and demonstrate an equitable and sustainable water-sharing mechanism at the village level.
Create a pool of trained resource
persons at the village level, with knowledge on groundwater hydrogeology and PGWM principles.
Establish governance and institutional mechanisms in the village to embed principles of equity, equality and common pool resources.
Interventions
Awareness and capacity-building efforts were undertaken to identify the problem faced by the community and the willingness to resolve it.
A hydrogeological mapping of
the area was done to identify the recharge area of the critical springs
more accurately.
A water budget for the village was
designed based on the estimated amount available for use and demanded by the community.
For demand management, protocols
were established in the village to ensure the sustained impact of the interventions. Some of the protocols included recharge area protection, social fencing, crop-water analysis-based farming, crop diversification, etc.
Outcomes Enhanced spring discharge led to
a more equitable water-sharing system amongst the communities, and increased the availability of water for irrigation. Villagers were motivated to try out the SCI (System of Crop Intensification) technique of farming for crops, such as maize and wheat.
The protection of the vadose zone
and plantation helped in improving filtration, thereby reducing faecal coliform contamination.
Due to capacity building, water
sharing from the two baoris has become a norm. It was observed that the discharge in the baori increased.
For further details contact:
People’s Science Institute
E-mail: psiddoon@gmail.com Groundwater Management
21
WATER
SECURITY AND
PARTICIPATORY
GROUNDWATER
MANAGEMENT
© Samerth, Arghyam Groundwater Management
22
Place of Implementation: Kutch District,
Gujarat
Agency: Samerth, Arghyam
Year of Implementation: 2001
Background
The Kutch region in Gujarat has been
experiencing a steady decline in the
groundwater level. This, along with salinity
and persistent droughts, has made the region
extremely water-stressed. Traditionally, local
communities relied on talabs (ponds) and
wells, along with dependence on rainfall,
to meet their water requirements. Recently,
the village grew heavily dependent on the
Narmada to meet their growing demands.
However, the frequency of the water supplied
through the Narmada was insufficient and
unreliable.
Objectives
Arghyam supported Samerth in designing and
implementing the participatory groundwater
management framework in the region.
Interventions
Community resource persons (or
jal doots) were identified to anchor the initiative in villages and for conducting a baseline survey for parameters such as socio-economic, demographics, geology and water sources.
Based on the survey, a water security
plan was designed.
The trends in water levels and
quality are regularly monitored and discussed with the community.
Activities such as de-silting of
existing ponds, building storage wells and check dams, assigning recharge zones in alluvial areas, and reviving old ponds are done by the community, with the support of Samerth. NREGS is leveraged to incentivize community members to contribute their labour for these activities.
Outcomes The project has ensured security of
drinking water in the region. Also, efficient management of water now ensures its sufficient availability throughout the year. The villages are longer dependent on tankers.
With Samerth’s intervention, the Koli
community renovated two nearby talabs, which were also connected to the Narmada.
The drudgery of water collection has
now been reduced to 3–4 hours per day, giving women sufficient time for other activities.
For further details contact:
E-mail: info@arghyam.org Groundwater Management
23
SPRINGS
WETLANDS AND
GROUNDWATER
CONNECT IN
THE NILGIRIS
© Keystone Foundation Groundwater Management
24
Place of Implementation: Happy Valley
Agency: Keystone Foundation
Year of Implementation: 2006
Background
The Nilgiris are known for their significant
biological and cultural diversity. The region
relies heavily on state water supply systems
and on a network of springs and wells in the
discharge areas. However, issues of falling
water levels and wells running dry have
become common in the region. Water quality
tests revealed coliform presence across
the Coonoor area. To protect these spring
sources, it is important to understand their
behaviour, identify and conserve them.
Objectives
To revive and conserve springs and for
springshed management in the region.
Interventions
Community involvement and
convergence: wetlands that were the primary source of drinking water and were under threat were identified.
A nursery was raised and saplings
planted with the participation of the community, panchayat and a local school.
Outcomes The springs that used to dry up
in the summers has now become perennial. A small shola forest has ensured sustained water levels in the wells.
The community has responded
positively to the intervention and is happy with the water availability in its springs and wells even during the lean season.
For further details contact:
Keystone Foundation
E-mail: keystone-kf@keystone-foundation.org
Phone no.: +91 4266-272277 / 272977 Groundwater Management
25
ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE
CHANGE THROUGH
PARTICIPATORY SPRINGSHED
DEVELOPMENT Groundwater Management
26
Place of Implementation: 11 districts of
Nagaland
Agency: People’s Science Institute (PSI),
Dehradun, and Department of Land Resources,
Nagaland
Year of Implementation: 2016
Background
There has been a drastic decline in groundwater
availability, leading to reduced discharge of
water in spring sheds across the Himalayas.
A user association came up in 2016, along
with the Department of Land Resources,
Nagaland, to restore and regenerate springs.
Objectives
Regeneration of 11 springs (1 spring
each in 11 districts) based on local hydrogeology.
Involvement of local communities,
especially women, in planning and recharge works, maintaining and sharing of water sources.
Knowledge dissemination
and communication to ensure sustainability of the programme.
Interventions Spring inventory: A recce visit
to 50 water-scarce villages was undertaken by the Department of Land Resources to collect baseline information. This was followed by the preparation of an inventory of springs.
Capacity Building and Trainings:
Focused on identification of springs, discharge measurements, estimation of water demand and supply gaps, and hydrogeological studies.
Criteria for selection of springs and
treatment measures.
Outcomes Increased spring discharge during
the lean season in 10 out of the 11 pilots were carried out.
Reduced demand and supply gap:
The spring discharge increased from 3 (litres per minute) lpm in January 2017 (pre-implementation period) to 5 lpm in June 2018 (post implementation).
For further details contact:
E-mail: eqmgpsi@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91 135–2971955
Monitoring of discharge and water
quality Groundwater Management
27
BORE-WELL
POOLING BY
FARMERS TO
ADDRESS WATER
SECURITY
© WASSAN, Arghyam Groundwater Management
28
Place of Implementation: Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana
Agency: WASSAN (Watershed Support
Services and Activities Network), Arghyam
Year of Implementation: 2011–13
Background
Andhra Pradesh suffers from water scarcity as
the permissible level for drawing groundwater
is 40%, but the state draws about 58%.
Changes in rainfall distribution have led to
frequent crop losses in low rainfall areas of the
state. To combat this, WASSAN and Arghyam
engaged with farmers in three districts of
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to create a
sustainable model for resource sharing and
groundwater management.
Objectives
To bring the farmers together through a
system of voluntary compliance and by using
a shared network of borewell pooling.
Interventions
Identifying farmers with borewells
and creating a collective of well-owners and non-owners.
Hydrogeology training, establish-
ment of norms and capacity build-
ing to map borewells, aquifers and rainfed areas.
Groundwater-sharing norms de-
vised, along with a system for their maintenance and enforcement.
Promotion of soil conversation
practices, including crop-residue management, green manure compositing, and drip and micro-irrigation systems.
Borewell network designed by
mapping agricultural land and connecting borewells.
Outcomes Reduced pumping time
Improved water availability
Increased crop productivity
Rise in groundwater levels
Assured livelihoods and reduced
migration
For further details contact:
E-mail: info@arghyam.org Watershed Development
29
WATERSHED
DEVELOPMENT
“Now that we have learnt to fly the air like birds,
swim under water like fish, we lack one thing – to
learn to live on earth like human beings.”
—G. Bernard Shaw Watershed Development
30
1. Water Conservation through Integrated
Community Based Approach – World Vision India
2. Multi-Layered Water Management in River
Sub-Basin through with Integrated Development
Approach – Haritika
3. Community Approach to Water Conservation - PRADAN
4. Convergence of Water Management & Farm-Based
Livelihood – PRADAN
5. Use of Solar Energy for Decentralized Watershed Development
– Watershed Management Department, Uttarakhand
6. Rejuvenation of Khentawas and Mojamabad Pond: GuruJal
Society
7. Revival of Waterbodies in Bundelkhand: Sarvodaya Adarsh
Jal Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan Samiti, Jakhni, Uttar Pradesh
8. Rajokri Pond Rejuvenation: Delhi Jal Board Watershed Development
31
WATER CONSERVATION
THROUGH INTEGRATED
COMMUNITY BASED
APPROACH
© World Vision India Watershed Development
32
Place of Implementation: Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra,
Odisha
Agency: World Vision India
Year of Implementation: 2015
Background
An integrated community-based approach
was undertaken to improve access to safe
water for drinking, handwashing and toilet
use. This was done by deepening ponds,
rehabilitating wells and other water sources,
and improving water sources at the household
level through an innovative hub-and-spoke
model (introduced in 2018).
Objectives
To provide universal access to safe water
sources at the community and household
levels in nine Area Development Programmes
across four states in 48 ponds/open wells.
