Watershed Development aims to conserve water and soil in an area where rain flows downhill to a central river or stream. This run-off, if not managed properly, takes with it much needed top soil and water. With the assistance of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), CIRHEP is implementing the watershed development program in a cluster of 5 watersheds. Namely, Kadavakurichi, Musuvanuthu, Mallanampatty, Kombaipatty and Sivagnanapuram covering over 5000 ha. This program is implemented by Village Watershed Committees, with CIRHEP being a facilitator.
Objectives:
To conserve water and maintain soil health and fertility. If mis-managed, a watershed can create flooding and soil erosion. Since water is a vital part of agriculture, managing it properly is a must. Soil erosion depletes the top soil which contains microorganisms needed for healthy crops and leads to land degradation.
Main Methods:
Land and water management, agriculture development, a forestation, livestock management, fodder development and livelihood support form the core of this program. Measures such as filed bounds, loose rock check dams, stone walls, gully plugs, gabion check dams, farm ponds sunken ponds, water absorption trenches, continuous contour trenches, agro-forestry and dry land horticulture help in conserving soil and water. In addition to these methods, effective water management is done through systems like drip irrigation, pot irrigation & rain guns. Mere treatment is not the solution, effective utilization of water is crucial for the success of watershed development.
Impacts:
Through proper management, the watershed areas have been positively effected in many ways. Wells have been recharged due to the increase in ground water levels. This increase has also contributed to improved soil and crop quality. The decrease of soil erosion has maintained the amount of topsoil making it easier to cultivate healthy crops. So far, treatment has been completed in the project area of over 5000 ha.
