JSA enhances water use efficiency, security in Chikballapura

Since the start of the water conservation campaign - Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), carried out in mission mode in water stressed districts across the country, Chikballapura district in Karnataka has commenced numerous projects in water conservation and rain water harvesting; renovation of traditional water bodies; reuse and recharge structures; watershed development; and intensive afforestation.

Commenting on the campaign, its initiatives and outcomes seen so far, “JSA is a promising approach to improve the water crisis in the district. It provided a much needed platform to bring government officials and citizens together,” said CEO-ZP, Ms. Fousia Tarannum.

She admitted that works taken up under the campaign have considerably enhanced the water storage capacity across the district while providing some relief to water problems.

Background: Situated in the eastern dry agro climatic zone, Chikballapura receives average annual rainfall of 676mm (55 per cent from the south west monsoon, 30% from the north east monsoon, and 15 per cent from pre-monsoon showers). Although the district has no perennial rivers; it has 3 small river basins and tributaries that carry water only

during the rainy season. The area irrigated by bore wells constitutes 99% of the total irrigated area.

As per Ground Water Resource Assessment of CGWB, all 6 Blocks of the district are considered over exploited; and have experienced severe drought in 8 of the past 10 years. During July - September 2019, around 110 villages have been provided drinking water through tankers. As a result, not only is the water level dwindling, the high concentration of fluoride is posing a challenge.

Activities undertaken under the five JSA intervention areas:

Intervention area Activities1 Water Conservation and

Rainwater Harvesting 118 Multi Arch Check Dams 2546 Farm Ponds 50 Water Pools 335 Trench / Bund works 239 Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting structures

2 Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies/Tanks

189 Tanks de-silted 142 Traditional Step Wells cleaned through Shramdaan

3 Reuse, Bore Well Recharge Structures

1450 Bore well Recharge Pits constructed 379 Soak Pits Constructed 301 Recharge wells Constructed

4 Watershed Development 274 water channels rejuvenated 119 Nala bunds and Gully plugs Constructed 983 Ha area treated

5 Intensive Afforestation 8.40 lakh saplings planted by social and regular forest officials

4.76 lakh saplings planted by Gram Panchayats 3.89 lakh saplings planted by Horticulture department 0.37 lakh saplings planted by Agriculture department 18 lakh saplings planted across the district

People’s participation: Elected representatives, government officials and the public participated in large numbers with enthusiasm in shramdaan when they cleaned the traditional step wells in Chikballapur Block. As many as 142 traditional step wells across the district were restored to their lost glory. In place is a sustainability plan to ensure that those wells are maintained and used to effectively store water.

People were also involved in a plantation programme called ‘Hasiru Karnataka-Koti Naati in both government and private land. In addition, a Green Fund was constituted to which all GPs, TPs and CMCs earmarked 5% of their funds for water conservation works. Also, a signature campaign and rallies were conducted to create awareness about water conservation across all age groups.

IEC activities: Karnataka State government launched a major water conservation scheme titled 'Jalamrutha', which focuses on drought-proofing measures, including protection and

rejuvenation of water bodies.  The state also declared 2019 as Year of Water. In addition, a number of IEC activities were initiated to create awareness about the importance of water

conservation, including an awareness programme on water and sanitation by a cultural team. Other events organized were – an orientation on installing Rain Water Harvesting structures atop all government/private buildings and individual houses; and a Workshop on Water Conservation and Sanitation for all district, block and panchayat officials.

Outcome: Water levels measured in adjacent bore wells of JSA structures showed considerable rise in water levels, compared to the previous year.

Way forward:

❖Stringent administrative action will be taken to prevent and remove encroachments near water bodies

❖Focus will be given to installation of Rain Water Harvesting structures in individual households.

❖Afforestation will be taken up with more vigour as forested catchments supply a high proportion of water for domestic, agricultural, industrial and ecological needs, and at the same time help regulate climate, store carbon, and reduce flooding and storm water runoff.

❖In the medium term, focus will be given to grey water treatment and reuse of reclaimed water for non-potable and industrial purposes.