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HIMACHAL PRADESH MID-HIMALAYAN WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Community Operation Manual

AUTHORED BY MANOJ KUMAR SINHA

SRIJAN, NEW DELHI

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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 5

1.1 Why is this manual? 5

1.2 Whom is this manual for? 5

1.3 What is there in this manual? 5

1.4 How will we use this manual? 5

2. UNDERSTANDING THE PROJECT 6

2.1 Let us understand our context 6

2.2 What is this project all about? 6

2.3 For whom is this project? 7

2.4 Why is this project? 7

2.5 What is there in this project? 8

2.6 How long is this project? 11

2.7 How will this project be managed? 11

3. PARTICIPATING IN HPMHWDP 12

3.1 How can we participate in HPMHWDP? 12

3.2 What will show that we are participating? 12

3.3 What are we going to benefit if we participate? 13

3.4 What are the guiding principles for participating in the project?

4. WORKING IN A GROUP

4.1 Why we need to work in a group?

4.2 What is a group?

4.3 What are the characteristics of a group?

4.4 What are the basic norms we need to follow as a community group in

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HPMHWDP?

4.5 What are the community groups we can form in HPMHDP?

5. MAKING OUR WARD PLAN

5.1 What is a ward plan?

5.2 Of what duration should we make our ward plan?

5.3 Whom do we need to call the ward planning meeting?

5.4 Who will call and coordinate the ward planning meeting?

5.5 What do we do in ward planning meeting?

6. MAKING OUR GPWDP

6.1 What is GPWDP?

6.2 What does the GPWDP have in it?

6.3 What is the process of preparing GPWDP?

6.4 How is the GPWDP approved in the gram sabha?

6.5 How will the planning and budgeting process of GPWDP flow?

6.6 What problems/needs may we address through GPWDP?

6.7 What data we may require for our GPWDP?

7. PLANNING FOR ENHANCING OUR LIVELIHOOD

7.1 What is livelihood?

7.2 How does the project support our livelihood?

7.3 What services does the MLF provide for enhancing our livelihood?

7.4 How can we get support from MLF to undertake income generation and

livelihood activities?

7.5 What is a sub-project?

7.6 What kind of livelihood activities can we take up under MLF support?

7.7 What are the village processes involved in designing livelihood projects?

7.8 What needs to keep in mind while identifying a livelihood activity for our

village?

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7.9 How can we make a sub-project proposal?

7.10 How does a sub-project proposal look like?

7.11 What is the process of making sub – project agreement?

8. IMPLEMENTATION AND EXECUTION OF THE GPWDP

8.1 What are the basic implementation processes of the GPWDP?

8.2 What are the procurement procedures at community level?

8.3 What are guidelines for community procurement?

8.4 What are the advantages of community procurement?

8.5 Who is accountable and responsible?

8.6 What are the methods and thresholds/upper limit for community

procurement?

8.7 What data we may require for our GPWDP?

8.8 What is the process of control and supervision over execution of works?

8.9 Which are the implementing agencies for works execution?

8.10 How to do construction supervision?

8.11 How to settle disputes?

8.12 What is the process of social audit?

9. MONITORING AND POST- PROJECT MANAGEMENT

9.1 What is monitoring?

9.2 Why we need to monitor our project?

9.3 Who will do monitoring?

9.4 What do we do in monitoring?

9.5 What is a monitoring indicator?

9.6 How shall the community assets created under HPMHWDP be

maintained such that they continue giving benefits year after year?

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Why is this manual?

The purpose of the community operation manual is to facilitate our fullest

participation in the Himachal Pradesh Mid-Himalayan Watershed

Development Project (HPMHWDP) by helping us understand the basic

concepts and norms of the project, answering questions we may have, setting

out procedures which we must follow, and telling us guidelines which we will

require now and then during planning and implementing the village

development activities and maintaining the assets created through the project.

1.2 Whom is this manual for?

This manual is primarily for the village community, panchayats and

community groups participating in HPMHWDP in some way or the other.

However, others such as the project staff and the project committees may also

find it useful for their purposes.

1.3 What is there in this manual?

The manual describes various partners in the project, including us, and their

roles and responsibilities, financial and technical arrangements available at the

village, district, and state level, institutional arrangements needed to make our

project a success, skills and capacities we will require to develop, flow of

funds from various sources, including our own contribution, and many more

such things as will help us move ahead and succeed in our own project.

1.4 How will we use this manual?

The Community Operation Manual is primarily a reference book with

information on what and how we will do in our project.

It is a systematic presentation on the concepts, processes, and procedures

related to the project.

In order to make best out of our manual, we need to go step by step. Reading

one topic at a time will always help.

To find our way about the manual, there is a table of contents right in the

beginning of the book which enlists all the chapters and sections in an order.

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The book uses symbols drawings, and illustrations to help us understand

things in perspective. However, they are all imaginary and do not represent

any real people, family or place.

2. UNDERSTANDING THE PROJECT

2.1 Let us understand our context

Life in the hills is a challenge, more so for the poor and the disadvantaged! It

is so because of harsh living conditions, rocky and jagged topography, steep

land slopes, erratic rainfall, and poor accessibility.

Problems are of more serious nature in rural areas where people have long

been depending on natural resources such as land, water, and forest for

meeting their day to day requirements of food, fuel, and fodder, which are fast

depleting.

Increased population load and misuse of natural resources have only worsened

the situation.

We therefore need to think of ways to make our village a better living place

and our life less burdened with hardships, without harming the interests of the

most poor and the marginalized.

This is a dream which we all have to fulfill. The Mid Himalayan Watershed

Development Project helps us in fulfilling our dream.

2.2 What is this project all about?

The project is about watershed development in the mid Himalayan region of

Himachal Pradesh. That is why it is named Himachal Pradesh Mid

Himalayan Watershed Development Project (HP MHWDP).

The Mid Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh includes either all or part of

Sirmour, Solan, Bilaspur, Una, Simla, Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, Kangra,

Chamba districts of the state.

2.3 What is a watershed?

A watershed is a catchment area feeding into a single identifiable drainage

system, such as a stream or a river. A watershed consists of a geographical

area, a stream or a system of streams, a common drainage point, human

habitations including villages, towns, and cities, and farms, forests, and

wastelands.

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2.4 Why we need to develop a watershed?

Earlier:

There was a lot of greenery in and around our village

We got firewood, grass, and other minor produce from the deep forests

There was ample rain, good agriculture yield

Trees helped to hold the surface soil, livestock were healthy and

productive

There was no problem of employment

People worked for the welfare of the village, they made well, tanks,

ponds collectively, without outside support

Rivers, streams, and wells has enough water in them

Now:

There is lack of grass, fodder, water, firewood, and employment

Male members have to migrate to cities and towns in search of job

Women have to handle greater responsibilities both at the household

and work fronts

There is a gradual decrease in availability of water, forest, and land

Land has become less productive

We have become less tolerant, lack of a feeling of brotherhood

Livestock are not as healthy and productive

We want to work for wages and village development perspective is lost

To check them all from happening and restore our self dependence in all

village development matters we not only need to develop watersheds but also

conserve and maintain it over time.

2.5 How do we develop and conserve a watershed?

We develop and conserve a watershed by adopting a watershed development

program like the HPMHWDP.

In the project we develop, conserve, and manage all resources in a watershed

area, including land, water, vegetative cover, and mineral and animal wealth,

through formulating and carrying out a course of action involving the

treatment of resources in a watershed. This provides goods, services, and

increase in our income without adversely affecting the soil and water base.

It is done through the involvement of community institutions such as

SHGs/CAGs/User Groups or Panchayati Raj Institutions.

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2.6 For whom is this project?

The project is for all who are a part of the village gram sabha, be it you, me,

pradhanji, or our neighbors.

It attempts to focus on natural resource-based economic empowerment of poor

rural households including landless, women and other disadvantaged groups.

However, the project is more beneficial for those among us who are thinking

and willing to change the conditions of their life and their village in terms of

better management of village resources and creating better livelihood

opportunities for each one of us.

This has to be done through collective action such as forming self help groups,

common activity groups, or simply user groups and undertaking activities to

improve soil and water conditions, farming practices, animal wealth, and our

livelihood status.

2.7 What is the main objective of the project?

Natural resources such as land, water, forest, etc. play an important role in

supporting our livelihood in the village. Our day to day requirements of food,

fuel, and fodder, are largely met through these resources.

However, these natural resources are gradually depleting due to increased load

of population and their uncontrolled exploitation.

The objective of the proposed project is therefore to check the degradation of

natural resource base of land, water, and forest and improve their productive

potential along with enhancing the income levels of the rural households in the

project.

We have to achieve this objective by developing micro-watersheds through the

GPs and institutions of the poor, and improving the livelihoods of the poorer

among us.

2.8 What is there in this project?

The project helps us to get organized into community groups such as

SHGs, CAGs, or User Groups.

Builds our capacity and that of the local governments to effectively

manage watershed development in a participatory, transparent, and

demand-driven manner.

Finances soil and water conservation activities taken up by our groups,

non-arable land treatments, crop and livestock production, and

development of rural infrastructure such as roads, community water tanks,

etc.

Promotes value addition in agriculture and income-generating activities,

particularly for tribal and vulnerable groups, and

Makes our gram panchayat more responsible for all village development

works.

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Including our village, the project covers 545 gram panchayats in 42 blocks

spreading over 10 districts of the state. It benefits more than 40 thousand

families with a total budget outlay of Rs 365 crore, out of which 10 crore is

estimated as our own contribution.

