EVALUATION OF INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME. Jharkhand State Watershed Mission Department of Rural Development Jharkhand

Transcription

1 EVALUATION OF INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME Preparatory Phase Batch I ( ) Jharkhand State Watershed Mission Department of Rural Development Jharkhand State Institute of Rural Development Jharkhand 2012

2 EVALUATION OF INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME Preparatory Phase Batch I ( ) Jharkhand State Watershed Mission Evaluating Agency State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) Jharkhand Evaluation Team 1. Mr Lakhi Bhushan Prasad Consultant, SIRD, Jharkhand 2. Mr Rajan Kumar Singh Consultant, SIRD, Jharkhand 3. Ms Shubha Kumar Asst. Director, SIRD, Jharkhand 4. Dr Manibhushan Thakur Asst. Director, SIRD, Jharkhand 2 P a g e

3 R P Singh IFS Director, SIRD State Institute of Rural Department Hehal, Ranchi Phone / FAX sirdranchi@gmail.com Web: sirdranchi.nic.in FOREWARD SIRD, Hehal, Ranchi has successfully conducted evaluation of preparatory phase of 10 projects of Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), Jharkhand, Batch Research Team from SIRD has visited the cluster of watersheds under IWMP( ) for evaluation and prepared the report accordingly. Findings of the evaluation and suggestion from the Research Team will help the better implementation of the project. Learning from the field and community at grassroots will definitely facilitate filling up of the gaps in the project and help achieving the larger mission of sustainable Watershed Management Programme in the state. On behalf of SIRD and on my behalf I heart fully appreciate the hard work by the Research team during the process of evaluation, analysis of findings and preparation for detailed report. I would also like to thank Jharkhand State Watershed Mission State Level Nodal Agency, (JSWM-SLNA), Jharkhand for entrusting upon the responsibility of evaluation of the project to us. I extend my best wishes to SLNA for successful implementation of the project in Jharkhand. It would be our efforts to continuously upgrade the skills of the mission partners for the benefit of the state. R.P.Singh Director State Institute of Rural Development Hehal, Ranchi 3 P a g e

4 Contents S.No Topic Page 1 Abbreviations 6 2 Executive Summary (including Grading of each Micro Watersheds, Component wise Grading of Micro Watersheds and Graphs) 7 3 Introduction 18 4 IWMP Jharkhand 18 5 Area of Evaluation 19 6 Objective of Evaluation Methodology & Frame Work Key Findings ( with Highlights & Suggestions) Conclusion Reference Field Visit through Lens of Camera Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA-Forest Department, Gumla) 16 Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA-KGVK, Ranchi) 17 Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA- Soil Conservation Department, Hazaribagh ) 18 Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA- Soil Conservation Department, Saraikela Kharsawan ) 19 Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA- Forest Department, Bahragora, East Singhbhum ) P a g e

5 Contents S.No Topic Page 20 Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA, Soil Conservation Department, Jamtara) 21 Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA, Soil Conservation Department, Deoghar) 22 Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA, Soil Conservation Department, Godda) 23 Profile of 2 Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA- Forest Department, Godda ) 24 Profile of Assessed Micro watersheds & Detailed Assessment Report (PIA, Soil Conservation Department, Pakur) Appendix 200 List of Tables Table No. Name of Table Page 1.1 Grading of Micro watershed Component wise Grading of Micro watershed Brief Details of Micro watershed evaluated Grade corresponding to Points List of EPA Activities 27 5 P a g e

6 Abbreviations DPR EPA IWMP JSWM KGVK PIA PRA SHG SIRD UG WC WDT Detailed Project Report Entry Point Activity Integrated Watershed Mangament Programme Jharkhand State Watershed Mission Krishi Gramin Vikas Kendra Project Implementing Agency Participatory Rural Appraisal Self Help Group State Institute of Rural Development User Group Watershed Committee Watershed Development Team 6 P a g e

7 Executive Summary 1. Introduction Jharkhand is one of highest rainfall receiving states in the country but it looses most of its rain water causing huge scarcity of water in all parts of the state. Compelling need to save rain water, recharge ground water and prevent soil erosion complimented with acute Rural Poverty prevalent throughout the state, made it ideal for the beginning of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme here, in the year projects were started in the first phase covering more than 1,17, Ha of geographical area across 14 Districts of the state. Out of these 20 Projects, evaluation of the 10 projects (allotted by SLNA) covering 9 Districts has been conducted by State Institute of Rural Development, Ranchi. 2. Major Objective of the Evaluation 1) To obtain essential benchmark data related to the project 2) To identify outputs and behavioral outcomes that can be used in the long term impact evaluation of the project 3) To identify gaps and suggest improvements 3. Framework Five basic parameters (all having equal weighatge) on which evaluation and grading of MWS has been done are: 1. EPA 2. Work Phase 3. Community Awareness and Messaging about IWMP 4. Stake holder s participation and mobilisation WC, SHG and UG 5. Overall Management by PIA Each of these components have been graded on 15 point scale separately for each MWS and then cumulative average of points obtained in 5 components bears the corresponding grade of MWS. Another component that has been assessed but not graded is Capacity building. 4. Methodology Two MWSs from each PIA were randomly selected. Information gathered through meeting various stakeholders PIA Officials, WDT members, SHG, UG and other members of the community, physical verification of the work done, process evaluation and financial as well as social audit of the work supplemented and complimented each other during the process of evaluation. Tools of information gathering used were indepth discussion, unstructured interviews and participant observation. 7 P a g e

8 5. Operational Area of Evaluation, Evaluated MWSs and their Grading Following 20 MWSs covering 9 districts, 10 PIA were evaluated. 2 MWSs each from 10 projects are assessed. Table 1.1 Grading of Micro Watersheds S.No District PIA MWS Code MWS Grade Points on 15 Point Scale 1 Gumla Forest Dept. Maharajganj 4H1F2d3h Satisfactory Gumla Forest Dept. Banai Nala 4H1F2d2f Satisfactory Ranchi KGVK Rukka 4H3C8b1j Excellent Ranchi KGVK Kulhi 4H3C8b1c Very Good Hazaribagh Soil Conservation Banhe Nala 2A2G5g2e Satisfactory 8.14 Dept. 6 Hazaribagh Soil Conservation Holang 2A2G5g2a Satisfactory 7.98 Dept. 7 Saraikela Soil Conservation Garnala VI 4H3B22a2ci Satisfactory 8.07 Kharsawan Dept. 8 Saraikela Soil Conservation Garnala VII 4H3B22a2cii Satisfactory 7.74 Kharsawan Dept. 9 E. Singhbhum Forest Dept. Pochakhali 4H3A4a4C Satisfactory E. Singhbhum Forest Dept. Kadakota 4H3A4b1e Satisfactory Jamtara Soil Conservation Maithon 3d 2A2E2e3d Satisfactory 8.64 Dept 12 Jamtara Soil Conservation Maithon 3e 2A2E2e3e Satisfactory 8.34 Dept. 13 Doeghar Soil Conservation Katghari Nala 2A3B7k2a Good 9.46 Dept. 14 Doeghar Soil Conservation Bandgari Nala 2A3B7k2b Good 9.26 Dept. 15 Godda Soil Conservation. Kajhiya C 2A3E9b2c Very Good Dept. 16 Godda Soil Conservation Kajhiya E 2A3E9b2e Very Good Dept. 17 Godda Forest Dept. Tosebathan 2A3E9b1h Satisfactory Godda Forest Dept. Jalgar Nala 2A3E9b1i Satisfactory Pakur Soil Conservation Bansloi A Nala 2a 2A3E3b2a-I Satisfactory 8.24 Dept. 20 Pakur Soil Conservation Dept Bansloi E Nala 2A3E3b2e-II Satisfactory 8.14 Points Grade > Excellent > Very Good >9-11 Good >7.5-9 Satisfactory 7.5 and below Poor 8 P a g e

