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Check-dams Assist in Rainwater Harvesting in Rangala Rajpur

Gurgaon, India - In the Mewat district of Haryana, at the foothills of the Aravalis is situated the village of Rangala Rajpur, with a population of 1,120. For many years, the rainwater from the Aravalis flowed through the village, eroding the topsoil and flooding the low-lying fields. Moreover, despite a shortage of water in and around Rangala Rajpur, no structures to store or divert the runoff water were available.

The Rangala community approached the Sehgal Foundation to help construct a check dam, to capture the rainwater before it streamed out of the village. The Foundation's team from water management analyzed the geography of the village and facilitated community meetings to devise low-cost, community-led solutions for rainwater harvesting. Therefore, the foundation felt that the construction of a 1.5 km earthen dam is a feasible plan to confine the runoff water to the area and protect fields from damage of any kind.

The community appreciated the proposal and agreed to construct the 'run off' part of the 1.5 km earthen dam, contributing to 20% of the total cost. Construction of the first phase of the dam began in November 2001. The excavation of heaps of soil from alongside the stream widened the narrow channel also came useful in the construction of the earthen dam.

In spite of starting with great enthusiasm and participation, the community faced difficulty in raising enough money to construct the 'runoff'. The villagers were confident that the Foundation would complete the project with or without their contribution. However, the Foundation placed the project on hold, because of its firm policy of 'involving the community' in all its projects to enable sustainable development. This delay resulted in the loss of another monsoon. Nevertheless, the community realized that the Foundation was unprepared to continue the project without their participation, and they started collecting contributions in cash or kind from every house. Despite their efforts, they were unable to meet their target. The Foundation, then advised the community to approach the Member of Parliament (M P) to allot funds from the "Local Area Development Fund". The allocation did not come easily; as there was the usual share of red tapes to face; ultimately, Rs. 1.5 Lakh were granted, enabling the completion of the 'runoff' and the resumption of the project..

In June 2003, the 1.5 km earthen dam was completed. For better distribution of water through out the dam, two more check dams at strategic locations were further constructed along the earthen dam. These check dams shaped the entire area into a series of three ponds. The first and second ponds are percolation tanks, and the third is a storage pond mostly used for cattle and fisheries.

During the 2004 and 2005 monsoons, the rainwater collected all along the dam at different levels, saving about 40 acres of crops from flooding. About 50 acres of Panchayat land which lay fallow due to severe dryness, is now being leased out for cultivation as the moisture in the soil increased. This is providing the farmers with additional income. The total rainwater captured in 2004 amounts to 50,000 kiloliters, out of which about 30,000 kiloliters percolated into the ground.

It is evident that Rangala Rajpur, now has water stored in its ponds throughout the year. Villagers are pleased to have water bodies in their previously parched village. Isaaque Mohammed, a resident of Rangala Rajpur, said, "We have not seen so much water in our village for years.these ponds have created a scenic views in our village. Neighbouring villagers visit our village and appreciate our rainwater harvesting efforts."

This achievement has brought an attitudinal change in the Panchayat and other leaders of the village, who are willing to take charge of other development issues and support the Foundation to implement its programs. The Panchayat has undertaken the responsibility to generate revenue from the dam and use it for the maintenance of the dam and development of the village.

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