SUCCESS STORY

OF

RIDF PROJECTS

District Soil Conservation Office, Malappuram

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Introduction

Malappuram, the Southernmost of the northern districts of Kerala, was formed on 16 June
1969 with headquarters at the city of Malappuram. The word Malappuram means "terraced
place atop the hills", derived from the general geographical characteristics of the district
headquarters.

The topography of Malappuram consists of three natural divisions; lowland, midland and
highland. The low land stretches along the sea coast, the midland in the centre and the
highland region towards the east and north eastern parts, rich with evergreen forests, ravines,
hills and dales, rivers and brooks. The topography of the district is highly undulating; starting
from the hill tops covered with thick forests on the east along the Nilgiris, it gradually slopes
down to the valleys and the small hills, before finally ending on the sandy flat of luxuriant
coconut groves and palm fringed coasts in the west.

Malappuram district lying in the mid region of the state is having at total area of 3550
sq.km. The district is divided into six Taluks namely Nilambur, Ernad, Perintalmanna, Tirur,
Tirurangadi and Ponnani. The district is having 15 developmental blocks, 96 grama
panchayats and twelve municipalities. Out of the total geographical area, the cropped area is
2476 Sq.Km and the forest area is 835 sq.km. Eastern parts of the district are hilly areas and
are mostly under forest. The topography of the district is highly undulating; starting from the
hilltops covered with thick forests on the east along the Nilgiris which gradually slopes down
to the valleys and the small hills before ending on sandy flat of luxuriant coconut-grooves in
the west. The elevation of the land increases from the sea level as it goes east and the highest
elevation is attained at the north eastern boundary lying along the Western Ghats. The lowest
elevation is noticed towards the western coastal area and the highest elevation of 2476m is at
Nilgiri peak bordering Tamil Nadu . The major physiographic divisions identified in the
district are lowland, midland, midupland, upland, highland and mountainous region.

Drainage status of the district

The district is drained by five major rivers viz;

1) Chaliyar
2) Kadalundi
3) Tirur puzha
4) Bharathpuzha

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5) Kanjiramukku Puzha

1. Chaliyar river-
This river is formed by the confluence of numerous streams and river. The river has a
total length of 168 km and it flows through cholamala estate, Karthapara, Kurumban Mala,
Mannathiambalam, Mampad, Edavanna and Areecode in Malappuram district and then flows
through Vazhkkad bordering Malappuram and Kozhikode district and finally joins the sea at
Beypore.
2. Kadalundi River-

It is formed by the confluence of the tributaries of Olipuzha and Velliar. The length
of river is about 130km. It flows along Karuvarakundu, Melattur, Pandikkad, Malappuram,
Thirurangadi and Kadalundi.

3. Tirur River-
It is a small river which orginates from Atavanad in Tirur taluk. It has length of
48kms. It joins with Bharathapuzha at its mouth.

4. Bharathapuzha River
This is the longest river in the state. Major portion of the river flows through
Palakkad district from Thiruvegappura to Kuttippuram it forms the boundary between
Palakkad and Malappuram district. At Kuttipuram it completely enter Malappuram district. It
then traverse between Ponnani and Tirur Taluk and joins the sea at Ponnani.

5. Kanjiramukku River
This is the smallest river draining through the district . The river emerges from a ridge
near Chazhiyattiri and flows westwards to the Arabian Sea, The tributary of the river
Puthenthode. The drainage pattern appears to be dendritic .The river has a length of 46 Kms.
Major portion of the river flows through Thrissur and palakkad district. At Kanjiramukku it
completely enter Malappuram district. It then traverses between Tirur Taluk and joins the
Arabian sea.

Geography

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Malappuram is situated in the mid land area of the state. As the name suggests, it is covered
with small beautiful mountains of lush greenery, bonded with several fresh water streams
flowing through the city bestows a harmony of natural beauty. Kadalundi Puzha, a major
river in Kerala is flowing around the city. Malappuram is one of the few municipalities in the
state with a tremendous track record of keeping city clean. The recognition as 'best
municipality' in up keeping the cleanliness and health' by state government acknowledges this
sincere efforts of municipality. Malappuram is 'centrally located in the district which makes it
the biggest potential nod of the district. Unlike other district headquarters, Malappuram holds
significant position in west-east transit along with north-south.