9 9 P a g e Table 1.2 Component wise Grading of Micro Watersheds Grade S.No PIA MWS Code EPA WP CA SP OM-PIA MWS Grade Pt out of 15 1 Forest Dept. Gumla Maharajganj 4H1F2d3h Good Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Forest Dept. Gumla Banai Nala 4H1F2d2f Good Good Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory KGVK Ranchi Rukka 4H3C8b1j Very Good Very Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent KGVK Ranchi Kulhi 4H3C8b1c Very Good Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Soil Cons. Dept. Hazaribagh 6 Soil Cons. Dept. Hazaribagh Banhe Nala 2A2G5g2e Good Good Poor Poor Satisfactory Satisfactory 8.14 Holang 2A2G5g2a Good Good Poor Poor Satisfactory Satisfactory Soil Cons. Dept. Saraikela Garnala VI 4H3B22a2c-i Good Good Poor Satisfactory Poor Satisfactory Soil Cons. Dept. Saraikela Garnala VII 4H3B22a2c-ii Good Good Poor Poor Poor Satisfactory Forest Dept. E. Pochakhali 4H3A4a4C Good Good Poor Poor Poor Satisfactory 7.68 Singhbhum 10 Forest Dept. E. Singhbhum Kadakota 4H3A4b1e Very Good Satisfactory Poor Poor Poor Satisfactory Soil Cons. Dept. Jamtara Maithon 3d 2A2E2e3d Good Good Poor Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Soil Cons. Dept. Jamtara Maithon 3e 2A2E2e3e Good Satisfactory Poor Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Soil Cons. Dept. Doeghar Katghari Nala 2A3B7k2a Good Good Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Good Soil Cons. Dept. Doeghar Bandgari Nala 2A3B7k2b Good Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Good Soil Cons. Dept. Godda Kajhiya C 2A3E9b2c Good Good Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Soil Cons. Dept. Godda Kajhiya E 2A3E9b2e Good Good Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Forest Dept. Godda Tosebathan 2A3E9b1h Good Good Poor Poor Poor Satisfactory Forest Dept. Godda Jalgar Nala 2A3E9b1i Good Good Poor Poor Poor Satisfactory Soil Cons. Dept. Pakur Bansloi A Nala 2a 2A3E3b2a-I Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Soil Cons. Dept. Pakur Bansloi E Nala 2A3E3b2e-II Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory 8.14 For Detailed Grading of each assessed activity of MWS and Profile of each MWS turn to Pages 52 to 199 Abbreviations : Soil Cons. Dept- Soil Conservation Department, EPA- Entry Point Activity, WP- Work Phase, CA Community Awareness regarding IWMP, SP- Stakeholder s Participation (WC, SHG, UG) OM- PIA Overall Management by PIA, Pt Point

10 6. Analysis of status of MWS through Graphs Overall Grade of MWS Entry Point Activity Work Phase 10 P a g e

11 Community Awareness Stakeholder s Participation (WC, SHG and UG) Overall Management by PIA 11 P a g e

12 7. Key Findings Major findings after evaluation of 20 MWSs of 10 projects implemented by 10 PIAs in 9 different Districts of Jharkhand are as follows: 7.1 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Planning Status Complete Finding: i) PRA and Planning has been conducted in all the MWSs. ii) Since it was done about two years back community had faint remembrance about this exercise. iii) Community involvement in the exercise was reported low in many MWSs. 7.2 Detailed Project Report (DPR) Status Complete Finding: i) Base line survey had been conducted on household basis in all the villages covered under MWSs. ii) DPR has been made for all MWS and approved by the respective Gram Sabha. iii) Involvement of community in the preparation of DPR (during planning for various work) has been reported low in many MWSs. iv) Copy of DPR is not found in many MWS office and it is not accessible to WC in many MWSs. v) DPR in English makes it almost non understandable for community members and WC Members wherever DPR is accessible. 7.3 Entry Point Activity Status Almost Complete Finding: i) EPA is complete in almost every MWSs and it has been done effectively. ii) Varied range of EPA, based on the local need had been conducted by EPA. iii) More than 17 kinds of activities under 6 basic categories has been adopted by various MWSs Water Conservation / Water Harvesting Structure, Agricultural based activities / Agricultural Equipments, Renewable Energy related Activities, Tree Plantation and Nutritional Vegetation based activities, Awareness and Public Health related activities and Others. (Detailed List of EPA Activities and their impact is on Page No- 27) iv) Survival of fruit plants and other nutritional plants planted under EPA (Tree Plantation and Nutritional Vegetation ) is low. 12 P a g e

13 7.4 Community Awareness about IWMP and Messaging Status Ongoing (Ist Phase of awareness and wall Writing Complete) Finding: i) Awareness regarding IWMP seemed low in community at many MWSs ii) Wall writing was visible in very few MWSs. 7.4 Stakeholders Participation (WC, SHG,UG) Status Ongoing Finding : i) WC a) WC has been formed in all MWSs as per the guideline of IMWP and all WC except few are well informed regarding the activities / work and allotment of funds. b) WC in almost all MWSs are functioning almost satisfactorily and effectively. c) Bank Account is opened and Maintained by WC, however Cheque book, passbook, and other accounts related documents etc are generally not kept and maintained at MWS level in majority of the MWSs. d) Secretary and male members of WC of all MWSs found generally active whereas women members and Schedule Caste / Schedule Tribe members seem less active in majority of the MWSs. ii) Self Help Group (SHG) a) SHGs have been formed as per the DPR in almost all MWSs. b) Few SHGs linked to Bank but majority are in process. c) Livelihood initiatives started by very few SHGs in few MWSs. d) Majority of the SHGs meet regularly and have started internal transaction but many of them are unable to maintain the records and accounts properly. e) Awareness level of SHG members in majority of SHGs regarding different aspects of SHG found low and they also lack proper mentoring and guidance. iii) User Group (UG) a) Formation of UG is not so proper in majority of the MWSs. b) Contribution to Watershed Development Fund by UG is not being adequately maintained and followed up in majority of the MWSs. 7.5 Management by PIA and its Status Overall Management by PIAs is satisfactory except in few MWS. Specific findings about PIA are as follows i) Watershed Development Team Members (WDT) a) Very few PIA has all 4 prescribed WDT members working. 13 P a g e

14 b) High attrition rate is found due to many reasons, mainly being low salary as per the work and required Qualification, non payment of prescribed salary on time, non payment of travel allowance and other administrative issues. c) All WDT members except WDT (Social Sciences) seemed skilled for their respective task in majority of the MWS. ii) PIA s Officials 7.6 Work Phase a) PIA officials/ staff in majority of the PIAs are aware about the guidelines of IWMP and working accordingly, though there is confusion regarding guidelines among few PIAs as well. b) Majority of the PIAs are unable to do community mobilization properly this is mainly because majority of them are not capacitated to this work. c) PIA officials face difficulty in field visit due to inadequate funds for travelling during field visit and field work. Status In Progress Finding: i) Work phase is going on satisfactorily in all MWSs whereas pace of work in few MWSs is slow ii) Under following major category, Work Phase is going on: a) Water Harvesting Structures Quality of the work has been generally satisfactory and by large the utility and potential utility of the structures have been reported worthy by community members. Major harvesting structures are Ponds, Dova (Small Pond), Earthern Dam, Water channels and Chuan (Shallow Well). b) Soil and Moisture Conservation Quality and utility of the work has been reported and observed satisfactory. Major work under this category includes Loose Bolder Check Dam, Land Leveling, Bench Terracing and Contour Trenching. c) Livelihood Promotion Livelihood Promotion is in initial phase in majority of the MWSs. Capacity Building phase of SHGs, farmers and Landless is going on. SHG members in few MWSs at KGVK Ranchi, Forest Department Gumla and Soil Conservation Department, Godda have taken livelihood initiatives and involved in Income Generating Activities. These activities include Poultry, Mushroom cultivation, Jute Products, Bamboo Products etc. d) Productivity Enhancement System Productivity Enhancement System is in progress and almost satisfactory. Major activities under this category are SRI system, Paddy Cultivation, HYV Vegetable Cultivation, Nutritional Garden, Distribution and Demonstration of new technology based Agricultural Equipments. Fruit tree plantation and Natural Resource Management like Bio Gas etc. 14 P a g e