Interventions
Deepening and rejuvenation of wa-
terbodies through de-silting and deepening, strengthening of em-
bankments, pitching of revetments with boulders, retrenching of drains, planting trees on embankments, providing open well platforms, cov-
ering open wells, etc.
The hub-and-spoke model involves
identifying the best local source of water and distributing water as close to the household premises as
possible through solar and electrical submersible pumps.
Water is stored in overhead tanks to
supply to the community later.
The community is educated and
trained on WASH skills to assist in income generation; the model is sustained through WMC.
IndicatorNumbers
# taps installed from water supply
in communities
364
# of households benefitted 4356
# women benefitted4356
# men benefitted4792
# children under 5 – girls 2940
# children under 5 – boys 2983
Outcomes
Increased availability of water for
irrigation and access to safe water
for drinking, handwashing, and toilet
use at the household level.
Improved sanitation and hygiene,
and reduction in the number of diarrheal incidences.
For further details contact:
Mahesh Nathan
E-mail: mahesh_nathan@wvi.org
Phone: +91–9831147934 Watershed Development
33
MULTI-LAYERED WATER
MANAGEMENT IN RIVER SUB-
BASINS WITH INTEGRATED
DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
© Haritika Watershed Development
34
Place of Implementation: Bijawar Block,
Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, and
Jaitpur Block, Mahoba District, Uttar Pradesh
Agency: Haritika
Year of Implementation: 2010–18
Background
To combat droughts, food and water crises,
Haritika proposed a project for implementation
in 12 villages of the Bijawar block on Banne
river basin, and 14 villages of the Jaitpur block
on Karpia river basin, under the support of
the Coca-Cola Foundation between 2010–18.
Objectives
To augment groundwater and
increase the productivity of dry lands through water conservation.
To empower women in the decision-
making process.
To bring about significant
improvement in the quality of life of rural families by adopting an integrated development approach.
Interventions Construction of check dams and
stop dams for restraining the water flow.
Ensuring a participatory approach
and community mobilization by forming village water user committees and training them.
Outcomes In the Bijawar block, water
conservation structures, with storage capacity of up to 2,981,576,460 litres, have been constructed.
In the villages of Jaitpur block, water
conservation structures, with storage capacity of up to 472,931,000 litres, have been built.
Increased groundwater levels.
Area under rabi cultivation increased
approximately by 36%.
Reduced migration and improvement
in the health standards of the villagers.
For further details contact:
Avani Mohan Singh
E-mail: haritika97@rediffmail.com
Phone: +91–7566923870
© Haritika
© Haritika Watershed Development
35
CONVERGENCE OF WATER
MANAGEMENT & FARM-BASED
LIVELIHOOD
© PRADAN Watershed Development
36
Place of Implementation: Chhindbharri
Village, Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh
Agency: PRADAN
Year of Implementation: 2009
Background
Chhindbharri village is near Madamsilli dam,
around 30 km from Dhamtari. Predominantly,
a village for Poor and marginal farmers largely
depends on agricultural labor activities for
livelihood and source of income wherein only
small number of people depends on other
livelihood options such as NTFP collection
and trading.
Objectives
To enhance the productivity of resources
(land and water) by following the integrated
natural resource management (INRM)
approach through the convergence of various
government programmes.
Interventions
Development of irrigation facilities
Provision of agriculture implements
and other inputs.
Infrastructure developed to harvest
56,380 m3 of rainwater in the fields of 31 families.
Soil erosion checked in 91 acres of
land of 31 families and an additional 40 acres covered by irrigation.
Social mapping, resource mapping,
transect visit, finalization of
plan and activity mapping and documentation.
Harvesting rainwater and soil and
water conservation:
Farm pond and seepage tanks
in convergence with MGNREGA; land husbandry, plantations and irrigation system in convergence with the Department of Agriculture and NABARD.
Outcomes Participatory planning and
monitoring enhanced the confidence of the community.
Farmers and SHG members can now
access government schemes from 15 departments.
The village saw a huge increase in
the production of vegetables, fish and poultry. Families are earning an additional income of Rs. 40,000 per annum through vegetable cultivation.
Enhancement of agriculture
income—more than 60% of the families earn an income of Rs. 15,000 and above.
Distress migration stopped.
For further details contact:
E-mail: headoffice@pradan.net
sumitakasana@pradan.net
Phone No.: 0120-4800800 Watershed Development
37
COMMUNITY APPROACH TO
WATER CONSERVATION
© PRADAN Watershed Development
38
Place of Implementation: Masulpani
Gram Panchayat, Narharpur Block, Uttar
Bastar Kanker district
Agency: Gram Panchayat, with PRADAN as
facilitating agency
Year of Implementation: 2018
Background
Masulpani Gram Panchayat has evolved as a
model, because of intensive work done under
MGNREGA for water conservation. Also,
the continuous involvement of community
members has ensured high quality output.
The panchayat is under a high-impact mega-
watershed project, a joint initiative by the
Chhattisgarh government and civil society
organizations, to treat 694,500 acres of land
in 26 blocks of 13 districts in the state.
Objectives
To generate livelihood opportunities within
villages throughout the year, through
MGNREGA and farm-based activities, and to
convert the village from being water deficit
to water sufficient.
Interventions
Construction of 250 water harvesting
structures under MGNREGA.
MGNREGA planning done in a participatory manner, with a focus on land use pattern and water requirement for the same.
Capacity building of women SHGs
through training on the technical aspects of watershed planning.
Identification of Community
Resource Persons (CRPs) in the village with technical knowhow of various structures under MGNREGA.
Water budgeting taken on as the
base for planning of structures.
Integration of GIS tools and maps while planning for the treatment of drainage lines
Employment generation in the
village.
Preparation of detailed plans—with
dimensions and GIS coordinates—for all the structures, and their submission to the MGNREGA cell at the block.
Outcomes Over 50% of the families saw an
increase in their incomes by 30–40%.
Regular employment generation
in the village led to a reduction in migration.
Creation of a village-based cadre
that is technically sound in watershed principles.
Opening of allied agricultural
livelihood options, such as fisheries, goat and bird rearing.
For further details contact:
E-mail: ashutoshnanda@pradan.net
Phone: +91–8327740731
SHG women participating in
discussions Watershed Development
39
USE OF SOLAR
ENERGY FOR
DECENTRALIZED
WATERSHED
DEVELOPMENT Watershed Development
40
Place of Implementation: Almora,
Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal
Agency: Watershed Management Director-
ate, Uttarakhand
Year of Implementation: 2014
Background
Ladholi village in Almora district is a case
in point for building climate resilience. As
the farming was not considered to be very
fruitful with barren lands and lack of irrigation
facilities, villagers used to migrate to towns
more sustainable income.
Objectives
To overcome the situation of water availability
for irrigation, discussions with farmers led to
the idea of impounding water from the river
flowing down stream (through construction
of check dam and collection in sedimentation
tank) and using solar energy to pump water
to the overhead tank in the village situated
at an elevation of 180 metres and to the
agriculture fields up-stream.
Interventions
An irrigation tank with capacity of
up to 15,000 litres was constructed by the villagers.
Scientists and technicians from
Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, provided on-farm training to villagers on how to dig the LDPE tanks.
Through project support, 10 solar
panels with 3000-watt capacity were established and 21 LDPE tanks (each with capacity of 15000-18000 cubic litres) were connected through HDPE pipes from the overhead irrigation tank.
An underground sedimentation tank
was constructed along the river and a submersible pump of 3.2 HP was
installed, which could be operated through solar power generated from the 10 panels.
Nearly 4,35,000 litres of water can
be harnessed in all the tanks, enough to water the crops.
Similarly, six solar panels, with a
capacity of 300 watt each, along with a pump and controller, were installed at Dharkot, Dehradun. Through them, a 20,000-litre-capacity irrigation tank could be filled.
In Kagthun Gram Panchyat, Pauri
Garhwal district, 9 ha plantation, along with the 1200 contour trenches and 500 recharge pits, were dug up to improve the water regime in the catchment area of the natural water source.
Outcomes The farmers in the project villages
now have the capacity for irrigating 50.80 ha gross rainfed area. These farmers have shifted to the cultivation of cash crops and vegetables. This has increased their incomes substantially and improved the standard of living.
A considerable increase in the
water level at the source situated in the lower end of the village was observed.
Reverse migration has been reduced.
Solar energy is a much more
convenient and cheaper alternative to diesel. It is also climate resilient and leaves a low carbon footprint.
For further details contact:
E-mail: wmd-ua@nic.in
Phone No.: +91 135–2760170 Watershed Development
41
REJUVENATION
OF KHENTAWAS
AND
MOJAMABAD
PONDS
© GuruJal Society Watershed Development
42
Place of Implementation: Khentawas
and Mojamabad Villages, Gurugram, Haryana
Agency: GuruJal Society, Gurugram
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Several traditional waterbodies in Gurugram,
which were once used to collect rainwater
from catchment areas, now gather wastewater
along with rainwater due to urbanization and
poor infrastructure. As a result of this, there
are fewer number of clean water sources,
the ecology of ponds has been destroyed,
groundwater has been polluted—all of which
have further exacerbated water scarcity in
Gurugram.
