Influence of surface water harvesting on ground water regime: a case of village Rozam

N M Sadguru Water & Development Foundation, Dahod-389 151(Gujarat). Over exploitation and mismanagement of natural resources have resulted in the loss of valuable natural resources of semi-arid regions. Groundwater depletion problems and growing water crises are common in drought prone area of eastern Gujarat region, in western India. Harvesting and managing natural resources on sustainable basis is the most commonly advocated solution to this problem. The water harvesting measures when done in an integrate manner in a series are the best possible programme for restoring the degradation of natural resources. The present study was aimed at assessing the impact of water harvesting structures in rural tribal village Rozam of district Dahod of Gujarat State. A prominent NGO namely, N M Sadguru Water and Development Foundation, Dahod helped village in developing a series of water harvesting structures in May 2002. The aim of programme was to conserve water resources by the local tribal people. Under this programme series of 8 low cost small check dams were constructed and one existing percolation tank was renovated on a rivulet in village Rozam of district Dahod. Through the study an attempt has been made to analyze the impact on ground water levels, agricultural production and people livelihoods in this village. Total 50 open wells on both sides of the rivulet were selected for observing and recording the ground water levels and yields in these wells. Ground water level observations indicated that the average water table has gone up by 2.57m in year 2002 and 2.10m in year 2003 in 50 open wells. The well yield has increased from 0.64 lps to 1.50 lps in year 2002 and 1.72 lps in year 2003 after the programme intervention. Before programme the total area under different crops was 75.58 acre during Rabi season bur after programme, area under Rabi season has increased by 142.41 acre in year 2003 and by 173.26 acre in year 2004. Area under different crops has increased by 88.42% in year 2003 and 129.24% in year 2004. This is a significant improvement which gave sustainability to the peoples lives. The pre and post programme intervention situation comparison of data indicates that the programme has resulted in increased productivity, improved income and better food availability. These structures were found useful in improving the ecosystem & developing water resources base in the village. The study suggests that the approach of a series of check dam is sustainable and viable option to rehabilitate depleting ecology among the tribals of eastern Gujarat.