15 7.7 Capacity Building Status In progress Finding: i) PIA officials have been trained on range of issues pertaining to IWMP however, they lack skills of Community mobilization, group formation, functioning of SHG and livelihood promotion. ii) PIA officials and staff in majority of MWS seem mostly aware about the guidelines of IWMP, however in few MWSs awareness among PIA officials seem much low, this is also because officials / staff who got training on IWMP and were responsible for this work got changed due to transfer and new people have taken charge and have not got the proper training. iii) WDT members have received many training on range of technical issues specific to their respective trades, however WDT member Social Sciences are not so skilled in Community organization, group formation, functioning of SHG and promotion of livelihood promotion. iv) WC members in all MWSs have been given training on guidelines of IWMP, book keeping, maintenance of accounts and records. v) SHG members are being given training on conducting meeting, maintaining transaction and records, however newly formed SHGs are not so capable of conducting their affairs properly. vi) SHG members are being given livelihood training largely on poultry, goatery, piggery, duckery, fishery and vermi compost throughout MWSs along with training on stitching, tailoring, mushroom cultivation, jute craft, bamboo craft etc in few MWSs. vii) As User Group is not formed properly in majority of the MWSs, there has been no capacity building programme for them except in few MWSs, that too in name of beneficiaries and not formal User Group. Training for beneficiary group were on issues pertaining to IWMP, new agricultural practices, soil testing, vegetable cultivation etc. viii) Capacity Building programme at large faces some administrative issues like delay in communication, inadequate allowances to participants etc ix) Trainings seem to be more supply driven than demand driven x) There is no proper follow up mechanism after any training programme. 7.8 Convergence Status Not much in progress Finding: i) PIAs are facing difficulty in doing convergence with different government schemes and agencies, especially Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, (MGNREGA). ii) No work in convergence has been done so far in any MWSs except MWS of PIA-Soil Conservation Department, Godda and Soil Conservation Department, Pakur. 15 P a g e

16 8. Suggestions i) Where ever catchment area or water resources could not be identified properly during PRA and DPR preparation, PIA should be asked to review their Plan of Action and bring changes accordingly as per the need and demand of community. ii) Copy of DPR should be made available to WC and WDT members and copy of DPR in Hindi to be mandatorily available at each designated MWS office. iii) Massive awareness programme regarding water conservation and IWMP should be undertaken in all MWSs. iv) Documents of MWS, Chequebook, Passbook and other records should be kept at MWS office. v) WC members should be mentored and guided properly to conduct meetings and do financial and non financial transactions properly. vi) SHGs should be mentored and guided properly to conduct meetings and do financial and non financial transactions properly. vii) User Groups should be formed properly and WDF to be adequately maintained. viii) PIA should be more aware about the guidelines of IWMP and comply with it properly. ix) Travelling allowance for PIA officials should be arranged so as to ensure their regular visit in the field. x) Attrition of WDT members should be curbed by addressing basic administrative issues like untimely salary, salary lower than prescribed, travel allowance etc along with encouragement to local experienced resource persons and higher salary. xi) Grievance Redressal Cell for WDT members, decisions of which having binding forces on PIA should be created by SLNA xii) Officials / staff at PIA especially government agencies like Forest Department, Soil Conservation Department should be trained thoroughly on Community organization and Development practices. A refresher course on different aspects of IWMP for official/staff after regular interval so that even new official / staff who gets new charge of this work after being transferred from other responsibilities are in capacity to manage the affairs of IWMP well. xiii) WDT members especially, WDT Social Sciences to be trained properly on Community organization, group formation, proper functioning of SHG,, proper functioning of UG, livelihood promotion and entrepreneurship. xiv) WC should be trained in group management, gender sensitization and inclusion. xv) Livelihood training for SHG members should be based on local resource and demand. xvi) SHG members should be trained extensively on group management, financial transactions, gender sensitization, women empowerment, income generating activities and entrepreneurship. xvii) Capacity Building Programme at large should be more demand driven than supply driven. xviii) Administrative issues with Capacity Building Programmes like delay in communication, inadequate travel expenses to participants etc should be addressed immediately. xix) Proper documentation of Trainees should be done and follow up mechanism should be developed to mentor participants further. xx) Impact Assessment of Capacity Building Programmes should be done by independent agency. xxi) Work under convergence to be accelerated. xxii) Regular Monitoring by SLNA, WCDC (Watershed Cell and Data Centre) and PIA should be mandatory so as to enable timely resolution of issues. 16 P a g e

17 9. Conclusion IWMP has come as silver lining around the dark clouds of acute water shortage in the state. IWMP not only enables water conservation, soil conservation and enhanced agricultural activities but also helps providing livelihood opportunities to a large number of poverty ridden and asset less population through its livelihood promotion activities. Work under IWMP is at nascent stage and needs more care and guidance. Though over all work during this evaluation has been satisfactory but it needs strengthening and improvement at various level. Regular and frequent participatory evaluation by independent agency will enable more learning and timely resolution of the issues. Since it is community based and community owned programme, community needs to be sensitized, aware and empowered more intensively so as to make this mission effective and sustainable. 17 P a g e

18 1. INTRODUCTION Jharkhand is a state of Irony. On one hand, Jharkhand is home to just 2.7% Indian population with country s 40 % mineral but on the other hand, its 80% rural popualtion lives under accute poverty (Bibek Deboroy, 2011). It is one of the highest rainfall receiving states in India wih averge mm annual rainfall but majority of the parts of state faces accute scarcity of water entailing to less agricultural activities and production, compelling migration creating vicious cycle of poverty and many a times even prey of Human Trafficking. With this rain only about 12 % of the land gets irrigated and the state looses most of its water in absence of effective rain harvesting system. Since it receieves a reasonable amount of rainfall and has surging topography there is huge opportunity to retain the heavy loss of water. This can be done by creating effective water harvesting structures which would help checking of soil erosion, leading to siltation of water reserviors which will thereby increase irrigational capacities, enhance sub-surface moisture and thus increase agricultural productivity. Presently out of the total 38 lakh Ha cultivable land, net sown area is just Lakh Ha. Hence there is ample opportunity to bring Lakh Ha of cutivable fallow land under agriculture and allied activites ( Chief Minister s economic advisory Committee of Jharkhand which included Economists of International repute has identified Water conservation and Ground Water recharge as one of the four major components that can steer the growth of state, other three being - rural road, rural power and agriculture marketing & extension services. (Bibek Deboroy, 2011). Integrated Watershed Mangament Programme (IWMP) can be termed as a silverline around black clouds in the grim situation. Participatory watershed management will play vital role for conserving rainwater, ground water, degradation of lands, frequent droughts and enhancing better coping mechanism with reducing vulnerability to climate change. IWMP is a platform through which water management, crops, horticulture, livestock and micro-enterprising can be addressed simultaneously. (Mission, 2011) Hence IWMP if implemented in effective spirit will be proved a boon not only in addressing water scarcity in Jharkhand but will also provide livelihood opportunities to rural population in the state like Jharkhand which ranks 2 nd in Unemployment (Nathwani, 2011) among all States and Union Territories of India. 2. IWMP in Jharkhand Due to huge scarcity of water, throughout the state and undulated topography with different land use pattern, Jharkhand had been identified as an ideal state, where there is a compelling need of work to be taken up under Watershed Development Programme. Government of Jharkhand under the Rural Development Department has registered a State Level Nodal Agency as Jharkhand State Watershed Mission (JSWM) on 17/07/2009 under Society Registration Act 21, 1860 for implementation of Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) under Common Guidelines for Watershed Development Projects, Govt. of 18 P a g e

