NAME OF THE TECHNIQUE : In villages Naigaon, Adgaon, Ralegan Shindi water conservation structures are built to store water for protective irrigation of the fields.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE TECHNIQUE : Water conservation is important from the agricultural point of view. For stable agriculture, storage of water is an essential part of the watershed development. Targeted food production can be had only if crop water relationship is fulfilled at appropriate time.

Water conservation works are basically small dams with height not exceeding 3-5 mtr. The object of water conservation structures is to create a barrier to the flow of water and to impound water against this barrier and make use of it through the wells on the down stream side. The use of such structures is to provide water for drinking, domestic use and agriculture etc.

Water conservation structures can be divided into certain groups as under: 1. Earthen water conservation works. 2. Masonry water conservation works with or without gates. 3. Underground dam as a water conservation works. 4. Timber crib water conservation works.

WHO WILL ADOPT THIS TECHNIQUE: Today in Maharashtra state percentage of rainfed agricultural land is about 87%. In most cases there is loss of yield due to shortage of one or two waterings. In Maharashtra state average rainfall is about 1000 mm, still the situation is difficult because showers are not evenly spread. In rainy season of four months, rainy days are only 25 to 30. For remaining days there is dry period. As part of Maharashtra is in semi arid region, during monsoon the whether is hot.

So considering these realities government is executing these works as an infrastructural development. Also in some area people came together for building of small dams.

WHY THIS TECHNIQUE SHOULD BE ADOPTED: To increase national income, government is doing water conservation works at various places. Some times dependence only on government does not help. In villages like Ralegan Shindi, Adgaon and Naigaon local NGO with the help of local people were engaged in construction of water conservation structures. People contributed their free labour and some financial contribution for this work. People are doing these things only because they realised that with a little input of water their agriculture can be stabilise and they will get water whenever they require. The drinking water problem is automatically solved.

HOW TO ADOPT THE TECHNIQUE: Adoption of this technique is not that simple as is in the case of all earlier techniques. Some times it requires hi_tech knowledge. Construction of a water conservation structure requires technical person to prepare design and estimates of the structures. For planning and execution local people's involvement is most important.

At first topographical survey of the area is necessary. For this work local people with a little training of surveying are useful. Then the location, height of the structure can be decided after discussions with the local people. Then design and estimate part follows. After getting approval to the technical part of the structure, actual construction work is done. This work can be done by local people and local artisans. For design and calculation part of the structure technical help is required. This part can be taught to the young local persons who have some background of mathematics and science. For earthen structures work can be done by local people or through contractors if the magnitude of work is large i.e. requiring more than a year.

For timber crib dam, which is a new improved local technique, some training is necessary. For masonry structure with or without gates local mason can do all the work under guidance of technical person. For underground dam local people can do the work.

RESULTS AFTER ADOPTION OF A TECHNIQUE: The results are: 1. Allows more time for water to percolate in the ground and thus helps in recharging the ground water table. In Ralegan Shindi wells nearby the water conservation structures are full even during summer. 2. Income level from semi arid agriculture land is increased. 3. Silt accumulated in the structure can be used for nursery plants or can be used in the fields for increasing organic matter in the fields. In Adgaon silt is used for fields. 4. Drought proofing work and problem of drinking water solved. 5. Stabilised agriculture as water is available whenever it is required.

PROBLEMS IN ADOPTION: It is very difficult to convince people for construction of water conservation structure of their own because individual person can't bear large cost. Loss of area due to the submergence, under dam seat and flanks pose another problem. Such works can be better handled by Voluntary Organisations. People may however take help of government for such works. For works having their water spread within the banks, people can execute them either through contribution or free labour.

SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM: In Adgaon village people contributed some amount and some free labour was offered by the villagers. This was done in Ralegan Shindi also. Government did some work as a infrastructural activity.

If height of structure is limited then water remains within the banks of the stream Thus there is no problem of submergence. In Adgaon and Ralegan Shindi the submergence of the structures remains within the banks of a stream.

KEY FACTORS IN SUCCESS: Factors contributing success can be listed as below: 1. Some structures are simple structure which do not require any high cost and hi_tech technique and they are very easy for construction. 2. External input to the village is less. 3. Participation of villagers in each and every stage of implementation of the programme. 4. Some financial assistance to the villagers from state government. 5. Earthen works are labour oriented and provide gainful employment to the local people in off seasons. Skilled works provide employment to artisans in the village. 6. Whole work is done considering village as a unit.