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Land & Water Management

There is growing realization that in the present situation, the role of the Government as provider needs to be changed to that of a facilitator. There is a gradual shift from centralized, target based Government-driven programmes approach to demand–based programmes implemented through people’s participatory approach in a decentralised manner. New initiatives include increased decentralization of water governance through community participation, capacity building of local communities based on human resource development and information, education and communication campaigns.

Water and Sanitation Management Organization (WASMO) formed by Government of Gujarat under Government of Netherlands sponsored programme has taken up rural water supply and sanitation initiatives in the earthquake affected areas of Gujarat. VIKSAT is implementing Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) programme in 75 villages of Bhuj taluka and 25 villages of Santalpur taluka. The project involves community mobilisation through various participatory exercises and strengthening them through training, awareness programmes and exposure visits.

Under the mission of supplying drinking water to the villages, construction of  check dams, water tanks, ESR and necessary piping was taken up depending upon the requirement of a particular village. In Bhuj, a total of 12 conservation  structures, located at 12 different habitations (detailed as follows) are constructed.

Sanitation drive at village level was yet another major component under the WATSAN programme. Waste water disposal is a major problem in villages, especially after the implementation of piped water supply under this programme. Thus, it was decided to demonstrate proper waste water disposal system through the construction of soak pits. Soak pits are locally feasible and safe technology for waste water disposal. Looking to the long-term sustainability, soak pit construction techniques were explained to the villagers and demonstrated successfully. Demonstrations were also arranged to promote the construction of toilets in every household. 

In order to ensure sustainability of the water supply systems, various trainings were arranged for the pani samitis. For monitoring and follow up during construction, training in masonry was provided. Similarly, training was also provided on water quality monitoring in order to keep a check on potability of water. For the pani samiti members awareness programmes on safe drinking water, disposal of wastewater and solid waste management were organised. They were also capacitated through training on record keeping ensuring smooth working of the Samiti. A few exposure visits were also arranged to villages where such programmes were already implemented. 

The programme, supported by Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund and the Ministry of Rural Development aims at addressing problems of water especially drinking water and livelihoods in agriculture and livestock sectors. It is implemented in collaboration with Abhiyan Network in 3 villages of Bhuj taluka.

The watershed development programme in Vatachhad village was taken up. The PRA exercises were carried out in the village and the activities were identified under the programme. Accordingly, the activity-wise committees were formed and exposure visits were arranged. The villagers offered shramdaan for deepening the pond in the village.

Since April  2005, VIKSAT started implementation of the project “Promoting People’s Institutions for Charting a Developmental Course” supported by CARE India (Gujarat) in Santalpur Taluka of Patan District under SNEHAL project. SNEHAL means Sustainability, Nutrition, Education, Health, Agriculture and Livelihood.

A preparatory phase of eight months was given to chalk out the micro plan for villages selected under the project and identifying activities to be taken up phase wise later, for the overall development of the particular village over a period of time. The objectives of the preparatory phase were:

• To organise people in community based groups

• To identify the problem areas affecting the region

• To develop a long-term plan for the comprehensive development of the region

• To devise strategy for implementation of the long-term plan

A base line survey was conducted which proved to be very useful in understanding the existing situation of the area. The village-wise micro planning data were analysed to identify the beneficiaries of different categories like small farmers (less than 8 acres), marginal farmers (less than 17 acres) and big farmers (more than 17 acres). The people in this area are dependent on rainfed agriculture. The average annual rainfall is less than 450 mm, within 30-40 days and is very erratic. The ground water is saline.

For the implementation of Phase-II, four villages were identified. Regular meetings of members of SHGs/VDCs/PRIs were held for the identification of beneficiaries. Discussions also included nature and extent of people’s participation, raising people’s contribution and mobilization of additional resources from the govt. programmes.

People’s need in the areas of health, education, agriculture, rainwater harvesting, animal husbandry and livelihood were identified and accordingly time plans and budget were laid out. The implementation of activities on this line has begun from December 15th, 2005 keeping the main focus on the issues related to livelihood and migration. The target communities are small farmers, marginal farmers, deprived and land less communities.

At Daldi village the people’s priority is desilting of village tank to enhance its capacity and bring in more area under irrigation. VDC meeting was conducted to mobilize funds from Govt./ local MLA. The MLA has assured a support of 80% of the total cost by linking it with the govt. scheme whereas 20% should come as people’s contribution. At Bavarda and Varnosri villages the community is interested in farm ponds for protective irrigation. Survey, design and estimates for 30 farm ponds have been completed and the actual work will commence shortly. At Varnosri village, the repair work of the breached waste weir is in progress. In the fourth village, Bamroli, the community is heterogenous and poverty stricken. Motivation of community and mobilization of resources is a primary but challenging task.