19 India The Government of Jharkhand has taken initiative under the new guidelines for implementation of watershed projects in the state. (Mission, IWMP at a Glance - 2, 2011) In the First phase which started in the year , 14 Districts were covered. A total of 20 projects comprising of 189 MWS projects were undertaken covering geographical areas of 1,17, Ha. The work had been entrusted to following 20 Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) : Soil Conservation Dept. (10 projects) Forest Dept. (5 projects) NGO KGVK (2 Project) NGO PRADAN (1 Project) NGO Ram Krishna Mission (1 Project) NGO Kalamandir (1 Project) Source (Mission, IWMP at a Glance - 2, 2011) Out of these 20 PIAs, work of evaluation of preparatory phase for following 10 PIAs was given to State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) : Soil Conservation Department (Godda, Deoghar, Pakur, Hazaribagh Jamtara, Saraikel- Kharsawan)- 6 Projects Forest Department (Godda, Gumla, East Singhbhum) 3 Projects Krishi Gram Vikas Kendra (KGVK, Ranchi) 1 Project 3. Area of Evaluation State Institute of Rural Development, Ranchi, Jharkhand had been entrusted with the responsibility of evaluating 20 Micro Watershed (brief details in the table next to map) across 9 districts of Jharkhand (marked) in below map, facilitated by 10 Project Implementing Agencies (PIA). Districts Covered during Evaluation P a g e 5

20 Brief Details of MWSs Evaluated Sl. No. District & Block PIA MWS Area(Ha) to be treated Village Panchayat/ villages House hold 1 Gumla (Basia Verno) & Forest Dept. Maharajganj Karaloya, Nawadih, Tangarjariya, Tangartoli, Mahrajganj, Kathaiutra, Joreya, Olmora & Karanj Gumla (Basia) Forest Dept. Banai Nala Banai, Bangerkela, Ghunsera, Ramjari Ranchi (Ormajhi) KGVK Rukka Rukka Ranchi KGVK Kulhi Kulhi, Kamta, Hundur Hazaribag h(bishnug arh) Soil Cons. Dept Banhe Nala 430 Siju,Kesodih, Barhe Bhelwara Hazaribag h (Bisnugarh ) Soil. Cons. Dept. Holang Nala 570 Harli, Dungro, Berho, Bhelwara, Holang Saraikela Kharsawan (Rajnagar) Soil. Cons. Dept. Garanala Chhota Bana, Burudih, Ulidih and Bandna Saraikela Kharsawan (Rajnagar) Soil. Cons. Dept. Garnala Ariyada, Kmdih, Rola, Arjun Billa, Chokay E.Singhbh um(bahrag ora) Forest Dept. Pochakali Dudhkund, Pochakhali, Buripukhur, Dharampur, Jamiradiha, Kokarma, Koshol, Nakata, Kuandra, Murakatmatiyaldih, Matihana, Barshol, Raugiyadihara & Kenduabandi E.Singhbh um(bahrag ora) Forest Dept. Kadokota Chandoya, Tilo, Kadokota, Kuldiha & Shimlabandhi P a g e

21 11 Jamtara (Narayanp ur) Soil. Cons. Dept. Maithan 3d Sabjakanali, Duladih, Padmadih, Ashadih, Murlipahar, Phulijhariya, Paharpur, Amjhor Jamtara Soil. Cons. Dept. Maithan 3e Tilabani, Borotanr, Amjora & Lengratanr, Bandarchuya Deoghar (Devipur) Soil. Cons. Dept. Katghari Villages (Name not available) Deoghar (Devipur Soil. Cons. Dept. Bandgari Villages (Name not available) Godda (Godda) Soil. Cons. Dept. Kajhiya C 1094 Kelabari, Kundadah, Jai Nagar Piperjoria, Kadawa, Jhapnibandh, Lathibari, Ghaghrabandh Godda (Godda) Soil. Cons. Dept. Kajhiya E 702 Karnpur, Kalhajorkhur, Sahari, Malmala, Jamkudar Godda (Sundarpa hari) Forest Dept. Tosebathan Tilbad, Amjora, Sundarpahari, Barakaljhor Godda (Godda) Forest Dept. Jalgarnala Nipaniya, Baristar, Jalgar Pakur (Maheshpu r) Soil. Cons. Dept. Bansloi 2a Bhilai, Asnadagal, Jogidih, Logaon Pakur Soil. Cons. Dept. Bansloi 2e 696 Pathaghatta, Pakaripara, Bhilai Barmasia, Bhilai, Manjirabari, Asnadagal 404 Table 3.1 Brief Details of MWSs evaluated 4. OBJECTIVE As per the guidelines provided, the broad three objectives of the evaluation process were: a. To obtain essential benchmark data related to the project and incorporating the same in Detailed Project Reports (DPR) b. To identify phase wise tangible outputs and behavioral outcomes that can be used in the long term impact evaluation of the project c. To suggest improvement and initiate timely actions Source : (DOLR, 2012) 21 P a g e

22 5. METHODOLGY & FRAMEWORK 5.1 Methodology Districts and PIAs for evaluation were allotted by State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), JSWM. Each PIA is conducting 6-10 Micro Watershed (MWS) Projects. Team selected two MWSs randomly out of the total number of MWSs, PIAs working on. In the selected MWSs, about 40% of the work done under Entry Point Activity (EPA) were assessed. Around 25% of the Work phase activities under four different head (1)Water Harvesting Structure, (2) Soil and Moisture conservation, (3) Livelihood Promotion & (4) Productivity enhancement system where assessed during the evaluation process. Meetings with minimum two Self Help Group (SHG) were conducted. One meeting with Watershed Committee (WC) members was done and their minutes register, accounts register, cash book, ledger etc were verified (where ever it was present at MWS level). One Focused Group discussion with the villagers was conducted to assess the awareness level regarding IWMP, community participation in the activities conducted under the project and to know their opinion/ feedback on various aspects of the work undergoing in IWMP. In depth discussion with Watershed Development Team (WDT) members and PIA officials on various aspects of IWMP was done at every PIA level. For more Qualitative and Indepth Information the team has discussed various aspects of the Project with multi stake holders. Participant Observation has also been used as a tool for assessment. 5.2 Basic Framework Evaluation included following major actions: Physical verification Financial audit (checking of cash book, ledger and other accounts related documents ) Process audit Social audit Five basic components of the project had been identified by the team on the basis of which the evaluation has been done and MWSs are being graded. The five components are: 1. Entry Point Activities (EPA) 2. Work Phase 3. Community Awareness and Messaging about IWMP 4. Stake holder s participation and mobilisation WC, SHG and User Group (UG) 5. Overall Management by PIA All five components have equal weightage and each component is assessed on 15 points scale which is further converted into grade described in the later part of the report. Each component has three parameters carrying one point each and equal weightage, which are described below. 1. Entry Point Activities Quality Utility Timely completion of EPA 22 P a g e

