Gurgaon, India, September 30, 2003 – A check dam to provide water to the village of Rangala Rajpur, Gurgaon District, Haryana, has been completed. Rangala Rajpur depends on the monsoon rainfalls to recharge local wells and for irrigation. In recent years, the local water harvesting and supply infrastructure had fallen into disrepair, aggravating the community’s water problems. The Sehgal Foundation proposed the construction of a large earthen check dam to collect seasonal rainwater runoff from the nearby hills.

The Rangala Rajpur check dam project was first proposed to the community’s Water Committee in 2002. At that time the Foundation and the Committee agreed a cost sharing plan of 75% and 25% respectively. The Foundation requires contribution in kind or in cash from the community for all such projects. Cost sharing is intended to involve the village community directly in all development projects. Work began in 2002, but stopped when the community was unable to honor its cost commitment.

In 2003 the Ragala Rajpur villagers requested and were granted funds from the local government for the completion of the check dam. Each household also contributed 10 sacks of wheat to make up the agreed village contribution. Cash and labor was also contributed by the village. The check dam was completed before the onset of this year’s monsoons in July. Water has already percolated from the dam into the ground, and previously dry wells are beginning to fill again.

For further information please contact:

The Sehgal Foundation
Dr. (Ms) Ellora Mubashir;
289, Sector 17A,
Gurgaon, Haryana-122001, India