Geography and Topography of the District

Major Rivers 5 ( Chaliyar, Kadalundi, Tirur,

Kanjiramukku, Bharathapuzha)
Coastline 70 Kms
Wetland area 54255.99Ha
Cultivable area 7633 Ha
Barren and Uncultivable Land 83446Ha

Geomorphologically the district can be divided into three viz. coastal plain (less than 7.5 m
amsl) mid land (7.5 – 75 m amsl) and highland (above 75 m amsl). The coastal plains extend
as a narrow stretch of land lying along the coast from Kadalundi Nagaram in the north to
Ponnani in the south. It becomes very narrow towards north of Tirur and the maximum width
is seen along Chauravallam - Tirurangadi area. The area lying between the coastal plain in the
west and the high ranges in the east is occupied by midlands. This is the most prominent
physiographic unit of the district. This is characterized by flat topped hillock with steep ‘U’
shaped valleys and ridges.

, riverine fisheries, animal husbandry and modern abattoir.

Climate
The city has more or less the same climatic conditions prevalent else-where the state. The climate is
generally mild hot and humid in nature. However the South West Monsoon is usually very heavy.. Owing
to its natural habitat, Malappuram is also a city of fresh air.
e.

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 1600

1400

1200 JAN
Feb
MAR
1000
APR
MAY
800
JUN
JUL
600 AUG
SEP
400 OCT
NOV
200 DEC

0
90 991 992 993 994 995 996 997 998 999 000 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010
19 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Figure 1. Rainfall Distribution of Wayanad (Source: Central Coffee Research Station , Perumthatta)

Most farmers in Malappuram are small, marginal, and tend to grow multiple sets of crop on
their farmlands. Traditionally, the inhabitants of the area have not depended on forests or community-
owned lands for their biomass requirements. One of the reasons was the absence of community-held
lands, unlike in many other places in the world. Farmers maintain a spectacular variety of plants in
their home gardens to meet their varied needs.

About RIDF.

The RIDF was set up by the Government in 1995-96 for financing ongoing rural Infrastructure
projects. The Fund is maintained by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD). Domestic commercial banks contribute to the Fund to the extent of their shortfall in
stipulated priority sector lending to agriculture. The main objective of the Fund is to provide loans to
State Governments and State-owned corporations to enable them to complete ongoing rural
infrastructure projects. The shortfall in disbursements of RIDF funds as compared to sanctions
continues to remain a matter of concern in the implementation of RIDF. The Government has taken a
number of steps to address this problem. The scope of RIDF has been widened to include activities
such as rural drinking water schemes, soil conservation, rural market yards, rural health centres and
primary schools, mini hydel plants, shishu shiksha kendras, anganwadis, and system improvement in
the power sector. From RIDF V onwards, the ambit was extended to projects undertaken by
Panchayat Raj institutions and projects in the social sector covering primary education, health and
drinking water.The activities to be financed under RIDF X include minor irrigation projects/micro
irrigation, flood protection, watershed development/reclamation of waterlogged areas, drainage, forest
development, market yard/godown, apna mandi, rural haats and other marketing infrastructure, cold
storage, seed/agriculture/horticulture farms, plantation and horticulture, grading and certifying mechanisms

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such as testing and certifying laboratories, etc.,community irrigation wells for irrigation purposes for the
village as a whole, fishing harbour/jetties.

Objectives

The main objectives of the programme are:

Prevention of land degradation by adoption of a multi-disciplinary integrated approach of soil

conservation & watershed management in catchments areas;
Improvement of land capability and moisture regime in the watersheds;
Promotion of land use to match land capability;
Prevention of soil loss from the catchments to reduce siltation of multipurpose reservoirs &
enhance the in-situ moisture conservation and surface rain water storages in the catchments to
reduce flood peaks & volume of runoff.

Out of the 27 States, R.V.P. Programme is being implemented in Kerala also. R.V.P Kabini
Project is a Centrally Sponsored Inter State Project benefiting Kerala and Karanataka. The Project
envisages taking up of soil conservation activities in the catchments of Kabini River (Kerala Portion)
in Wayanad District. The Agriculture (S.C. Unit) Department is the implementing agency for the soil
conservation works in the Kabini catchment.

