IPR
A group of 11 members comprising of Field Facilitators of Namthang, Melli, Kaluk, Rhenock, Passingdong and Ravalgla BACs and Bikas Subba Faculty (SIRD), along with officials of RM&DD, WWF and TMI-India officials went on an exposure visit to Nainital, Uttarakhand, to study the experiments carried out by CHIRAG (Central Himalayan Rural Action Group) on Springshed Development (Dhara Vikas) from 25th April to 6th May 2011. CHIRAG is a non-governmental organization working in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand working in the field of rural development since 1987.

As Uttrakhand has similar topography and terrain like Sikkim, the exposure trip was basically designed to enhance the understanding and learn from their experiences on groundwater recharge and spring rejuvenation measures. CHIRAG has several years of experience in watershed management and development with the active participation of community and has been successful in their initiatives. Initially, the team members were briefed by Dr. Madhavan, Chief Executive Officer, CHIRAG, on the activities of the organization and on springshed development works in particular. “CHIRAG has been carrying catchment area treatment in over 30 critical springs in Uttaranchal”, Dr. Madhavan informed. During the four-day field training cum exposure in several villages of Nainital, Almora and Bageshwar districts in Uttarakhand, the team members witnessed different kinds of soil and water conservation structures like gully plugs, staggered contour trenches, percolation pits, contour terraces, terrace leveling, terrace bunding, loose boulder check dams, brushwood checkdams, gabion check dams and Khals (local term for percolation tanks). During the visit, the team also interacted with the local community who were very much appreciative of CHIRAG’s work in the water sector.

The key technical manpower providing support to the Dhara Vikas program in Sikkim, are the Field Facilitators posted in the BACs. The Rural Management and Development Department, Government of Sikkim had carried out pilot spring rejuvenation measures in the State during 2010-11. Initial results of this program are pretty encouraging and now it is planned to upscale this program to cover more springs. Larger investments are planned this year in rainwater harvesting for groundwater recharge for springshed and watershed development. This exposure visit to Nainital will go a long way in ensuring that these investments are effective and the project outcomes are realized.

 

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