Objective
Treatment of the accumulated wastewater
in the pond, which can be further used
for irrigation, horticulture, construction of
infrastructure and other purposes, which
would reduce reliance on groundwater,
replenish water table and improve the
biodiversity of the area.
Intervention
Dewatering of ponds to increase the
recharge capacity.
Cleaning of peripheral areas of
ponds and levelling of landscape for setting up wastewater treatment plants (WTPs). Aggregates and natural filter media were laid down in the constructed WTPs.
The WTPs/STPs use phytorid
technology, which is a kind of subsurface flow in which water is
applied to beds filled with gravel
and stones.
Creation of biodiversity zones at
project sites to prevent the ponds from future encroachment.
Creation of pathways and
recreational areas.
Various technologies have been
implemented in the 13 project sites and 17 more are in the pipeline.
Outcomes Treated water from ponds is used in
biodiversity zones.
BOD level of 23 mg/L reduces to 10
mg/L, with the help of the Waste Treatment Plants, thereby improving the quality of water, which can be used for agriculture and horticulture, as well as other activities.
The phytorid technology has five
stages, which can be adapted at low cost in several other regions.
For further details contact:
E-mail: gurujal.gurugram@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–124–2331003 Watershed Development
43
REVIVAL
OF WATER
BODIES IN
BUNDELKHAND
© Sarvodaya Adarsh Jal Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Samiti, Jakhni Watershed Development
44
Place of Implementation: Jakhni, Banda,
Bundelkhand Region, Uttar Pradesh
Agency: Sarvodaya Adarsh Jal Gram Swaraj
Abhiyaan Samiti, Jakhni
Year of Implementation: 2007
Background
Located in infamous region of Bundelkand,
Jakhni village was facing water scarcity for
a long time.
Objectives
To revive waterbodies through traditional water
conservation techniques, improve agricultural
productivity, and reduce migration.
Interventions
Intensive plantation of trees on the
ridges of agricultural fields
Construction of farm ponds
Raising of farm bunds
A rainwater harvesting committee
formed: Sarvodaya Adarsh Jal Gram Abhiyaan Samiti.
Trenching around wells and
plantations
Outcomes Jakhni was declared a model
‘jalgram’ (water village) by NITI Aayog. Over 1000 other villages have also been proposed to be developed as jalgrams.
Summers are less harsh in Jakhni
now compared to the other surrounding areas of drought-prone Bundelkhand.
Ponds and wells remain full
throughout the year.
Soil remains fertile as mineral and
salts do not wash away.
There has been noted increase in the
groundwater level.
Exponential rise in agricultural
produce—a formerly dry village now grows a highly water intensive crop such as Basmati rice.
There has been noted increase in
crop diversification.
Incoming migration observed with
increase in livelihood opportunities.
Takeaways
Jakhni farmers undertook the entire
work without any external funding, machinery, or resources.
Village water-budgeting modelled
around the collection and storage of rainwater within the boundaries of Jakhni and consequently utilizing it for economic development.
For further details contact:
Umashankar Pandey
E-Mail uspandey40@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–9450514844 Watershed Development
45
RAJOKRI
POND
REJUVENATION
© Delhi Jal Board Watershed Development
46
Place of Implementation: Rajokri Village,
Delhi
Agency: Delhi Jal Board
Year of Implementation: 2018
Background
Rajokri village is located on the outskirts of
Delhi. Earlier, the wastewater from the village
was directly discharged into the Rajokri pond,
which led to its deterioration. This resulted in
several other problems such as the breeding
of mosquitoes, sinking of sewage, etc. In
2018, Delhi Jal Board decided to rejuvenate
the pond
Objectives
To convert the turbid pond fed by sewage
into a clean waterbody for recharging the
groundwater and providing a recreational
spot for the villagers.
Interventions
Construction of artificial wetlands,
floating wetlands, grassland, rain gardens, parks, chhath ghat, amphitheatre, and gravel walkways.
Construction of Sewage Treatment
Plant, with capacity of 600 kilolitres per day
Scientific wetland systems with
active biodigesters technology used.
Interception of drains, from which
sewage is fed into an underground
sedimentation tank equipped with biodigester. This coupled with filtration through aggregated stones reduce the BOD levels to half. Solar pumps push the water to an artificial wetland, where it passes through 2.5 deep gravel lined with water treating plants such as Umbrella and Canna Indica which absorb toxins. The effluent then passes through three terrace gardens. It then gently passes from the slope of the grassland to the pond. A solar power-enabled pump installed in the middle of the pond recirculates the water.
Carbon/sand filters and floating
rafters to be installed.
Outcomes As much as 9500 sq. metres of area
redeveloped, with a 2000 sq. metre waterbody. Sewage is now treated before being discharged into the pond.
Chhath ghat serves as a public
space.
Migratory birds have been spotted
in the area surrounding the pond.
Treated wastewater is used to
recharge the pond.
For further details contact:
Delhi Jal Board Water Infrastructure
47
WATER
INFRASTRUCTURE
“Ensuring the sustainability of our nation’s water and
wastewater infrastructure is not just an administrative
challenge — it is everyone’s challenge. By supporting
collaborations over conflicts and results over
methods, we are working with our utility and private
sector partners to develop the solutions for managing
and sustaining our shared infrastructure assets.”
—Stephen L. Johnson
© Namrata Singh Panwar Water Infrastructure
48
1. P<> anam Reservoir Project –
Government of Gujarat
2. Ins<> tallation of Solar PV Panel with Net
Metering System – Tubewell Division, Dehradun
3. Upgr<> adation of Dibrugarh Town Protection Dyke –
Water Resources Department, Assam
4. C<> onstruction of Sub-Surface Dams With “Z” Sheet Piling
Technology – Water Resources Department, Andhra Pradesh
5. P<> alasbari Sub-Project under Assam Integrated River Erosion Risk
Management – Water Resources Department, Assam
6. Hub-&-Spokes Model to Affordable Potable Water beyond the Piped
Urban Areas – Piramal Sarvajal
7. C<> onstruction of Revetment, Geo Bags Apron along the Brahmaputra
River – Water Resources Department, Assam
8. R<> ohini Dam System of Irrigation in Bundelkhand – Irrigation
Department, Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh & Water Users Association
9. Pirul L<> eaves Check Dam in Uttarakhand – Forest Department,
Uttarakhand
10. R<> edefining Urban Water Space using FBTec® - DEWATS – Nixie
Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
11. R<> educing Domestic Water Wastage in Gurugram – Gurujal Society
© Water Resources Department, Andhra Pradesh Water Infrastructure
49
PANAM RESERVOIR
PROJECT
© NWRWS Gujarat
© World Vision India Water Infrastructure
50
Place of Implementation: Gujarat
Agency: Government of Gujarat
Year of Implementation: NA
Background
The Panam project has 510 MCM of water
allocation for 32,800 hectare of command
area as per the original plan. Panam is a part
of the Mahi River basin, which is shared by
the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and
Gujarat.
Objectives
To provide water for irrigation, apart from
flood protection, fisheries, and hydropower
generation.
Interventions
To ensure higher efficiency of
the canal distribution network, vulnerable stretches were identified using advanced technologies such as tomography.
Canals were restored using materials
like geo-synthetics so that seepage losses could be minimized.
To provide permeability of the surface and shear and bending resistance to the lining, welded wire mesh was used as reinforcement in the concrete lining.
Tunnel on the initial stretch of the
Panam high level canal demand management was also properly implemented through participatory irrigation management and rotational water supply in the canal system.
A 30-km-long, high level canal was constructed, having some initial stretch in the form of a tunnel,
and made functional recently for a nearby area deprived of water.
Outcomes
With all such efforts, the net result
was that the entire command area of 32,800 hectare was served with only 300 MCM of water, and 210 MCM of water was saved.
Conserve the water while allowing
better distribution of water resource
For further details contact:
Vivek P. Kapadia
E-mail: vivekpkapadia@gmail.com
Phone: +91–9909028626
Tunnel in the Initial Stretch of Panam
High Level Canal
© NWRWS, Gujarat
© NWRWS, Gujarat Water Infrastructure
51
INSTALLATION
OF SOLAR PV
PANEL WITH NET
METERING SYSTEM
© Tubewell Division, Dehradun Water Infrastructure
52
Place of Implementation: Nakraunda,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Agency: Tubewell Division, Dehradun
Year of Implementation: 2018
Background
To reduce the cost of running tubewells and to
promote clean energy, the Tubewell Division
in Dehradun initiated the installation of solar
panels for energy production.
Objectives
To save the operation costs of tubewells by
solar power generation.
Interventions
Installed solar PV panels in 200 m2 area, with
a net metering system connected to 11 KV
electric line.