The catchment of Kabini which is falling on Kerala and Karnataka state is about 2,18,130 ha
area, out of which, 1,63,570 ha area is the Kerala portion of Kabini catchment, falling on Wayanad
district of Kerala. The total geographical area of Kabini catchment (Kerala Portion) spreads to almost
76% of entire Wayanad District. It includes all Panchayats except Noolpuzha Panchayat. Kabini
River originates from the Western Ghats of Kerala in Wayanad District and flows eastwards and
reaches Kaveri River at Thirumakudlu, Narasipara in Karnataka State. Kabini River is formed by the
union of two major tributaries namely Mananthavadypuzha and Pananmarampuzha. A composite
dam has been constructed across Kabini River near Bidurahalli-Bechanahalli in H.D.Kotte Taluk of
Mysore District. The dam suffers heavy siltation which leads to the reduction of its storage capacity
and life. Considering the importance of taking up Soil and Water Conservation measures in the
catchments area of Kabini River, Government of India have included the Kabini catchment under the
100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme of River Valley Project and Government vide letter
No.401/98.SWC-1 dated 22.4.1998 has issued administrative approval of the project. The Project is
operational since 1998-99. Later the scheme has been included under the Macro Management Mode
with a change in the assistance from central government to 90% through a Memorandum of
Understanding.

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 All India Soil and Land use Survey, Bangalore (Report No. Agri.834: March 1991), has
delineated the catchments area of Kabini into 60 watersheds. Out of this 60 sub watersheds 47 nos.
come under Kerala portion and covers an area of 1,63,570 hectares. Prioity delineation survey was
conducted and the watersheds were categorized into 4 classes (very high, high, medium and low)
based on the silt yield index methodology. 1 watershed falling in very high priority, 23 watersheds
falling in high priority are taken for treatment based on the financial assistance from the central
government.

The main aim of the river valley project Kabini (Kerala Portion) is to reduce siltation in the
downstream dams of Beechanahalli-Bidharahalli in Karanataka state, enhancing in situ moisture
conservation, surface rain water storages and reduce flood peaks and volume of runoff. The project
was initiated in the year 1998 and the implementation of soil and water conservation measures under
RVP Kabini was commenced in the Kaniyampetta watershed in the year 1999-2000 and 9
watersheds have been saturated in the project till now. A total area of 19940.51 Ha was treated under
arable land conservation measures and about 4926 structures were constructed. The total expenditure
under the scheme is Rs.18, 72, 02,76 including infrastructure.

Financing Pattern

The financing pattern of the programme is as of Macro Manangement of Agriculture (MMA) Scheme
of DAC, Govt. of India, which is 90% Central share and 10% States share. The central assistance
from 2008-09 onwards is being provided as 100% grant to the State governments and UTs.

Subsidy Pattern

The project was started in 1998-99 with 50% loan for the beneficiaries. From 2003-04 onwards, the
pattern has been revised for arable land works with 72% subsidy for general category of farmers and
28% as the beneficiaries contribution. Beneficiaries belonging to SC/ST category will get 90%
subsidy and 10% will be their contribution. Drainage line treatment is undertaken with 100%
assistance.

Institutional Arrangements

State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) is to be constituted for coordination and implementation of all
watershed programmes. The annual technical sanction of RVP & FPR programme will be approved
by SLNA along with other watershed programme activities.

Project Implementation Agency( PIA)

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Assistant Directors under each sub divisional offices of Kabini Project are selected as the PIA for
implementation of the watershed development projects executed through each office.

Watershed development team

Watershed development team (WDT) will be an integral part of the Project Implementation
Agency(PIA) with four members, broadly with knowledge and experience in agriculture, soil science,
water management , social mobilization and institutional building. Soil Conservation officer will be
selected as the team leader of the WDT. WDT will guide the watershed committee in the formulation
of the watershed action plan. WDT has the roles and responsibilities in the constitution of watershed
committee, organising and nurturing user groups and self help groups, conducting base line surveys ,
training and capacity building.

Watershed Committee

The grama sabha will constitute the watershed committee to implement the watershed project with the
technical support of WDT in the village. In the implementation, an arrangement in form of
Watershed Farmers Association was formed and registered under Charitable Societies Act. A 15
members executive committee of the watershed farmers association met regularly and discussed
various aspects of scheme implementation and they helped the officials in the overall supervision of
scheme implementation. Backward linkages in the form of follow up activities like yearly
maintenance of contour bunds by the farmers in the arable lands and the repair of community works
are vital to sustain the progress already achieved by the scheme. . The watershed committee has to be
registered under the Society Registration act, 1960. The grama sabha may elect/appoint any suitable
person as the chairman of the watershed committee. The watershed committee (WC) will comprise of
at least 10 members , half of the members shall be representatives of SHGs and USER groups, SC/ST
community, women and landless persons in the village. One member of the WDT shall also be
represented in the watershed committee.

