Technologies

Recharge Ponds and Recharge Trenches [India]

Chaal or Khals (recharge pond) and Khanti (recharge trenches)

technologies_5193 - India

Completeness: 90%

1. General information

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

Key resource person(s)

land user:

Joshi Jagdamba Prashad

Naikina Forest Head Council (Gram Panchayat)

India

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Onsite and Offsite Benefits of SLM
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) - Nepal
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Einvironment & Development (G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Einvironment & Development) - India

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

Comments:

Like any tool, one needs to use and apply it appropriately. Land users and SLM specialists have admitted that these technologies can be ineffective depending on number, design and site selection for implementation. Recharge ponds and trenches could potentially cause soil disturbance and subsequent land degradation if such measures are not carefully considered by the users.

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

Community Forest Management in the Nakina Van Panchayat
approaches

Community Forest Management in the Nakina Van Panchayat [India]

Van Panchayats or village forest councils are a impressive example of grassroots community management of natural resources, where a specific administrative unit is locally elected by community members who are responsible for the management of activities related to the forest.

  • Compiler: Jaclyn Bandy
Naula Management and Conservation
approaches

Naula Management and Conservation [India]

Naulas are shallow, four-sided stepped wells designed to collect water from subterranean seepages or springs and are used to meet domestic water needs by the local communities. Naula management and conservation encompasses a range of activities that preserve their structure and function.

  • Compiler: Jaclyn Bandy

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Recharge ponds (Chaals or khals) and recharge trenches (khanti) are common methods to catch the surface runoff and increase the infiltration to recharge groundwater and aid in natural spring recharge in the middle mountain regions.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

1. The recharge ponds and trenches have been applied in mountainous community forests. There have been about 60 trenches, 1 large and 4 small recharge ponds constructed in the specific sites in the community forest of Naikina. These are ideal areas to implement these technologies, as they encompass the microwatershed/springsheds of 3 springs.

a. Recharge ponds are circular or rectangular dugout structures which were constructed a natural depression area on sloping land. The standard size is usually as follows: Length =3 m, Width =3 m and Depth = 0.7 m, with site specific modifications. Water feeder channels which flow to the ponds helps to harvest additional surface flow. The walls are not vertical but have a 45 degree slope to prevent cave in.

b.Recharge trenches are small rectangular structures of typical dimensions: Length=1.5 m, Width= 1m , Depth= 0.7 m, constructed on sloping land in a staggered manner. The slope of the walls should be not more than 45 degrees, and the size of the trenches and their spacing depends on the slope of the land. In higher slope areas, one should construct smaller staggered trenches with closer spacing. These are generally made in high rainfall areas, as there is an increased danger of overflow. In staggered trenching, the trenches are located directly below one another in alternate rows and in a staggered fashion. These may be 2 m to 3 m long and the spacing between the rows may vary from 3 m to 5 m.

2. Aims/Objectives: The central focus of the technology is water conservation and harvesting of surplus monsoon runoff to recharge groundwater reservoirs, which is otherwise going un-utilized. Additionally, land degradation by water erosion is decreased due to slowing of runoff and increased soil infiltration. Water erosion after intense rainfall affects both onsite and offsite sites, causing soil displacement, increased frequency of landslides, damage to vegetation, agriculture land, and village settlements.

3. Methods: Due to decreased spring discharge in the dry season and high dependency on the springs for drinking water (humans and livestock), the community has implemented these technologies within in catchment areas of 3 essential springs (Bhind, Vaishnavi, and Bagawoti) in the last 3 years.

4. Stages of Implementation: Awareness building, community mobilization, and central planning was done by the head of the Forest Council (Gram Panchayat), Mr. Jagdamba Joshi. Recharge pond and trench construction was done over the course of a month by different villagers that were available to participate. They were incentivized to work with a small compensation of 5.30 USD (400 INR)/day. Activities and inputs included time and manual labor (about 3 days for the large recharge pond, 0.5-1 day for each of the small recharge ponds, and 4 days for 60 recharge trenches) and appropriate land-use planning and management. Primarily, the strategic construction of these technologies and selection in appropriate springshed recharge/catchment areas has led their success. The structures have been placed below the pine forest, (which generates high runoff) and reside in a restored broadleaf forest, which acts like a sponge to retain the runoff water flowing down from the pine forest above. The ponds lies in a natural, leveled depression with gentle slopes around. Broadleaf/oak dominated forest areas have been increasingly supported as technology construction sites, as the placement further improves of groundwater recharge.