Following are the examples of some of the activities which the project can

support:

A. Forest Lands

Plantation of desired tree species in areas devoid of tree cover. This

may be divided into 2 parts – (i) normal plantation in forest areas; and

(ii) plantation of fast growing, multipurpose tree species on areas

infested with Lantana.

Introduction of hardy medicinal and aromatic plants in existing and

new areas

Vegetative barriers/live hedges where needed including plantation of

bamboo

Natural regeneration on slopes

Vegetative measures for erosion control like broadcasting of seed,

planting grass tuffs, brush wood check dams

Mechanical measures in series like gully plugging, dry stone masonry

check dams and vegetation supported crate wires, retaining walls and

revetments.

Rainwater disposal structures along roads

Precautions against forest fires

Forest based IGA

B. Community/common/pasturelands

Control of biotic pressure through community participation

Trenching to store rainwater and improve moisture regime

Plantation of broad leaved fodder trees as per need and demand but not

suppressing grass growth and Planting of bamboo in drainage lines

Seeding of suitable grass species and planting of grass tufts, as per site

quality

Dry stone check dams in series in gullies, crate wire structures at

strategic locations

Scientific grass harvesting schedules/sequences to maintain

regeneration

Measures for control of forest fires

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C. Private farm lands

Improvement in production systems and farming systems – demos and

awareness

Rain-fed farming technology adoption – demonstrations

Promotion of organic farming along with introduction of high value

crops

Promotion of farm forestry, fruit and fodder trees and shade loving

crops

Raising of forage crops

Off season vegetable, medicinal, aromatic, spices, and floriculture

crops with marketing arrangements and post harvest management

D. Soil and Water conservation on farm lands

Terrace repair and vegetative reinforcement; vegetative field

boundaries

Dry stone check dams, crate wire and drop structures

Retaining walls

E. Water Harvesting/Management

New ponds and renovation of old village ponds

New water harvesting tanks and renovation/augmentation of old

Roof water harvesting

Small earthen / RCC and masonry dams under supervision of

specialists / experts

Lift and gravity irrigation; tank irrigation including conveyance

Makowal type structures/head walls including conveyance

Strengthening of irrigation channels (khuls) including off take/head

works arrangements

F. Livelihoods Support and Generation

Adding value to our agricultural production

Cultivation of fodder crops

Cultivation of medicinal plants

Afforestation, agro-forestry, and horticultural development

Fodder and livestock development

Creating rural infrastructure including accessibility through better road

network

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Improving the farm and non-farm livelihoods opportunities to the poor

Promoting value added livelihoods/income generating activities,

particularly for tribal and vulnerable groups

Technical support to communities including market information,

linkages, development of websites and other support

Promotion and propagation of non-conventional energy saving devices,

energy conservation measures, bio fuel plantations etc.

Provide Seed money for empowering the newly formed/revamped

SHGs of the left out and marginalized poor women and also building

their credit worthiness

Creating market linkages for emerging opportunities for enhancing the

livelihoods of the poor

G. Institution Building

Promoting/strengthening community groups/institutions, Forming self-

help groups (SHGs) of poor women

Promote and support the federations (of SHGs, CAGs)

Capacity building of PRIs and other local village level institutions

Building capacities of the community and the panchayati raj

institutions

Building the skills and capacities of the poor and their service

providers

Sensitizing line departments and banks to be inclusive of and

responsive to the needs of the poor

Capacity building of PRIs and other local village level institutions to

plan, implement and maintain watershed treatment.

Organize Exposure visits for community leaders and representatives of

the Federations, GP Presidents, GP representatives

The above list is indicative and we may come out with more such activities.

However, what activities we finally take up in our village plan will also

depend upon the existing needs and resources of our village.

2.9 How long is this project?

The project is for six years, beginning in April 2006 and ending in March

2012.

2.10 How will this project be managed?

The Himachal Pradesh Natural Resource Management Society (HPNRMS),

chaired by the Chief Minister, and assisted by an executive committee, is the

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agency at the state level to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the

project.

The whole Mid Himalayan region has been divided into two regions for

administrative purposes. Two regional offices, one at Dharmshala and another

at Bilaspur, headed by a regional director, have been created to provide

administrative and strategic support to the project.

At the village level, the project will be implemented mainly through the gram

panchayat and the involvement of the village people, including community

groups and institutions such as SHGs, CAGs, User Groups, Mahila Mandals,

Nav Yuvak Mangal Dals, etc.

The GP and the community groups will be supported by 11 Watershed Development

Offices (WDOs) at the sub-watershed level, and 46 multi-sectoral Watershed

Development Coordination Offices (WDCOs) at the cluster level.

However, the most important organization in the overall institutional

arrangement is the gram panchayat (GP), representing the gram sabha, and

acting as a critical link between the community and the project.

3. PARTICIPATING IN HPMHWP

3.1 How can we participate in HPMHWDP?

To participate in the project, we must first understand our village and

households needs better and the possibilities that lie in meeting theses needs

through the project.

The HPMHWDP is open to all who are a part of the gram sabha. Therefore, an

important factor enabling our participating in the project is our willingness to

do so. The willingness comes when we come to understand the project and its

objectives by taking part in the initial village meetings organized to inform us

about what the project can and cannot do. The more we know about the

project in such meetings, the better the prospect of our joining the stream.

In subsequent village meetings, when we sit and discuss our problems, and

reflect upon the possible solutions, we may say that the process of

participation has actually begun.

3.2 What will show that we are participating?

The following indicators help us in knowing whether we are participation in

the project or not:

Our interest and active participation in the village meetings

Helping/motivating others, especially the disadvantaged and the

marginalized among us, to participate in the village meetings and the

project processes

Getting organized into need based community groups

Becoming accountable to the group

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Having a say in the group decision making process

Accepting project responsibilities for planning, implementing, and

monitoring project activities

Coming out with demands for work

Taking ownership of what and how we want to achieve in the project and

the results of the project

Helping organize follow-up meetings

Making our contribution to the project in cash or kind

Transparency and truthfulness about whatever we do

3.3 What are we going to benefit if we participate?

The benefits that may flow to us from the project could be at three levels: the

village, the group, and the household.

When the ground water table is recharged or when the vegetative cover

surrounding our village is improved, the whole village is benefited. Likewise,

when the road network is improved, or when a common pastureland is

developed for grazing our cattle, the benefits apply to everyone in the village.

There are so many such benefits from the project which apply to the whole

village and to the larger environment and the ecosystem.

In the project, we may form need based groups such as water user group or a

business group for activities like poultry, piggery, or mushroom cultivation. In

this case, the benefits could be in terms of access to improved inputs such as

high breed animal, high quality seeds, etc., access to timely credit, better

husbandry practices, better marketing linkages, ensuring better prices for our

produce. All such benefits apply to the members of the group.

However, the project allows us to take up activities on our private land as well.

I may already be having a small farm and growing fruits like apples and

oranges which provide support not only to me but also to 10 others who work

on my field. If I set up a juice extraction unit, for example, and sell it

commercially with the help of the project, the benefits certainly flow to my

household, though others working on my field as wage laborers may also

benefit from the increase in my income, perhaps in terms of regular

employment and better wages.

We may think of the benefits in other ways. Suppose I am a small farmer, I

may think of the following benefits coming to me due to my participation in

the project.

Better irrigation facilities

Less dependence on monsoon

Availability of high quality seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural

inputs

Soil treatment and pest management

Viable farming techniques such as cash cropping

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Availability of high breed animals,

Adoption of better rearing practices

Better market linkage for my produce

However, if I do not have land, or if I work on others’ fields, or if I do stray

labor work, I too can seek benefits:

With the increase in the volume of overall work in the village I will have

better chances of getting regular work, which may minimize my needs to

migrate now and then

I may be paid better for my work than previously as there will be

demand for work

I may even think of doing some petty business as the project helps me in

taking up livelihood activities

My skill of work may get better through capacity building training

organized through the project

If however, I am a woman, I too have reasons to participate.

I can be a part of a women’s Self Help Group or Common Activity

Group which will enhance my position in my family and community

I can save as a group and engage in some livelihood activities which may

fetch extra income to my household

My group can get credit from a local bank for various needs and

purposes including consumption needs and income generating activities

I may get opportunities to enhance my productive skills

I will better understand and work for women related issues which can

make me more respectable in my family and village

As an individual also, I can engage in some incoming generating

activities such as running a petty shop, vending vegetables, etc. to help

my household income

There are some general reasons as well which may apply to everyone in the

village.

Our panchayat may become more responsible and sensitive to our needs

We as a community can better manage our village resources

The village infrastructure such as road power, water, etc. is likely to

improve

There will be a reduction in the severity of floods downstream by

retaining water and releasing it during drier periods.

Community’s resources such as land, water, and vegetation will be

judiciously used, leading to their conservation and enhanced productivity

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We may even construct a small dam to harness water resources of my

village

We may turn wastelands lying around our village into a common grazing

land for our cattle

Increased greenery can contribute to the overall bio-diversity of our

village and we may expect better rains

The nomads passing through our village will too have some programs to

help them through their grazing routes. This will save our village from

stray grazing of grasslands by their cattle.

The whole village can turn into a more cohesive group and there may be

fewer disputes and more prosperity

These are some of the benefits to get us going. There may be many more such

benefits which get explored as and when we participate further in the program.

3.4 What are the guiding principles for participating in the project?

As an active participant of the project, we must keep the following

fundamental principles in mind:

Ownership: we must understand that we, the village communities, are the

true owners of the project;

All needs and demands for better information, planning, and

implementation will come from the community; the government,

panchayats, and the NGOs are there to facilitate.

