By Porisma P. Gogoi
Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan), July 27 (IANS) A water conservation project that will benefit 2,500 households and 10,000 individuals was on Wednesday handed over by the Coca-Cola India Foundation (Anandana) and its implementing partner -- Action for Food Production (AFPRO) -- to the community of Sawai Madhopur.
The project consists of two earthen dams, 22 farm ponds, renovation of two existing dams and 34 well-recharged structures is spread over 300 hectares in the four villages of Bhadlav, Padli, Ulliyana and Kundera in the district.
The average groundwater level in these four villages is currently around 50 metres and drops further during summer. The water conservation structures constructed to address the issue, will result in multiple benefits including enhanced productivity, soil and water conservation, environment amelioration and socio-economic up-liftment of the community.
The project in Bhadlav village was inaugurated by Diya Kumari, a BJP member of the Rajasthan assembly from Sawai Madhopur constituency.
âThe dwindling water scenario in the village has always been an area of concern for the villagers affecting the agricultural productivity and their livelihood,â Diya Kumari said here.
"This watershed management initiative will help the local farmers to yield better output and will improve the socio-economic state of the region," she added.
According to the foundation, the water conservation structure would improve the water-use efficiency, groundwater recharge and strengthening eco-system services in the region.
âThrough the construction of this check dam we strive to improve the management of water resources and the daily life of the villagers and farmers. We expect there will be a significant rise in groundwater table post monsoon this year," said Ishteyaque Amjad, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia.
Asked about the investment on the construction of the check dam in Bhadlav, Praveen Singhai, Regional Manager of AFPRO, told IANS: "We have redone the anicut (check dam) in Bhadlav and the investment was around Rs 5 lakhs. The dam is almost complete, only some repair work is left."
"With the construction of this dam, water will percolate around two kilometres underground," he added.
(The writer is at Sawai Madhopur at the invitation of Coca-Cola India Foundation. Porisma P. Gogoi can be contacted at porisma.g@ians.in)