To assure long-term effectiveness, maintenance and re-digging of the recharge ponds and trenches is carried out by villagers annually, pre-monsoon.

5. Gram Panchayat, Mr. Joshi has played a key role in informing the villagers of technology design, function and importance for supporting the community forest and subsequent spring recharge. He has previous knowledge of the application of these technologies through first-hand experiences working in the army. The villagers were solely responsible for construction with Mr. Joshi's guidance. The men were mainly responsible for making recharge ponds and the women dug trenches and removed weeds.

6) Technology benefits/impacts acknowledged by the community: moisture conservation, long-term groundwater recharge, spring recharge, reduction of soil-water erosion, improved infiltration and support for vegetation cover and broadleaf/oak forest.

Like: Relatively simple and inexpensive, little external inputs required, effective in short and long-term (provided site appropriate selection and regular seasonal rainfall)

Dislike: Drudgery, time consuming, maintenance required, distance (site of implementation may also be far from village).

2.3 Photos of the Technology

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

Country:

India

Region/ State/ Province:

Uttarakhand

Further specification of location:

Nakina Village, Pithoragarh Bloc

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?

Yes

If yes, specify:

The technologies are located in a community protected forest, which has been under sole village management since the early 1950's.

Comments:

A large and small recharge pond above the roadside lies adjacent to a protected oak nursery.

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2016

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through land users' innovation
  • through projects/ external interventions
Comments (type of project, etc.):

Mr. Jagdamba Joshi's self-started initiative in his community can be attributed to his personal work experience. While serving in the army, he was trained to build ponds and trenches. Through his own observations and perception of these technologies, he was certain they would help support the depleting groundwater.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
  • conserve ecosystem
  • protect a watershed/ downstream areas – in combination with other Technologies
  • reduce risk of disasters
  • adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
  • create beneficial social impact

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

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes


Forest/ woodlands

Forest/ woodlands

  • (Semi-)natural forests/ woodlands
  • Tree plantation, afforestation
(Semi-)natural forests/ woodlands: Specify management type:
  • Selective felling
Type of (semi-)natural forest:
  • subtropical mountain systems natural vegetation
  • Broadleaf/pine mixed forest
Tree plantation, afforestation: Specify origin and composition of species:
  • Mixed varieties
Type of tree plantation, afforestation:
  • subtropical dry forest plantation - Broadleaf
  • Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus lanata, Quercus semecarpifolia, , Quercus glauca Thumb, Pyrus pasia, Myrica eaculanta and Rhododendron arborium
Are the trees specified above deciduous or evergreen?
  • deciduous
Products and services:
  • Timber
  • Fuelwood
  • Nature conservation/ protection

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:
  • rainfed

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • water harvesting

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

structural measures

structural measures

  • S4: Level ditches, pits
  • S5: Dams, pans, ponds

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

soil erosion by water

  • Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
  • Wg: gully erosion/ gullying
  • Wm: mass movements/ landslides
  • Wo: offsite degradation effects
water degradation

water degradation

  • Hs: change in quantity of surface water
  • Hg: change in groundwater/aquifer level

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • reduce land degradation
  • restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Bhind Catchment (Springshed) Recharge Technologies
Dimensions
Recharge Pond 1- Length: 2.37m Width: 0.86 m Depth: 0.61m
Pond 1 Volume- 1.24 m3
Slope: 24%

Recharge Pond 2- Length: 4.46 m, Width: 1.71 m, Depth: 0.97
Pond 2 Volume- 7.40 m3
Slope: 26%

Recharge Trench- Length: 2.5m, Width: 0.25 m, Height: 0.35 m
Trench Volume: 0.22 m3
Total Trench Volume (30): 6.6 m3

