Irrigation – Construction of surface run off harvesting storage tanks

Background

Kupwara district is water deficit as it does not have large scale glacial snow deposits to perennially feed hill streams/irrigation canals. The winter snow deposits do not normally last beyond June, causing a recurring annual water shortage cycle coinciding with the peak paddy irrigation demand beyond June.

Intervention

To partly overcome this problem, scores of surface run-off harvesting storage tanks have been built at strategic locations along forest fringe line in natural ravines. The storage tanks for harvesting surface run-off have been constructed along the fringes of the forest at suitable contours encompassing natural ravines, especially in perennially water deficit areas. These tanks usually harvest surface run-off from upper catchment area from January to May and utilise same beyond July as per the agricultural demand. Presently there are such 150 operational tanks in the district.

Impact

There is minimum impact on local environment. No locally existing water courses such as streams or springs are diverted, as only surface run-off is harvested. This is indirectly helping in ground water recharge, soil conservation, flood management, and development of fisheries. The operational tanks have provided access to water for agriculture in deficit areas at a low cost.

Source : Aspirational Districts for WEB