Improvement of quality of life in the rural population and contributing towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals. We have helped build the capacity of villagers to sustain their own watershed development.
Narrative
Large parts of the state of Maharashtra are affected by drought. The central government and the government of Maharashtra have therefore come up with a plethora of aid programmes but have had limited success. The core problem is that mismanagement and lack of popular participation have prevented state-run aid and development programmes from effectively countering the over-use of natural resources.
The overall goal of the project “TC/FC project – Promotion of Watershed Self-help Programmes” is as follows: build capacities of the state and private implementing organisations and self-help groups to implement sustainable watershed management based on the people's own responsibility.
The project is assigned to the bilaterally coordinated priority area of environmental policy, protection and sustainable use of natural resources. It is an integral part of the field of action – participatory management of natural resources – defined in the priority area strategy paper. The methodological core element lies in the organisation and training of user and self-help groups that enable the rural poor to implement measures on their own responsibility for the sustainable management of watershed areas, thereby creating the foundations for long-term economic development. The user and self-help groups are supported by nongovernmental organisations (NGOs). The NGO – Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) is the implementing partner for the project.
Cooperation with KfW follows an implementation approach based on a division of tasks. In a one- to one-and-a-half-year preparatory capacity building phase, WOTR trains NGOs and self-help groups to implement watershed projects. This is followed by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) investing FC funds for a three- to four-year full implementation phase. Thanks to this successful participatory implementation approach, the project has won international acclaim and has had an important influence on the re-orientation of the Indian watershed management policy (relevance). Core elements of this approach were adopted in national guidelines and in the international discussion about the best successful examples. The Common Approach for Watershed Development initiated by the central government in 2000 is based on these core elements that have been elaborated and tested in the project (significance). However, it has not yet been possible to shape the implementation guidelines of the large watershed programmes beyond Maharashtra. The focus of the last phase is on consolidating the methodological approach, documentation and dissemination.
Process:
• During the reporting period 4 innovative projects have been identifed in two districts ( Nasik and Jalna) to test the innovative approaches and module developed.
• 41 SHG-’s have been formed in all four villages involving 457 members having a total savings of Rs. 15,87,725. All groups practice internal lending
• A total of 1250 ha area is tretated with various soil and water conservation activities .Under the drainage line treatments, 16 check dams have been constructed.
• In all 4 villages, VDC-’s are actively functioning as a sub committee of the GP. They actively participate in the discussions, decision making process, and in the implementation of watershed and village developmental activities and regularly report to the G.P.
• The government line departments /officials have been sensitized through regional level workshops. The village level sensitization events in all four projects have been conducted with the cooperation and support from the government line departments. The government funds are channelized to the beneficiaries as well the Grampanchayat for initiating development activities.
• The Grampanchat have played an instrumental role in accessing the Govt. funds and convergence of different Govt. schemes in all four villages. Few examples are as follows:
• The Dhondbar Grampanchayat has accessed maximum funds from Tribal Development Corporation for various purposes for the benefit of individual household covering all most all the households. For example all most all the 200 households have received the cooking gas cylinder connections worth of Rs. 3,500/- each and all the families are using the same.
• The drinking project has been successfully implemented in Dhondbar and Kumbharde village Under government Jal Swaraj Scheme costing Rs. 23,00,000 and Rs.20,00,000 respectively. Similarly the drinking water problem in Dongargaon and Kumbharde village has been solved during the summer of 2009 through the initiative of women under women’s development activity with the support of Grampanchayat.
• In all 4 villages regular gram sabhas are organized with increased cooperation among the stakeholders. In the meetings village developmental issues especially the issues of marginalized and vulnerable communities are discussed and addressed.
• The Grampanchayat of Dongargaon and Kumbharde village participated in the open free defecation village programme i.e. Nirmalgram campaign and through the increased awareness and motivation as well as the initiative of women have successfully achieved the open free defecation village .Each household has constructed individual toilets and all the families are using the same. For the construction of the toilets in both villages the women obtained loans through SHGs. Both the PRIs received the Nirmal Gram Puraskar in 2007 by the President of India in New Delhi .
• In all four villages the SMS is working as a women’s development committee and has been restructured as per the requirements of the subcommittees of Gram Sabha according to the Grampanchayat Act. All the major decisions regarding the women’s issues are taken in the women’s gramsabha . All the major decisions are taken in the women’s gramsabha. The people themselves demand to hold gramsabha. Women are present in noteworthy number for gramsabha.