Spacing: Trenches are in different locations of the Bhind springshed, 20 functional trenches are aggregated within 1m of each other in a broadleaf forest just north on the cucumber farm. 10 trenches are located directly above the Cucumber farm.
Slope Range: 25-30%

Water Holding Capacity (L):
Total Capacity of Recharge Pond 1: 1,240 L
Total Capacity of Recharge Pond 2: 7,400 L
Total Capacity of Trenches (30): 6,600 L

Total WHC of Technologies: 15,240 L

Total Catchment area of Bhind Springshed: ~10 Hectares

Author:

Jaclyn Bandy

Date:

25/07/2019

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Bhind Catchment Recharge Technologies: Location Map

Author:

Jaclyn Bandy

Date:

25/07/2019

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Nakina Spring Catchments (springsheds) and Technology Locations

Author:

Jaclyn Bandy

Date:

25/07/2019

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Vaishnavi Recharge Structures Diagram Map

Author:

Jaclyn Bandy

Date:

25/07/2019

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Technologies in Vaishinavi Springshed
Dimensions:
Large Recharge Pond- Length: 10m, Width: 5m, Depth: 0.8 m
Large Pond Volume: 40 cubic meters (m3)

Overflow Canal (narrow pond adjacent to large recharge pond)
Dimensions:
Overflow Canal- Length: 12.9 m, Width: 1.22 m, Depth: 0.7cm
Overflow Canal: 11.017 m3

Small Recharge Pond- Length: 2.34 m, Width: 2 m, Depth: 0.74 m
Small Pond Volume: 3.36 m3

Recharge Trench- Length: 2.5m, Width: 0.25 m, Height: 0.35 m
Trench Volume: 0.22 m3
Total Trench Volume (20): 4.4 m3

Spacing: trenches within 0.5m of each other and <1m spacing between trenches and broadleaf trees and other bushes

Slope: 26%

Water Holding Capacity (L):
Total Capacity of Large Pond: 40,000 L
Total Capacity of Overflow Canal: 11,017 L
Total Capacity of Small Pond: 3,460 L
Total Capacity of Trenches (20): 4,400 L

Total WHC of Technologies: 58,877 L
Total Area of Technologies: 0.5 Hectare

Total Area of Vaishnavi Catchment: ~13 Hectares

Author:

Jaclyn Bandy

Date:

25/07/2019

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
  • per Technology unit
Specify unit:

2 Ponds, 1 Overflow Canal, 20 Recharge trenches

Specify dimensions of unit (if relevant):

Total Trenches (20): 4.4 m3, Large Recharge Pond: 40 m3, Overflow Canal: 11.017 m3, Small Recharge Pond: 3.36 m3

other/ national currency (specify):

INR

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

70.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

400 INR

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Plan designed by administrative committee of Van Panchayat Winter 2016
2. For technology construction, groups of men and women (8 total per group) were established with their planned working days Pre-monsoon 2016
3. Trenches and recharge ponds were dug on a rotation system by the groups on different days Pre-monsoon 2016
4. Compensation was given to participants upon completion of the project after 20 days work. Pre-monsoon 2016

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Community manual labor person-days 120.0 400.0 48000.0 100.0
Equipment pick pieces 5.0 300.0 1500.0 100.0
Equipment shovel pieces 5.0 500.0 2500.0 100.0
Equipment pharuwa (hoe) pieces 4.0 300.0 1200.0 100.0
Equipment khanti (digging bar) pieces 3.0 1500.0 4500.0 100.0
Equipment hammer pieces 3.0 2000.0 6000.0 100.0
Equipment small hammer pieces 3.0 300.0 900.0 100.0
Equipment chino (chisel) pieces 4.0 500.0 2000.0 100.0
Construction material Rocks excavated on site
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 66600.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD 951.43
Comments:

On average 4 people worked on establishing the technology/day = 400 x 4 = 1600 (labor cost/day)
1600 x 30 days = 48,000 Total Cost

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. Monitoring of the area for any damages or maintenance required Weekly
2. Clearing of debris or filled sediment in pond/trenches/channel Pre monsoon

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

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Maintenance Labor person-days 4.0 1600.0 6400.0 100.0
Equipment Communal equipment (see above for costs)
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 6400.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD 91.43