Self Help Groups

The WC shall constitute SHGs in the watershed area with the help of WDT amongst poor , small and
marginal farmer households, landless/asset less poor agricultural labourers, women, shepherd and
SC/ST persons. The groups shall be homogenous groups having common identity and interest who
are dependent on the watershed area for their livelihood. Each SHG will be provided with a revolving
fund of an amount to be decided by the nodal ministry.

User Groups

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The watershed committee shall also constitute User groups, in the watershed area with the help of
WDT. These shall be homogenous group of persons more affected by each more / activity and include
those having land holdings within the watershed areas. The WC with the help of WDT shall facilitate
resource use agreements among the user groups based on the principles of equity and sustainability.

Project Components

In this programme all type of lands viz agriculture, waste and forest are treated in an integrated
manner with suitable package of treatment viz. construction of Contour Vegetative Hedges,
Contour/Graded Bunding, Horticulture Plantation, Contour/ Staggered Trenching, Sowing and
Planting of Plants, Silvi-Pasture Development, Pasture Development, Afforestation, Farm Pond,
Percolation Tank, Drainage Line Treatment (Earthen /Loose Boulders Check Dams, Water harvesting
Structures, Check Bund, Spill-way, Sediment Detention Structures etc.). The selection of treatment
measures has to be in such a way that all types of lands are treated in an integrated manner. Permanent
structures are to be constructed in the second or third year of the implementation of the programme as
per sanction for the specific structure.

Project Management

The major activities of the Watershed Development Projects will be sequenced into

(i) Preparatory, (ii) Works and (iii) Consolidation and withdrawal Phase
Preparatory Phase

The major objective of this phase is to build appropriate mechanisms for adoption of participatory
approach and empowerment of local institutions (WC, SHG, and UG).In this phase, the main
activities will include:

1. Taking up entry point activities to establish credibility of the Watershed Development Team
(WDT) and create a rapport with the village community
2. Initiating the development of Village level institutions such as Watershed Committees (WCs),
Self- Help Groups (SHGs) and User Groups (UGs) and Capacity Building of different
stakeholders
3. Baseline surveys needed for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR), selection of sites
and beneficiaries..
4. Hydro-geological survey of the watershed to map out zones of potential

Watershed Works Phase

This phase is the heart of the programme in which the DPR will be implemented.

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This phase includes:

 Ridge Area Treatment: All activities required to restore the health of the catchment area by
reducing the volume and velocity of surface run-off, including regeneration of vegetative
cover in forest and common land, afforestation, staggered trenching, contour and graded
bunding, bench terracing etc.
 Drainage line treatment with a combination of vegetative and engineering structures, such
as earthen checks, brushwood checks, gully plugs, loose boulder checks, gabion structures,
underground dykes etc.
 Development of water harvesting structures such as low-cost farm ponds, nalla bunds,
check-dams, percolation tanks and ground water recharge through wells, bore wells and other
measures.
 Nursery raising for fodder, fuel, timber and horticultural species. As far as possible local
species may be given priority.
 Land Development including in-situ soil and moisture conservation and drainage
management measures like field bunds, contour and graded bunds fortified with plantation,
bench terracing in hilly terrain etc.
 Crop demonstrations for popularizing new crops/varieties, water saving technologies such
as drip irrigation or innovative management practices. As far as possible varieties based on
the local germplasm may be promoted.
 Pasture development, sericulture, bee keeping, back yard poultry, small ruminant, other
livestocks and other micro-enterprises.
 Veterinary services for livestock and other livestock improvement measures.
 Fisheries development in village ponds/tanks, farm ponds etc.
 Promotion and propagation of non-conventional energy saving devices, energy conservation
measures, bio fuel plantations etc

Consolidation and Withdrawal Phase

In this phase the resources augmented and economic plans developed in watershed works phase are
made the foundation to create new nature-based, sustainable livelihoods and raise productivity levels.

The main objectives under this phase are:

 Consolidation and completion of various works

 Building the capacity of the community based organizations to carry out the new
agenda items during post project period.