Community agrees to share the project implementation and maintenance

costs and contribute in terms of time, energy, and labor required for the

project activities due to sense of ownership.

Accountability: with ownership comes the sense of accountability. In fact,

ownership means accountability in a way.

For our project we understand community as the gram sabha. Decisions

taken in the gram sabha is binding on all individuals, user groups, SHGs,

panchayat committees, and watershed development/livelihood

enhancement committees.

All these groups and committees and even the gram panchayats have been

formed to represent the community.

The whole project at the village level is actually accountable to the gram

sabha as the gram sabha is the actual owner.

Further, we may also say that it will be the responsibility of the GP and all

other committees to keep everyone informed of all the developments and

decisions regarding the project by consulting the community on regular

basis.

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This in turn will make each member of the community responsible and

accountable for developments and decisions taken for the project.

Transparency: transparency means straightforwardness and truthfulness

about whatever we do.

In a group situation, every member has a right to know what is happening

and how it is happening. When this happens, we say that the group has a

transparent way of working.

Transparency is a must to ensure trust among the community members and

all those who participate in the project.

To ensure transparency, all proceedings and records of the project should

be made accessible to all. The gram pradhan, the panchayat secretary, the

accounts assistant, and the watershed committees should be jointly

responsible to ensure that this happens.

Recording all transactions immediately and presenting project accounts to

the gram sabha at least on a quarterly basis is a good practice to ensure

transparency.

Cost effectiveness: the project money belongs to the community and

everyone needs to treat it that way.

Savings may be achieved in purchase of goods, in negotiating with

suppliers and contractors, or through better management of

implementation plan.

Any savings that come from project funds remain with the community

which it may use for its own benefit.

However, in doing so, quality does not have to be compromised.

Cost-effectiveness will also lessen the burden on those members of the

community who are poor or less well-off.

Participation of the disadvantaged group: to ensure participation of all,

care needs to be taken that the disadvantaged members of the community,

such as the poor, the landless, marginal farmers, members of scheduled

castes and tribes, and the women have an equal say in all matters of the

project and profit equally from it.

This promotes a sense of social equity among the group members.

4. WORKING IN A GROUP

4.1 Why we need to work in a group?

Developing our village or community resources is a collective issue and

hence, much of our success in the project will depend on how well we can

work as a group.

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We as a community know our needs better than anyone else. Working in a

group gives us the opportunity to identify and prioritize our needs, plan our

activities, mobilize resources, implement and monitor our plan, and handle

funds ourselves and to our own benefit.

Hence, any scheme or program planned, managed, and delivered by us will

give better results. Moreover, a concerted effort is often more powerful than

the individual one as it acts with the added force of numerical strength.

4.2 What is a group?

Working together as a group is not new to us. In our village Ramlila, or any

other village function, we often work as a group or a party and chip in our

resources, time, money, and energy to ensure that our function succeeds. This

is an example of how we work in a group.

Whenever two or more people join in for a common cause or purpose and

work together to achieve it, it becomes a group. We all know about Mahila

Mandals and Nay Yuvak Mangal Dals in our village or perhaps neighboring

one. They are the community groups which have been created to work around

women’s and youth elated issues.

4.3 What are the characteristics of a group?

As a group:

We have a similar purpose or goal

We show acceptance of and interdependence on one another as the

members of the group

We are commitment towards the common goal of the group, and

We are governed by the rules of the group, developed by us, for

membership and other activities

4.4 What are the basic norms we need to follow as a community group in

HPMHWDP?

HPMHWDP is a community driven project, which means much of the need

for an activity in the project should come from us. This happens only when we

come together and organize as a group. However, for our group to sustain in

the long run and work in the best possible manner, we need to follow some

basic group norms. They are:

Each one of us in the group must believe that self help is the best help.

Working as a group and for our own development has no better

substitute.

We must have faith in our capacity and potential o learn and deliver

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We must work democratically, allowing others in the group to participate

and have a say in the group meetings and decisions

We must be willing to take responsibilities and contribute our might, in

terms of cash or otherwise, for our growth.

We must be willing to help and encourage women to participate in the

project and take lead roles wherever possible

We must be prepared to think of the poorer among us first as they need

our assistance most

We must understand that the village communities and the groups are the

true owners of the project. Hence, we are also accountable for the

success and failure of our work together with other stakeholders.

We must be transparent and straightforward in all our action and

activities pertaining to the project and the group

We must use our contribution and project fund responsibly and

judiciously as they are meant for us and our own development

4.5 What are the community groups we can form in HPMHDP?

The following table gives us an idea of a possible composition and structure of

various groups to be formed I the project.

Group Size-Membership Function Office Bearers

Women SHG 12-20 members

between the age

group 18-65 years

Savings and Credit

(mandatory)

Two leaders; bank account

operated by the leaders

Animator keeps the books

including meeting minutes

User Group 12-20 members

between the age

group 18-65 years

planning and

implementing the

activities related to micro-

watershed development

and thereafter


operated by the leaders



Economic Activity

Group (EAG)

around the

livelihood activity

Minimum 6+

members – between

18-65 years;

members have to be

members of SHGs

Collective activities

Leverage funds from

SHGs, SHG Federation,

Project financing from

banks and other sources

directly


operated by the leaders.



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5. MAKING OUR WARD PLAN

5.1 What is a ward plan?

A ward plan is a micro plan made at the ward level around natural resource

management (NRM) issues in a particular watershed area. We make our ward

plans at the ward level in order to ensure that our ward level concerns and

issues are mapped and included in the GPWDP (Gram Panchayat Watershed

Development Program).

The plan is made by the village people/community groups of that ward and the

elected ward members collectively in a ward level meeting organized for this

purpose. Generally, such meetings are facilitated by the MHWDP team or its

representatives. The ward plans from different wards are aggregated and

compiled at the panchayat level to formulate the Gram Panchayat Watershed

Development Plan (GPWDP).

The plan will contain NRM related problems affecting the people living in that

ward, possible set of solutions, and the budget required.

What is an NRM related problem?

Any problem or loss occurring to our income level, food security, or the

environment due to improper or misuse of important natural resources such as

soil, water, and vegetation, is an NRM related problem. Common examples

are soil erosion, ground water depletion, decrease in vegetative cover, wastage

of rainwater, etc.

Major watershed problems vary from country to country or village to village,

but the following list identifies some of those most common ones. Most of

these are interrelated and cannot easily be separated for diagnosis. However,

for the sake of presentation they may be grouped as follows:

Socio-economic

a. Rural poverty in the uplands, causing migration to crowded urban

centers and/or destroying watershed resources

b. Improper land use (slopeland farming, shifting cultivation without

proper fallow, overgrazing, etc.) resulting in degradation of land and

other watershed resources.

c. Deforestation, thereby increasing hazards of seasonal flooding and/or

drought downstream.

Technical/Institutional

a. Poorly planned and executed development activities (roads, housing,

mining, recreation, etc.), impairing streams and polluting the natural

environment.

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20

Natural

a. Natural disasters (heavy storms, landslides, wildfire, etc.) damaging

watershed conditions.

b. Natural and accelerated soil erosion, causing heavy deposits of

sediment in storage reservoirs, irrigation channels and other public

installations

5.2 Of what duration should we make our ward plan?

The whole project cycle is for six years which includes preparation and

initiation processes, capacity building processes, GPWLP approval processes;

project implementation processes; monitoring and learning processes; and

consolidation and withdrawal processes. However, when we see the actual

time allocation for the above processes, we find that we have only 57 months

for all the processes to complete. The following timeline gives us an idea of

time allocation for above processes.

According to the above timeline, the implementation processes (shown in

green color) is only for 36 months. Also, the monitoring and learning

processes after the implementation process (shown in light blue color) are for

another 12 months. 36 plus 12 makes 48. Therefore, we may make our ward

plan spanning over the same period, which is 48 months.

This time analysis is supposed to help us in deciding time allocation for

various activities and components in our ward level micro-plan.

Project processes Color

scheme

Approximate allocated

time

Preparation and initiation processes 6 months

Capacity building and GPWLP

approval processes

6 months

Project implementation processes 36 months

Monitoring and learning processes 57 months

Consolidation and withdrawal

processes.

12 months

5.3 Whom do we need to call to the ward planning meeting?

The following members should ideally be called to the ward planning meeting:

All the adult members from that ward who are on the voter list of the

Gram Sabha, especially the women and the old and wise members.

Ward members from that ward

Pradhan, up-pradhan, secretary, and accountant

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21

Community groups such as SHGs, Mahila Mandals, Nav Yuvak Mangal

Dals, etc.

Watershed Development Coordinator/Project facilitator

5.4 Who will call and coordinate/facilitate the ward planning meeting?

The ward member, with help from the project team and the pradhan, should

take initiative in calling the ward planning meeting. The ward member should

coordinate the meeting while the Pradhan can chair it.

The concerned ward member will mobilize and activate the community to play

a proactive role in this exercise and would also convene meeting/s of the Up

gram sabha to provide a common platform. Members of the Project’s Frontline

Multi Sectoral Team would directly associate with the ward member and the

user groups during the preparation of the ward level micro plans. The ward

member will send the ward plans to the Budget Committee of the GP along

with a letter of recommendation and a copy of the minutes of the proceedings

of the Up Gram Sabha. The ward member may also include his/her comments

in the letter to explain the plan.

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22

5.5 What do we do in the ward planning meeting?

We start our ward planning meeting by greeting and welcoming everyone in

the meeting. Someone from us, the ward member, the pradhan, or the project

representative will tell us about the objective of the meeting and how we will

achieve it.