Outcomes
Generation of an average 55 units
per day
Generation of green energy
Saving operation costs of tubewells
i.e., Rs 92,345 per year per tubewell.
For further details contact:
Executive Engineer, Tubewell Division
E-mail: cemechanical2016@gmail.com
Phone No: 91–9412608030
Solar panels used for power generation
© Tubewell Division, Dehradun Water Infrastructure
53
UP-GRADATION OF
DIBRUGARH TOWN
PROTECTION DYKE
© Water Resources Department, Assam Water Infrastructure
54
Place of Implementation: Dibrugarh,
Assam
Agency: Water Resources Department,
Assam, and FREMAA as Special Purpose
Vehicle
Year of Implementation: 2013
Background
The old embankment constructed in Dibrugarh
after the massive earthquake of 1952 was
susceptible to breach and overtopping
at certain reaches. This necessitated its
upgradation, which was started in 2013 and
successfully completed by 2017.
Objectives
To raise the height and strengthen the
Dibrugarh Town Protection Dyke, the lifeline
of the town, to provide a higher level of water
proofing and protection from overtopping.
Interventions
Upgradation of the dyke with earthwork,
including the construction of a toe wall at the
most critical sections where land constraints
are maximum, construction of open drain
at toe wall section, construction stairs at
different locations and construction of a black
topping road over the DTP Dyke from Maijan
to Mohanaghat.
Outcomes
Increased protection of life and
property from floods.
The dyke has evolved to be a major
walking zone.
Antisocial activities across the dyke
has been checked and curbed.
The dyke has added vibrancy to
the urban landscape of Dibrugarh with its open spaces, walkways, and adjacent gardens.
For further details contact:
Chief Engineer, WRD, Assam
E-mail: wrd.assam@hotmail.com
Phone No.: 91- 9954022661
Walking Path built on the Dyke
© WRD, Assam Water Infrastructure
55
© Water Resources Department, Andhra Pradesh
CONSTRUCTION
OF SUB-SURFACE
DAMS WITH “Z”
SHEET PILING
TECHNOLOGY Water Infrastructure
56
Place of Implementation: Y.S.R. District,
Andhra Pradesh
Implementation Agency: Water
Resources Department, Andhra Pradesh
Year of Implementation: 2017
Background
Owing to Kapada district’s complex geology,
the rate of water infiltration into the ground
is not very beneficial to restore groundwater.
Despite constructing numerous water-
harvesting structures, the groundwater table
is rapidly declining. The situation demands the
recharging of freshwater zones, in declining
water table areas, with artificial means to
maintain the groundwater table at optimum
levels.
Objectives
The district administration, after examining
different options, decided to construct Sub
-Surface Dams by using innovative, low-cost
technology. The government’s intention is
to increase the water table up to 3 metres
during the monsoons and 8 metres during
the summers.
Interventions
As a pilot model project, the construction of
sub-surface dams, with an innovative concept
of “Z” sheet piling technology, was taken up
at six locations on the Papagni.
Outcomes
The surface water runoff got
percolated to the sand layers and also in the adjoining alluvium along the river thereby increasing the water table.
By construction of sub surface dams
with Rs.26.36 Crores covering 4
Mandals in six locations, OAP have been arrested for which 7,795 Acres of Paddy irrigated through Ground Water for which 16,563 MTs of Paddy produced, which costs Rs.25.67 Crores in a year. About 8,000 Acres of area comes under irrigation in subsequent years.
Paddy has been stabilized in these
mandals during the Kharif season and unclear.
The water level in agriculture
borewells have been augmented. The sustainability of borewells have been increased.
The increased water level has
facilitated the functioning of centrifugal pumps, which is an indication of shallow water levels, particularly in and around Sugali Tanda SSD.
For further details contact:
District Magistrate, YSR District
E-mail: collector_kadapa@gmail.com
Phone No.: 91–9849904109
Construction of Sub Surface dam
through Z sheet piling
© WRD, AA.P. Water Infrastructure
57
PALASBARI SUB-PROJECT UNDER
ASSAM INTEGRATED RIVER
EROSION RISK MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT PROGRAM
© Water Resources Department, Assam Water Infrastructure
58
Place of Implementation: Palasbari,
Kamrup District, Assam
Agency: Water Resources Department,
Assam, and FREMAA as Special Purpose
Vehicle
Year of Implementation: 2013
Background
The project was envisioned as the Brahmaputra
River front development venture at Palasbari
town. It aimed at the rejuvenation of the town
and its development as a nodal tourist centre.
Objective
To construct flood and erosion control
mitigation structures based on the latest
technologies with cost-effective and
sustainable structural and non-structural
measures.
Interventions
The following were constructed:
The length of embankment cum
black topped road–5.02 km.
Length of Bank revetment with loose boulder for a thickness of 0.60
mover geo-textile fabric sheet–4.90 Km.
Toe-key at lowest water level with boulder filled in wire netting cages for thickness 0.9m for the entire reach.
Top Key along anchorage at bank level of size 4.0m x 0.6m over geo fabric sheet.
Outcomes
This road cum embankment also
acts as an alternative route linking many interior villages. It has also evolved to be a major walking zone.
The Brahmaputra dyke at Palasbari
is a major tourist attraction; it is also a picnic spot.
For further details contact:
Chief Engineer, WRD, Assam
E-mail: wrd.assam@hotmail.com
Phone No: +91–9954022661
Embankment cum Black Topped Road
© WRD, Assam Water Infrastructure
59
HUB-&-SPOKES MODEL TO
AFFORDABLE POTABLE WATER
BEYOND THE PIPED URBAN AREAS
© Piramal Sarvajal Water Infrastructure
60
Place of Implementation: Bhubaneswar,
Delhi, Laxmangarh, Pune
Agency: Piramal Sarvajal
Year of Implementation: 2013
Background
Piramal Sarvajal has devised a hub-and-
spoke model of safe water delivery to
various resettlement colonies and slums
across the country. This comprises locally
installed remote-sensing enabled, state-of-
the-art water purification plants for in-situ
purification of raw water and a network of
automated water vending units for distribution
of drinking water.
Objectives
To create reliable access to 24x7 safe drinking
water services to underserved areas of urban
centres in a decentralized manner.
Interventions
Centralized water purification
system at the community level and dispensing units, where water is transferred through a no-touch transfer mechanism.
A Programmable Logic Controller
(PLC)-based remote tracking device, called the Soochak controller, is installed on the purification plant to
track the quality and volume of water, monitor the plant’s operational status and capture vital machine health parameters to provide preventive maintenance.
SEMS is an online Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) tool, developed in-house by a team of software experts, which captures and processes data sent across by all the water purification and dispensing units.
Outcomes To date, Piramal Sarvajal serves
around 6 lakh people daily.
Specifically in urban areas, it serves
over 50,000 people daily through
148 touchpoints.
Real-time monitoring of water
quality and consumption pattern.
Increased efficiency in water
distribution system.
Time-saving and better health
outcomes for beneficiaries.
For further details contact:
E-mail: info@sarvajal.com
Phone No: +91–07940502100
Hubs and Spokes Model
© Piramal Sarvajal
© Piramal Sarvajal Water Infrastructure
61
CONSTRUCTION OF REVETMENT,
GEO BAGS APRON ALONG THE
BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER
Real Time Monitoring of Water Quality Water Infrastructure
62
Place of Implementation: Mothola,
Assam
Agency: Water Resources Department,
Assam, and FREMAA as Special Purpose
Vehicle
Year of Implementation: 2013
Background
The Mothola-Oakland dyke had been suffering
from continuous erosion by the Brahmaputra
and required immediate protection. Therefore,
to tackle the situation, protection works with
geo-bags apron and CC block revetment
were proposed.
Objectives
To ensure the safety of life and security of
property of the people of Dibrugarh and
adjoining areas.
Interventions
Geo-bags apron and CC block revetment at
eroded reaches were used for 2.4 km. This
gave a new lease of life to the dyke.
Outcomes
The Mothola-Oakland Bank
Protection Work has provided safety to about 25,000 ha of land.
It also protects several public and
private properties.
It has also evolved as a tourist
attraction.
For further details contact:
Chief Engineer, WRD, Assam
E-mail: wrd.assam@hotmail.com
Phone No.: +91–9954022661
Use of CC block revetment on dyke
© WRD, Assam Water Infrastructure
63
ROHINI DAM SYSTEM
OF IRRIGATION IN
BUNDELKHAND
© yuvamitra.org Water Infrastructure
64
Place of Implementation: Lalitpur,
Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh
Agency: Irrigation Department of Lalitpur,
Uttar Pradesh, and Water User Association
Year of Implementation: 2016
Background
The Uttar Pradesh Participatory Irrigation
Management Act, 2009, has been
implemented in the Rohini Dam of I.D. Lalitpur
of Bundelkhand region (UPWSRP) for Water
User Association (WUA) on Chhaprauni Minor,
Tisgana Minor, Chauka Minor and Garauli
Minor which has been formed in October,
2016. The system was handed over to the
respective WUA on 24 February 2018
Objectives
To save water and increase the area of
irrigation in Lalitpur.