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

-Amount of siltation accumulated in the recharge structures (more debris/soil accumulation requires more maintenance and labor days)
-Labor availability

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specify average annual rainfall (if known), in mm:

1500.00

Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

Monsoon- mid-June to mid-September; July and August are the rainiest months and the temperature is warm and moist; between 70-85% of the annual precipitation occurs in the monsoon season

Seasons
a. Winter or cold weather (mid Dec. - mid March)
b. Summer or hot weather (mid March - mid June)
c. Season of general rains (South - West monsoon season)
d. Season of retreating monsoon (mid September to mid November)

Indicate the name of the reference meteorological station considered:

India Meteorological Department, Meteorological Centre Dehradun

Agro-climatic zone
  • sub-humid

The overall climatic condition in the Pithoragarh district is governed by the southwest monsoon. It has a sub-tropical to temperate climate, with three pronounced seasons; summer, winter, and monsoon. The hilly terrain of the Himalayan region has snow cover and is cold during winter with snowfall normally occurring during the months of December to March.

Temperature- The temperature ranges from 0°C to 10°C in winter and from 8°C to 33°C in summer season. However, there is no meteorological observatory in the district. The account of the climate is based mainly on the records of the observations in the neighboring districts where similar meteorological conditions prevail. Variations in temperature are considerable from place to place and depend upon elevation as well as aspect. As the insolation is intense at high altitudes, in summer temperatures are considerably higher in the open than in the shade.

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
  • concave situations
Comments and further specifications on topography:

Average Altitude of evaluated sites: 1850m
Average Slope: 25%

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)
  • low (<1%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Mountain/hill soils are a collective name given to various types of soils found under the following conditions :
-under sub-tropical, temperate and sub-alpine conditions
-under various forest types

Characteristics: very thin, fertile, and may be less than a centimeter deep on steep slopes; they are mixed with pebbles, shingles (a mass of small rounded pebbles), and gravels; they have a low-medium water holding capacity. Angular and subangular fragments of parent rock may be found mixed with the lower layers of the mountain and hill soils.

Texture: varies from loamy to sandy loam.
Soil Reaction: ranges from acidic to neutral (pH 4.6 to 6.5)
Organic Matter content: 1-5%

Ferrugenous red roils are found in this district and are well developed over Himalayan rocks (quartzite, biotite schist, amphibolite schist). They are free of carbonates and deficient in nitrogen, humus and phosphorus, light textured, porous, and friable (brittle/crumbly). The soil depth ranges from about 10cm-75 cm. These soils may be grouped into two on basis of morphology

1. Red earths- loose, friable topsoil rich in secondary concretions (hard, compact mass of matter formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between particles, and is found in sedimentary rock or soil)
2. Red loam- argillaceous soils having a blocky structure (argillaceous minerals may appear silvery upon optical reflection and are minerals containing substantial amounts of clay-like components, e.g. argillaceous limestones are limestones consisting predominantly of calcium carbonate, but including 10-40% of clay minerals)

Brown soil: is found particularly under dense broadleaved temperate and sub-alpine forests. There occurs a thick layer of humus on the forest floor (made of decomposed leaves, branches, twigs) and the topsoil is extremely rich in humus

Podsolic Soil: soil that has developed in humid/temperate conditions usually under coniferous forests (e.g. deodar, blue pine, fir, spruce) over quartzite, granites, schists and gneiss.

(Citation: Kumaun: The Land and the People, Sharad Singh Negi (1993)

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

good drinking water

Water quality refers to:

ground water

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Quantity: Water crisis has been a perennial problem in both the rural and urban areas of the Pithoragarh district
There is scarcity of safe drinking water of the villages in the study area. Hand pumps are often not functioning, pipe-water schemes are unreliable and the spring discharges have reduced during the dry season. Hand-pumped water often has a high iron content and bitter taste. Poor quality of groundwater in some of the naulas is mainly due to misuse and/or disuse of the structures.

A block-district groundwater resource estimation could not be carried out as the area is hilly (with slope >20%) and in major part aquifers are small, isolated bodies, and groundwater abstraction is done mainly through hand pumps and springs with small discharges.