 Sustainable management of (developed) natural resources and

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  Up-scaling of successful experiences regarding farm production systems / off-farm
livelihoods.
Online web –based monitoring system

A website on “Monitoring system for RVP& FPR (http:// www.dacnet.nic.in/nrmmonitor/)” has

been created. The PIA should submit monthly/quarterly/six monthly and annual progress reports
through the system.

Implementation

The project was initiated in the year 1998 with the commencement of soil conservation works in the
Kaniyampetta watershed in the year 1999-2000. The cumulative progress incurred are given in the
table 1.

Table 1. Cumulative progress report under RVP Kabini(Kerala portion)

I WORKS PHYSICAL FINANCIAL

1 Survey Demarcation & Preperation of WPRs 0 58436

2 Enty point activities 12 1095428
3 PROJECT ACTIVITIES
A AGRICULTURAL LAND
1 Contour Vegetative Hedges (Ha) 2137.581 5472669
2 Contour/ Graded Bund 10856.08 64562670
3 Contour Staggered Trench (Ha) 4481.73 5237502
4 Horticultural Development 0 883342
5 Earthen / Loose Boulder check dam (U/R) 517 1971919
6 Loose Boulder with Vegetative support (U/R) 231 532099
7 Earthen / Loose Boulder check dam (M/R) 348 1996833
8 Loose Boulder with Vegetative support (M/R) 181 1456399
9 Loose Boulder with Vegetative support and Gabion 0 0
10 Water Harvesting Structures 189 20892438
11 Farm Pond 1806 56944919
12 Spillways/ Retaining wall 7 779987

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 SubTotal – Area (Ha.) 17475.391 76156183
Sub Total-Structures (Nos) 3279 84574594
TOTAL FOR ITEM A 160730777
B FOREST LAND
1 Demarcation 0 50188
2 Composite Nursery 200000(nos) 753127
3 Closure by guards 425 485286
4 Contour Staggered Trench(ha) 1605.12 2884197
5 Sowing and Planting 344 1038582
6 Gap filling and Post Planting Care 91 297949
7 Percolation Tank 6 378911
8 Earthen / Loose Boulder check dam (U/R) 1011 3282409
9 Earthen / Loose Boulder check dam (M/R) 630 4459463
SubTotal – Area (Ha.) 2465.12 5509329
Sub Total-Structures (Nos) 1649 8120783
TOTAL FOR ITEM B 13630112
TOTAL FOR WORKS
AREA 19940.511
STRUCTURES 4926
FINANCIAL 175514753
INFRASTRUCTURE 11300095
WIFE Scheme 387915
GRAND TOTAL I+II 187202763
Watershed Treatment Measures

I Arable Land Treatment

i Contour Vegetative Hedge

ii Contour /Graded Bund

ii Contour Staggered Trench

iv Horticulture Development

II Drainage Line Treatment

i Earthen Loose Boulders (In upper reach & middle reach)

ii Earthen Loose Boulders with Vegetative Support (In middle reach)

iii Farm Ponds (Using rubbles and RCC Ring type)

iv Water Harvesting Structure

v Retaining Wall

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III Forest Land Works

i Demarcation & Preparatory Works

ii Closure by guards

iii Contour Staggered Trench

iv Sowing and Plantation

Project Activities

Arable Land Treatment Measures

Low cost conservation measures like contour vegetative hedges, earthen bunds and contour
staggered trenches were adopted to intercept rainfall where it falls and to obviate the chances
of the runoff water from acquiring erosive velocities. The uplands are prone to soil erosion
due to slopy topography. Hence to check the velocity of the run-off, earthen bund along the
contour are laid with water disposal system to carry excessive rainfall safely to the
downstream to let off stream flow in natural channels and a part of which is stored in water
harvesting structure, dugout ponds. This resulted in the reduction of soil erosion to a great
extent and increased infiltration and percolation of rain water to the ground water and inturn
increase the soil fertility and productivity of the land

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Contour bund

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Stone pitched contour bund

Contour Vegetative Hedges

Stone Pitched contour bund are constructed in land where stone is available in the site itself.
By utilising the available stone bunds are constructed in contour at a suitable intervals leads
to increase cultivable area, reduce soil erosion allow the roots for crops to absorb more water.
This type of construction is very suitable for laterite soil or wherever stone is available, up to
35% of slope areas can be protected by this way.