23 On the basis of above three parameters, each EPA has been graded separately on 15 points scale and then cumulative average of all EPA has been taken on 15 point scale for grading. E.g If three different activities like Pond renovation, Solar Lamp post and Nutritional garden are done under EPA, then team has marked each activity separately out of 15, then average of three activities on 15 point scale is calculated and on this basis grade has been allotted for EPA. 2. Work Phase a) Water Conservation Structure Catchment area Utility Reach of the community b) Soil and Moisture Conservation Activity Quality Utility Inability of beneficiary to carry out the work c) Livelihood promotion Initiative Income Generation Suitability to local conditions d) Productivity Enhancement System Quality of product during Demonstration Benefit of the seed/ agricultural equipment / training Income generation Like EPA each activity under each activity has been given points and graded separately and each component has been graded separately on the basis of average of the cumulative points obtained for each activity on 15 point scale. Further Work phase has also been graded on the basis of average of cumulative points obtained in all 4 components separately. 3. Community Awareness and Messaging about IWMP People s awareness regarding IWMP Messaging Wall writing etc Participation in DPR 4. Direct Stake Holder s participation and mobilisation- WC, SHG and UG Participation of WC members in execution of IWMP Mobilisation of SHG members and livelihood initiatives Awareness level of UG, their involvement and contribution to Watershed Development Fund (WDF) 5. Overall Management by PIA Awareness regarding guidelines of IWMP Involvement of WDT Inclusive approach 23 P a g e

24 Each Micro Watershed is graded on the basis of the total points obtained on 15 point scale. Grades corresponding to points are as follows. Points Grade > Excellent > Very Good >9-11 Good >7.5-9 Satisfactory 7.5 and below Poor Table 5.1 Grade corresponding to Points 5.23 Capacity Building Apart from, above mentioned five components another important component of the project i.e Capacity building of different stakeholders has also been assessed. However, in the absence of any proper assessment tool, evaluation of the quality of training imparted month or year back especially to WDT, SHG and UG becomes quite difficult. However one objective parameter to assess the impact of training imparted to SHG/ UG is initiative taken up by them after the training programme. But this parameter to assess the overall impact of training would be a narrow way to reach any conclusion, as because there are many other factors apart from training which enables an individual or a group to take up any initiative. However in some MWS of PIA- KGVK, Ranchi and Soil Conservation Department Godda, SHG members have taken up income generation activities like Mushroom production, Poultry, Tailoring, Pickle and Bamboo work etc as a result of which they are generating good income. Impact of Training on SRI Paddy Cultivating process is observed as beneficiaries reported good volume of increase in the productivity after using the technique. There had been many other training programmes conducted on water conservation, livelihood opportunities like goatery, piggery, fishery etc impact of which is very difficult to assess and grade, as till date no initiative has been taken up by the trainees. Training for members of WC regarding IWMP and maintenance of records had been conducted in all MWS but WC members are still not capable to maintain the registers, cash book, ledger and other records on their own. On the basis of information received during the field study and the information gathered from PIA and SLNA, Evaluation team has given remarks pertaining to training and capacity building programmes for various stakeholders, both in general and Micro Watershed wise in the later part of the report. 24 P a g e

25 6. KEY FINDINGS 6.1 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) PRA has been conducted in all MWS. When asked in villages, very few community members could respond to the questions pertaining to PRA properly, they have very faint remembrance of the exercise, also because it had been conducted about two years back. Identification of major catchment areas was not traced out during PRA in some of the MWSs. The glaring example is Raj Nagar, Saraikela Kharsawan, Micro Watershed Garnala VI& VII. Village is situated at the Foot hill of the several hillocks. Every year huge amount of water during rainy season gushes into the fields causing not only soil erosion but also destroying paddy and other agricultural activities. IWMP work going on in MWS Garnala VI & Garnala VII, Rajnagar, Saraikela Kharsawan at the foot hill As per the expert WDT, MWS-Garnala, Saraikela Kharsawan, (Civil Engineering who himself had no access to DPR), if trench could be made along the length of foothills and water is channelized to the nearby fields then not only paddy and soil erosion could be saved but single crop cultivation could be transformed into double crop cultivation. Major findings pertaining to PRA are mentioned below: PRA exercise conducted by all PIAs. Community has faint remembrance of PRA. Community participation is not upto the mark. Identification of Catchment area not identified properly in few MWSs during PRA. 6.2 Detailed Project Report DPR is prepared for all MWSs. However, community participation while preparing DPR has been observed low in many MWS. As a result of which catchment areas and other resources could not be identified properly in few MWSs Another important issue observed is regarding the change in Plan of Action. In MWS Ormajhi, Ranchi PIA KGVK, WC realized that they could use one important water resource which is going waste near their village i.e waste water from near by Dam. They get it approved from village panchayat, PIA took action on it made proposal to SLNA and got the Plan of 25 P a g e

26 action changed. But some PIAs do not have clear information regarding possibility of changes in the activities mentioned in DPR. For example PIA Soil Conservation Hazaribagh. Copy of DPR is not found at designated Micro Watershed office. Watershed Committee is mostly unaware about the DPR. DPR in English is a major problem at PIA and WC level. WDTs and WC members in most of the MWSs except few have access to Plan of Action and other information pertaining to IWMP whereas in MWSs facilitated by PIA Soil Conservation, Saraikela Kharsawan and Forest Department, Bahragoda, East Singhbhum they have no access to these information and documents. Highlights of the observations with regard to DPR are as follows: Community participation seemed low during preparation of DPR. Copy of DPR in English is not understandable to WC members. Watershed Committee and WDT members in all MWSs have access to Annual Action Plan except MWSs by Soil Conservation Department Saraikela Kharsawan & Forest Department, Bahragoda, East Singhbhum. Copy of DPR generally not found at designated WC office. PIA like Soil Conservation Dept, Hazaribagh not aware of possibility of Changes in activities mentioned in DPR Suggestions All PIAs and Micro Watershed to be asked to review their Plan of action, especially with regard to Water Harvesting Structures All PIAs and WC should be directed to identify strategic water resources if not included in DPR Copy of DPR to be made available to all WDT members compulsorily DPR to be mandatorily available in Hindi in all designated WC office with immediate effect, as Jharkhand is basically a Hindi speaking state Annual Action Plan to be mandatorily available to all WC and WDTs in Hindi 6.3 Entry Point Activity Entry Point activity are completed in almost all MWSs. Varied range of EPA had been conducted by different PIAs as per the local need and demand. More than 17 different kinds of activities under EPA had been assessed by the team ranging from big projects like construction of Jal Minar- overhead tank at Kulhi, Ormajhi, Ranchi (PIA- KGVK), distribution of small agricultural equipments like Gator spray machine in many MWSs, and imported torch lights has also been distributed in Gumla to sway away elephants at night. Construction of Guard wall at one of the MWS in Godda, facilitated by Soil conservation Department, Godda is good example of community led activity. Activities like Solar Street lamp, drinking well renovation, construction of platform& soakpit around handpump, renovation of ponds etc had been proved useful to a large section of community. These activities helped in creating good rapport with the community. 26 P a g e

27 Unique activity has been observed in MSWs of Gumla, where TV set with Dish connection and solar plate has been given to each MWS. It is usually being kept at the residence of Secretary of WC. When asked about the reason, it was answered that in apprehension of theft and dacoity (which is common in Naxal affected areas like this) it is kept in their houses. It is reported by the villagers that large section of community flock in regularly to watch news and other entertainment channels. EPA had been conducted satisfactorily and effectively in almost all MWSs.. EPA verified and assessed by the team has been classified into 6 major categories. They are as follows : 1. Water Conservation related activities 2. Agriculture related activities 3. Renewable Energy related activities 4. Tree Plantation and Nutritional Vegetation related activities 5. Awareness and Public Health related activities 6. Others Out of these six categories, activities related to Tree Plantation and Nutritional Vegetation like nutritional garden, fruit orchard demonstration, kitchen garden etc had not been seen effectively implemented in various MWSs. In not a single MWS survival of substantive number of plant has been observed. The beneficiaries who received these saplings or seeds did not seem much sensitised and interested about the life of the plants or making an effort to safeguard those plants. The casual approach of the beneficiaries in this regard can be attributed to the larger level insensitivity towards environment and plantation. There is no mechanism to sustain nutritional garden in the next season on continuous basis. Details of the EPA under 6 categories which were physically verified and assessed along with remark is mentioned below. EPA Activities S. No Types of EPA Impact / Comment I Water Conservation related Activities 1. Well Renovation Very Useful 2. Handpump Platform / Soak pit Very Useful 3. Pond Renovation / Disiltation Useful 4. Drinking Water Tank- Jal Minar Very Useful II Agriculture related activities 1. Seed Distribution Mixed Opinion from beneficiaries 27 P a g e

