Water crisis Mitigation through community mobilization is changing the face of Bundelkhand

Dr. Utkarsh Sinha

Watershed management practices play a crucial role in regions like Bundelkhand, which often face water scarcity and environmental degradation. Implementing effective watershed management strategies are helping in water conservation and rejuvenation of water resources, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the overall ecological health of the region.

Parmarth Samaj sevi Sanstha, An NGO working in Bundelkhand took some initiatives to change the scenario. Parmarth strategy to involve the community becomes the key for the success.

Pani Panchayats, farmers group and jal sahelies are few community groups who played the pivotal role to encourage community to come forward.

Sanjay Singh, the chief of Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sanstha described the strategy. He said, Involving local communities in planning, implementation, and management of watershed projects through participatory approaches, community-based organizations, and self-help groups,Strengthening local institutions, such as watershed committees and user groups, to enhance the sustainability of watershed management initiatives.

In the villages of Jalaun districts Parmarth demonstrated Contour Trenching and Bunding to farmers.  Digging contour trenches along the contours of the land and constructing bunds (embankments) to slow down the flow of water and facilitate infiltration. This helps in reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and recharging groundwater.

Constructing check dams across small streams or gullies to impound rainwater and create percolation ponds for groundwater recharge. These structures help in retaining water, reducing soil erosion, and replenishing aquifers. Community base organizations approached to local govt authorities and help them to identify appropriate locations for check dams.

Planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses in degraded areas to restore vegetative cover and stabilize soil. Agroforestry practices, such as alley cropping and tree-based farming systems, can also help in improving soil fertility, conserving water, and enhancing biodiversity.

Implementing integrated watershed development projects that combine various conservation practices, community participation, and capacity building initiatives to achieve sustainable land and water management goals.

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Installing rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, percolation pits, and recharge wells to capture and store rainwater for domestic use and groundwater replenishment.

These watershed management practices are tailored to the specific socio-economic and environmental conditions of Bundelkhand and adapted to address the region’s unique challenges related to water scarcity, soil erosion, and agricultural sustainability. Effective implementation of these practices requires collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and other stakeholders to ensure long-term conservation and management of water resources in the region.