Water conservation has been promoted by the ‘Ridge-to-Valley’ model in South Gujarat. In the last 5 years, about 580 crore liters of groundwater has been recharged from 170 check dams and 215 ponds, which has provided employment to local people and water for irrigation to farmers.
Surat (Gujarat) [भारत]June 30 (ANI): The forests of South Gujarat are being transformed into natural water reserves under the ‘Ridge-to-Valley’ model of the Forest Department. This is part of the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ campaign, which is supporting water conservation, groundwater recharge and strengthening rural livelihoods. In forest areas like Umarpada in Surat district, rain water is being conserved through check dams, forest ponds and contour ditches. In the last five years, about 170 check dams and 215 forest ponds have been constructed under this initiative, which has helped in recharging about 580 crore liters of groundwater.
Farmers are getting double benefits
Farmers say water conservation structures have benefited both farming and local employment. “A check dam and a pond have been built to store water. The digging work provides employment to villagers and the stored water helps farmers irrigate their fields,” said Jethiya Bhai Vasava, a farmer from Dhirtan village.
Rakesh Kumar Vasava, another farmer from Ghanwad village, said check dams and ponds have improved rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. “Ground water level has increased, borewells have been improved and this initiative has greatly benefited farmers living in forest areas,” he said.
Improvement in ground water level, increase in employment opportunities
Officials said that this project has significantly increased the availability of water in the entire area. Deputy Conservator of Forests Dheeraj Kumar said that under this initiative, more than 150 check dams, more than 200 forest ponds and about two lakh running meter contour trenches have been built. “These structures have improved rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. The groundwater level in tribal areas including Umarpada, Mandvi and Wakal under Surat forest division has increased and the availability of water in wells and borewells has improved,” he said.
Assistant Forest Conservator Gaurav Lodha said that Surat Forest Division has conserved about 580 crore liters of water in the last five years. He said, “In the areas where soil and moisture conservation work has been done, the groundwater level has increased by about one to one and a half meters. During the last year alone, employment of about 1.15 lakh man-days was generated, providing livelihood opportunities to local communities, especially in tribal areas, reducing migration and improving socio-economic conditions.”
A great example of integrated watershed management
Officials said the ‘Ridge-to-Valley’ model has emerged as an example of integrated watershed management combining rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, employment generation and environment protection, which is contributing to long-term water security in South Gujarat. (ANI)
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