1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Springshed revival through trenches and check dams is associated with a nature-based solution approach to reviving more than 20 springsheds. These were widened with the occasional construction of check dams to prevent rill erosion from the newly revived spring waters.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Trenches and check dams play a vital role in the implementation of the springshed revival technology in the picturesque hilly village of Lholing. This innovative approach to rejuvenating springsheds has extended its reach from the lush pasturelands above the village all the way down to the very first household of Lholing, resulting in the construction of approximately 20 ponds of varying sizes, replenished by springsheds. In some instances, the creation and expansion of these springsheds required the utilisation of mechanical excavators, emphasising the magnitude of the project.
The revitalised springsheds now produce an array of springs, each contributing water that eventually converges into a common tributary meandering towards the village. This valuable water is collected and stored in purposefully constructed water harvesting ponds, serving as a reliable source for kitchen garden irrigation and cattle feeding. While the primary objective was to address the pressing issue of drinking water scarcity in the community, it also yielded secondary benefits. These encompassed the provision of a drinking water source for the wildlife inhabiting the area, as well as supporting the irrigation needs of the kitchen garden. The implementation of check dams yielded additional advantages by mitigating rill and gully erosion and serving as effective filters for muddy spring water. This sustainable land management strategy was accomplished through a series of distinct activities. Firstly, an exhaustive survey and assessment of the springshed area was conducted to identify suitable locations for trenches and check dams. This process took into account factors such as the topography of the terrain, the hydrological dynamics, and the composition of the soil. Subsequently, a comprehensive plan and design was developed for the trenches and check dams, including their dimensions, spacing, and alignment. The involvement of experts and stakeholders during this stage ensured that the chosen design was optimal in terms of its effectiveness (Sameul, 2008).

The execution phase involved the excavation and shaping of the trenches according to the design, followed by the construction of check dams. Trenching are required in open areas (where there is no vegetation cover) to trap surface runoff and enhance infiltration. Trenches can be dug along contour lines in a staggered or continuous pattern. However, the size of the trench is determined based on the site conditions. The number of trenches/pits depends on size, annual precipitation and the slope gradient of the recharge area in smaller area. Wedge shaped trenches are recommended for open areas while staggered or continuous trenches are recommended on slopy areas. Trenches are recommended in larger open area, while pits these check dams were specifically devised to retain water and control its flow. As part of gully treatment and to increase water infiltration, check dams are constructed. Typically, walls or barriers were built using locally available materials such as stone, wood, or concrete.

The advantages and benefits derived from this technology are manifold. In addition to the aforementioned advantages associated with springsheds, the implementation of trenches and check dams significantly contributed to the preservation and conservation of the fertile topsoil, preventing its degradation and erosion. The land users in the village expressed contentment with the successful revival of the springsheds, recognising their multifaceted contributions. Furthermore, they were duly impressed by the check dams' efficacy in preventing soil erosion and their ability to filter muddy water, ensuring a reliable and clean water supply (RSPN, 2023).
The creation of the ponds was especially appreciated as they served as a convenient water source for grazing cattle in the nearby jungle. However, despite the numerous benefits, there was a sense of dissatisfaction among many villagers due to the increasing number of wild animals, including wild boar and deer that frequented the ponds to quench their thirst. This unexpected influx of wildlife posed a significant threat to farms located in close proximity to the open springsheds.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Bhutan

Region/ State/ Province:

Paro

Further specification of location:

Shaba, Lholing.

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• applied at specific points/ concentrated on a small area

Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

No

Comments:

The technology does not interfere with any protected areas.

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2017

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• conserve ecosystem
• protect a watershed/ downstream areas – in combination with other Technologies
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• create beneficial economic impact

• To find another alternative source of water for cattle, laundry and other washing alternatives.

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Cropland

• Annual cropping

Annual cropping - Specify crops:

• cereals - rice (wetland)

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 1

Is intercropping practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify which crops are intercropped:

Chilli intercropped with brinjal and beans.

Is crop rotation practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify:

Paddy harvest follows by winter vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage plantations.

Grazing land

Extensive grazing:

• Ranching

Intensive grazing/ fodder production:

• Cut-and-carry/ zero grazing

Animal type:

• cattle - dairy

Is integrated crop-livestock management practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify:

Farmyard manures are applied in the fields.

Species:

cattle - dairy

Waterways, waterbodies, wetlands

• Ponds, dams
• Swamps, wetlands

Main products/ services:

Many small patches of wetlands are there.

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• water harvesting
• surface water management (spring, river, lakes, sea)
• ground water management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

structural measures

• S2: Bunds, banks
• S4: Level ditches, pits
• S7: Water harvesting/ supply/ irrigation equipment

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion

water degradation

• Hq: decline of groundwater quality

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation
• reduce land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Design for the trenches as adapted from spring revival pilot site at Lholing, Paro

Author:

Water management Division

Date:

12/07/2023

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology unit

other/ national currency (specify):

Bhutanese Currency (Ngultrum)

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

82.25

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The cost was borne 100 % by the government.

Comments:

The machines was state owned property with least charges and cost estimated was only for the single structure. In case of Lholing several structures were constructed hoping for the spring revival.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

If you are unable to break down the costs in the table above, give an estimation of the total costs of maintaining the Technology:

3.0

Comments:

According the information given by a locality, the maintenance was coordinated and done by the local community with labour service without costing single penny.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The most important factor that contributed to the huge cost was from machine hiring charges. The community usually cost minimum of Nu. 15000 in an hour and some of them can hire it counting the number of days.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

The land users of those places own two residences, when the extreme weather conditions occurred they move to lower land. The crises of cold winter and water scarcity were the highlighted issues faced by the farmers.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

No

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

Comments:

The farmers of Lholing have to avail services like bank, health, technical assistance and education in Shaba as the households were less to get the government support.

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Water availability and quality

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

Assessment of off site impact is mainly done through field monitoring and evaluations

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

Climatological disasters

Hydrological disasters

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• single cases/ experimental

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

Almost 20 individuals household has participated in implementation of the technology

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Sameul, M. P. (2008). Rejuvenation of water bodies by adopting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging practices in catchment area-a case study

Available from where? Costs?

Google Scholar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

RSPN. (2023). Introduction of Check-dams in Wamrong.

Available from where? Costs?

Free website

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Rejuvenation of water bodies by adopting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging practices in catchment area-a case study.

URL:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111679

Title/ description:

Introduction of Check-dams in Wamrong.

URL:

https://www.rspnbhutan.org/introduction-of-check-dams-in-wamrong/

7.4 General comments

Although water scarcity remains an issue at Lholing, the implementation of this technology is intended to provide a solution.