In the ward planning meeting, our task is to develop a micro-plan for

watershed development in a participatory way, which means involving

everyone. This we do by identifying and prioritizing our NRM related

problems, needs, and resources collectively and making an action plan which

addresses our needs.

The following flowchart shows the processes of a ward planning meeting:

Deciding the strategy

Ensuring feasibility

Preparing the work plan

Preparing the budget

Deciding community contribution

Role allocation

Identify local needs, particularly of

rural poor families

Collect basic data

Formation of working groups

Formulation of the objectives

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23

It is very likely that the ward planning meeting does not get over in a single

day and rolls over one or two more days. Hence, we must keep this in mind

while planning a ward meeting for this purpose.

5.5.1 Identifying local needs, particularly of rural poor families

The first step towards formulating a ward micro-watershed plan is to identify

major watershed problems and collect preliminary information.

We may begin by asking the following questions and finding their answers:

is taking place in our village?

What are the main reasons for natural resource degradation?

How are we affected by such degradation?

How are activities like forestry, agricultural production, livestock

development, etc. being affected by resource degradation?

How can we check degradation and make natural resources better?

ould be involved in the project activities?

to be included

in the project?

The problems resulting from degradation are usually not difficult to detect or

identify. Steep slopes, Bad Lands, slide-prone soils, weak geologic formations,

etc. can be easily found by observation or with the assistance of existing maps.

Problems such as heavy and intense rainfall, excessive run-off, torrential flows

and strong winds should be identified from weather and hydrological data or

by gathering information and evidence locally.

Problems such as shifting cultivation, forest destruction, fire, over-grazing,

poor road construction and maintenance and uncontrolled mining should be

identified and, if possible, the causes should be determined. Clear

identification of these problems at the preliminary stage will benefit the

follow-up surveys and planning.

The final effects of watershed degradation - soil erosion, landslides, heavy

sedimentation, water pollution, floods and droughts, etc. - must be identified

as quickly as possible. This can be done partly by observation and spot

checking and partly from data obtained from water resource agencies and local

inhabitants. By reviewing or analyzing existing information, the history,

frequency and extent of these problems can also be determined.

Serious socio-economic problems can be major obstacles in carrying out

watershed work in our village. Any serious problems should be identified at

the beginning of the planning stage. These may include land tenure, poverty,

education, low acceptance of innovations, seasonal shortages of labor, etc.

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24

5.5.2 Collecting basic data

Once our needs are identified, the next step is to collect, with everyone’s

help and participation, basic data about the community, characteristics of

the area, resources situation, socio-economic status and other relevant

facts.

The aim is to get a correct picture of our village/ward and our problems

which helps later in setting goals and measuring changes brought about by

our efforts.

It is helpful at this stage is to associate with local officials and NGO

functionaries in collecting and verifying facts from different sources.

Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is a practical tool for participatory data

collection and analysis.

Process of problem identification and data collection

We start the problem identification process by making a map of our ward

and show all its resources on it such as households, road, hospital, school,

water sources, irrigation sources, drinking water sources, landholdings,

hills, forest, vegetation, etc.

One method of doing this is to get a village/ward map prepared by each

individual participant or by a few small groups from within the larger

group and later on prepare a larger map combining and synthesizing what

is included on all individual/small group maps.

This exercise, which we call resource mapping, helps us to collect data

related to households, social issues, water use for drinking and irrigation,

land use pattern, education infrastructure, human and cattle health, and

community assets.

Next, we take a look of our ward and its surroundings by taking a walk

across the ward. We get divided into two groups and start our walk across

the ward from two apposite ends. This exercise is called transect walk.

A transect walk is a major tool to collect information about the various

resources within the village or the project area and identify problems on

the spot.

During the walk, we collect different information on different assets that

we observe.

Some specific information that can be collected through transect walk are

land type, land use pattern, settlement patterns, biodiversity, physical

infrastructure, etc.

When we come back, we share our findings within the group and list them

out on a chart paper. Transect walk also helps us in making our village

map more accurate by making corrections based on our close physical

observation of the village.

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25

Based on our findings from village resource map and transect walk

exercises, we need to generate ideas in small groups and then in the larger

group through group presentations and cross-group discussions.

Understanding of the ‘Natural Resource Management Pyramid’ presented

below would help the group to know how treating soil and water would

help vegetation, animal wealth, and humans in the long run.

Soil and water are in the base, on which depends vegetation through

cultivation, agriculture, and natural growth. Both man and animal are

benefited from good vegetation as it provides fuel, fodder, and food.

5.5.3 Formation of working groups

It is helpful is to form working groups that include us, PRI members, and

project officials to prepare status reports and develop perspectives.

The aim of the working groups is to analyze and compare data, draw

inferences and identify priority areas for intervention. Importance is to be

given to detailed specification of the roles of participant individuals,

groups and committees in carrying out the tasks.

Conflicts and disagreements may arise in the process, which are not in

themselves a negative factor, but have to be properly resolved and

managed at every stage of decision-making.

5.5.4 Formulation of the objectives

After we have identified major watershed problems in our village we need

to set objectives for our ward level micro plan.

The objectives will vary from village to village and from watershed to

watershed. However, following are some of the most common ones:

To restore the watershed through proper land use and

protection/conservation measures in order to reduce erosion and

simultaneously increase the productivity of the land and the income

of the farmers;

To protect, improve or manage the watershed for the benefit of

water resources development (domestic water supply, irrigation,

hydro-power, etc.);

To manage the watershed in order to minimize natural disasters

such as flood, drought and landslides, etc.;

To develop rural areas in the watershed for the benefit of the

people and the economies of the region;

A combination of the above.

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26

5.5.5 Deciding the strategy

This is an important part of participatory ward planning as it involves

assessing and mobilizing needed resources and choosing the planning

methods.

It is important to specify:

resources that are locally available;

resources that are needed from outside. (people with skills, funds, raw

material inputs, etc.);

when are resources needed; and

who should be approached, who will approach and with whose help to

secure these resources

Consider alternative ward planning methods and approaches such as

whether to contract a job to private individuals or to do it on a

cooperative basis;

whether to focus on several small household-based units or one big

unit; and

whether to train local people as trainers for the jobs or to hire trained

personnel from outside.

Once a course of action is chosen, it should be explained and specified in

clear terms to avoid confusion and misunderstanding among the local

stakeholders.

5.5.6 Ensuring feasibility

The working groups at this point should consider whether the objectives

are realistic. It is important to ensure that:

assumptions and stipulations regarding the availability of resources,

managerial competence and technical expertise are realistic;

proposed activities are economically viable; and

local market can absorb the expected outputs

It is important to identify potential project beneficiaries and check how the

benefits would flow to them.

5.5.7 Preparing the work plan

This is a blueprint for decentralized project management drawn up by the

project implementation committee, specifying the 'what, who, when and

how' of local project implementation.

The work plan should contain the following information in simple tabular

form:

all activities for implementation of the project;

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27

names(s) of the person(s) responsible for each activity;

starting and completion time for each activity; and

the means to carry out the activities.

It should also define the outputs expected from each activity to measure

performance during implementation or on completion of the project, for

effective monitoring and evaluation.

Project work plan format

Name of the

activity

Name(s) of the persons

responsible

Time schedule Resources required (human, money, material)

Checking for acceptance, availability

When to start

When to complete

5.5.8 Preparing the budget

The material and human resources must be given a monetary cost, which

form the project budget.

The cost is further broken down in terms of each period of time and also in

terms of availability - whether locally available or to be secured from

outside.

External resources can be government grants or loans from financial

institutions, etc.

Budget format

Item Cost Total Sources of funds

1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Community contribution

Outside

Grant Loan

Material

Equipment

Personnel

Travel

Training

Official

Others

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28

6. MAKING OUR GRAM PANCHAYAT WATERSHED

DEVELOPMENT PLAN (GPWDP)

6.1 What is a Gram Panchayat Watershed Development Plan (GPWDP)?

The watershed development plan at the panchayat level is called Gram

Panchayat Watershed Development Plan (GPWDP).

The GPWDP is a project macro-plan which provides broad details of the

activities, including works, to be undertaken under the project.

It is similar to the plan made at the ward level except for differences in

coverage and scope.

In fact, the GPWDP is the basic project plan for implementing at the village

level. It is also a legal document between the panchayat and the Project for

initiating project activities and ensuring flow and management of project

funds.

Preparation of ward plans was an exercise to contribute towards preparing a

larger plan at the panchayat level in order to include concerns and issues

relevant at the ward level.

It is a document developed co-operatively by the community, panchayat

members, project staff, and other stakeholders to manage the water, land/water

interactions, aquatic life and aquatic resources within a particular watershed,

in order to protect the health of the ecosystem and enhance the livelihood

status of the people.

6.2 What does the GPWDP has in it?

The plan broadly has the following components in it:

Name of the village, panchayat, watershed, and district

Population profile, land type, natural resources, infrastructure, and services

Description of the problems/issues related to natural resources of the

village

Description of people affected

Description of the possible solution

Resources required, such as money, technical knowledge, manpower,

institutional setup, etc.

Implementation plan- who will do what, when, and how

Budget statement- money required sources, schedule, etc.

Our contribution and money required from the project

People or group of people who will benefit

Expected benefit

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29

Tribal (indigenous people) Action Plan (TAP)

Our state has a high tribal population which constitutes the poorest and the

most vulnerable of the social groups. The total population of the scheduled

tribes constitutes 1% of the State’s general population.

The Scheduled Tribes inhabiting Himachal Pradesh are the Gaddis, Gujjars,

Lambas, Khampas, Bodhs or Budhs, Kinnauras or Kinners, Lahaulas,

Pangwalas and Swanglas.

