Dhara Vikas: Creating water security through spring-shed development in Sikkim

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29 Jan 2017, 5:43 am

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Dhara Vikas is an innovative programme to revive and maintain drying springs in the north-eastern state of Sikkim. A robust climate adaptation strategy for drought-prone districts, Dhara Vikas (meaning, spring-shed development) is helping to alleviate the problem of rural water scarcity by reducing surface runoff of rainwater and allowing more water to percolate down to recharge underground aquifers, which, in turn, ensures increased discharge from springs. Besides its significant impact on crop patterns and yields, the programme has also worked on developing a village spring atlas and a water source atlas for the state. Water access to the population through this initiative has also led to improved sanitation practices.

Rationale

Objectives

Key Stakeholders

Implementation Strategy

Resources Utilised

Impact

Recharging lakes, reviving springs, reforestation:

Dhara Vikas has created a significant impact by recharging lakes and reviving several springs in Sikkim. As many as 50 springs have been revived, most of them in Kaluk, Rhenock, Ravangla, Sumbuk, Jorethang and Namthang. Further, five lakes, namely Dolling, Deythang, Nagi, Karthok and Datum, were revived by the initiative. It has also led to reforestation of seven hill-top forests at Simkharka, Sadam, Tendong, Maenam, Gerethang, Chakung and Sudunglakha. Overall, at an investment of Rs. 2.5 crore over the last four years, Dhara Vikas has brought about 900 million litres of annual groundwater recharge.

Creation of a cadre of technical specialists:

Dhara Vikas has also developed seven master trainers as inhouse cadre of para-hydrogeologists.

Creation of a village spring atlas and web portal:

Another significant impact of the initiative is the creation of the village spring atlas web portal which provides information on 700 springs, and can be accessed at www. Sikkimsprings.org.

Benefits to agriculture and farming:

Dhara Vikas has made a significant impact on crop patterns and yields. According to Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science’s assessment report (2013), increased irrigation has encouraged farmers to cultivate new crops such as beans, radish, cauliflower, cabbage and chilly, along with paddy and tomatoes. Many perennial garden fruits, such as guava, banana, orange and litchi, have been cultivated following this initiative. The report also indicates an average of 15% increase in crop yield and 25% increase in the cultivation of irrigated crops such as paddy, tomatoand vegetables.