• As of May 2009 174 SHGs have been formed in initial projects involving a total of 2158 members with a total savings of Rs. 22,89,570/-. Similarly in addition 4 projects as on Sep 2009 32 SHGs have been formed involving a total of 389 members with a total savings of Rs. 2,53,775/-. The internal lending is being practiced in all above groups
• Module for involving youth in the project:
In all four PRI projects the efforts were made to involve the youth in the village developmental activities. Earlier the youth from all these villages were not active and their participation in development process was minimum. Hence a special approah has been adopted to involve youth and childern right from the begining.
At the initial stage the assessment was conducted to know the perception of the youth regarding the PRI and village development .It was learnt that overall youth were less aware about the PRI. It was mainly on rules, procedures and provisions related to functioning of GP and gramsabha.
Most of the youth from all villages were were reluctant to participate in the process of village developmental activities, as per the perception of the youth the PRI members, leaders do not pay attention to them, they consider them secondary and do not consider their opinion in many issues.
Therefore the efforts were made to motivate and to organize them in youth clubs (youth manadals) accordingly in all four villages the youth mandals were formed and made functional.
Special training were conducted for youth to motivate them and create awareness in them about their roles and responsibilities in the village development process.
Now the youth are aware about the rules, procedures and provisions related to functioning of Gram Panchayat and gramsabha. Now they have become active in the village developmental activities as well as they participate in the decision making process through Gram sabha and Gram Panchayat meetings. In each village youth have now significant contribution in the village developmental activities, common programme and functions. Now their attitude towards PRI has been totally changed and become proactive in extending their cooperation to grampanchayat sub committees and village development committees
• Awareness among the school children and status of primary schools:
In all 4 villages the exposure vistits for school students have been conducted to successful watershed project to increase the knowledge about tnature and environment.
In 3 villages out of 4 a school garden has been developed by the students. Mainly Tulsi has been planted in a small area in the school lawn. The students have named this garden as oxygen park . This plants are cared and nurthered by the students.
In all 4 villages the education committee are restructured and the special trainings were conducted for each education committee in their village. Now these committees are become functional and active. Due to the activeness of the education committee the quality of the education has been improved and at the same time the number of school drop students specialy the girl students have been drastically reduced. From all 4 villages there is no single child who has attended 5 years old age and is not attending the school.
• Dissemination of learning’s
3 National level trainings on PRI were conducted for the representative of NGOs, Govt officials . Around 69 participants from different states of India have attended the same. The training programs was for 4 days including exposure visit to innovatve project.
• Booklets on PRI ( in Marathi)
4 books on democracy’s strength and villagers’s common platform titled 1. Gramsabha 2. Changes in the goverence of GP due to 73rd amendment 3. The structures and functions of the autonomous and powerful grampanchayat 4. Structures and functions of Zilla parishad and panchayat samittiee have been published by WOTR.
• Training of trainers (TOT) for WOTR field staff:
In order to impart the knowledge regarding the PR Act and the provisions made under this, two TOTs were conducted. The first TOT (three and half days) was conducted for the WOTR field staff at Ahmednagar in January 2008. It was thought to be critical to conduct TOT for WOTR’s field staff given the fact that they are going to facilitate the process of capacitating and empowering PR stakeholders at the village level. The second TOT was conducted at Darewadi, Ahmednagar in May. In this TOT apart from WOTR’s staff, the village level stakeholders (mainly Sarpanch and deputy Sarpanch) from four villages also participated.
Innovative Projects
Dongargaon: During the reporting period a land treatment on 35.. mainly the farm building and drainage line treatment such as construction of one ….has been completed under the project treatment.
Under the Government fund the following works have been completed during the reporting period.
- One farm pond of having the water storage capacity of … liters has been completed costing of Rs. 50,000/- under the Maharashtra Rural employment guarantee Scheme.
- In order to supply the drinking water to the newly settled a tribal hamlet of 15 house holds, a extension of drinking water pipeline of 2 ½” diameter having the length of 1800 ft. has been completed costing of Rs. …..
- Due to the less rainfall during this year, the present drinking water supply well has insufficient water during the month of summer. Therefore, under the drinking water scare city scheme through Z.P. four horizontal bores of 200 ft. in length each have been drilled at the bottom of the well at the 55’ ft. deep from the top level in the existing well costing of Rs. 30,000/-. These bores have helped to decrease the severity of the drinking water problem.