The whole of the districts of Kinnaur & Lahaul Spiti, and Pangi and Bharmaur

tehsils of Chamba district constitute the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh.

Due to small landholdings and inclement weather, agricultural production is

not sufficient to meet the needs of the family. Therefore, animal husbandry is

the main occupation of the tribal people. Some sections of the local tribals

leave their homes during the period of severe cold along with their flocks of

sheep and goats in search of pastures and to avoid the extreme of winter.

Hence in the areas where the tribal population inhabits or which fall in their

migratory route, the GPWDP will essentially include possible development

measures aimed at benefiting these populations.

Provision of veterinary kits, veterinary camps, mobile vet units, shearing

machines, creating temporary shelters and water sources (for people and

cattle), breed improvement (exposure visit to Jammu etc., & procurement of

sheep/goat), tents/tarpaulin, health camps (with local medical practitioners),

are some of the services which will figure in our gram panchayat watershed

development plan.

6.3 What is the process of preparing GPWDP?

The GPWDP is prepared in a gram sabha meeting called for the purpose.

However, processes like problem identification, data collection, and

compilation may be undertaken outside the meeting environment.

Nevertheless, the final preparation and approval of the plan will take place

within the gram sabha meeting itself.

The process of preparing the GPWDP is same as we did while preparing the

ward plain, which means doing the following:

Identifying local needs, particularly of rural poor families;

Collecting basic data; formation of working groups;

Formulation of the objectives;

Deciding the strategy; ensuring feasibility;

Preparing the work plan;

Preparing the budget;

Deciding community contribution;

Role allocation

_____________________________________


30

The difference is of location, as one takes place in a ward meeting whereas the

other in a gram sabha, and also of stakeholders, which in the GPWDP are

more in number than in ward plan.

The GPWDP also has a specific task of prioritizing activities across the wards,

which means deciding which activity to take, which not to take, based on

needs and fund availability.

The Budget Committee of the GP will receive the ward micro plans from the

wards, consolidate and aggregate them and prepare the overall GPWDP in

accordance with the project guidelines. The Committee may also take the help

of any person, including the panchayat secretary or the Frontline Multi

Sectoral Team in preparing the plan. The Budget Committee will submit the

plan so prepared to the secretary along with a Letter of Recommendation and

may include in the letter its comments. The Chairperson and all the members

of the Committee will sign the letter.

On receipt of the GPWDP, the Secretary will present it in a meeting of the GP

who will consider the same and accord its approval, with or without

modifications.

In brief, the process of watershed development plan will follow the following

course:

Presentation and debate on ward level micro plans prepared in different

wards

Identification of problems/activities to be included in the GPWDP. This

will involve further probing the issues through information gathering and

data collection as mentioned in the ward level planning process.

Prioritizing activities as per the actual needs, available budget and

resources also becomes important at this stage as there will be more than

one ward level micro plans.

Deciding on possible solution and course of action

Deciding who will participate and be benefited

Preparing an action and time plan

Preparing budget including beneficiary contribution

Deciding institutional arrangements- how the plan will be implemented,

managed, monitored, and looked after

Assuming roles and responsibilities for implementation and success of

the plan

Completing formalities such as preparing a written proposal, attaching

documents required, and authorizing by the gram sabha and the gram

panchayat (see FMM)

6.4 How is the GPWDP approved in the gram sabha?

The GP will convene a meeting of the Gram Sabha with the following agenda.

Discuss and consider the GPWDP;

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31

Decide the priority according to which the various activities will be

implemented/works will be executed;

Decide in principle, the agency through whom the works will be

executed;

Finalize the list of Beneficiaries under the plan; and

Approve the plan.

The agenda can be placed in one of the general meetings of the Gram Sabha.

Alternately, if the general meeting is not likely to be convened shortly and

considering the urgency of the matter, the GP can convene a special meeting.

An official authorized by the WDC will attend the meeting.

The Secretary will record the minutes of the meeting in the Proceedings Book

of the GP (Form 17 of the General Rules, 1997) in the manner prescribed in

the Act, 1994. An extract of the proceedings of the meeting will be prepared

which will be signed by the Pradhan (or authorized Chairperson) and the

Secretary. (see FMM)

For the effective implementation of the activities under the approved GPWDP,

annual work plans will be prepared by the budget committee of the GP to

provide micro details of the project activities and a budget giving financial

details. An accompanying document will be the annual procurement plan

providing details of procurement of goods, materials and services.

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32

6.5 How will the planning and budgeting process of GPWDP flow?

The following diagram illustrates the planning and budgeting process of

GPWDP:

FLOW CHART FOR PLANNING AND BUDGETING

Obtain

consensus of

the gram sabha

for

participation in

the Project

Micro Plans

Wards to

prepare Micro

Plans, with

assistance of

User Groups/

Frontline Team

Ward Member

to place the

Plans in Up

gram sabha

meeting and

send them to

the Budget

Committee

GPWDP

Committee to

consider/aggreg

ate the Micro

Plans to form

the GPWDP

and submit to

secretary

Secretary to

place the

GPWDP in a

meeting of the

GP for

consideration

and approval

Place the

GPWDP before

the gram sabha

meeting for

approval

Send the

GPWDP to

WDC for

consideration

and approval

Approved

GPWDP

Budget

Committee to

prepare an

Annual

Plans/Budget

and submit to

secretary

Secretary to

place the

Annual Plans/

Budget in a

meeting of the

GP for

consideration

and approval

GP to consider

and approve the

GPWDP and

convene a

meeting of the

gram sabha

GP to consider

and approve the

Annual

Plans/Budget

and convene a

meeting of the

gram sabha

Place the

Annual

Plans/Budget

before the gram

sabha for

approval

Approved

Annual Work

Plan, Budget,

and

Procurement

Plan

Send the

Annual

Plans/Budget to

WDC for

consideration

and approval

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33

6.6 What problems/needs may we address through the GPWDP?

In a watershed development program, we need to focus on the needs of the

natural resources on one hand and the people on the other, though wellbeing

of both are interrelated. The following illustration shows how they are

interrelated and depend on each other.

With regard to natural resources, we focus on sustainability, whereas with

regard to people we focus on livelihoods promotion.

Sustainability means judicious use and preservation leading to long term

productivity. A simple example will make it clear. If we have 100 Rs., we

may spend it in one day or over 30 days. In the later case, the use is more

sustained. However, if we use that money to generate another 100 Rs, it

becomes sustainable. Land and water, if used and conserved in such a way that

their productive quality remains intact for a much longer time, we call it

sustainable.

This becomes possible only if we start developing concerns for them and

initiate appropriate measures such as checking soil erosion through runoff

water by creating water traps or growing plantations to increase vegetative

cover.

If we have to do these, what will be our needs? We may perhaps need the

following:

Development of vegetation cover in deep ravine areas

Contour bunding across the slope to conserve the rainwater in-situ and

stop soil erosion in medium ravines;

Developing grass cover for protecting the bunds;

Creating gully control using earthen bunds/plugs with vegetation cover

on them;

Creating masonry and composite check-dams for water harvesting and

recharge;

Construction of new water harvesting structures near the land / recharged

wells including drinking water wells owned by resource poor;

Improved agriculture and use of locally produced organic fertilizers; and

so on

Improving natural resource base will have positive bearing on our livelihood

prospects as well. If our forests are thick, we will have more of fuel wood,

more of fodder and more of rains. Similarly, if we have good amount of water

available to us, we will have better agricultural yields, which we may even

sell.

However, in our project, we can identify other livelihood related needs as

well. They may be related to organizing ourselves into self help groups,

creating ways and channels to market our products, learning new skills,

acquiring machines, tools, etc. we may also require to ensure:

Equal employment opportunities and wage rates for implementation of

watershed works.

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34

Due emphasis on livelihood support systems for landless households;

Utilizing the services of the landless poor and women in the post-project;

Management of common property resources;

Preferential allocation of usufruct rights over produce from the

developed common land to landless households / women groups;

Groundwater to be treated as a common property resource;

Equitable right to all households in any new water resource developed

under the project; and so on

6.7 What data we may require for our micro watershed plan? Availability of wide-ranging and relevant data, including certain maps, related

to socio-economic and environmental conditions of the village, is of utmost

importance for sound planning and decision making.

We may quite likely require maps and information detailing…

Boundaries

Terrain

Water bodies

Soil types

Roads

Land uses

Recreational uses

Fish and game surveys

Development trends

Employment trends

Education trends

Having an inventory of what data and maps we may require will help us plan

our tools to collect them.

The following table familiarizes us with a list of data which we may require

while making our GPWDP.