28 2. Vermi Compost Unit Useful 3. Sprinkler Irrigation System Useful 4. Distribution of Agricultural equipments like Gator Spray etc 5. Green Shed Net Useful Mixed Opinion from beneficiaries 6. Revolving Fund for Agricultural activities/ Soil testing Not in practice yet III Nutrition and Vegetation 1 Nutritional Garden /Kitchen Garden Poorly Managed 2. Sapling distribution for fruit orchard Low survival rate of Plants IV Renewable Energy Sources 1. Solar Lamp Post Very Useful 2. Bio Gas Utility depends on availability of Dung V Awareness and Public Health 1. Van Mahotsav & other awareness programme Useful for community mobilization 2. Health Check up camps for Animals Useful 3 Health Checkup / Yoga camps for community Useful rapport building exercise VI Others 1. T V, Dish and Solar Panel Useful 2. Smokeless Chulah Very Useful 3. Imported Search Lights to sway away elephants Useful 6.1 List of EPA Activities Suggestion Tree Plantation and activities like nutritional garden should be managed properly so as to enable the survival of the plants. 28 P a g e

29 6.4 Wall Writing and Messaging Awareness regarding IWMP seemed low in many of the MWS. Many villagers have not heard of IWMP. When asked about the work done under the project, majority of the villagers take the name of the officer of the PIA or Secretary of WC. This shows, how much there is a need to strengthen the name of IWMP and enable the message to reach every nook and corner of the village. There is hardly any discussion with community regarding water harvesting programme and curative measures to prevent of loss of rain water and water from other sources. Highlights Wall writing and messaging could be seen in very few of the MWS Message of IWMP not reached to community effectively Name of IWMP or Jal Chhajan (commonly used Hindi term for IWMP) not known to many villagers in the community Work mainly done in the name of Secretary of WC or Office/Officials of PIA instead of IWMP or Jal Chhajan Mission Suggestions Massive awareness programme regarding water conservation and IWMP among community should be done with utmost priority Name of IWMP or Jal Chhajan to be promoted as a community based project rather than a personal effort of any official or Secretary of WC 6.5 Stake Holders Status Watershed Committee (WC) Watershed Committee (WC) has been formed in all MWS as per the guideline of IWMP. Secretary and President of WC throughout the MWS seemed active as compared to other members of WC. WC of all MWS assessed except Bahargoda, East Singhbhum are functioning more or less satisfactorily. As per the guideline WC has been entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining records and accounts. But, WC is not fully equipped with the technical and financial know how to carry on this work. Though PIAs have been conducting trainings related to maintenance of accounts and records but due to low level of educational qualification of WC members, they are not able to do this work properly. In some MWSs PIA have not entrusted this work to WC at all. PIAs need to put extra effort to ensure that accounts are being maintained by WC as after the exit of PIAs after few years, they should be equipped to manage and maintain their accounts and records on their own without any outside support. The chequebook, pass book and other records should be kept at MWS office, which is generally not found throughout the MWSs assessed except very few. Other important issue observed with regard to WC is their unawareness regarding DPR, Annual Plan of Action and financial allocation for different activities. This has been found mainly in MWSs of the PIA Soil Conservation Saraikela-Kharsawan and Forest Department, Bahragoda, East Singhbhum. 29 P a g e

30 Highlights Composition of WC done as per guideline Meetings found to be conducted regularly once in a month in almost all MWS Office at MWS level functional throughout MWSs assessed except Bahragoda, East Singhbhum Minutes of the meeting are maintained properly Participation of Members mainly women and tribal seem low Bank Account opened by all MWS and found operational Accounts not maintained by WC By large Cheque book and passbook kept at PIA level At some places WC members including Secretary are unaware of the money allotted for different activities Suggestions Chequebook, Passbook and other records to be kept at MWS office with immediate effect WC to be informed well in advance regarding Annual Action plan and all financial allocations for different activities to be conducted under IWMP in their MWS Copy of DPR to be made available to WC with immediate effect Members of WC especially women and tribal to be trained separately so as to ensure their active participation in the functioning of WC Self Help Group (SHG) SHGs are being formed throughout the MWSs assessed. Two kinds of SHGs were found in the MWSs. One those which are running from past and now have been linked with IWMP. Other is newly formed SHGs. There is significant difference in the functioning of the SHGs which are functional since long and now linked to IWMP and the newly formed SHGs. Earlier formed SHGs are working comparatively better than the newly formed SHGs. However very few SHGs are involved in financial transactions and the overall conditions of SHGs are not appreciable except in MWSs of PIA KGVK, Soil Conservation Department, Godda and Soil Conservation Department, Deoghar. They need lot of sensitisation, mentoring and care. Highlights Meetings are generally conducted regularly by SHG members however the newly formed SHGs do not meet regularly. Financial Transaction not in process in newly formed SHGs. SHG members not capable of maintaining accounts and records properly. Some SHG office bearers do not know even their roles and responsibilities regarding financial operations though they are signatories in the bank. Participation of Members in many SHG found low. Few SHGs linked to bank and majority still in process. Rate of Interest in many SHGs for internal loaning system as high as 60-80% p.a. e.g SHGs of MWSs at Raj Nagar, Saraikela Kharsawan Soil Conservation Department and MWSs at Bahragora, East Singhbhum-Forest Department. 30 P a g e

31 Awareness of WDT (Social Mobilisation) low on rules and regulations regarding economic and social aspects of SHG. Many WDT(social mobilisation) members found unaware about functioning process of SHG. Many WDT (Social Mobilisation) members are found unaware about various provisions for SHGs under IWMP. Guidance and mentoring to SHG members from WDT seem minimal in majority of the MWSs. Awareness level about loan facilities from Bank and other government agencies is found low. Livelihood training imparted to many SHG members but no livelihood initiative has been taken up except in few SHGs. Suggestion SHG members to be oriented properly regarding functioning of SHG along with roles and responsibilities of members & office barriers. SHG members to be sensitised regarding various social and economic aspects of SHG. SHG members to be guided properly regarding maintenance of minute register, accounts and other records. SHG members to be made aware regarding various provisions under IWMP for SHG and other financial sources and facilitation of linkage with the same. WDT members, especially WDT (Social Sciences) to be trained properly on different aspects of SHG. WDT members to care, mentor, encourage and support. Livelihood promotion activities to be initiated as soon as possible Livelihood Initiatives by SHG Very few SHGs have started any livelihood initiative. Though few livelihood based training have been imparted to SHG members throughout the MWSs, but only SHG members in the few MWSs are involved in any kind of livelihood activity. In KGVK, Ranchi SHG members are running poultry farm and making a good deal of money, some women were involved in mushroom cultivation and few in business of tailoring and Stitching. Women in Godda (PIA Soil conservation) are involved in bamboo products whereas some SHG members in Gumla are producing Jute products, artificial flowers and bamboo based products after the training provided to them User Group (UG) and Watershed Development Fund (WDF) The primary concept of User Group is almost nonexistent throughout the MWSs evaluated. There is lack of awareness regarding the importance of User group on the part of PIA and WDT as well. User Groups have not been formed properly throughout the MWSs assessed. Many PIA / WDT defended that since Work Phase started recently, it would take time to strengthen them. This might be true to certain extent but no where except KGVK, Ranchi, team could observe awareness and sensitisation towards UG among WDT or PIA officials. Even WC members and PIA are not aware conceptually, regarding the importance of UG and 31 P a g e