Interventions
Water User Associations (WUAs) distribute water from the tail end of canals.
Training to the WUA members
Rehabilitation of minor outlets
A management committee super -
vises the activities.
Outcomes Irrigation was completed seven days before the date mentioned in the roaster.
1.13 TMC water was saved.
No dispute in canal operation.
Tails of Chauka and Garauli minors
were fed after 27 years.
Farmers now able to water the crops
4 times in a year as compared to two times in a year.
For further details contact:
Chief Engineer, ISO, U.P
E-mail: ceisoiduplu-up@nic.in
Phone No.: +91–0522-2625811
WUA meetings to make joint rosters
© ISO, UP Water Infrastructure
65
PIRUL LEAVES
CHECK DAM IN
UTTARAKHAND
© Amar Ujala
© Forest Department, Uttarakhand Water Infrastructure
66
Place of Implementation: Almora,
Ranikhet, Someshwar, Dwarahat in
Uttarakhand
Implementation
Agency: Forest
Department of Uttarakhand
Year of Implementation: 2014
Background
Under the Kosi River Rejuvenation Project,
rainwater conservation-related works are
being done in different recharge zones. These
works include the construction of check dams
to store the surface run-off.
Objectives
Groundwater recharging through rainwater
harvesting.
Interventions
Creation of check dams using pirul
leaves. This was mainly done in first order streams.
Pirul leaves are woven with iron wires.
After this, three quintals of pirul are filled in the net, which is firmly tied with a rope of coconut.
Plants like Jatropha, Sinwali are used in the drains
Nearly 2000 such check dams were made.
Outcomes
These check dams are stronger and
less expensive than their cement counterparts.
Plantation around the dam provides
protection from damage and soil erosion.
These dams are effective for big
drains and can absorb the flowing debris.
Nearly 1,00,605 trees have been
planted in 105.50 hectares of land.
For further details contact:
Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Uttarakhand
E-mail: pccfvanpanchayat@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–0135-2740926 Water Infrastructure
67
REDEFINING URBAN
WATER SPACE USING
FBTEC
®
– DEWATS
© yuvamitra.org Water Infrastructure
68
Place of Implementation: Sangamner,
Maharashtra
Agency: Nixie Engineers Private Limited
Year of Implementation: 2007
Background
Over the years, improper wastewater
treatment and discharge from residential
areas contaminated the surface in Sangamner.
It led to the breeding of mosquitoes and other
insects, and deterioration of the soil. Also,
the wastewater coming from different points
would drain into a common drainage system.
Objectives
After conducting a survey, Nixie Engineers
found that the wastewater could be efficiently
recycled through decentralization at the source
by installing FBTec®, a trademark registered
technology developed in Singapore, in line
with UN guidelines.
Interventions
FBTec® were installed.
Outcomes
About 20,000 litres of wastewater
is recycled every day. The recycled water is reused for sanitation, gardening, etc.
It is a step towards ensuring a
swachh Bharat.
For further details contact:
Mr Lalit Bajare
E-mail: lalitbajare@nixiewater.com
Phone No.: +91–020 2543 5800
Modular in
Nature
No Odour
& Smell
No moving
parts
Movable
Unit
Least Foot
FBTec
8
Features Water Infrastructure
69
REDUCING
DOMESTIC
WATER
WASTAGE IN
GURUGRAM
© Gurujal Society Water Infrastructure
70
Place of Implementation: Gurugram,
Haryana
Agency: GuruJal Society, Gurugram
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Residential societies have an important role
to play in water conservation—by reducing
their daily consumption of water, fixing
leakages and infrastructure-related issues,
discouraging the plantation of ornamental
plants and encouraging the plantation of
native trees and plants.
Use of aerators is one of the few water-
conservation measures that could be
retrofitted into existing infrastructure. This
step reduces water consumption at any tap
by 40%, without any difference to the user.
Objective
Leak-proofing of campuses, public spaces
and institutions, and installation of aerators
in resident welfare associations (RWA).
Intervention
Identifying all possible sources of
water leakages and fixing them.
Providing innovative, cost-effective
design solutions.
Assisting institutions in drawing up
water budgets.
Checks done on rainwater harvesting
structures in 572 government schools. The survey revealed that only 128 schools had functional rainwater harvesting structures. However, at full capacity, nearly 304 ML/year can be saved.
Education of RWA members
regarding the importance of installing aerators in kitchens or washbasins to reduce water consumption by 3–4 L/minute.
Outcomes Installation of 8500 aerators
in 15 RWAs of Gurugram saves approximately 230 kilolitres/day.
For further details contact:
E-mail: gurujal.gurugram@gmail.com
Phone No.: 91–124–233100 Climate Risk & Resilience
71
CLIMATE RISK &
RESILIENCE
“The water issue is critically related to climate
change. People say that carbon is the currency of
climate change. Water is the teeth”
—Jim Yong Kim
© Arunima Chandra Climate Risk & Resilience
72
1. Flood Livelihood Restoration – Udyama
2. Risk R<> eduction and Livelihood Promotion
– Udyama
3. Sus<> tainable Livelihood & Fair Climate
Initiative – Udyama Climate Risk & Resilience
73
FLOOD
LIVELIHOOD
RESTORATION Climate Risk & Resilience
74
Place of Implementation: Balenga
Gram Panchayat of Kosagumuda Block in
Nabarangpur District
Agency: UDYAMA
Year of Implementation: 2011
Background
The region was prone to flash floods. From
Koshagumuda Block, Balenga was one of
Panchayats which was worst affected by the
devastating flood. Nearly 90% of the standing
crops and 70% of houses were damaged by
the flash flood. Importantly, one of the most
backward districts of Odisha, Nabarangpur
is also plagued by flash floods, which is one
of the major causes for sluggish growth and
poverty in the region.
Objectives
To restore livelihoods, address food and
nutrition security and build community
institutions.
Interventions
Formation of Village Development
Committee
Formation of Self Help Groups
Formation of Farmers’ Club
Community pond renovation
Sand reclamation from individual agricultural land
Kharif paddy seeds
Training on SRI rabi seeds
Grain bank
Seed bank
Farmers’ training
SHGs’ training
Income-generating support
Pisciculture programme
Outcomes
Institution strengthening
Land-based livelihood promotion
Capacity building
Leveraging resources
For further details contact:
E-mail: udyama.pradeep@gmail.com /
info.udyama@gmail.com
Sand Reclamation
Community Tank Renovation
© Udyama
© Udyama Climate Risk & Resilience
75
RISK REDUCTION
AND LIVELIHOOD
PROMOTION
© Udyama Climate Risk & Resilience
76
Place of Implementation: Western
Odisha
Agency: Sramika Shakti Sangha, Anchalik
Jana Seva Anustan, Bolangir Gramodyog
Samitee, Agency for Social Action, UDYAMA,
Samaja Pragati Sahayog
Year of Implementation: 2006
Background
The area prone to floods was vulnerable to
hunger, starvation, child sale and women
trafficking leading to rampant social, mental
and physical abuse. This has also led to skewed
land distribution, low productivity high debt
traps/credits, livelihood displacement and
more
Objectives
To generate sustainable livelihood practices
based on existing natural resources, to
significantly reduce distress migration.
Interventions
Drought-resistant varieties of
crops promoted based on land classification.
The growth of cereals, pulses,
vegetables requiring less water prioritised.
Animal Husbandry as the better
option for crop diversity and appropriate land management was also promoted.
Promotion of crop insurance as a
part of drought proofing plan.
Outcomes Diverse livelihood options explored
and income-generation activities scaled up.
Revival of growth of drought-
resistant crops to cover risks of crop failure.
Micro water harvesting structures
provides protective irrigation to 20 acres of agricultural land during critical periods.
Watertable in wells has risen, along
with availability of water for longer durations.
Women’s groups and VDC play an
important role.
Emergence of 485 SHGs engaged in
livelihood-strengthening activities.
For further details contact:
E-mail: udyama.pradeep@gmail.com / info.
udyama@gmail.com Climate Risk & Resilience
77
SUSTAINABLE
LIVELIHOOD &
FAIR CLIMATE
INITIATIVES
© Udyama Climate Risk & Resilience
78
Place of Implementation: Nayagarh and
Bolangir Districts, Odisha
Agency: UDYAMA
Year of Implementation: 2014
Background
Erratic weather conditions put at risk
crop output, production and yield, which
contribute to the growing distress among the
rainfed farmers, thereby resulting in distress
migration.
Objectives
Various community-based institutions, such
as VDCs, SHGs and user groups, have either
been newly formed or revamped in the
districts’ villages.
Interventions
Institutional development: exposure
visit, promotion of CRP, village development and assessment plan, nutrition.
