World Chambers Competition

 

 

 

 

Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry

India

FINALIST

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PHD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, NEW DELHI, INDIA

Award Category: Best CSR project This category seeks to reward those who have developed a project linking both business and their social responsibility actions to community, philanthropic, environment, workplace and marketplace activities. Such projects can include public-private partnerships and actions designed to advocate sustainable growth. Furthermore, they must underline the business advantages for CSR and ethical business practices as well as reinforce the chamber’s mission of promoting best practices among companies and institutions.

PROGRAM: ‘WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE DRY LANDS OF

RAJASTHAN AND HARYANA, INDIA: THROUGH WATER HARVESTING

STRUCTURES’.

193 water harvesting structures were constructed in the states of Rajasthan and Haryana, India

by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the reported time period.

Water Harvesting Structures are – Check dams or Community Ponds. Check Dams are small, low

cost structures constructed across a stream to slow down and hold the flow of rainwater. They

are usually made of non-expensive permanent masonry materials, but can also be made from

temporary materials such as brush, poles, wire and loose rocks or. They are advantageous for

augmenting ground water recharge, thereby raising the water table in the area. They also store

surface water for use both during and after the monsoon.

BACKGROUND FOR THE PROJECT

In India there is a growing conflict between the burgeoning needs of human population and the

existing water resources. Providing water for everyone is fast becoming one of the biggest

challenges for the government and service providing agencies. Moreover, the increasing need

of the agriculture sector, which is the largest source of livelihood for majority (55%1) population

along with the growing human needs have led to over exploitation of the existing water

resources – surface and groundwater. Agriculture, which accounts of approximately 20% of

India’s GDP, is the biggest consumer of groundwater, accounting to about 91% of the total

water extracted in a year2.

Rajasthan is a semi -arid, desert state located in North-West part of India; it gets less rainfall

which is far below the average national rainfall 1083 mm. Rajasthan falls in the critical and over

exploited region for groundwater by many government and independent research reports. The

state of Haryana largely constitutes of the agricultural belt in India and accounts for a

substantial portion of agricultural outputs. Haryana has also experienced erratic rainfall pattern

over the past years and depleting groundwater resources as per government surveys and

records.

1 Census of India 2011

2 Vashishtha Akash, Mail Online India, 29 September 2014, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-

2774163/Groundwater-reserves-hit-critical-level-extraction-rockets.html#ixzz3yZMV425C

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Rainfall is one of the major sources of ground water recharge. Reduced rainfall has therefore

pushed the farmers in the two states, to start relying heavily on the groundwater resources for

irrigating their lands, which has thereby increased the stress on groundwater resources. With

the advent and easy availability of new technology, deep boring and lift irrigation systems are

widely being used for extraction of ground and surface water.

Farming in Rajasthan and Haryana, is increasingly becoming unsustainable owing to depleting

groundwater levels thereby risking the livelihoods of many people. Women and children have

to walk long distances to fetch water thereby preventing them from engaging in economic

activities & education and putting their health and safety at risk. This condition is directly

correlated with key elements of poverty, unemployment, migration, poor health and sanitation

condition among families, etc with Rajasthan scoring low on the Human Development Index.

Identified Need

Natural replenishment of ground water reservoir is a slow process and is often unable to keep

pace with its continued extraction due to erratic/little rainfall and high surface water run off.

Rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water efforts is therefore implemented

to augment the natural movement of surface water into ground water reservoir through

suitable engineering construction techniques; a common example being – construction of check

dams over narrow seasonal rivers/streams. This improves the groundwater table and surface

water level, therefore increases the availability of water for irrigation and drinking purpose.

Check dams can not only increase the availability of water for farmers and reduce their

dependence on the erratic/poor rainfall, but it also ensures continuous recharge of the

ground water, thereby making farming and human consumption of water sustainable for the

future.

Therefore, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, through its Foundation – PHD Rural

Development Foundation began the work of constructing water harvesting structures in the

water deficit areas of Rajasthan and Haryana with an aim of not only improving the ground

water level in the area, but also helping the farmers in protecting their source of livelihood –

agriculture, which is highly dependent on water.

CONTEXT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT; CHALLENGES AND INNOVATION

For a developing nation to ensure constant and better socio-economic growth there are few

essential components to consider:

Ensure that the effects of development trickle down to the villages and benefits its rural

population, who should have an equal opportunity to experience the advent of technology,

infrastructure, etc in various aspects of their daily living

Protect and conserve the natural resources for a sustainable future

Balance the impact of industrial activities and environment degradation

Therefore the project had the following objectives:

Objectives:

1.) Reduce surface water runoff and thereby increase ground water table and surface water

resources through construction of water harvesting structures and thus improve the livelihoods

of the rural population dependent on agriculture and its allied activities

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2) Provide access to water resources for agricultural and domestic usage

One of the most challenging aspects of development work is to ensure the project

infrastructure and activities have a long lasting impact which the people maintain and continue

using post the project period.

