The changar region is located in the Shivalik range of outer Himalayas, in Himachal Pradesh. It is a zone of naturally sensitive geology with unstable soil profiles. Increasing human and livestock population, deforestation and improper land management had resulted in a steady process of resource degradation, especially of land and water. Acute shortage of water and fodder in hot dry months were most pressing problems. Keeping in view the above mentioned problems Indo-German Changar Eco-Development Project (IGCEDP) was started in 1993.
 

• Structural/mechanical measures including construction of earthern dams to harvest runoff generated during rainy season and its subsequent use during rest of year. 

• Flow diversions through mechanical and vegetative measures to control rate of water flow on hill slopes and also to minimize soil erosion.

• Degradation of the catchment has been checked to a great extent. 

• Green cover on forest land and outside has been improved. 

• Effective conservation and augmentation of water resources in the watershed has taken place leading to better access to drinking water and increase in irrigated area. 

• With the reclamation of culturable wastelands and degraded uplands the net sown area has increased. 

• Multiple cropping has been reintroduced with assured availability of irrigation water. This has resulted in increased crop productivity due to better soil, water and crop management. 

• Seasonal human and cattle migration has been reduced. 

• Watershed development activities have given rise to non farm employment. 

• Village Development Committees (VDCs) have been constituted for planning and implementation of activities on the basis of commonly agreed action plans. 
   

• Perceptible change is seen in quality of life of people through better nutrition, housing, clothing and improved literacy.

(Source:Indo-German Changar Eco-Developement Project,Postbox 25, Palampur HP India)
 

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