Sustainable agriculture: training on
sustainable agriculture, seed support, framer filed school, nutrition garden, organic farming practices, compost pit, grain bank
Value addition and marketing:
leaf plate processing, inland fish cultivation, ultra poor women support.
Biodiversity conservation: forest
conservation and plantation.
Sanitation: training and campaign
Soil and water conservation:
rainwater management, dug well/sallow ponds, water harvesting structures, land development and gully control.
Life skills training: market-led
vocational training.
Green energy: energy audit, biogas,
biomass training, solar dryer, solar home lighting system, integrated energy centre, fuel efficient stove, treadle pump.
Outcomes As many as 28 VDCs and SHGs were
instituted, which are now fucntioning regularly.
Convergence with mainstream
programmes initiated such as NABARD and Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency.
Demonstration of Green Energy
Integrated cropping, integration of
farmers clubs in to intensive farming, appropriate technology on soils and water conservation demonstrated
Building platform for producers’
organization at community level to accelerate farm products in a business model
International Development
Enterprise (IDE) is collaborate in both the district on technical support on Agricultural planning and demonstration
Several community assets created
, institution created with good partnership
The process of community resilience
has opened a new vista to work further on micro-initiatives in harmony with local culture, nature, environment with. It would be brought under agro-ecological tourism on revenue model
For further details contact:
E-mail: udyama.pradeep@gmail.com /
info.udyama@gmail.com Miscellaneous
79
MISCELLANEOUS
“Only when the last tree is cut,
only when the last river is polluted,
only when the last fish is caught,
will we realize that one can’t eat money”
—Native American Proverb
© Namrata Singh Panwar Miscellaneous
80
1. Making Gurugram ‘Water Conscious’
through Community Mobilization –
GuruJal Society
2. Andhr<> a Pradesh Water Resources Information
and Management System – Government of Andhra Pradesh & Vassar Labs
3. W<> astewater Reuse Certificates and Water Entitlement
Transfer Trading – Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority
4. Gurugram District Enforcement Drive – GuruJal Society Miscellaneous
81
MAKING GURUGRAM
‘WATER CONSCIOUS’
THROUGH
COMMUNITY
MOBILIZATION
© GuruJal Society Miscellaneous
82
Place of Implementation: Gurugram,
Haryana
Agency: GuruJal Society, Gurugram
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Community sensitization and behavioural
changes are at the centre of water conservation.
Objectives
Connect with all stakeholders to gauge the
current level of understanding of water-
related issues—what water means for different
people, create awareness on the availability
of water and water quality, and communicate
measures to be incorporated—to promote
the judicious use of water.
Intervention
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mela: Interacting
with farmers and conducting workshops on water conservation measures. Workshops in 50 Gram panchayat centres organized to promote drip and micro irrigation. Promotion of organic farming and introduction of community radios to allow the spread of information easily and readily.
Connect the Drop: A planned module
to sensitize various stakeholders to make Gurugram a water-conscious district. Community meetings are an essential tool to reduce possible resistance amongst locals and educate them on proper measures for water conservation. Jal Sansad, a mock parliamentary structure, comprising school students representing and holding the posts
of the Indian Cabinet. Each post is designed to address water issues in schools. This is an ongoing process in currently 42 schools with 1,050 students. The annual Jal Pe Charcha trains over 100 volunteers through a four-hour-long session, to enable them to spread awareness in their respective localities. The Jal Sabha campaign ran in 133 gram panchayats, with the participation of 3,165 women, men and school students. It raised awareness on various practices of water conservation.
Outcome
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mela led to the
conversion of 150 dried tubewells into recharge pits.
After community mobilisation efforts
and activities in villages, people stopped throwing solid waste in waterbodies; a vehicle would come to the village daily and collect the solid waste.
Communities in certain villages grew
active and volunteered their services in the restoration of their village’s waterbodies.
Workshops for community
mobilization organized in 319 different locations, with 12,892 participants. As many as 156 schools have conducted workshops for their teachers, principals and students.
For further details contact:
E-mail: gurujal.gurugram@gmail.com
Phone No.: +91–124–2331003 Miscellaneous
83
ANDHRA PRADESH
WATER RESOURCES
INFORMATION AND
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
© Vassar Labs Miscellaneous
84
Place of Implementation: Andhra
Pradesh
Agency: Water Resources Department,
Government of Andhra Pradesh, with Vassar
Labs
Year of Implementation: 2017
Background
APWRIMS is a smart water solution platform,
targeting the overarching objective of
sustainable water management in the state.
The idea is to have one authoritative system for
all water supply, demand and environmental
factors, with a vision of making water related
data accessible transparently on near real-
time basis to different stakeholder through
an online GIS/MIS web-portal as well as
seamlessly available through mobile, tablets
et
Objectives
To implement the state’s vision of taking a
data-driven and scientific approach towards
drought-proofing the state and providing
water security to all.
Interventions
To ingest all kinds of data related to water
resources in the state and bring in the latest
technologies, such as sensors, satellites,
AI and ML, to reduce human interventions.
The APWRIMS collects data from 1,254
piezometers on real-time basis across 13
districts of the state and correlates the
information with all 15,00,000 borewells
used for agricultural purposes in the state.
Soil moisture data is also collected from over
900 locations across the state. The platform
has data related to more than 100 reservoirs,
over 40,000 Minor Irrigation tanks, 15 lakh
agriculture borewells and more than 10 lakh
water conservation structures.
Outcomes
APWRIMS is benefiting more than
60% of the population that is agriculture dependent in the state either directly or indirectly.
Crop-planning activities resulted in
an increase of about 1.85 lakh ha of horticulture crops.
Groundwater levels improved by
2 meters across the state, despite receiving 14% less rainfall.
Helped to optimize inter-basin
transfer of water, which provided the critical and necessary water to the entire Krishna Delta region, impacting 1.1 million acres.
Due to interventions, about 4,540
farmers benefitted; groundnut farmers increased their yield by 23%.
Saved 970 MW hour of energy for
pumping groundwater for irrigation purpose, which costs about Rs 4,850 million.
Stabilizing an ayacut of 7.11 lakh acres
Lift scheme management: After the
revival of the LI schemes, the ayacut irrigated is increased substantially from 3.81 lakh acres to 6.15 lakh acres.
For further details contact:
Vassar Labs
E-mail: amit@vassarlabs.com
Phone: 91 – 8897701243 Miscellaneous
85
WASTEWATER REUSE
CERTIFICATES AND WATER
ENTITLEMENT TRANSFER
TRADING
© MWRRA Miscellaneous
86
Place of Implementation: Maharashtra
Agency: Maharashtra Water Resource
Regulatory Authority
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory
Authority (MWRRA) is entrusted with the
responsibility to determine the criteria,
regulate and enforce the distribution of
entitlements for the various categories of use
and the distribution of entitlements, within
each category of use, to establish a water
tariff system for levying water charges on
various categories of water users with a view
to establishing a stable and self-sustainable
management of service delivery to such
users and provide clearances to water sector
projects.
Objectives
To encourage wastewater recycling
and reuse in water-guzzling industrial and urban centres, which go beyond the stipulated water reuse targets mentioned in the State Water Policy.
Creation of a transparent water
accounting process.
Interventions
Launch of the Draft Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Water Entitlement Transfer (WET) and Wastewater Reuse Certificates (WRC) Platform Regulations, 2019. The Regulations are yet to be notified for implementation.
Outcomes A benign policy to encourage
wastewater recycling and reuse for industrial and urban centres that consume more water than what has been stipulated in the State Water Policy.
Creation of a transparent water
accounting process, with the use of IOT metering at the water consumption, reuse and environmental discharge points.
Creation of immutable distributed
ledger-based repository of wastewater reuse certificates created through a crowd-sourcing/hackathon process involving practitioners and academia.
Involvement of industry bodies,
stakeholders, and IT experts, with knowhow in wastewater reuse processes to create a knowledge base for possible replication in other states.
For further details contact:
Chairman, MWRRA
E-mail: chairman@mwrra.in
Phone: 91 – 22-22152019 Miscellaneous
87
© GuruJal Society
GURUGRAM
DISTRICT
ENFORCEMENT
DRIVE Miscellaneous
88
Place of Implementation: Gurugram,
Haryana
Agency: GuruJal Society, Gurugram
Year of Implementation: 2019
Background
Several pieces of legislation and by-laws
have laid down mechanisms for taking care
of different aspects of our ecosystem. In
Haryana, the Haryana Pond and Wastewater
Management Authority Act, 2018, directs the
constitution of a District Consultation and
Monitoring Committee, or a District Pond
and Wastewater Management Authority.
Similarly, according to the Biodiversity Act,
2002, and its Rules, biodiversity management
committees are to function at the district,
sub-division, block, and panchayat levels.
However, effective and regular enforcement
of statutory provisions are sometimes limited.
In this light, the GuruJal Society initiated
a drive to gauge the difference that the
implementation of existing provisions and
mechanisms can make.