32 their contribution. In few MWSs not a single UG have not been formed. E.g MWSs of PIA, Forest Department- Gumla. Watershed Development Fund has to be maintained and beneficiaries have to contribute to this fund as per the guideline of IWMP. In all assessed MWSs except MWSs of PIA-KGVK, Ranchi (where 10 % of the cost is being contributed by User Group) only 5% of the cost is being deposited in WDF. That too it has been reported throughout, that this 5% is not contributed by the beneficiaries but PIA deducts the 5% of the cost of the work at source and contributes directly to the WDF. When enquired about this from PIA officials, they said it is almost impossible to ask for money from the beneficiaries. They need to understand that WDF is not just about money but it is related to larger issue of Community Ownership. This practice is against the guideline of IWMP. It is quite ironical that in spite of knowing the fact that IWMP, unlike other government schemes or project has a clear cut exit plan neither WC nor PIA is paying heed to this important component of the project. Once the project is over after 5 years or so and the PIA exits, it is the WC committee and User Group that has to maintain and manage all the structures created during the project period, as well as continue water and soil conservation activities with the WDF along with managing the revolving funds for SHGs. The WC & UG should be strengthened to manage WDF properly. If WC and PIA is incapable of raising this fund and maintaining it, it would be almost impossible for them to manage the revolving fund for SHG in coming time which would run in figure of Rs lakhs per MWS in near future. Hence without any delay, WC and UG should be capacitated to take the lead of the project, contribute properly to WDF and intensify efforts towards sustainable, community owned and community managed Watershed Management Programme. Highlights User group not properly formed in most of MWS. Casual efforts of PIA, WDT and WC towards formation of UG is found. Basic Concept of User Group almost non existent throughout the MWS evaluated except KGVK, Ranchi. Beneficiaries are not made aware regarding the importance of WDF. 5% of the cost of the work is contributed towards WDF that too not by the beneficiaries but money is being deducted for the work at Source by PIA. Suggestions PIA and WDT should be sensitized towards the importance of UG and WDF WC and UG must be made capable through constant injection of Training to manage money, SHG, UG and Water conservation structures, if not, the IWMP might collapse after the exit of PIA. Practice of 5% cost deduction at Source by PIA to be contributed towards WDF must be stopped with immediate effect. Contribution by UG towards WDF should be mandatorily ensured as per the guideline of IWMP. 32 P a g e

33 6.5.4 Watershed Development Team (WDT) WDT are the back bone of the IWMP project. They are required to work constantly with WC, SHG and UG. However very few PIAs have four WDT members as required. The number of WDTs presently working, are more or less equipped with the technical knowledge except social mobilisation. WDTs (Social Sciences) in many MWSs are found under skilled in social mobilisation, community organisation and group formation work, which is the core of the project. Retention is very low throughout, due to several issues. Major being the qualification required as compared to the salary offered. Candidates with four years Bachelor s Degree in Engineering, agriculture etc are being hired with as low salary as Rs 11,000 per month (with so much task in the field) hence they switchover whenever they get better opportunity. Apart from this there are other issues even with the existing WDT members which attributes to their high attrition. They are as follows: Delay in payment. For example WDT (Social Sciences) at Soil Conservation Department, Saraikela Kharsawan did not receive salary for the last 5 months without any reason being told. Salary less than prescribed. at Soil Conservation Department, Saraikela Kharsawan salary being paid to WDT is Rs 10,000 per month as against Rs 11,000 per month. WDT have vast geographical area to cater under average 10 MWSs each, that too in deep interiors of the village, but travelling allowance of Rs 1,250 is not paid by most of the PIAs. Example Soil conservation Department, Saraikela Kharsawan, Forest Department, Gumla and East Singhbhum etc. Suggestion Salary of WDT should be increased. Requirement of Qualification to be lowered. Local candidates having diploma rather than degree should be given preference. In no case salary should be lowered than sanctioned amount. Travelling Allowance must be given very regularly. Salary should not be stopped without any genuine reason. Clear cut direction should be issued by SLNA. Grievance Redressal Cell for WDT members, having binding forces on PIA to be created by SLNA Programme Implementing Agency (PIA) Out of 10 PIAs whose work has been assessed, except KGVK, Ranchi none of them have past experience of Community mobilisation.community mobilisation by PIA throughout the MWSs is almost weak and below mark. Many PIA field staff reported that there is no proper Travelling allowance available for them which is a big constraint in frequent field visit and monitoring of the work. PIA staff are generally based at an average kms away from the MWSs and some even 70 kms. It is practically impossible to guide as well as monitor the work of IWMP which runs in the deep 33 P a g e

34 hinterlands without any proper travel allowance or travel arrangements. It is an urgent issue and needs to be addressed. There is also some confusion among some PIAs regarding the guideline of IWMP. For example: Officials of Forest Department, Gumla does not know that there is provision for a paid volunteer at MWS level. There is no provision of monthly Office expenses at MWSs level of PIA Forest Department Bahragoda, East Singhbhum Soil Conservation Department throughout MWSs carry out the water conservation and soil conservation related work mainly with machines, which though does not conflict the guideline of IWMP, however man days as per as per DPR are not generated. 34 P a g e In MWSs of Soil conservation Department, for work done with labours, no muster rolls are maintained at MWSs Overall Management by PIA is satisfactory except in few MWSs Suggestion PIA should have clear understanding about the rules and regulations of IWMP PIA to comply with the rules pertaining to different provisions under IWMP with immediate effect PIA officials should get Travelling allowance or travelling arrangement to be done from IWMP fund to ensure their frequent visit in each MWS. Unique Problem Faced by PIA staff in Naxal affected areas Certain other problems are also faced by PIA functioning in Naxalite affected areas and it needs some extra care and support from Government. Worth mentioning is the problems faced by field staff of PIA Forest Department, Gumla. Forest Guard Mr Kundan Singh (Name Change) is the one who looks after the work being done under IWMP along with this regular job as Guard. The geographical area of MWS encompasses the Red Hit areas and working in the so called Den of Left Extremists is not so easy. As per the villagers one who works inside the village are bound to see extremists every now and then. They further says if you are working in this area, you would also be forced to exchange words and communicate with them. However these are very harmless communication. These interactions are very common with who ever works in these areas. Kundan Singh who had been facilitating the work of IWMP in these highly extremist affected areas is a victim of similar situation. Now he has been put in jail, as police claims that he has contacts with Naxalites. It is sandwiched condition for him and several others working in the similar areas. It is not their fault if someone comes before them or forces to talk while their work, that too when they are without protection and on their own risk. They could be slaughtered any moment. So unless there is concrete evidence against these staff of having relationship with Naxalites, they should not be harassed by Police and should be given protection. Even the Department should come to rescue and support their staff in a crisis situation like

