Karnataka Integrated and Sustainable Water

Resources Management Investment Programme

Orientation workshop to the Water Users Cooperative Society

members under Gondhi Project

20th October, 2016, Bhadra CADA auditorium, Shivamogga

Workshop Report

Report on orientation workshop to the Water Users Cooperative

Society members under Gondhi Project

An workshop for all 10 WUCS members were organized on 20th October, 2016 in Bhadra CADA

auditorium with support of KNNL and CADA.

Objective

The objective of the workshop was

(a) Awareness on present status of implementation of modernization work;

(b) Roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders;

(c) Experience sharing and best practices; and

(d) Interactive session on issues raised by WUCS and feedback by KNNL, CADA and SMEC.

Mr.Ambadi Madhava, CADA Administrator addressed the gathering and shared importance

of the water and how to effectively manage the water by introducing improved cultivation

techniques, water management practices in paddy cultivation, use of organic manures

etc….He highlighted that Gondhi Modernization project is an innovative project of

Government of Karnataka with support from ADB.

He emphasized the need for greater accountability of the WUCS for the effective utilization

of funds for benefiting the

most deserved farmers.

Since this is an integrated

project every actor have to

play significant role to fulfill

the objectives of the

project. KNNL, CADA and

SMEC working as a team to

accomplished the

objectives and making

WUCS as a vibrant grass

root level institution in

Event Name One day workshop on project orientation for WUCS

Date 20.10.2016 Place CADA campus, Malavagoppa, Shivamogga

Participants (Category)

WUCS representatives

No. of participants 67 Chief guests Sri R.P.Kulakarni, CE, KNNL and Sri Ambadi Madhav,

Administrator, Bhadra CADA Resource persons Sri Ramesh, Hosalli WUCS, Sri Kumar Naydu, Progressive

farmer, Holebhairanahalli, Bhadravati Tq

PIM. Inorder to streamline and

stimulate awards will be given to

the best performing 3 WUCS based

on scientific parameters. Once

again he appealed to all WUCS to

accelerate their efforts to benefit

the farmers residing in the remote

areas.

Mr.Umesh, AE, KNNL shared the

overall engineering components of

the project, timeline, status, and

estimated costs for each WUCS for

taking up the feeder channel and field drain works under WUCS. He assured KNNL’s support

to resolve any issues faced by WUCS in their respective areas……l

Mr.Srinivas Mudrakartha, SMEC Deputy Team Leader explained about Participatory

Irrigation management and its importance for the effective implementation of the project.

He said Unity and accountability are key aspects of participatory projects and presented

inspirational illustrations for team building and unity. He assured the support of SMEC team

to strengthen the activities of WUCS.

Mr.Veeresh, Community Organizer, SMEC explained roles and responsibilities of WUCS, the

baseline survey analysis and follow up actions.

Mr.J. C. Veeresh Gajanur, Secretary of Hoshalli WUCS coming under Tunga CADA explained

the innovative efforts adopted to mobilize the water tax collected from last 10 years. He

also presented the improvement of tax collection and the verities of other construction

activities carried out. They have introduced health insurance scheme for all farmers,

scholarships to school children etc.

Mr.Kumar Naidu, well

known progressive farmer

explained his experience

about water saving

techniques in improved

agricultural practices,

introducing business

approach in animal

husbandry, organic farming

and fishery sector.

In the open discussion

WUCS members raised the

problems like Bhadravathi

town underground water (UGD) line flowing bad water in their command area (eg.

Seegebagi and Baballi). It has affected the health problems among children, especially

scabies and other skin allergies and foul smell across the area.

Few WUCS members asking fishery rights in the irrigation tanks with in the command area

which can fetch better income

generating activities; and due to

summer season members requesting

to resume supply of water early for

minimizing crop failure due to water

deficit.

In the concluding session Mr. R. P.

Kulkarni, Chief Engineer, KNNL,

Shivamogga explained this Gondhi

anicut, our ancestor’s gift and

expecting support of every one

especially the WUCS. He stressed

that WUCS are the pillars of the project and fulfilling their responsibilities KNNL is willing to

provide all support whenever required. He also mentioned that few WUCS are not

functional and need to be active soon to complete the project in a timely manner.

Annexure 1

Programme schedule

11.00-11.20 Welcome & Objective of the workshop Mallikarjuna, SMEC

11.20-11.30 Introduction of participants (by WUCS

wise)

11.30-11.45 Inauguration From all guests

11.45-12.05 Special Address Ambady Madhav,

Administrator, Bhadra CADA

12.05-12.15 Tea/Coffee with snacks

12.15-12.30 About Gondhi Modernization

programme

Umesh, AE, KNNL

12.30-12.45 Roles of Responsibilities of different

stakeholders, (including project

principles components)

Srinivas Mudrakarta

DTL, SMEC

12.45-1.15 Roles and functions of WUCS – present

status

Veeresh, Community organizer,

SMEC

1.15-1.45 Hosalli Model WUCS experience sharing Secretory

1.45-2.00 Experience sharing by progressive

farmers on effective utilization of water

in Agriculture

Kumar Naydu,

Hole Bhairasandra

2.00-2.45 Interactive session Moderator

2.45-3.00 Concluding Remarks and next Steps R.P. Kulkarni, Chief Engineer,

KNNL

3.00 Lunch

Annexure 3

Press clippings

1. Vijaya Vani News paper

2. Udayavani News paper

3. Samyukta Karnataka News paper

4. Vijaya Karnataka News paper

Major issues covered by all News papers

• CE speech about importance of Gondi modernization and significance of WUCS

involvement

• CADA administrator special speech about effective utilization of water and

alternative cropping systems

• DTL, SMEC speech on accountability, transparency and commitment of WUCS

• Hosalli model WUCS achievements in terms of water tax collection, O&M activities,

CAD works taken and effective utilization . . . . etc