Objective
To map out the entire district, conduct due
diligence, pin illegal water activities and non-
functional rainwater harvesting systems and
strict enforcement of statutory and non-
statutory provisions to prevent water wastage
and improve water management practices.
Intervention
As many as 57 different teams
comprising volunteers, government officers, police personnel and engineers were involved in the drive.
Training over 100 police personnel
and 10 plumbing apprentices of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) prior to the enforcement drive to check the functionality of rainwater harvesting structures.
Launch of a helpline to report
water issues, receive feedback and suggestions.
Increase inter-departmental
coordination and revive defunct committees formed under the statutes.
Outcomes A total of 290 illegal borewells/tube
wells were sealed.
Currently, there are 320 identified
sites that require active intervention from various departments for water conservation and restoration of traditional waterbodies across the district.
As many as 520 government schools
have been identified across the district where functionality checks of RWH structures have been identified and through department coordination, the non-functional/semi-functional RWH structures are being repaired.
Through coordination, mandates
of various departments are being aligned and forces are being used to empower the local community with the formation of committees.
Development of standard operating
procedures for better water management practices in the district that can easily translate to block-level implementation.
For further details contact:
E-mail: gurujal.gurugram@gmail.com
Phone No.: 91–124 – 2331003 Miscellaneous
89
A number of community organizations,
along with participation from local and
state governments, in India has adopted
water conservation practices over the years,
which have immensely benefitted farmers
and resulted in optimal allocation of water
resources. A brief description of some of
these best practices has been provided below:
Agriculture
1. Water User Associations, Tarapur, Uttar Pradesh, have played an important role in improving irrigation practices by spreading awareness among farmers. This also helped in curbing incidences of illegal water lifting in the area. Also, under MGNREGA, service roads along canals were widened and farmers were engaged in the process of removal of silt from these canals. This helped in improving water distribution efficiency.
Participatory irrigation management and
convergence of schemes are effectively
implemented here, with active beneficiary
involvement and financial contribution.
This ensures efficient last mile service
delivery and enhances the civic sense for
maintenance of minor canals.
2. A unique, sub-surface plant root zone measured moisture system/irrigation technology called System of Water for Agriculture Rejuvenation (SWAR) was introduced in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. SWAR shifts irrigation from surface to measure moisture at
the plant root zone and uses only one-third amount of water compared to drip irrigation, leading to zero wastage. This technology is a prime example of low cost irrigation and can be emulated in other regions of India.
This is a scalable model across the
country, particularly in areas where water
is scarcely available. In addition to the
significant saving in irrigation water, this
could be further developed to precision
farming by combining with fertigation.
Improved crop yield, better soil health
and use of only the required quantity
of fertilizers make this method very
attractive.
3. The problem of low water availability in South Chhattisgarh was addressed through participatory planning, involvement of village organizations and self-help groups in the construction of small water harvesting structures and in spreading awareness about different types of cropping systems.
Farmers were encouraged to actively
engage in planning and exploring
options for additional income-generating
activities such as fisheries. Beneficiaries
gained confidence by successfully
practicing a scientific cropping pattern
and water conservation measures.
This shows how capacity building and
knowledge dissemination among locals
can put an end to irrigation woes in an
area.
NUTS & BOLTS:
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM
COMPENDIUM Miscellaneous
90
4. The Government of Maharashtra rolled
out “Gaalmukt Dharan and Gaalyukt
Shivar” (GDGS) scheme, under which
waterbodies were de-silted using
excavating machines. This is a programme
where the cost is borne jointly by the
government, farmers and trusts. This is
a prime example where money is pooled
in from different sources and a common
goal is achieved. The scheme can be
replicated in other regions to prevent
droughts.
This initiative has several benefits, such
as increased water storage, improved
fertility by way of depositing silt, and
community participation. Farmers can
recover the financial contribution made
for desilting by way of improved crop
yield and assured irrigation.
5. Yavatmal District, Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra, holds the record of the maximum number of farmer suicides in India. To reduce the pressures of debt on farmers, three phases of developmental interventions were carried out in the area between 2007 and 2016.
Cash for Work (CFW) through
implementation of soil and water conservation.
Support for irrigation, agricultural
inputs, intercultural operations.
Other works such as the deepening
of wells and farm ponds, distribution of horticulture plants, smokeless stoves, and construction of toilets.
There has been an increase in the number of farmers practicing soil and moisture conservation. This model can be adopted in areas that are severely drought hit and economically backward.
Groundwater Management
6. The problem of water scarcity in Gadakwadi village of Pune district in Maharashtra was addressed by sensitizing the local community on groundwater management. Primary data
on water levels, rainfall, water quality and other socio-hydrological data, etc., was collected by community resource persons in the village. Accordingly, a number of recommendations was made, such as a ban on drilling of borewells, crop planning on the basis of availability of water and the efficient use of water through drips and sprinklers.
Scientifically backed recommendations
and their due acceptance by the
community made a significant difference
to the water availability of the area by
making it self-sufficient, which was
once tanker-fed. In addition to hydro-
geological benefits, individuals also
benefited through increased incomes.
7. A participatory approach for springshed management in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and the Nilgiris led to the revival of springs and natural streams in these regions and assured a continuous supply of water to locals. This shows how the involvement of people in groundwater management can go a long way in the preservation of natural aquifers. Conservation of springs and springshed management are crucial in groundwater management. Activities such as the preparation of an inventory of springs, training and knowledge dissemination, afforestation measures, hydro-geological mapping, demand management, protection of recharge area and water budgeting can contribute heavily to springshed management.
8. A shared network of borewell-pooling among farmers was introduced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to address the problems of inadequate access to critical irrigation water, uncertainties in agriculture, and seasonal migration. This is a good example of how resource-sharing can be used to accomplish a common goal of groundwater management.
This also led to energy and water saving
through reduced pumping time. Moreover,
by sharing groundwater equitably, it also Miscellaneous
91
conveyed the message of public trust
doctrine on water resources.
Watershed development
9. An integrated community-based approach was used to improve access to safe water for drinking, handwashing and toilet use by deepening of ponds, rehabilitation of wells and other water sources in communities, and improvement of water sources at the household level through a hub-and-spoke model (introduced in 2018) in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha. The hub-and-spoke should be replicated in areas that don’t have access to water at all.
This model has successfully integrated
source rejuvenation, drinking water
access to people away from the source
through pipelines, solar energy and
improved sanitation. Water management
committees also play a crucial role here.
Since the rejuvenated waterbodies are
now transcends to drinking water source,
it could be expected that its continued
maintenance and conservation will be
handled by the community with priority.
10. Village water user committees were formed in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to prevent food and water crises. Members of these committees were involved in the construction of check dams and water conservation structures and trained about their responsibilities for management of these assets, thus entailing a participatory approach. This shows how collective work by locals can boost irrigation prospects in an area.
Construction of check dams, with
storage of around 3 to 4 million cubic
metres, enhanced the groundwater
level, increased the cultivated area and
reduced migration.
11. Irrigation woes in Chhindharri village, Chhattisgarh, were addressed through
the efficient management of natural resources such as land and water. Farm ponds and seepage tanks were constructed in line with the MGNREGA programme and focus was laid on plantations and irrigation systems. This shows how increased productivity of land and water resources can promote the growth of the beneficiary community.
An approach of integrated natural
resource management was practiced
through the convergence of relevant
schemes, with the active involvement
of the beneficiary community. As a
result, income of farmers increased by
60%, distress migration stopped and
the confidence of the community was
boosted. This is an ideal example that
can be replicated in areas where natural
resources are poorly managed and
experience social distress.
12. Masulpani Gram Panchayat in Chhattisgarh evolved as a model for nearby villages because of the intensive work done under MGNREGA. Water harvesting structures were constructed by involving community members and importance was given to capacity building. The gram panchayat is also under the high impact mega watershed project—a joint initiative of the Chhattisgarh government and various civil society organizations. This is an example of how the MGNREGA programme has been effective in addressing water crises in the area.
The right blend of community
involvement, women’s participation,
dissemination of knowledge on water
conservation structures, use of GIS tools
and maps, and utilization of MGNREGA
funds helped in regular employment
generation and in the creation of a
village-based cadre technically sound
in water management principles. Such
practices make the initiative sustainable
and result oriented. Miscellaneous
92
13. Solar energy has been used to boost
irrigation prospects in three districts
of Uttarakhand: Almora, Dehradun and
Pauri Garhwal. The river was impounded
by constructing check dams and water
was collected in sedimentation tank.
This was pumped to an overhead tank
situated at an elevation of 180 metres and
to upstream agriculture fields powered
by solar panels.
This shows how two natural resources—
water and solar energy—were harnessed
to address agrarian distress without
leaving any carbon footprint. Use of
renewable sources of energy should be
promoted in suitable areas to reduce
costs and prevent pollution.