Kambhari: During the reporting period a land treatment on 60 ha. Mainly the farm bond has been completed under the drainage line treatments a construction of three check doms have been completed under the project fund.
The following work have been completed under the leverage of Govt. funds –
- One farm pond of having the water storage capacity of …. Ltrs(as Above).
- Horizontal bores in the existing drinking water well- (as above)
Kumbhavde: NABARD has sanctioned Rs…. Under the CBP to this village to be implemented through GP and has released the first installment of Rs. 3,56,500/- (including management cost) during the reporting period the land treatment such as CCT/WAT has been completed covering an area of 35 ha. And the plantation will be done in the rainy season.
The following works have been completed under the Govt. Schemes.
- Forest Department: The land treatment on forest land such as excavation of CCT, refilling of CCT and excavation of WAT has been completed covering an area 30 ha of forest land. Estimating about 2 lacs through forest dept.
- Two farm ponds of having the water storage capacity of 56,25000 ltrs each (75 meters in length X 15 mtrs. Width and 5 mtrs height) have been completed costing of Rs. 2, 40,000/- each. Purpose of these farm ponds is to make the drinking water available to the wild animals as well as for the live stock. This pond would also help full to recharge the under ground water table benefiting about 10 irrigation wells in the vicinity area.
- Cement concrete approach road to the shuffled caste hamlet (75meters length) of has been constructed through GP under Govt. fund costing of Rs. 2,00,000/-
- A construction of a community hall (30ft 25ft) has been constructed under the Govt. funds costing of Rs. 3,75,000/-
- One scheduled caste household received Rs. 35,000/- for the construction of house from the social welfare dept. and two scheduled caste households and one general category household – below poverty line have received Rs. 43,500/- each for the construction of received Rs.43,500/- each for the construction of house under Indira Avas Yojana through GP.
During the reporting period 3 Guardian Gram Sabha (GGSS) were conducted. The objective of these GGSS is to provide updated information of various govt. department schemes to the village community under the umbrella and to co-ordinate the integrated village development through the co-ordinate efforts by all Govt. line departments working in the village. Also problems/issues related to the implementation of Govt schemes are solved.
Sustainability
Creating and measuring long-term impact
The objective of the project is to ‘build capacities of state and private implementing organisation and self help groups to implement sustainable watershed management based on the people’s own responsibility.
Learnings
Knowledge of project and process for sharing
1. Making Sanitation A ‘Clean’ Habit: Lessons from a School Sanitation Project (Published)
The ‘school environment (water and sanitation) project’ implemented by WOTR in the state of Maharashtra in 2003 was evaluated for performance in 2007. The project provided sanitation and drinking water facilities in 100 schools, most of them being managed by the Zilla Parishad. It also promoted tree plantation and organic composting where possible. The study attempted to gauge impacts of the physical, institutional and mobilisation components of the project. In a surprise visit to 60 schools, the overall performance was found to be good. The study revealed excellently sustained efforts in some village schools and sheer neglect and collapse of local institutions in others. The active and constructive participation of the villagers was one of the major reasons for the successes, while its absence brought about failures. Factors such as presence of enthusiastic and interested teachers, keen on improving the performance of the school, were seen as contributing to the success. In these schools, children imbibe the new hygienic practices and naturally continue these. When the enthusiastic teachers are either from the village itself or reside in the village, and when they continue in the same school for long, positive impacts are observed.
2. Panchayat Raj at the Ground: Issues in village-Level Panchayat Raj Operations (Published)
This exploratory study was conducted on the functioning of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in twelve villages, three each in the regions of North Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Western Maharashtra. The study documented possibilities and potentials of Panchayat Raj, the strategies adopted by enthusiastic leaders, the gaps and problems identified, and the tools that need to be put in place so as to make Panchayat raj a productive set-up for development and progress.
3. Booklet Series on Panchayat Raj (in Marathi) (Published)
A series of four booklets on PRIs were published in Marathi. The titles of the booklets are: (a) Gram Sabha – the strength of democracy (b) The 73rd amendment and changes in the functioning of GP (c) Structure and functioning of Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti (d) Sovereign (-governing) and empowered Gram Panchayat: Its structure and functions.