SN Data required Details 1. Location of watershed

Acquisition of toposheets

Demarcation of watersheds

Number and names of the human settlements in the watershed

Location with regard to block and district headquarters

Longitudinal and latitudinal positions

2. Land use

Area of watershed

Land availability (ratio wise)

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35

SN Data required Details

Reserved

Protected

Community

Private

Agriculture land

Rainfed

Irrigated

Areas under different crop

Orchards and gardens

Wastelands and pastures

3. Topography and physiography

Geomorphic structure

Altitudinal range

Drainage

Slope

4. Climate

Hot or cold

Dry or moist

Microclimatic zones (boundaries with the watershed)

5. Forest assessment Flora and fauna (diversity)

Density

Distribution

Availability compared with requirement of biomass (for budgeting)

Listing and quantification of minor forest produce (for optimization of resources)

Activities in the forest area like construction, mining, and felling

Water and soil conservation related efforts (run-off, soil loss ratio)

Scope for afforestaion/eco restoration

Sapling species and their availability in the nurseries within reach

6. Natural disasters Earthquakes

Susceptibility and frequency

Is the area earthquake prone or safe

Landslides

Susceptibility and frequency

Is the area landslide prone or safe

Reasons

Man made or natural

Possibilities or options to control (for action plan preparation)

Others

Forest fires

Drought

Flash floods

Cloud bursts

Famine

7. Hydrology Water sources (Natural springs, river, stream, tap water)

Perennial and seasonal

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36


Distance from the settlement

Discharge during summer and monsoon

Watermills/microhydel plants

Water requirement and availability

Potability (quality of water)

Present use

Possibilities of better use/enhanced availibility

Rainfall cycle

Seasonability

Total precipitation

Total run-off

8. Agriculture analysis

Farming practices

Traditional

Modern

Scope for further improvement

Farming implements

Traditional

Improved

Scope for further improvement

9. Soil Fertility

Characteristics

Distribution

10. Manure Requirements

Availability

Possibilities

11. Crops Varieties

Rotation

Yield

requirements

Self consumption

Cash income

Priorities of the people

Possibilities of further improvement

12. Market Type

Access

Possible areas of intervention

Suitable activities/agencies

13. Animal husbandry Livestock

Species

Breed

Health

Productivity

Purpose of keeping (cash income, labor, domestic use)

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37


Fodder

Source (agricultural fields, forests, grazing lands)

Type

Agro-forestry

Type

Requirements (quantification)

Ration between fodder and the number of animals

Carrying capacity of land

Possibilities of change

14. Agroforestry & horticulture Status of agroforestry and horticulture

Types of species

Main use

People’s attitude (interest)

Scope of expansion

15. Human resource Population profile

Sex ratio

Birth rate

Mortality rats

work force ratio

Literacy rate

Skilled manpower

Socio-economic status

Social structure

Ethnic background

Institutions and customs

Different castes and classes

Living conditions

Level of awareness

Livelihood sources

Sources of income

work distribution

Health care (level of nutrition and hygiene)

Availability of basic amenities

Education

Traditional skill

Daily routine (gender wise)

Employment pattern

Migration pattern

Implementation status of governmental and non governmental schemes

Status of resource utilization

Status of landless inhabitants

Nature of accessibility to market

Conventional and non-conventional Energy needs

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38

For our project, we may not require all the data types described in the

inventory which is extensive.

Depending upon the project requirement and local needs, we may make a

selection of required data types from the above list.

Moreover, collection of certain data types such as finding soil and rock types

or calculating total water run-off, would require use of specific technical

skills. Help of the project staff and experts will be required in all such

situations.

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39

7. PLANNING FOR ENHANCING OUR LIVELIHOOD

7.1 What is livelihood?

Enhancing livelihood prospects of the community members within the project

villages is one of the major components of the project.

By livelihood we mean occupation or work we do to support our life and

manage our day to day necessities including food, shelter, and clothes.

Whatever we do to secure a means of living is part of our livelihood, be it

working on our own farm or that of others,

rearing livestock and selling milk and meat,

running a kirana shop,

selling our labor (like a construction worker), or

using our knowledge and skill to fetch money (like a mason or a

teacher).

7.2 What are the arrangements within HPMHWDP to support our

livelihood?

A separate ‘Mountain Livelihoods Enhancement Fund for the poor (MLF)’

worth 10% of the total budget outlay has been created within the HPMHWDP

to support specific business proposals from the groups of the poor such as

poor women, the landless, marginal farmers, tribals and the most vulnerable to

improve their livelihoods.

This is aimed to be done by financing productive and demand driven

investments for economic activities in the following broad areas:

Common Activity Groups (in Agriculture and Allied Sectors)

Common Activity Groups (in value-addition, non-farm livelihoods and

for micro-enterprises)

Skill development for Gainful Employment

7.3 What support is available for livelihoods development within the

‘Mountain Livelihoods Enhancement Fund’ (MLF)?

We may get the following support from MLF:

Institutional support- formation of SHGs and CAGs, and federations

Technical support- business plan development, skill development and

technological know-how

Backward and forward linkages- procurement of inputs for our business

activity, product design and development, market linkage, linkage with

credit institutions

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40

Financial support- grant up to 50% of the total cost of the project for the

CAG of the poor and up to 90% for most Vulnerable and Tribals

7.4 How can we get support from MLF to undertake income generation and

livelihood activities?

To get support we need to organize ourselves in common activity groups or

self help group, initially around savings and credit activity.

After six months of this activity, and satisfactory rating to indicate a certain

quality and cohesiveness of the groups, the members can access the MLF. In

case of additional fund requirements, credit linkages with banks will be

encouraged and facilitated by the project.

However, before that, the group will be required to develop a sub-project,

based on its choice of activity and submit it to the HPMHWDP officials.

CAGs have to put in at least 10% of the total cost and the entire operations and

maintenance cost for implementing the business plans.

7.5 What is a sub-project?

A sub-project is a project, however smaller in scope and nature as compared to

GPWDP, which is a comprehensive village development plan. In

HPMHWDP, a subproject refers to a business plan of an SHG or a CAG

around a livelihood activity.

7.6 What kind of livelihood activities can we take up under MLF support?

Some examples are:

Arable land development

Crop demonstrations

Organic farming

Processing of fibers

Horticulture

Floriculture

Medicinal plant cultivation

Mining and quarrying

Food processing

Dairy, poultry, piggery, fishery

Promoting social enterprises with the purpose of providing social goods

and services within the community

Promoting farmers’ markets where local farmers once again sell directly

to local; customers

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41

Promoting community land trust where land is held in trust for the

community to prevent the price of land rising too high and too fast

(which drives the poorer community members off it)

Enterprise that recycles waste within the community

Producing our own energy through micro-generators powered by the

Sun, water, or wind and reducing consumption and cost

7.7 What are the village processes involved?

Following are the processes required to design livelihood activities in the

village:

Identification of existing groups, if any

People interested in starting a particular activity would get together to

form CAGs. Self help groups (SHG) are a kind of CAG

Starting participatory assessment of the village situation by adopting

participatory methods such as resource mapping (PRA), wealth ranking,

problem analysis, transact walks, meeting leaders and opinion makers

and having discussions separately with women and dalits.

Identification of socio-economic groups,

Identification of gaps in resources, skills and linkages in existing

livelihoods and practices,

Developing a vision for the village and developing an Action Plan for

the village.

CAGs would come forward with sub-project proposals

7.8 What needs to keep in mind while identifying a livelihood activity fir our

village?

While thinking about a particular livelihood activity for a community we need

to consider:

How will the proposed livelihood opportunities meet the needs of the

household, especially those of the poor?

How well does it match the resources and skills available to the

household and in the village?

How will it fit into the daily and seasonal rhythms of the household?

Will it increase the household’s income or assets?

Will it reduce or enhance the risks faced by the household?

What assurances can be put in place to mitigate risk?

Will the activity require organizing poor households in groups?

How capable is the household to participate in such organization?

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42

What inputs will it require from us?

Besides, we should also ensure that:

Local resources are used to meet local needs as far as possible

Diversity within the local economy is maintained to reduce risks

Money is circulated within the local economy to the extent possible

Community’s control over the local economy is enhanced

Greater sustainability is achieved through our livelihood activities

7.9 How can we make a sub-project proposal?

Designing a sub-project would include considering the following:

Beneficiary details- Profile of the group, who exactly have to participate,

their current livelihood status

Resource analysis- what reassures (physical, material, financial, human,

etc.) are locally available, what would be required from outside)

Financial analysis- expenditure, cash flow management, break even

analysis, etc

Market analysis- kind of market (local haat, city or upcountry market),

size, trends, price consideration, competition, raw material availability,

etc.

Operations Plan- Site and facilities- equipment and/or machines,

timetable and schedules, monitoring and maintenance

Outcomes and benefit

Doing all theses will require certain professional competence in information

and data collection through appropriate tools and procedures. Help of the

project staff will be required in all theses activities besides participation of the

group proposing the plan.

7.10 How does a sub-project proposal look like?

Given below is a standard design for a sub-project/business proposal:

Sub- project Proposal Format

1. Identification

Ward

Village

Panchayat

Block

District

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43

2. Details of the Group

Name of the group

Number of member in the group

Name of the group leader/president

Father’s name

Name of group secretary

Father’s name

Name of the group account signatory (1)

Father’s name

Name of the group account signatory (2)

Father’s name

Name and address of bank

Bank account number

3. Details of Beneficiaries

S.N. Name of the

beneficiary

Father’s/

husband’s

name

Village Sex Caste Age

1.

2.

3.

4. Village wise details of Beneficiaries if they are from more than one village

(To be prepared for each participating village separately)

S.N Mohalla/ward Total number of

beneficiary family

Castes

1.

2.

3.

5. Objectives the Sub-project

a) ----------

b) ----------

c) ----------

6. Nature of the proposed sub-project activity

a) On-farm

b) Non-farm

c) Production related

d) Processing related

e) Services related

f) Trade related

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44

7. Measure sub-project activities

a)

b)

c)

8. Market description

a) Which market will be targeted

b) Size and location of the market

c) Raw material procurement

d) Price considerations

e) Promotion strategy

9. Operation strategy

a) Site and facilities available

b) Equipment and/or machines available and required

c) Transportation and storage

d) Timetable and schedules

e) Monitoring and maintenance system

10. Inputs and resources required

a) Physical

b) Material

c) Financial

d) Human

e) Technical

11. Expected Benefits

a) ------

b) ------

c) ------

d) ------

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45

12. Expenditure details

Expenditure head Details Amount in Rs

Non recurring expenses Land

Building

Machinery

Instruments and

equipments

Erection charges

Office furniture

Working capital

Subtotal (A)

Recurring expenses Raw Material

Administrative and

supervision cost

Labor

Rent

Electricity

Water

Business Promotion

Telephone and postage

Stationery

Miscellaneous

Subtotal (B)

Total sub-project cost (A+B)

13. Sources of finance

a) Group/own contribution Rs.

b) Project grant Rs.

c) Loan/credit from financial institutions Rs.