All the arable land conservation measures were executed with the active participation of
farmers who were the stake holders in the watershed. People’s participation was the most
important aspect of the success of this watershed. The farmers were persuaded to cultivate the
crops by farming seedbed across the slope to reduce soil erosion. The farmers were given
training to undertake conservation measures on scientific manners following Department

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Staggered trenches

specifications and RVP Guidelines by the officials and experts in the field of watershed
management. The payments of works were directly distributed to the farmers which
generated considerable enthusiasm among the farmers and agriculture labours in the area
towards the implementation of the scheme activities. The project generated 69000 man days
of employment per year in the scheme area.

Staggered Contour trenching across the slope was done to control erosion to reduce water
velocity and to store runoff water. The water stored in trenches will recharge the
surroundings, farm pond and water harvesting structures in the lower reaches.4481 ha of land
were covered with pits to increase the amount of water that infiltrates the soil on sloped
fields.

Horticultural Development

Horticultural plants are supplied after identifying the barren lands in the watershed, and based
on the demand by the land holding farmers. Horticulture plants like mango , bamboo, guava,
nutmeg , pathimugam, mahagani, sappotta, roseapple , kudumpuli graft are being supplied.

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Drainage line treatment measures

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The gullies are formed due to soil erosion in all types of lands. Gully control measures
consist of construction of series of check dams across the gully. According to the severity of
the problem, earthen or loose boulder check dams are adopted for the area. These are
supported by vegetative
measures. The gullies
threaten to engulf
adjoining valuable lands
and at times damage the
roads and buildings. The
deep narrow “U” shaped
gullies formed due to
under scouring by the
stream flow during rainy
season were protected
with loose boulder check
dams. This resulted in
the reduction of the velocity of flow along the channels and preventing the covering of the
stream banks. This is also constructed in the ridge area, wherever the drains are dry during
summer, the available loose boulders are utilised for construction with a vegetative support.
This type of construction makes the running water in the stream to walk and to reduce the
slope of drain bed under a controlled condition. The vegetative support save the debris and
cleans the water. 2918 numbers of check dams were constructed in the upper, middle and
lower reaches of the saturated watersheds in the catchment.

Farm Ponds are mainly meant for the purpose of storing the surface runoff generated
from the watershed area. These serve several purpose of farm needs such as supply of water
for irrigation, cattle feed etc. For this two types of design are adopted (circular ring type and
square type), tap the spring water and surface runoff and used as drinking water during
summer season.

Water harvesting structures are constructed to group of families for their water for
livelihood and for common irrigation purposes. Excess runoff water in rainy season is
collected in this tank and utilised for life saving purpose during summer season and it will
allow the runoff water to percolate and there by recharge the ground water.

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 The farm ponds and water harvesting structures were dugged at the low lying areas
contributed to the conservation of excess rain water and the replenishment of ground water.
The water harvesting structures are constructed as masonry structures. This will reduce
erosion of the stream and its catchment and allow the water in a controlled way so that the
soil erosion down below is controlled. The impounded water also provides life saving
irrigation to the lands in the ayacut. It will increase the soil moisture regime around the
structure for increased crop production. There are 189 numbers of water harvesting structures
and 1806 farm ponds were created under the scheme. These structures created 93000m 3
additional storage of water in the catchment and can command an area of about 2000 ha of
land. This has pushed up the levels of water in wells, increasing pump discharges, lowering
electricity and fuel bills. The water stored in the WHS and the farm ponds was recycled by
the farmers during the summer periods to give minor irrigation to their crops to cop up with
moisture stress during this period. This has greatly increased the crop yield in that area. The
farmers residing in the vicinity of the WHSs are able to rise on more crop of paddy or
vegetable in the paddy fields by providing irrigation from the WHS. The check dams were
constructed using loose boulder available at the site. The farm ponds and WHS were

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constructed during summer months. This has greatly helped in providing income to
agriculture labour that is otherwise lives without gainful employment during this period.

Farm pond ( square type)

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Farm pond ( ring type)

Water Harvesting Structure

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Retaining wall

The retaining walls are constructed to maintain unequal level of ground surface by its sides or to
support a soil mass.

Entry Point Activity

As Entry point activities in Kabini Catcdhment , out of the 9 completed watershed,12

number
s of structures was executed in watershed area. All these structures were mainly concentrating
on the recharge of water.

