Dicholi Watershed Development Programme (NWDPRA), Bicholim Taluka, North Goa
for Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India

Summary

This Project is part of the National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed areas (NWDPRA) of the Government of India. The villages covered in this project are in Bicholim Taluka, North Goa. The project involves the people's participation to develop land and water resources for enhancing productivity in rainfed areas on a sustainable basis

Objective

The objective of this watershed development programme is to provide communities with resources relating to sound watershed management practices. Communities will explore their watershed resources to determine the quality and quantity as related to their needs, under the guidance of a Watershed Development Team (WDT). The focus is on assisting communities in their efforts to conserve, improve, and protect their resources through comprehensive watershed management thus sustaining a good quality of life.

Project activities

Formation of Watershed Associations
Entry point activities across micro-watersheds
Implementation plan for the year 2004/2005
Activities of Self-help Groups (SHG)
Activities of User Groups (UG)

Formation of Watershed Associations

Under the Dicholi watershed development programme, separate watershed associations have been formed involving themembers of Self-help Groups and User Groups. In association with
the watershed development team, they have helped to implement plans for the management of natural resources.

Entry point activities across micro-watersheds

The main purpose of entry point activity (EPA) was to develop a rapport with the people and to meet a part of community needs such as disilting nallahs, repairing common wells, constructing footpaths and common stages. EPA was also undertaken to build the capacity of associations/groups formed through a participatory approach

Implementation plan for the year 2004/2005

Strategic plans have been prepared for all five micro-watersheds in consultation with members of each watershed association for the implementation of various activities under defined funding plan. In all micro-watersheds, works on different aspects of the conservation of soil and water are underway and include construction of run-off management structures, water-harvesting structures, treatment of drainage lines in the upper reaches, establishment of nurseries, testing and demonstration of vermicomposting pits and household production system.

Activities of Self-help Groups (SHG)

Under this programme, SHGs have been formed with women
from the five micro-watersheds. These groups have been
trained by TERI in activities such as preparation of agarbattis,
candles, handicrafts and rexine bags; tailoring and embroidery
programmes have also been undertaken. Thus, an attempt has
been made to empower these women with alternative livelihood options.

Activities of User Groups (UG)

UGs comprising farmers/families from the five micro-watersheds have been formed. There are funds available for use in measures leading to the advancement of soil and water conservation measures and to improve the condition of natural resources. As a part of capacity building and to empower these groups, a number of training and exposure visits have been organized. Some are mentioned below:

Training programme on soil and water conservation measures.
Training programme on rebuilding agriculture, vegetable cultivation and fruit crops.
Training programme on the techniques of organic farming, vermicomposting and a special training programme on
EM technology.