This project was therefore implemented with sustainability as the cornerstone; with the

construction of every check dam the following activities were integrated:

A Village Water Committee was formed for each check dam. It constituted of people from

the village, local gram panchayat3 member and/or a member of the implementing

organization. This ensured community ownership and sustainability of the project after the

completion of the check dam

The community people contributed (in kind) for the construction of check dam, which also

strengthened the community ownership and responsibility towards the check dam

No project can be sustainable only through infrastructure constructing; behavior change is

an essential component. Therefore. To promote behavior change, awareness generation

sessions were taken with the local population on water conservation and judicious use of

water.

During the construction of the project care was taken to involve most of the village

community people including women. Wherever possible women were also involved as

members of the Village Water Committee

RESULTS AND INFLUENCE OF THIS PROJECT

To understand the impact and benefits of the project activities, two impact assessment survey

were conducted titled: “Survey of check dams in Alwar & Sikar districts of Rajasthan, April

2011” and another” Socio Economic Impact of Water Harvesting Structures, Nov 2015”. The

results of the recent survey are shared below:

IMPACT AT A GLANCE

The survey has revealed that after the construction of water harvesting structures there has

been a significant change in the socio- economic status of the villagers. The inadequacy of

surface water has made rain harvesting urgently necessary in the area. The respondents do not

have to search for alternative sources of water now. The water harvesting structures have

significantly contributed to the increase in the groundwater recharge of wells in all the villages

nearby the water harvesting structures. They have aided in increasing the productivity of land.

The construction of these structures has increased the crop production as well as crop yield.

3 A gram panchayat is the cornerstone of a local self-government organisation in India of the panchayati raj system at the village

or small town level and has a sarpanch as its elected head.

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With increase in crop production, the overall change in the crop pattern has been positive for

all the villages. As the construction of these structures has led to an increase in agricultural

productivity, farmers do not have to leave their villages in search of work in the nearby urban

areas. Hence, the migration rate has also gone down significantly. With improvement in

agricultural output and spurt in economic activities, the income of the villagers has increased

manifold.

Short Term Impact (After the First/Second Good Monsoon Season)

i. Recharge of ground water

The check dams have facilitated the process of

rainwater harvesting and thereby increased the

ground water levels in the district surveyed. Out

of the total check dams, 75% of the water

harvesting structures have contributed to ground

water recharge by more than 50%; 23% of the

water harvesting structures have contributed to

the groundwater recharge by full 100%; while 2%

of the water harvesting structures have

contributed to ground water recharge by less

than 20%. Thus, water harvesting structures have significantly contributed to the increase in

the groundwater recharge.

In 2004, the ground water was around 200 ft (average) below for which the bore well had to be

dug around 200 feet on an average to access ground water. However, after the construction of

water harvesting structures, access to ground water has become easier near these structures.

During the survey in 2014, it was revealed that ground water can be found at a level of 130 ft

on an average near the water harvesting structures. Thus, the water harvesting structures have

facilitated easy access to ground water which can now be used for various purposes such as

farming, irrigating and drinking, among others.

Long Term Benefits/Impact

ii. Area under cultivation

The water harvesting structures have

facilitated agriculture in the villages, which is

evident from the increase in area under

cultivation. The average area under

cultivation has increased from 221 acres per

water harvesting structure in 2004 to 383

acres per water harvesting structure in 2014,

posting an increase of around 73%.

% of ground water recharged due to water harvesting structures

Increase in total area under cultivation (acres)

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iii. Area under irrigation

Area under irrigation has also registered

a considerable increase due to the

construction of water harvesting

structures. Average area under irrigation

has increased from 122 acres per water

harvesting structure in 2004 to about 248

acres per water harvesting structure in

2014, registering an increase of around

103%.

iv. Change in Cropping Pattern

Respondents from all the

villages are mostly farmers

who have seen a change in

their crop pattern in the

recent times after the

construction of water

harvesting structures. There

has been an increase in the

number of crops planted

after the construction of water harvesting structures. Farmers have experienced an increase in

crop production as they are now able to sow many crops in comparison to one crop being

grown earlier before the construction of water harvesting structures. Before the advent of

water harvesting structures, farmers used to grow mainly kharif crops and rainfed crops. The

major crops cultivated by the farmers were Bajra, Guar, Jowar and Mustard. Farmers are now

able to produce Wheat, Peanuts, Channa, Mirch, Dalhan, Peas, Tinda and Taramira apart from

Mustard, Bajra, Guar and Jowar due to availability of water after the construction of Water

harvesting structures.

v. Change in composition of animals

The numbers of animals has increased

around the area of the water harvesting

structures after their construction. The

average number of animals around the

water harvesting structures was about

1243 per village in 2004 which increased

to 2452 per village in 2014. It was found

that animal rearing has now become an

alternative source of livelihood for the

people. The villagers said that with the increase in incomes following the construction of water

harvesting structures, they were able to purchase animals such as cattle comprising of cow,

buffaloes, as well as goats, sheeps and camels and develop animal rearing as an alternative

occupation

Increase in total area under irrigation (acres)

