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Located barely
25 km South West of Jodhpur, Jhanwar, once a water deficient
area now has a perennial water source. It represents an
excellent example of public participating in water resource
management. This
watershed project covers a watershed area of 1,200 hectares
within 4,600 hectares of land.
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PRE-PROJECT
SCENARIO
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The area
receives a low erratic rainfall with an average rainfall of
360 mm per year followed by recurrent droughts.
Due to this there used to be a heavy problem of soil
erosion resulting in a reduction of fertile cultivable land.
There was tremendous pressure on ground water resources
for various uses leading to continuous depletion of water
table in aquifers. Due
to scarcity of fodder & overstocking of animals
overgrazing was done on a large scale.
All these factors contribute to seasonal migration of
human and livestock populations from this area.
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Way
to Success
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·
Initially
wasteland reclamation of 120
hectares was done through gully
stopping and other soil and water
conservation measures.
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Shelterbelts
were constructed to
prevent wind and water erosion.
· Different
water harvesting
techniques were used to store and
conserve water for its subsequent
efficient use.
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· Public
participation was increased in management of natural
resources- soil,
water, vegetation and animal for increased
production through an integrated
sustainable production system over the
whole watershed.
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THE
PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS
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°
Recharging of groundwater resources.
° Higher
incomes through high crop
production, sales and employment
opportunities.
° Improved
livelihood, access to education,
nutrition and health due to
increased
economic returns.
° Improved
and sustainable source of fuel
wood from shelterbelt prunings. |
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°
Recognition
of the value of the integrated management of
natural resources.
°
Marginal
reduction in human and cattle migration.
° Its
replication in other areas of Rajasthan and
also Gujrat, Punjab and Haryana. |
Source:
Success stories, Asia Pacific
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