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Engineering Hydrology Division

The concept of comparison of hydrologic & sediment changes during treatment and after
treatment as compared to pretreatment are also undertaken by establishing Sediment Monitoring
Station (SMS) in one, out of five watersheds for assessing the impact of watershed interventions. The
daily / monthly data on rainfall , runoff and sediment prior to treatment , during treatment and after
treatment for each SMS are collected , compiled, analysed and reported by the Engineering
Hydrology division. About 2 numbers of sediment monitoring stations were established in Kabini
catchment at Koleri and Managavayal which is lying on Kundichira and Munderi watersheds
respectively. 3 numbers of rain gauge both recording and non recording type were installed in the 3
treated watersheds of the Kabini catchment. The daily rainfall, runoff and sediment data were

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collectedand reported.

Sediment Monitoring station at Managavayal

Rain Gauge station at Meppadi in Munderi Watershed

Capacity Building Strategy

The capacity building & training of the officials and farmers were given first priority. About 1 number
of State level workshop has been conducted in the year 2007, discussed the new thrust areas in river
valley project and also given in depth analysis of problems & measures faced in each individual
watershed. Project level training programme and watershed level training programmes are conducted
in every year. Exposure visits have been conducted to research institutes in the field of soil and water
conservation.

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Farmers Training at Pozhuthana Watershed

Abstract of the progress report

About 17.54 crores has been expended till 2009-10 for implementing the soil conservation works in
the very high and high priority watersheds of the Kabini Catchment under the centrally sponsored
scheme of River valley project which covers around 50,105 ha of geographical area by treating an
area of 19,940 ha with 4926 structures.

These works enhanced the availability of water into the watershed, increased the water table and there
by the drinking water in wells are raised. The crop colour of the watershed increased to more
greenish. Around 25% of increase in crop yield is noticed. The fodder availability for cattle increases
considerably. Springs were live in summer season. Single cropped area converted to double crop or
multiple crop. Slope of various hills are splitted in to pieces and reduced the flow intensity in rainy
season . One of the commendable social aspects about the scheme implementation is the direct
involvement of the farmers in the execution of arable land scheme activities and the payment
were directly distributed to them and the drainage line treatment of scheme activities were
executed by the secretary of Watershed Farmers Association and payment distributed through
him. After the completion of each watershed project, farmers opinioned that the farm ponds,
and Water harvesting structures which dots the entire watershed area provided adequate water
for the drinking water requirements and irrigation and this also helps the farmers to save the
lives of their crops and thereby increasing the productivity of major crops in the farm
compared to the previous years. This clearly indicates that the scheme activities have yielding
beneficial results by reducing the intensity of soil and water erosion.

25
Cumulative Achievement under the Kabini Project since inception

Total Approved Programme

(Revised ) Total Executed Programme

Finance
Physical Structur Finance Physical Structur
Sl. No. Watershed code (ha) e (nos) ( Lakhs) (ha) e (nos) ( Lakhs)

Saturated Watersheds under RVP Kabini

Kaniyampetta
1 (Ka4n) 1772 447 130.61 998 233 91.99

2 Thonichal (Ka3a) 2700 458 184.76 2058 293 140.91

Thavinjal
3 (Ka3d) 1546 372 125.19 1325 409 116.74

4 Kuppadithara (Ka4p) 2418 640 179.11 2413 776 162.18

5 KoodalKadavu (Ka4c) 809 131 78.19 754 117 69.42

6 Padichira (Ka1p) 1213 132 120.94 730 122 90.7

7 Moolithode (Ka3f) 2065 323 206.62 1767 312 176.6

8 Vythiri (Ka4r) 2620 1729 261.99 2063 1744 205.71

Pozhuthana (Ka4q) 2542 647 225.21 2569.35 632 214.17

Total 15143 4232 1287.41 14677.35 4396 1264.06

Ongoing Watersheds under RVP Kabini

1 Pulpally (Ka1q) 2757 140 178.54 1363.67 74 77.78

2 Kundichira (Ka4b) 3068 248 285.34 1547.90 161 142.923

3 Valad (Ka3g) 2633 523 252.82 1224.00 288 138.24

4 Munderi(ka4t) 6100 541 512.46 1058.896 0 76.931

5 Poothadi(ka4f) 2583 129 216.964 253.4701 7 19.168

Total 11000 1558 941.91 5447.93 530 464.922

Office of the JDSC 25.26

Total Works 26143 5790 2229.32 19940.51 4926 1754.242

INNOVATIVE
SCHEME 3.88 26

INFRASTRUCTURE 113.90