However, we collected some physicochemical parameters that indicate the water (sourced from springs) is of good quality:

Water Quality Parameters of Springs:
pH: 6.29-8.18
Temp: 19.0-23.5 ºC
Electrical Conductivity: 109-504 µmsiemens
Total Dissolved Solids: 75-385 ppm

Other Parameters (from springs of nearby district, Champawat)
Electrical Conductivity: 127-222 µmsiemens
pH: 7.69-8.24
Calcium: 16-36 mg/l
Magnesium: 4.9-7.3 mg/l
Bicarbonate: 61-134 mg/l
Chloride: 5.3- 8.9 mg/l
Total Hardness as CaCO3: 70-110 mg/l

Source: Government of India Ministry of Water Resources, Central Ground Water Board, 2009 Groundwater Brochure of Champawat District (2009

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • medium
Habitat diversity:
  • medium
Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

Uttarakhand has more than 7000 species of medicinal plants and 500 species of fauna. Floral diversity contributes 31% of total floral density of India. Fauna contributes just 1.58% of the total faunal density of the country. There are 119 endemic species of flowering plants in the state that exhibited 2.35% endemism and 35 faunal endemic species. Because it lies at the juncture of India, Nepal and the Tibeten Autononmous region, there often cases of poaching and smuggling of wildlife contrabands, including bear bile, musk pods and leopard skins through the borders. Yarsa Gumba Ophiocordyceps sinensis, commonly known as Caterpillar Fungus, is also illegally traded transboundary in the region, together with various plant species. Due to anthropogenic impacts, changes is soil quality, and climatic elements, the biodiversity of our study site is not as high as in other areas of the Pithoragarh district.

Citation: Sundriyal, M. & Sharma, B. (2016). Status of Biodiversity in Central Himalaya, Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 4( 2), 37-43.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Sedentary or nomadic:
  • Sedentary
Market orientation of production system:
  • subsistence (self-supply)
  • mixed (subsistence/ commercial)
Off-farm income:
  • 10-50% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • poor
Individuals or groups:
  • groups/ community
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Age of land users:
  • youth
  • middle-aged
  • elderly

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

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • small-scale

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

Land ownership:
  • communal/ village
Land use rights:
  • communal (organized)
Water use rights:
  • open access (unorganized)
  • communal (organized)
Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

Under the Kumaun Panchayat forest rules of 1931 (amended in 1976): the Van Panchayat (community forest council) is formed out of non-private land within the settlement boundaries of a village. Accordingly, all villagers are members of the VP upon their approval by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate under the state Revenue Department. The members are collectively referred to as the general body, which selects the management committee members through a democratic process.

Comments:

5-9 elected members assume control of the forest and the extent of villager use. They additionally raise funds and mobilize the village to protect and support sustainable land use. Presently 12,089 Van Panchayats are entrusted with the management of over 5,449.64 km2 of forests.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
Comments:

The situation of infrastructure is difficult and inconsistent in the hill regions because of the terrain. The major infrastructural issues are drinking water and irrigation facilities, electricity, transportation and communication facilities and social infrastructure (housing and education). As for financial services, only the State Bank of India (SBI) is active in the hill regions where it is trying to achieve the objective of 100% financial inclusion. Some villages mentioned buying into into agricultural insurance in the past, however this was a temporary enterprise and they were never compensated after extreme climatic events that occurred and damaged over 70% of their crop.

Though infrastructure and education has generally improved over the years, institutional and marketing networks in the region aimed at supporting hill-farmers are lacking.

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

fodder production

decreased
increased

fodder quality

decreased
increased

forest/ woodland quality

decreased
increased

land management

hindered
simplified
Comments/ specify:

Constructing these technologies in the forest and within spring catchment areas has supported the village to work collaboratively and increased overall insightfulness to on-and-offsite effects and potentials of SLM.