14. Cost of production (per month)

a) Monthly Recurring expenses Rs.

b) Depreciation on machine and building, etc. Rs.

c) Interest on loan Rs.

15. Income (per month)

a) Sale of product Rs.

b) Bank interest Rs.

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46

16. Profit (per month)

Income in Rs. - Cost of production in Rs. = Profit in Rs.

17. Resolution of the group

Decision to undertake the above sub-project by the group was taken in the

group’s general meeting held on (date) ______________, at

_______________.

Signature of the group secretary Signature of the group

president/leader

7.11 What is the process of making sub – project agreement?

In case where the works are awarded either to the user groups/Beneficiaries or

to a contractor, the GP will enter into separate agreements with each such

agency. This agreement will form the basis of legal relationship between the

GP and the executing agency. Works to be executed will be governed by the

agreement and the works committee will ensure that the works are executed in

accordance with terms and conditions agreed. In case works is allotted to a

line department, the existing government procedures in this respect will be

followed. (see FMM)

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47

8. IMPLEMENTATION AND EXECUTION OF THE GPWDP

8.1 What are the basic implementation processes of the GPWDP?

The implementation of our GPWDP involves the following broad steps, many

of which may overlap in terms of occurrence:

8.1.1 GPWLP Approval

After the evolution of participatory GPWLP, it is technically appraised at the

field and desk, and presented at the GS for approval and launching of

implementing GPWLP will be announced.

8.1.2 Launching of GPWLP Implementation

After the preparation of the GPWDP and its approval by the gram sabha and

the Project, the GP and the Project will enter into an agreement for

implementation of the project in the GP. The agreement would form the basis

of the legal relationship and inter se responsibilities between the two parties

and includes the following aspects:

The scope of activities to be carried out by the GP;

Roles and responsibilities of the parties to the contract;

Cost of the contract;

Disbursement of funds, maintenance, and operation of bank account;

Collection and utilization of beneficiary contribution;

Planning and budgeting;

Financial management including maintenance of accounts, execution

of works and payments, procurement, reporting, and audit of accounts;

and

Dispute settlement/conflict resolution;

The agreement will be in the TOR - 1 format and will be signed by an

authorized representative on behalf of the Project, and the pradhan or a

member of the GP, authorized for this purpose, on behalf of the GP. Both the

parties will affix their seals on the agreement.

8.1.3 Opening of a project bank account

The GP will open a separate account in a scheduled bank or a cooperative

bank that would bear the nomenclature “HP Mid Hills Watershed

Development Project Account – Gram Panchayat (name of the gram

panchayat)” (the project bank account). The project bank account can be a

saving or current account and should preferably be with a bank operating in

the panchayat area itself. In case appropriate banking facilities are not

available in the panchayat area, the bank account can be opened with a bank

operating in a nearby area.

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48

The project bank account opened will be a “No – Lien Account” implying that

the funds kept therein cannot be attached to any proceedings against the GP.

The Project will have the right to direct the bank to freeze the bank account on

written instructions given to the bank.

The project bank account will be operated under the joint signatures of the

pradhan and the secretary. In case of casual vacancy in the office of the

pradhan, the co - signatory will be the Up Gram pradhan and in case of a

vacancy in this office also, one of the GP members will be the co – signatory,

authorized by the GP in this behalf.

8.1.4 Formation of various groups

At this stage the concerned GP along with designated project staff will start

formation of user groups, SHGs, EAGs and other necessary groups.

8.1.5 Community contribution mobilization

Cost sharing starts immediately GPWDP approval as per the project norms

decided during the planning process. This is collected from the community for

meeting capital cost or/and for operation and maintenance (O & M) of the

assets created under the project.

8.1.6 Disbursement of HP Mid Himalayan Watershed implementation fund to the

GP

The GPs will receive funds from two sources, namely -

Grant provided by the Project

The “HP Mid Himalayan Watershed Project Implementation Fund”,

which will be in the form of a grant for implementation of the project

activities including works and remuneration of project personnel and

overheads employed exclusively for the project under component two -

Watershed Development and Management.

Beneficiary Contribution

This is collected from the community for meeting capital cost or/and for

operation and maintenance (O & M) of the assets created under the

project.

The implementation fund will be made available to the GPs under two broad

heads:

For works included in the approved annual action plan/budget for the

relevant year; and

For meeting the remuneration of the para accountant and the motivator

appointed specifically for the project and overheads such as office

expenditure, travel, stationery etc.

The first installment will be an initial, on account payment equivalent to 10%

of the value of the annual work plan/budget (excluding expenditure covered

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49

under stream two) and will be released by the Project on signing of the

agreement, approval of the annual work plan/budget, opening of Project bank

account, appointment of para accountant and facilitator and on a request made

by the GP to the WDC.

The next three installments will be of 25% each, calculated on the value of the

annual work plan/budget (excluding expenditure covered under stream two).

For each further reimbursement desired by the GP, it will submit a request to

the WDC in the prescribed format (see FMM)

The last installment of 15% will be disbursed on a request being made by the

GP to the WDC giving the summary of sources and uses of funds and

accompanied with a status report.

Disbursement under this stream will be made in two installments: a) 50% of

the estimated annual expenditure will be disbursed on signing of the

agreement and appointment of the para accountant and the facilitator on a

request by the GP, b) The second and final installment of balance 50% will be

released on utilization of the first installment in full and the GP submitting

details of utilization of the funds along with a request for disbursement. (see

FMM).

8.1.7 Identification of Jankars

Community-based Resource Persons (Jankars) identified by the GP and

confirmed by the Gram Sabha to undergo training to support and assist in

implementation of the project activities.

8.1.8 Capacity building of community groups

This is required to strengthen community’s participation in the project in an

effective way. Measures like exposure visits and structured training programs

will be initiated by the GP and the project staff for the development of the

community groups’ capacity in terms of group action, leadership, technical

know-how, and financial and participatory management of the project.

8.1.9 Execution of works

All said and done, execution of the decided activities is what we have been so

far trying to arriving at. This is the most important stage through the

implementation process and requires our highest involvement and

participation.

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50

What activities will be implemented will depend on our village needs and

people’s livelihoods requirement and hence, will vary from village to village.

However, below is given a general design to show how execution of GPWDP

activities can take place:

Watershed Treatment (ridge to valley approach)

Set up demonstrations

Raise plantations

Undertake non-arable land treatment

Initiate arable land treatment

Introduce high value crops where possible

Enhance fodder resources

Introduce composting

Introduce IPM for crops

Start Income Generating Activities

Facilitate infrastructure support

Implement Tribal Strategy

Initiate CB inputs as required

Start livestock development program

Introduce IPM for livestock development

Develop linkages of Panchayats with markets, financial institutions, research

organizations, universities etc

Prepare guidelines for revolving funds and make it operational

Start preparing federations

Implement exit strategy

Consolidate gains made and lessons learnt

Start exploring funding from central, state and other sources

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51

8.1.10 Participatory Monitoring & Learning

With the implementation and execution of the project works comes the

responsibility to ensure quality and standard in our work and see that

everything is going as per the decided schedule. This is done in a participatory

way in which all the project stakeholders participate including the community.

8.1.11 Sustainability of various community groups/institutions

Creation of community groups and institutions will bear fruit only when they

work and deliver on a long-term basis. This we may do by building self-reliant

mechanisms and creating appropriate capacity, facilitating backward and

forward linkages, and creating fruitful interface with both public and private

sector.

8.1.12 Operation & Maintenance

We as user Groups are supposed to take over the operation and maintenance

function of the project; the process for preparing the groups for O&M will be

initiated at the preparation phase and during planning and will be strengthened

along the implementation process.

8.2 What are the procurement procedures at community level?

One of the most important activities in implementing a business plan is

procuring goods, works, materials and other support services required for

implementation of the business plan.

Depending upon the nature of business plans, in most cases, 60%-80% of the

cost of business plans is constituted by cost towards various goods, materials

and services. Therefore, procurement methods should be selected considering

economy and efficiency, and appropriate procurement procedures followed.

Inefficient procurement can result in:

Increased cost of business plan.

Decreased quality of facilities and services

Implementation delays

8.3 What are guidelines for community procurement?

Under the HPMHWDP program, communities are empowered to follow the

following principles to carry out procurement of works, goods, materials and

services:

All procurement procedures must be carried in an open and transparent

manner and displaying all details of procurement at prominent places

in the village.

Transparency mechanisms for procurement need to be there from the

beginning and not only when the procurement has taken place.

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52

The procurement process should be known and informed to all. Every

body should have access to know the process; parties involved, prices

offered by them, method to select the party and details of selected

parties and product.

Purchase materials and hire services locally where ever it is possible.

For direct purchase of non-comparable goods such as cattle, seeds and

plants - no quotation is required

Equal opportunity must be given to all suppliers interested in supplying

items to the GP and uniform evaluation procedures must be adopted.

Services of experts should be utilized wherever possible.

Items procured should meet the required technical specifications and

the quality standards, and the “best price” including comparing with

Govt. rates.

Service area, guarantee period must be ensured for the materials to be

purchased.