14. Wastewater treatment plants were set up to treat wastewater in Khentawas and Mojamabad villages in Gurgaon. Several traditional waterbodies in Gurugram collect rainwater, along with wastewater, thereby reducing the sources of clean water. Wastewater treatment plants have been successful in improving the water quality in the area.
Use of Phytorid beds for wastewater
treatment is a low cost method that
could be replicated to generate clean
water from wastewater. The treated
water is filled in ponds to undergo natural
attenuation, which thereby reduces the
BOD/COD/TSS levels to produce clean
water that percolates into the ground.
Water-scarce areas can adopt this
technique; the creation of biodiversity
zones around the ponds can also prevent
encroachment.
15. Traditional water conservation techniques were used to revive waterbodies in Jakhni village, UP. The following works were done by farmers without any external funding, machinery, or resources: intensive plantation of trees on the ridges of agricultural fields; construction of farm ponds; raising of farm bunds; and trenching around wells and plantations.
Jakhni was also declared a model ‘Jalgram’ by NITI Aayog. This is an epitome of social mobilization and rainwater harvesting at the community level, and has already been planned to be replicated in 1030 more villages.
16. Rajokri is a village located on the outskirts of Delhi. The wastewater from the village was directly discharged into the Rajokri pond, resulting in its deterioration and other problems such as mosquito breeding, sinking of sewage, etc. Scientific Wetland Systems with Active Biodigestors technology was used to clean the pond, along with the installation of sewage treatment plants. Sewage is now treated before being discharged into the pond. Similar technology is used for treating wastewater in other areas.
This is a scalable model for waterbodies
polluted by untreated sewerage discharge
and thus causing serious hazard to
the aquatic system and environment.
The area around the Rajokri pond was
transformed into a public place and even
migratory birds were spotted there.
17. A participatory approach was adopted to address irrigation woes in Kutch district, Gujarat. Community resource persons were identified and activities such as de-silting of existing ponds, construction of storage wells and check dams and revival of old ponds were carried out to promote groundwater management in the area with the help of Arghyam.
This endeavour shows how awareness in
the local community can go a long way in
boosting irrigation prospects of an area.
Water Infrastructure18. Solar panels were installed to run tubewells to reduce operational costs and promote clean energy in Dehradun. Dependance on thermal sources should be reduced and use of renewable energy sources should be increased. Miscellaneous
93
This practice can bring down the input
cost on irrigation and agriculture where
groundwater irrigation is dominant.
19. Piramal Sarvajal devised a hub-and-spoke model of safe water delivery at various resettlement colonies and slums across the country. This project comprises locally installed remote-sensing enabled, state-of-the-art water purification plants for in-situ purification of raw water and a network of automated water vending units or water ATMs installed for distribution of drinking water to the beyond-the-pipe communities in urban areas in Bhubhaneswar, Pune and Delhi. This model can be replicated to provide water supply to far-off regions.
Use of technology in ensuring clean
water supply is a laudable initiative and
can be replicated. It will improve service
delivery efficiency and ensure better
health outcome for beneficiaries.
20. The Mothola-Oakland dyke in Assam was suffering from scour and severe continuous erosion by the Brahmaputra for several years and required immediate protection from further erosion. Accordingly, protection works with geo-bags apron and CC block revetment were proposed to secure life and property of inhabitants of Dibrugarh town and adjoining areas.
This intervention saved Dibrugarh
and adjoining areas from the dangers
of flooding. The damage caused by
the flood would have been manifold
compared to the expenses incurred for
the maintenance work.
21. Under the Kosi River Rejuvenation project in Uttarakhand, rainwater conservation-related works, such as the construction of check dams, were undertaken to store surface run-off. Check dams were constructed using pirul leaves, which were woven into iron wires. Apart from this, plantation around the dams was done to prevent chances of damage and to reduce soil erosion.
This shows wise use of locally sourced
materials for water and soil conservation.
The trees planted in the vicinity of the
drain supplements the outcomes. This
practice could be replicated where such
natural materials are available and the
area around the drain is relatively devoid
of trees.
22. Improper wastewater treatment and discharge from residential area have contaminated the surface in Sangamner town in Maharashtra. Wastewater was recovered by decentralization at the source by installing FBTec®—a trademark technology developed in Singapore with a focus on DEWAT (decentralized wastewater treatment systems) in line with UN guidelines. The technology has been successful in recycling wastewater and can be replicated in other parts of the country.
Decentralization of wastewater treatment
is ideal where drains and sewers are
not well connected. Moreover, it can
facilitate reuse and recycle at the point
of generation itself.
23. GuruJal Society identified all possible sources of water leakages in Gurugram. Rainwater harvesting structure functionality checks were done at government schools and societies. Also, the RWA members were educated about the installation of aerators in kitchens and washbasins to reduce water consumption. Similar work can be done in other metropolitan cities to reduce water wastage.
Prevention of leakages, rainwater
harvesting, use of aerators and water
budgeting at the institution level are
proven water-saving methods. However,
these are not practiced widely due to
lack of awareness on the quantum of
water saved. Here, measures are widely
implemented at the community level and
the estimated the quantum of savings.
This case study could be motivating Miscellaneous
94
to similar communities to adopt and
practice.
24. Sub-surface dams with “Z” sheet
technology have been constructed to
arrest decline in the groundwater table
in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh.
This method is devoid of all impacts a
conventional checkdam or weir causes
to a river system. Sub-surface flow will
be slowed down and percolated to join
ground water table. Similar technology
can be used to recharge freshwater
zones in other regions of India which is
faster and causes very less damage to
the ecosystem during construction.
Climate-Risk Resilience
25. Climate change has wreaked havoc on farmers in Western Odisha in the form of unexpected droughts and floods. Accordingly , the following measures were introduced:
Drought-resistant varieties were promoted based on land classification.
Low water requirement cereals, pulses and vegetable were prioritized.
Selective varieties, such as fruit-root-shoot, were promoted.
Sustainable Agriculture: Training on Sustainable Agriculture, Seed Support, Framer Filed School, Nutrition Garden, Organic Farming Practices, Compost Pit, Grain Bank
Soil and Water Conservation: Rain Water Management, Dug Well/Sallow Pond, Water Harvesting Structure, Land Development and Gully Control
Climate change poses unprecedented threats to agriculture. Erratic rainfall affects the growth and yield of crops. To tackle the situation, it is essential to develop drought- and flood-resistant crops, promote biodiversity conservation
and strengthen institutions. Though the practice can’t be replicated as such in everywhere else, it could be implemented with modifications to suit local conditions.
Miscellaneous
26. A number of measures are being made to make Gurugram water conscious through community mobilization and behavioural change programmes.
Krishi vigyan kendra melas are organized to interact with farmers and conduct workshops on water conservation measures.
Connect the Drop is a planned module to sensitize various stakeholders to make Gurugram a water-conscious district.
The annual Jal Pe Charcha trains over 100 volunteers through a four-hour-long session to enable them to spread awareness in their respective localities.
The Jal Sabha campaign ran in 133 gram panchayats; as many as 3,165 women, men and school students participated. It raised awareness on various practices of water conservation.
An enforcement drive was also conducted in Gurugram to spread awareness on water preservation.
These are good examples of how citizens are educated on water conservation. Similar initiatives can be undertaken in other communities in collaboration with government/non-government organizations.
27. APWRIMS is a smart water solution platform to achieve the objective of sustainable water management in Andhra pradesh and to have a single authoritative system for all water supply, demand and environmental factors, with a vision of making water related data accessible transparently on near Miscellaneous
95
real-time basis to different stakeholders
through an online GIS/MIS web-portal as
well as through mobile and tablets. This
is a good initiative towards data-driven
and scientific approach for drought
proofing and can be replicated in other
States as well.
Lack of information or rather, information
scattered across the system is a major
hindrance to water resource managers
and policymakers. APWRIMS provides
all relevant information on a unified
dashboard. This can be implemented in
every state and could be clubbed at the
national level in due course.
28. Wastewater reuse certificate and water entitlement transfer trading, Maharashtra (Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority) has put forward the idea of creating a transparent water accounting process and published the draft Maharashtra Water Resources
Regulatory Authority Water Entitlement Transfer (WET) and Wastewater Reuse Certificates (WRC) Platform Regulations, 2019. It is intended to create an immutable repository of water entitlement and wastewater reuse certificates with the help of IOT metering at the points of consumption, reuse and discharge.
As per the draft policy, water entitlements
to every user will be updated in the
system, with permission for transfer of
entitlements. Further, a tradable water
reuse certificate is issued to users. The idea
of a common repository of entitlements
and tradable water reuse certificates can
be practiced anywhere, which will help
bring in more accountability in water
consumption and recycle/reuse. Going
further, the tradability could be extended
to avail incentive/subsidy in power/water
tariffs. Miscellaneous
96
© Arunima Chandra Compendium of Best Practices in Water Management 2.0
NITI Aayog, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001
www.niti.gov.in
COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES IN
WATER MANAGEMENT
2.0