NRM &
Climate Change
The Vidarbha region receives an average annual rainfall of around 900 mm. However, due to the irregular and erratic nature of rainfall, farmers have been unable to achieve the expected crop production in recent years. Similar to the Kharif season, Rabi crops have also been adversely affected, causing significant economic and social hardships for farmers.
Agriculture in this region is largely dependent on rainfall. Therefore, proper conservation and management of rainwater can significantly help in addressing drinking water scarcity, while the surplus water can also be utilized for irrigation purposes. However, due to the lack of proper land management practices, the fertile topsoil is being washed away and deposited in streams, rivers, dams, and reservoirs. As a result, silt accumulation has reduced the water storage capacity of many dams and reservoirs.
Considering this situation, Rasikashraya initiated various soil and water conservation interventions in Yavatmal district. Between 2016 and 2022, the organization implemented large-scale soil and water conservation activities across 30 villages in Ghatanji, Yavatmal, Pandharkawda, and Kalamb talukas.
Enhancing prosperity through irrigation
Our Work
Dam & Pond Desiltation
Desiltation of 17 water bodies removed 168,269 cubic meters of silt, improving soil fertility on 729 acres of farmland and increasing crop productivity by 1.5 times. The initiative also enhanced water storage and raised groundwater levels in 263 wells and borewells.
Deepening of streams
Stream deepening and widening across 17.3 km in Ghatanji, Yavatmal, andKalamb talukas protected the land of 162 farmers from floods, increased irrigation coverage by 688 acres, and improved water levels in 116 wells, borewells, and hand pumps.
Rejuvenation of river
We undertook river rejuvenation work for the Waghadi, Dham, and Pus rivers. This included cleaning the riverbeds and increasing their length, width, and depth, which helped restore the rivers and revive natural water sources.
Earthen Dam
Earthen check dams built in Lingapur and Dhanora villages created 12 TCM of additional water storage and improved water levels in 33 nearby wells, borewells, and hand pumps, benefiting farmers through improved irrigation access.
Stories of Change
Through these soil and water conservation efforts, we have successfully addressed drinking water issues and brought meaningful positive changes in the lives of farmers.
Malgujari Talav
Parwa village has remained completely tanker-free for the last eight years, ensuring sustainable availability of drinking water for the villagers.
Khateshwar
Silt was removed from the pond built by Khateshwar Maharaj 60 years ago and spread across nearly 100 acres of farmland. This directly benefited 23 wells, and the pond has not dried up for the last eight years.
Dham
A total of 18 km of the Dham River, considered a lifeline for the region, was rejuvenated. The river was cleaned, its width was expanded up to 50–60 metres, and 19 Doha were restored.
Our Impact
Total cubic meter work done 354964
Total 601 farmers have been benefited from deepening and widening of 19.6 canals as well as river revival work.
431 farmers applied silt to 851 acres of land resulting in increased soil fertility.
842 acres of land has been brought under irrigation.
Sustained increase in water storage of 412 wells and borewells
Water storage of 176.62 TCM was made available in dams and ponds.
Water balance of 11 villages was prepared as this balance showed the effect of changes due to water conservation works.
Due to application of silt in agriculture, the fertility of the land has increased, and theincome ofthe farmers has increased sustainably due to water storage