48-Watershed Development Approach in Groundwater Augmentation in Nawapada, District of Orissa.

Abstract

Watershed or a drainage basin is a unit draining runoff water to a common point. In Nawapada district of Orissa the average annual rainfall is 1378.2 mm and it falls in the rain shadow region. The rainfall is erratic. The district is chronically affected by drought. Integrated watershed development programme has been implemented on micro watershed basis in the district, which has given encouraging results. The Jharianala watershed of Tileijhar village is an ideal example. In this watershed area, different water conservation structures like contour bunding, minor pit, loose boulder check dams and check dams etc. are implemented. After implementation of the project, it was found that there is a rise in groundwater level, decrease in soil erosion and improvement of vegetation growth. People are also able to cultivate in summer season. This has stopped migration of labour and there is an overall socio-economic development of the area.