Income and costs

expenses on agricultural inputs

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Decreased the amount of supplementary fodder required for livestock. The amount of grasses, fodder, and fuelwood has increased with the help of strategic placement of recharge ponds and trenches.

workload

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Less time spent collecting forest resources, as the area where the technology is near the village and supports fodder/fuelwood growth (broadleaf forest/oak nursery area)

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Improved self sufficiency of village, as the technology has helped increase their water availability.

health situation

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

Water condition has improved. Their is less time spent collecting fodder in the forest, as these technologies have supported fodder tree and grass production.

land use/ water rights

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

There is less friction between the villages of Bhurimuni and Nakina. Nakina did not have to go ask for permission to access the Bhurimuni Naula for water during the dry season.

cultural opportunities

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

The improvements of forest resource security and resilience to disasters/climatic extremes have allowed the villagers to spend more of their time building up a communal gathering area for ceremonial events and festivals around the Vaishnavi Temple.

recreational opportunities

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

There is more time for the women (1-2 hours saved) as the structural technologies have supported existing vegetation growth. This has reduced the time and distance required for gathering fodder an fuelwood.

community institutions

weakened
strengthened
Comments/ specify:

The partnerships formed between land-users, the Nakina Van Panchayat, the Forest Department and external institutions are leading examples of necessary cooperation between all levels of governance for project harmonization.

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

People are taking forest management seriously and making innovative plans for further SLM interventions, whether it be community-initiated or with the help of external institutions/agencies.

conflict mitigation

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

Increased availability of resources has helped the overall morale of the village. This has further enhanced cooperation for interventions that require participation and effort in the community forest.

situation of socially and economically disadvantaged groups

worsened
improved

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

water quantity

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The technologies act as a water reservoir and improve water holding capacity of the soil by decreasing runoff velocity.

harvesting/ collection of water

reduced
improved

surface runoff

increased
decreased

excess water drainage

reduced
improved

groundwater table/ aquifer

lowered
recharge

evaporation

increased
decreased
Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved

soil loss

increased
decreased

soil accumulation

decreased
increased

soil crusting/ sealing

increased
reduced

soil compaction

increased
reduced

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Micro-catchments accumulate debris/silt washed down from upstream areas. When managed properly, this can function as a beneficial mulch to the soil, improving bioavailabiltiy of nutrients for plants.

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Vegetation cover

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Improved water availability and thus potential/support for vegetation growth and cover.

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Improves grasses and vegetation growth, and collects debris/silt from upstream areas.

plant diversity

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Micro-catchments provide water for native grasses, vegetation, and can help with the germination of seeds.

animal diversity

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Micro-catchments provide water and habitat for small animals/birds.

beneficial species

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Micro-catchments provide water, habitat, and protection for microorganisms and insect species. They support native grasses and vegetation.

habitat diversity

decreased
increased
Climate and disaster risk reduction

landslides/ debris flows

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Decreased surface flow velocity

drought impacts

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Improved groundwater availability and enhanced spring recharge

impacts of cyclones, rain storms

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Erosion impacts from extreme rain storms is reduced by decreasing flow velocity

fire risk

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Area is protected and forest is further enhanced by improved groundwater availability

micro-climate

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

Decreased surface temperature due to improved vegetation/biomass, soil cover and water availability.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Improved spring discharge in the peak dry season

reliable and stable stream flows in dry season

reduced
increased
Comments/ specify:

Bhind and Vaishnavi Naulas (springs) have improved discharge in the peak dry season. According to villagers, there was little to no water available in May/June, and since 10 years the flow has returned due to improved forest management in combination with these structural technologies.

downstream flooding

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

impact of flash flood is minimized

downstream siltation

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Helped slow down sediment and runoff

groundwater/ river pollution

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

No direct evidence, but statements from the locals indicate that there are less sediments in the spring water ( due to improved soil infiltration and buffering capacity)

buffering/ filtering capacity

reduced
improved

damage on neighbours' fields

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

Less damage from runoff

damage on public/ private infrastructure

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

Decreased intensity of runoff on the roadside and settlement below

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
Season increase or decrease How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature increase well
annual rainfall decrease moderately
other gradual climate change Intensity of rainfall in wet season increase well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm very well
local thunderstorm well
local hailstorm well
local snowstorm not known
local windstorm well
Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
heatwave well
drought well
forest fire well
Hydrological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
flash flood moderately
landslide moderately
Comments:

The functionality of the technology depends on its maintenance. For example, after an extreme hydrological event such as a rainstorm, the trenches and ponds can fill up with sediment and debris. If the structures are not maintained and reconstructed after such damaging events, they lose their purpose.