4. Facilitating Local Governance: A Toolkit for Activating Gram Sabha Sub-committees (Published)
The Gram Sabha sub-committees are key village level mechanism available that can be utilised for realising the local governance. Hence, with an objective of facilitating the functioning of Gram Sabha sub-committees the toolkits were developed, in both Marathi and English language. These toolkits are developed for four Gram Sabha sub-committees namely: (a) drinking water and sanitation (b) women’s development (c) education (d) social audit committee. This booklet has two parts, introduction about the issue in which brief review of the policy changes has been taken mainly in the context of Maharashtra followed by various tools to facilitate the activation and functioning of the sub-committee in the village. Thus, these toolkits are aimed at eliciting the participation of village citizens in local governance. They are useful to various PRI stakeholders such as Panchayat officials and representatives, members of the community based organizations, NGOs, and social activists.
5. Participatory Net Planning: Reflections from the Field (Published)
WOTR developed and deployed in 1995 a new systemic approach that included an inclusive planning methodology called the Participatory Net Planning (popularly referred to as PNP). PNP is a gender sensitive planning, mobilisation, project formulation and training tool that is locale specific, puts the stakeholder at the centre of the process and engages him in a dialogue to arrive at optimal choices. In 2005, a decade after the PNP was introduced, WOTR decided to conduct a study in 4 watershed villages where PNP had been undertaken, with the broad objective of documenting and analysing the perceptions and experiences of the key stakeholders, namely, the farmer couples, women, the landless, the Village Watershed Committee and facilitating NGOs, with a view to drawing lessons, best practices and improving the process. From the analysis, the overall conclusion is that PNP, as a concept and practice, has fulfilled all its key objectives, namely, to mobilise communities to undertake successful watershed development and sustainable natural resources management in an inclusive, participatory and gender equitable manner where the members of the community are drivers of the project and artisans of their own development.
6. Socio-Economic Baseline Studies of Watershed Villages (in – house publication)
For each village where watershed development activities were initiated the baseline data was collected mainly focused on socio-economic aspects. The data was collected in two formats, i.e. the detailed format for 30% representative sample and the brief format for 100% sample. 30% sample represented the four categories of households in the village namely very poor, poor, average, and better-off.
The printing of forty five reports (Marathi and English) of 100% sample are complete and they have been disseminated in the respective villages. English reports for 30 villages (more detailed one which also includes 30% sample) are given to the field staff, which will help them plan the appropriate intervention in the field.
7. Study on water,development and child Nutrition :
The names of the four outputs under this study are:
1) Watershed Development Inputs and Social Change: Understanding Changing Culture of Child Nutrition (Based on Qualitative study findings)
2) Development Profile of the Rural semi-arids: The Context of Child Nutrition (Based on Quantitative study findings)
3) Water, Development and Child Nutrition in rural semi-arid region (Research paper based on clinical examination findings)
4) A Manual on Research Methodology tools on Child Nutrition
The aim of the study is to understand the impact of watershed development inputs on nutritional status of children in the age group of 0 to 5 years. The study was conducted in 12 villages of Ahmednagar district. The study tries to find the impact on nutritional status with a comparative perspective across three groups: inputs of watershed development and growth monitoring activity in one group with watershed development alone and no growth monitoring and those with no inputs by the organization. Both Qualitative and Quantitative methods were used for data collection. The Quantitative methods included Anthropometry and interview schedules whereas the Qualitative methods included Focus Group Discussions, In- depth interviews, informal discussions, observations etc. The clinical examination was conducted by a trained Physician.
Qualitative data analysis indicates that there is a change in social and health related perceptions of the people. These changes are more at the perception level but not much has yet translated into actual practices related to health. In villages with inputs of watershed development coupled with growth monitoring, this change can be observed more as compared to other villages. The results of clinical examination indicate that more than 90% of the children have normal nutritional status. Approximately 10% of the children are having some form of nutritional deficiencies. Quantitative study results indicate that the child nutritional status is better in the No Input group so far as height for age index is concerned. A manual on research methodology tools on Child Nutrition has also been developed based on our experiences which will help in collecting data from the field related to child nutrition.
8. A Study on “Wasundhara as an approach to target the poor within the watershed Development Programme” (submitted to GTZ)
The project titled "WASUNDHARA as an approach to target the poor within the Watershed Development Programs" tries to look at the effectiveness of the WASUNDHARA Approach with a special emphasis on the very poor and poor in the project villages. It was found that the SHGs and the rest of the villagers in WASUNDHARA village are better informed about various govt. schemes and they have utilized funds from these schemes for individual purposes as well as for the community, their participation in gram sabha is better than the other sample villages, women have a better representation in various community based organizations, etc. On the whole, they score higher on the Index of Development as compared to the IGWDP village and the control village where there is no intervention.
