On the ground

It is a depressed area with severe water shortage, groundwater depletion, and schools lacking proper sanitation and drinking water.

Dholpur district is located in the ravines of Chambal in Rajasthan and belongs to the Middle Yamuna basin. The district shares its border with Uttar Pradesh in North and North east while Madhya Pradesh on South. The district is synonymous with ravines, dacoits and poverty because of scarcity of water. In the project area most of the youthmigrate to other cities or are involved in illegal mining activities.

The project area belongs to semi-arid agro-climatic zone, where the river Chambal is the only perennial river. The project area has many ponds but most of them are non-functional. Consequences of climate changes are very severe in dry land lined with ravines. This intervention will be an initial step towards adaptation strategies using traditional water harvesting structures. Once water is available, agriculture & livelihood will be improved and will ultimately help in reduction of migration.

Habitat India has chosen Khurdiya Gram Panchayat (earlier a part of Pavaini Gram Panchayat) which is about 60 kms from Dholpur District Headquarter as it has acute water shortage. The ground water level is around 250 feet average. Despite of the fact that the area receives good rainfall, the villages remain dry for most period of the year due to lack of the surface water availability, deep underground water table and rocky surface of the ground. The rural community struggles for the collection of water even for day-to-day drinking water requirements. In most villages, hand pumps have dried up. There are open wells present, but they have dirty water in them which is unfit for drinking purposes. There is no mechanism by which the water is available for the villages all the year round.

The Dhanera and Khurdiya government schools lack the necessary infrastructure. Resources meant for 40 students are being used by 100. Both schools lack sanitation and clean drinking water infrastructure. Both schools identified for intervention, are currently getting drinking water from submersible pump or government tanks in vicinity. These water sources do not promise clean water. Habitat India will construct Sanitation Units for both boys and girls due to unavailability of appropriate structures and fixtures. Rain Water Harvesting system mechanism will also be set up in the respective schools for year round water availability.

In detail

The project will be implemented in partnership with a local Grassroots NGO – Rajputana Society of Natural History.

The following methodology will be used for the same:

1. Community mobilization through organized meetings with the Gram Panchayat Sarpanch to get the required approvals to work in the area.

2. Finalization of the designs and scope of work as per ground situations.

3. Construction of various installations in the identified villages and schools respectively.

Perspectives of sustainability

The project is sustained as the local partner, community leaders, local government officials, all are closely involved at every stage of the project. After the completion of the project and handing over ceremony, the community will take care of the constructed structures and fixtures with proper usage, preservation and protection.