Increase in the number of animals in one water

harvesting structure

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vi. Improvement in yield of agricultural production

All farmers have stated that the production of all the major crops increased after the construction of

water harvesting structures. The increase in average yield of crops is listed below:

Increase in Average Yield of Production of major Crops (Kg/acre)

Average yield of wheat

increased by around 133%

while the average yield of

bajra and mustard grew by

more than 90%. Gram

production has shown a

remarkable growth of 287%

from 2004 to 2014 when the

water harvesting structures

have been constructed. There has been a substantial increase in average yield of major crops

from 346 kg/acre per water harvesting structure in 2004 to around 818 kg/acre per water

harvesting structure in 2014. Thus there has been a significant increase in yield of agriculture

production in villages of Sikar district where the water harvesting structures have been

constructed

vii. Increase in income due to construction of check dams

The survey revealed that the household income of the respondents increased by more than

threefold with the advent of water harvesting structures. Water harvesting structures boosted

agriculture growth and facilitated allied and other non-agricultural activities due to which

income of people increased more than proportionately. The average annual income of

households surveyed in 11 villages was around Rs. 52,000 in 2004 which increased to around

Rs. 1,81,000 in 2014. There was a significant rise in income from 2004 to 2008 when the district

witnessed widespread construction of the water harvesting structures. However, the villagers

witnessed a slight decline in

their household income as

depicted in Exhibit 1.22 due to

slowdown in the economy

which had its repercussions in

terms of fall in demand.

Nonetheless, the demand for

agriculture and allied products

increased subsequently due to

which there has been a sharp rise in household income from 2010 to 2014.

Increase in Yield of major crops nearby 1 water harvesting structure in kgs/acre

Increase in annual income in Rupee

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viii. Water storage in reservoirs

It was found that the check dams fill up during good monsoon years, where the village receives good rainfall. However, the total capacity is not used during bad years due to deficiency of rain. The survey revealed that, the water lasts in different durations for periods ranging from 0-6 months to 7-12 months. Out of the 11 Water harvesting structures, 2 of these hold water for 6 months and the other 9 check dams hold water for 7-12 months.

ix. Adequacy of water from Water harvesting structures

Around 80% of the respondents reported that water from Water harvesting structures is

adequate and they did not have to search for alternative sources of water for the purpose of

farming, drinking and their household chores.

x. Impact on migration

According to the survey, the construction of water harvesting structures has influenced the

migration process in the villages significantly. Earlier, the farmers were forced to leave their

farms and villages and migrate to cities in search of work as they were not able to earn their

livelihood from agriculture due to lower productivity. However, the construction of water

harvesting structures has led to increase in agricultural productivity due to which income of the

farmers have increased significantly. Therefore, they do not have to leave their villages in

search of work in the nearby urban areas.

xi. Improvement in child education

According to the survey, all the respondents reported that there has been an improvement in

their socio-economic status. With the increase in income level of farmers during the last 10

years, the villagers are able to send their children to school due to which there has been an

improvement in child education in the villages surveyed

CAN THE PROJECT BE APPLIED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD?

The project submitted in this application, can be applied and replicated to any part of the

world.

The project focuses on construction of water harvesting structures through suitable engineering

techniques in water stressed regions. This method is an efficient measure to tackle the

problems of drought, dry wells, low levels of water table, desertification etc. This has in many

cases helped to increase the productivity of land and in turn to increase the agricultural

production in the villages. The consequent rise in the income level of farmers has reversed the

migratory trends of the villagers to urban areas and has promoted sustainable development The infrastructure constructed in this project – check dams, have a long shelf life and if

constructed properly do not need any maintenance or interim interventions. They continue to

stand for a long time and augment ground water.

% of water retention in bad monsoon years

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Therefore, this is an ideal tool for sustainable water resource management and improving

access to water across the globe.

WHY SHOULD THE PROJECT BE SELECTED AMONG THE FINALISTS AND

PRESENTED AT THE 10TH WORLD CHAMBERS CONGRESS ?

The 10th World Chambers Congress will be convening the globe’s most prominent leaders and

brightest minds, with an aim to transform the future of business.

The future of businesses today is inclusive and sustainable growth with a focus on being

transparent about their procedures and reducing their carbon foot prints. Increasing number of

businesses and also governments across the globe are becoming environmentally conscious

and integrating resource efficient operating procedures.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals promote ‘partnership’ to strengthen the

means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Therefore the corproates, industry and NGOs need to partner together for improving business

along with protecting our environment and conserving it for our future generations.

In the above context, the current project of promoting water resources through construction of

water harvesting structures is ideal for benefiting the local communities across the globe,

business houses and even the government. Therefore, the 10th World Chambers Congress is a

platform to promote such integrated projects for the common goal of sustainable growth for

all.

IMPACT PICTURES OF SOME CHECK DAMS

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LETTER(S) OF SUPPORT

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