Some of the recommendations from the study are: Village Envisioning process has to be carried out at least once a year, the BPL list provided by the govt. needs to be compared with the Wealth Ranking list developed by WOTR. The list of families along with their wealth ranking and the schemes that they have utilized, needs to be displayed at a public area to ensure transparency and finally the duration of the WASUNDHARA projects needs to be extended so that there is enough time to carry out soil and water conservation activities along with putting the processes and systems in place to ensure sustainability.
9. Study on “Status of Drinking Water in terms of Availability, Equitable Access, and Quality in Watershed Villages in Maharashtra”
The study examines the adequacy of water availability, its equitable access and potability for human consumption in eight select districts in four regions of Maharashtra namely, North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha, where the implementation of watershed development has been completed, through the DPAP or the IGWDP/NGO programmes. Although the provision of drinking water was not an objective in the watershed projects considered for the study, the broad objective of this study was to identify the impacts of watershed development related to drinking water and to determine what measures/steps need to be taken (that can be included into WSD project guidelines) so that a basic human need and a human right can also be addressed.
The success of the implementation of WS programme in addressing the drinking water problem, if gauged on three parameters of adequate availability, equitable access and portability then we observe that in the sample villages though availability of water has increased, adequacy remains a major challenge. With respect to inequitable access, barring a few villages from Marathwada and western Maharashtra, such an issue is found to be non-existent. Portability is still a Herculean task in the entire sample, as not one drinking water source was found to be safe for human consumption.
Although the positive impacts of WSD are reflected in increased types of water sources as well as longer duration of water availability, this is merely a natural fall-out of the implementation of various soil and water conservation measures. Despite the completion of WS programmes shortage of drinking water is experienced by majority of villages, which can be said to be a result of lack of conscious efforts to prioritise, budget and manage the allocation of various usages of now increased (availability) water.
Two major reasons for persistent drinking water problem are the failure of water supply systems due to poor operations and maintenance and lack of any governance mechanism in place. Though the GPs are in-charge of the operation and maintenance of the water structures, they are not performing their role effectively given that people are not holding them accountable in case of non-performance. The review of functioning of systems in the villages showed that despite huge expenses incurred in creating the infrastructure they either are not functioning at all or are functioning at a below optimal level. To a certain extent absence of any social or legal regulatory mechanism for water usage as well as absence of a platform for dialogue and contestation of rights between stakeholders is also resulting into inadequacy and inequitable access. Besides, various institutions which had played a role during WSD period, are either defunct now or are not capable enough to resolve the water problem in a sustainable manner.
With respect to the translation of national water policy guidelines (2002) at the ground level the data revealed that people are ignorant about its existence. During the study it was observed that three aspects advocated in the policy, which have direct linkage to the drinking water issues, are not being implemented at all. These aspects were: assigning top priority to drinking water over all other uses; according key role to development and management (operation and maintenance) of water resources as well as water infrastructures/facilities through participation of users and stakeholders at the local level (Gram Panchayat in particular), and regular monitoring of water quality, both surface water and ground water. Thus, at the level of the community as well as at the government level apathy towards sustainably resolving the drinking water issue is apparent.
10. Impact of Watershed Development Projects on the Agricultural Productivity
IGWDP was very significant initiative aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through sustainable watershed development in drought prone region. A study was conducted to assess impact of this important initiative on the ‘productivity’ in terms of agricultural returns, water availability and vegetation. The study throws light on the changes caused by the interventions in the availability, accessibility and use patterns of key natural resources, viz. land, water and biomass. The study availed data both from primary and secondary sources. The primary data was collected through survey of 22 (25%) out of 88 completed project villages. During it total 1100 respondents (26%) were interviewed with pre-tested questionnaire. Further, Consensus Group Discussion method was used to capture data about qualitative changes and trends. Secondary sources in the form two key project documents, viz. Feasibility Reports and Project Completion Reports were consulted. Following are some of the results of this study.
Increase in the agricultural productivity in terms of greater agricultural returns, increased water availability and vegetative cover means greater capacity of watershed community and eco-space to grow together harmoniously. It can enable the watershed to provide greater resources for the economic goals and concerns of the community. Similarly, the community with increased availability of key resources for agricultural development, domestic and livestock needs will be less forced to over utilize resources for survival. The study found several changes from pre to post project period that suggest increased agricultural productivity in IGWDP villages.