Similarly, if there is no rain and extreme drought, the structure may be intact with no maintenance. However with no water to collect, the technology has little use.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

very positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

very positive

Comments:

Due to these interventions, spring discharge has improved in the dry season. As villagers are highly reliant on these springs, this has had a huge impact on the community. Establishment and maintenance costs are extremely low compared to the benefits.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • 11-50%
If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

In combination with the efforts of the Uttarakhand Forrest Department, under the Tata Water Mission (an initiative of Tata Trusts) 312 villages (out of 1,724) in Pithoragarh district have successfully implemented springshed management projects. They adopted a catchment area approach by identifying sources of springs, understanding their history and reason for decreased discharge before identifying areas that need to be rejuvenated.

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 0-10%
Comments:

Land users received an incentive of 5.30 USD (400INR), which is provided by funds that lie in the joint account between the Van Panchayat and the Uttarakhand State Forest Department. The community has limited access to these funds, and consent is needed to withdraw money for community forest related activities. Due to the time and drudgery to establish the technologies in the appropriate zone (usually far from the village, in the upper catchment area), many villagers will not willingly go out digging trenches and recharge ponds in the forest without incentives or exemplary evidence that these structures will give tangible or immediate benefits.

6.6 Adaptation

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

Yes

If yes, indicate to which changing conditions it was adapted:
  • climatic change/ extremes
Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):

Water channels were made to direct runoff into the large recharge pond.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Reduces erosion, improves catchment of runoff, increases groundwater availability and aids in spring recharge.
Supports soil quality and broadleaf forest growth through increased infiltration, improved soil moisture and water availability.
Reduces impact of landslides and further downstream damage to settlements (water erosion, siltation)
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Views aligned with land user

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

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
Structural damage of technologies due to extreme hydrological events Maintenance after such events and application of vegetative measures to complement. Combine with conservation practices like mulching to aid infiltration and deceleration of runoff speed.
Function of technologies are lost when there is no rainfall In general, biological interventions are necessary to aid groundwater recharge in the area. However, due to increased vegetation cover, soil moisture and available organic matter can be conserved in times of drought.
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Function of the technologies can be compromised with inappropriate design, site selection, or quantification of the area necessary for significant groundwater recharge (e.g. amount of recharge pond and trenches). Training and awareness about the limitations of this technology should be known and made aware by supporting agencies. Selection of catchment areas for springsheds and catchment calculations need to be assessed. Additionally, onsite experts should be provided during implementation.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

Villages: Naikina, Digtoli, Bhurmuni, Talli Seam, Malli Seam

  • interviews with land users

1.Gram Panchayat (Head of Forest Council)
2. Former Village Head
3. Community group discussions (FDGs)

  • interviews with SLM specialists/ experts

1. Uttarakhand Forest Department
2. Local NGO Himalayan Sewa Samiti, CHEA
3. G.B. Pant researchers and project implementers

  • compilation from reports and other existing documentation
When were the data compiled (in the field)?

04/07/2019

Comments:

Field data duration: June 2019-July 2019

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Dhara Vikas Handbook: A User Manual for Springshed Development to Revive Himalayan Springs

URL:

https://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/dhara-vikas-handbook-user-manual-springshed-development-revive-himalayan-springs

Title/ description:

Protocol for Reviving Springs in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: A Practitioner’s Manual

URL:

http://lib.icimod.org/record/34040/files/SpringManual04-2018.pdf

Title/ description:

Reviving Dying Springs: Climate Change Adaptation Experiments From the Sikkim Himalaya

URL:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273670290_Reviving_Dying_Springs_Climate_Change_Adaptation_Experiments_From_the_Sikkim_Himalaya

Title/ description:

Assessing Landscape Restoration Opportunities for Uttarakhand, June 2018

URL:

https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/content/documents/uttarakhand_restoration_opportunities_assessment_report_june_20181.pdf

Title/ description:

Stories of Success- narratives from a sacred land

URL:

http://lib.icimod.org/record/32844/files/SuccessStory.pdf

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