Solution Overview

The solution involves state-of-art science and technology for planning and mechanisation of implementation of conservation interventions, has four broad aspects – a) minimising natural water losses as also those due to erroneous conservation practices, and maximise recharge and soil moisture, b) optimise technical designs of conservation interventions and minimise costs so that significantly more areas can be covered as compared to the conventional practices, c) significantly reduce implementation duration as compared to conventional practices, and d) capacity building of communities to manage available water equitably, sustainably and productively so as to generate demand for support to follow-up collective socio-economic action.Base line will be established through scientific measurements of groundwater, soil moisture, agricultural productivities, etc., and developing cropping and other vegetation pattern amps. Impacts will be assessed through similar measurements and assessments after the interventions.The proposed solution is designed for small rural groups that share a common water resource. It will be implemented for groups that are found enterprising, willing to participate and undertake collective socio-economic action, over the entire drought prone region. The proposed solution will have intensive impact on selected groups and a broader impact on adjoining areas due to the demonstrative and motivating effect, which will be visible through extensive demand for replication and up-scaling.Direct beneficiaries are farmers in small 25 to 50 ha catchment/aquifer basins. Expected impacts are - increased groundwater availability, enhancement of soil moisture, increase in agricultural areas and productivities, increase in vegetation and biomass, and enhanced water availability in the lower valleys.