The data shows that there was drastic change in the Land Use Pattern, which is important indicator of land productivity, in the post project period. Apart from increase in the cultivated land, increase was noted in both seasonally and perennially irrigated area. The perennially irrigated land increased by 203%, while the seasonally irrigated area rose by 89%. The total area under irrigation increased by 116.71 compared to pre-project period.
Similarly, changes in the cropping pattern, cropping intensity and crop diversification were observed. The total number of crops reported in the pre-project period was 33, while currently the number has gone to 55, registering increase of 66.67 %. Within these crops, number fruit or horticultural crops increased by 250% and the number of vegetables increased by 166%. This suggests shift in favour of crops with greater income and cash. Diversity of crops is necessary for risk mitigation and optimum utilisation of land too. Further the current cropping intensity of all crops together was noted to be 124.46 compared to pre-project cropping intensity of 114.35, suggesting increase of 8.84%. The crop yield also shows increase of 11.37 % per household over the pre-project period.
Simultaneously, change in the cost of production with increased wage rates, land value, increased use of high yielding seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and machinery also observed. Average daily wages of men in agricultural work increased from 39 per day in the pre-project period to 86 at present, while average wages of female workers increased from 25 per day to 48 in the same period. Though daily average wages in Allied activities and non-farm activities rose greater than farm work.
Increase in area under seasonal and perennial irrigation suggests increased water availability. This area came under irrigation due to greater groundwater extraction, greater water recharge and increased water tables in the wells in all seasons. There was 20% increase in the number of private wells over pre-project period. Greater availability of water for drinking and for livestock also found. Further use of water lifting devices also grew. The number of electric motors increased by 50.47% and of oil engines rose by 51.79 %.
Livestock pattern and grazing practices have important bearing on watershed resources. Significant changes were observed in the livestock pattern after the watershed development period. Changes in the energy use were reported with increase in the number of LPG, bio-gas or gobar gas and electricity. All this suggest reduced burden on local natural resources.
To some extent, work availability within village has bearing on migration pattern. The data reveals increased work availability in agriculture, allied activities as well as non-farm activities within village than pre-project period. Both number of households engaged in allied activities such as dairy farming and per household income from these enterprises registered increase. Significant reduction in seasonal and distress migration can be inferred from the data. Increase in both leasing land and taking land on lease for cultivation observed, though the average period of lease reportedly reduced.
Significant rise in the assets such as consumer durables, vehicles and machines, implements reported during the period indicating higher purchasing power and consumption pattern. Similarly investment by individual farmers on land development, efficient water distribution system and farm related machinery has reportedly increased.
Due to unavailability of relevant pre-project data, measuring exact change in the vegetative cover was not possible. Reduced pressure on the protected vegetation is implied through the reported increase in the fodder availability and lesser dependence on common lands for grazing. The plantation undertaken during the project reportedly has average survival rate of 65% and in some cases as maximum as 90%.
In view of all above mentioned results, the study finally concluded that from the pre-project protective rain-fed farming system, the project area entered into productive farming spiral in the post project period with project induced change in the availability, accessibility of key resources viz., land, water and biomass.
11. PRI focused baseline and impact assessment study
Empowerment of village level Panchayat raj Institutions and specifically of women and marginalised sections is an uphill task to achieve. The project initiated in four villages aimed at developing capacities of village level Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) so that they are enabled to implement village development activities in an integrated and sustainable manner. The findings of impact assessment study presented above clearly indicate that this process has begun and there are many encouraging results. However, it needs to be remembered that this process needs to be reviewed critically so that comprehensive village development, where needs and concerns of all sections, including women and marginalised sections, are addressed in a satisfactory manner. The findings of the study show that the villagers with the new acquired knowledge and practical experience of applying it in their own village have reviewed the progress quite objectively and have themselves pointed out the gaps or improvement areas. Therefore, while acknowledging the positive factors and specifying the gaps from this project, it needs to be realised that empowerment of PRIs is a long term process requiring sustained efforts in terms of guidance and handholding, so that these villages can further built up on the experience and insight gained from this project.
Impact
People Impacted: 19855
People Getting Safe Drinking Water: 19855
The watershed activities rejuvenated the water table for 1604 families.
People Getting Other Benefits: 19855
The whole village will benefit from the promotion of self-help based watershed development which contributes to improving living conditions and increasing income in rural areas of Maharashtra as well as contributing towards replication beyond Maharashtra. Watershed Development in India is considered as a strategic intervention for poverty reduction. This is especially so since over 70% of arable land in India is rainfed on which over 60% of rural India draws its subsistence from.