8.4 What are the advantages of community procurement?

There are many advantages of community procurement:

Communities are able to get the best price from the suppliers and

procure items at optimum cost which will ensure savings and quality

Community is accountable and takes responsibility for the decision

which is advantageous to the community members

Communities can use local labor, local materials, and indigenous

knowledge

Communities will improve skills and gain confidence in implementing

participatory development sub-projects

Communities will display information related to procurement actions

for the information of communities thus ensuring transparency of their

transactions

Helps in procuring the best things and services within the budget on

time.

Helps in protecting our interest and judiciously use the money.

Helps in avoiding undue pressure from political parties or leaders or

others.

8.5 Who is accountable and responsible?

GP is accountable for all procurement undertaken at the village level

User Group/EAG/SHG members are responsible for all procurement

made by User Group/EAG/SHG

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53

8.6 What are the methods and thresholds/upper limit for community

procurement

Wherever we have to make community procurement we have to go by the

following Rules:

S.No. Items to be

Procured

Upper limit value Procurement method

1 Works Rs.50000 per work Community to execute themselves- Directly

contract with local organizations-SHGs/SHG

Federation/GP or carry out the works

themselves, but take the technical or managerial

assistance from WDO or WDCO and pay for the

services of individual experts hired with the help

of WDO or WDCO

Rs.200000 per work Procurement by written quotation inviting at

least 3 quotations from qualified domestic

contractors.

Rs.500000 per work Open tender by inviting bids through

advertisement in local newspaper.

2 Goods Rs.2500 per bill Direct Purchase

Rs.5000 per bill Direct purchase from local market (following

quality & specification standard)

Rs.10000 per bill Procurement by shopping procedures. Written

quotation-at least 3 quotations (following

quality, quantity and other specification

standards)

Rs.100000 per bill Open tender by inviting bids through

advertisement in local newspaper.

3 Services No limit Selection by a committee based on merit from

among the community members.

Services

(Individuals

and Firms)

Rs.1000 per month Single source/comparing of CVs of at least 3

individuals/firms.

Services

(Individuals

and Firms)

Rs.10000 per task/per

month

Invite 3 or more proposals and select based on

consultant qualifications, cost and experience

Services

(Individuals

and Firms)

Rs.50000 per task/per

month

By advertising in local newspaper and selection

based on quality and competence

NOTE: The thresholds in the above tables must be discussed in the Gram Sabha. The Gram

Sabha, if it so wishes, can decide on lower thresholds than those mentioned in the tables but it

CANNOT raise the thresholds beyond the limits given in the tables. Forestry Works will also be

done using community contracting for works.

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54

8.7 What is the process of control and supervision over execution of works?

The works under the project will be executed under the overall control and

supervision of the works committee of the GP. Proposals pertaining to

execution of works, such as appointment of implementing agencies,

finalization/revision of estimates, passing of bills etc., can be concluded only

when the recommendations of the works committee have been obtained. The

technical personnel of the GP will assist the works committee. These

personnel are the Takniki Sahayaks on the panel of the GP and the Junior

Engineer, Assistant Engineer and Executive Engineer of the Department of

Rural Development, Government of HP.

8.8 Which are the implementing agencies for works execution?

The GP can execute the works through one or more of the following modes:

Through the User Groups or the Beneficiaries operating in the area

where the work is to be implemented

Through Contractors

Through the Government Line Departments

First preference will be given to agencies mentioned in (a) above. However, if

these agencies express their inability to execute the works, the GP can engage

a contractor or allot the work to a line department. In such a situation, the GP

will obtain, in writing, from the village level agencies, a letter stating their

inability to execute the works proposed to be allotted to them.

8.9 How to do construction supervision?

The GP and the executing agencies will take technical guidance and execute

the works under the overall supervision of the Takniki Sahayak and/or the

Junior Engineer. Advice of the frontline multi sectoral team of the WDC can

also be taken. The stages of inspection and test checks as given in Rule 105 of

the Finance Rules, 2002 will be followed.

8.10 How to settle disputes?

In case of any dispute relating to execution of works, the matter will first be

referred to the works committee and efforts will be made to resolve the issue

at this forum. The works committee will forward its recommendations to the

GP. In case the matter is not resolved at this level, it would be taken up at a

meeting of the GP, who will decide upon it, considering the recommendations

of the works committee. If the parties are still aggrieved, the matter will be

referred to the WDC whose decision will be final and binding on all the parties

concerned.

8.11 What is the process of social audit?

The GP will exercise social audit in letter and spirit. The responsibility for

facilitating social audit will rest upon the pradhan and s/he will ensure that the

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55

following mechanisms of social audit are carried out. This is not an exhaustive

list and the GP can follow other methods also with the primary aim of

informing the gram sabha about the various facets of the project both during

planning and implementation stages.

The GPWDP and the annual work plans/budgets will be placed before

the gram sabha and their approval obtained.

The annual work plan/budget will be posted on the Notice Board in the

Panchayat Bhawan and at other conspicuous places such as schools or

community centers.

The Audit Reports and compliance will be placed before the meeting of

the gram sabha and discussed.

The gram sabha will be apprised of the physical and financial progress of

the Project at each of their meeting and the Status Report of works will

be placed in the meeting.

All Utilization Certificates will be got approved by the gram sabha.

The list of Beneficiaries will be posted on the Notice Board and other

conspicuous places.

The GP will also use the mechanism of wall writing to disseminate the

facts of the Projects such as the value of budget approved, the major

works to be undertaken, funds actually received etc. Such information

should be updated periodically, say once every quarter.

An Information Board will be placed at the location of all works giving

details of the nature of the works, the value thereof, the name of the

executing agency, schedule of implementation, expected man days etc.

The GP will also provide the information desired by any member of the

gram sabha and provide copy of any Project document.

For the success of social audit, it is essential that the meetings of the gram

sabha and the Up gram sabhas are held regularly with due quorum. The

pradhan, secretary and the respective ward members should specifically see

that such meetings are organized and held and constructive discussions take

place, so as to ensure the involvement of the community.

9. MONITORING AND POST- PROJECT MANAGEMENT

9.1 What is monitoring?

Monitoring is the regular observation, recording, analyzing and reporting of

activities and their results in a project.

It is a process to facilitate continuous review of the project activities to

achieve project goals in an efficient and effective manner.

As HPMHWDP is community demand driven, where much emphasis is put on

community’s direct involvement in planning and implementation roles,

monitoring process needs to be participatory.

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56

In participatory monitoring, the community itself evaluates the project

outcome from time to time and takes decisions for further change in its action

plan, whenever required.

9.2 Why we need to monitor our project?

We need to monitor our project because we want to ensure that:

Action is taken as agreed and decided

Inputs and resources are utilized optimally and to the overall project

goal

Time schedule is adhered to for all action points, and

Our efforts get translated into desired outputs

9.3 Who will do monitoring?

The CAGs, the SHGs, the user groups, the panchayat members, and the

project staff have all an equal responsibility towards monitoring the project

activities on a continuous basis. However, the local community, in whose

interest is the project undertaken, has the primary role to play in all monitoring

activities. This is in the interest of the community itself.

9.4 What do we do in monitoring?

In monitoring we do the following:

Provide continuous feedback to the project management and other

stakeholders on the quality of project implementation;

Institutionalize learning mechanisms within the project;

Facilitate appropriate and timely decisions; and to assess the outcomes

and impact of the project vis-à-vis the objectives.

Monitoring is always done against certain monitoring indicators.

Some examples of monitoring activity are:

Preparing a baseline of the project- for assessing the pre-project

conditions and making comparison with what and how things have

changed due to project interventions

Performance tracking- tracking the progress and performance on a

periodic basis

Monthly review and planning meetings

Monthly reporting

Annual report

Mid-term review and impact assessment

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57

9.5 What is a monitoring indicator?

A monitoring indicator is a qualitative and quantitative measure (signs) for

measuring or assessing the achievements of project activities, objectives and

outputs.

For example, if we decide that we have to get back our home before dark, we

will ensure that we do not miss the last bus to our village which reaches there

by five. One of the indicators to monitor the success of our plan here will be to

reach the bus stop in time.

Some examples of success indicators for our village could be:

10 Self-Help Groups established with at least Rs. 5000 in accounts

5 User Groups evolved and taking care of the resources they use in a

sustainable manner

60% of available treatable areas of non-arable land is treated

60% of available treatable areas of arable land is treated

20% increase in fodder availability over baseline

20% farmers have upgraded livestock

50% of farmers have access to improved veterinary care either through

public facility or through community-managed veterinary care

20% increase over baseline in area under high-value crops

30% of farmers adopting new technologies

At least 60% of the eligible households have benefited by the MLF

through business plans.

At least 25% of the funds for livelihood business plans are mobilized

through banks or other financial resources

At least 50% of target group have accessed the services of Livelihood

Resource Organizations.

At least 50% of CAGs working in partnership with private sector

organizations or other institutions

9.6 How shall the community assets created under HPMHWDP be

maintained such that they continue giving benefits year after year?

Project-financed assets, such as bridle paths, water harvesting structures,

tanks, etc. will be owned by user groups, who will be responsible for covering

operations and maintenance costs indefinitely.

‘Empowerment plans’ will be created for each participating GP, whereby, for

each asset, the costs of O&M are calculated along with the corresponding

beneficiary contribution required to cover these costs. These empowerment

plans will be developed by the GPs, with buy-in from line departments where

necessary, and made public to ensure transparency.

com revised_march 29a mk

Documents

project proposal

community level

community groups

sub project agreement

ward planning meeting

livelihood activity

livelihood projects

kind of livelihood activities