35 this.these situations should be seen not objectively in black and white. Police should also have a subjective view over these situations otherwise no staff will dare to work in these areas. Government should also come up with a separate protection policy for the service personals working in these disturbed areas. 6.6 Capacity Building of different Stake holders Capacity Building - PIA PIA officials has been trained on the range of issues like Strategic Planning of Watershed Management, Implementation of IWMP, Entry Point Activities, Preparation of Annual Action Plan, Information Communication & Education, Compilation & analysis of DPR etc. Various Exposure visits for PIA officials and staffs have been conducted both inside and outside state. But, no substantive training related to Group formation, Community mobilisation, functioning of SHG, UG etc has been imparted to PIA officials which are also the core areas of work for PIA. Also, as mentioned in the above paragraphs, there is lack of awareness among few PIAs regarding provisions under IWMP. Hence a refresher training and awareness programmes to the officials of the PIA handling the projects (who also keeps on changing from time to time) is very necessary and important. Suggestions Line Department overseeing the projects need to be trained & exposed thoroughly regarding guidelines of IWMP and provisions for SHG, UG, WC etc. Compulsory Training to the officials handling IWMP on the following topics: 1) Community Organisation and Development practices 2) Watershed Management 3) Group formation 4) Entrepreneurship and empowerment Capacity Building WDT Members WDT members have been trained on range of technical issues like Watershed Management, Rain Water Harvesting, Natural Resource Management, Agroforestry, Community Resource Mobilisation, Base line Survey etc. Various Exposure visits for WDT members have been conducted both inside and outside state. Various Training and Exposure opportunities are available for WDT in their respective trades. It can be said that Capacity Building of WDT members (mainly technical expert members) apart from WDT member - Social Sciences is well taken care off by SLNA, Jharkhand. WDT members at some PIAs were found unaware regarding the guidelines of IWMP. WDT (Social Sciences) were also found unaware about the functioning of SHG, UG, WC and provisions for them under IWMP. WDT (Social Sciences) are also found not so skilled in community mobilization and livelihood promotion for people in rural areas. Suggestions All WDT members must be thoroughly equipped with guideline of IWMP Irrespective of specialisation all WDT members must be trained in community participation and mobilisation & ways to form promote and empower SHG and UG 35 P a g e

36 WDT (social mobilisation) must be extensively trained in Social Entrepreneurship along with Community Organisation &Development Practices Capacity Building WC Members WC members throughout MWSs have been trained on rules and regulations of IWMP & maintenance of accounts. But as mentioned in the previous part of the report as well, they are unable to maintain the accounts and other records on their own. Apart from these WC also needs to more inclusive in approach where women, tribal and schedule caste members also become active participant in the effective implementation of IWMP. Suggestions Regular and periodical training on maintenance of accounts along with constant mentoring is necessary An intensive training programme on how to manage group and organisation should be arranged Special training on gender sensitisation and inclusion should be imparted Capacity Building SHG & UG SHG members throughout the MWSs have been given training on functioning of SHG though it needs to be repeated intensively as SHGs are unable to function properly. Certain livelihood trainings have also been given to SHG members but no specialized training as per the local livelihood opportunity has been conducted so far. Highlights of the training conducted for SHG members are as follows SHG given training on conducting meeting, maintaining minutes and transaction as reported. Livelihood training largely on Goatery, Piggery, Duckery and Fishery throughout MWS. Some PIA like KGVK, Forest Department, Gumla & Soil Conservation Department Deogahr and Godda conducted training on other livelihood opportunities - jute products, jewellary making, art & craft, poultry, mushroom cultivation, tailoring etc. Suggestions Livelihood training based on the local resources, local demand and local technical expertise needs to be made available to SHG members. Proper and periodic guidance on how to maintain internal and external financial transactions and records. Training on Gender sensitisation and Women empowerment. Entrepreneurial Training to SHG members. Beneficiaries (not formal User Group) has also been trained in few MWSs on issues pertaining to IWMP, new forms of cultivation, new processes of paddy farming along with soil testing and vegetable cultivation. 36 P a g e

37 6.6.5 Issues related to Capacity Building Capacity Building is one of the most important component of the entire IWMP. An enormous fund is available for the same. Several trainings for different stakeholders is also being organised at different levels. However the impact of overall capacity building programmes is not so much visible. Team observed certain issues with regard to capacity building. PIA and SLNA needs to be taken care on the following points. Highlights Largely Trainings are organised either at State level or District level. Neither PIA nor WC informed well in advance regarding any training of WC, SHG or UG members. Trainings are conducted more as supply driven rather than demand driven. Expenditure of capacity building programme is directly given to training agencies. Proper theme wise record of different trainings imparted to SHG / UG / WC members / WDT members or exposure visit is not maintained at MWS and PIA level. As reported, travel and other allowances for participation in training not properly paid to participants (WC, SHG, UG, Farmers and Landless) causing lot of discouragement among participants in attending training programme. Suggestions Training need assessment to be done properly at PIA level, hence training should be more demand based. Information regarding training must be communicated well in advance. Expenses of the participants to be taken care off properly. Training records to be maintained properly at MWS, PIA and SLNA level with theme. Follow up of the participants to be done mandatorily after every training programme by PIA. Impact assessment of all capacity building programmes to be conducted separately by independent agency to strengthen it further as per the need of the community, livelihood opportunities and potential market. 6.7 Status of Work Phase When the team conducted the evaluation, work phase had been going only since last few months and a year or so. The work is still in progress. As mentioned in 4.1 section of the report four components of the Work phase has been assessed and graded as well. Since the work phase is in progress, it would be premature to comment on the entirety of the work phase. However each work physically verified and assessed during the evaluation has been commented upon along with grading each MWS wise separately. Even in various previous sections of the report issues related to work has been raised and discussed. 37 P a g e

38 Over all status of the work done so far is found satisfactory and effective. Certain general observations regarding Work phase are mentioned below Water Conservation Structures randomly selected from the Plan of Action for assessment in each MWS were found at proper geographical location mentioned in DPR or Annual Action Plan. Many water harvesting structures have been created and many are in the process of construction. Quality of the work has been generally satisfactory. Some good work like construction of Dova at Raj Nagar, MWS-7, Saraikela Kharsawan, PIA- Soil conservation Department and a Dova at MWS Banhe Nala, Hazaribagh, PIA -Soil conservation Department were found in the field. Water channel at Ormajhi, Ranchi, PIA KGVK is an extraordinary example of utilisation of water which was being wasted since decades, in form of waste water from nearby Rukka Dam. By large Utility and potential utility of the structures has also been generally reported worthy by community members. Though villagers in some MWS have mixed opinion regarding the catchment areas of the water harvesting structures, but in general the work with regard to water conservation is quite satisfactory. Major Water Harvesting structures either completed or under construction are as follows: a) Ponds b) Dova (Small form of Ponds) c) Water Channels d) Earthern Dams e) Chuan (Shallow Well) Soil and Moisture Conservation Similar to Water conservation structures, soil conservation activities are also going on. Each activity under soil conservation is also being marked and graded separately MWS wise. Quality and Utility of the work has been reported as well as observed satisfactory. Regarding another aspect which has also been considered as one of the parameters while assessing soil conservation work i.e ability of the beneficiary to undertake the similar work, there has been a mixed opinion of the villagers, especially with regard to Land Levelling or Bench Terracing. Some villagers did express that waste / uncultivable lands of only landed people or relatives of Secretary/ President / WC members are being treated. It is true to an extent. The other side of the coin is that generally landed people have waste lands.. However an inclusive approach needs to be adopted by PIA and WC of all MWSs and it needs to be ensured that uncultivable lands of small land holders are included in the Plan of Action with out any biasness or discrimination. Major work under Soil and Moisture Conservation are as follows: Loose Bolder Check Dam Land Leveling/ Bench Terracing Contour Trenching Livelihood Promotion Each effort / activity under livelihood promotion is marked and graded separately MWS wise. Livelihood Promotion activities is mainly in capacity building phase where as in some MWSs work has also begun. For example at KGVK, Ranchi gaotery, mushroom cultivation, 38 P a g e

39 tailoring and poultry work is in progress. Regarding livelihood initiatives through SHG, details are mentioned in section of the report Productivity Enhancement System This work is also in progress throughout the MWSs. However few activities of Production enhancement System had also been part of EPA in many of the MWSs, but in work phase they are being undertaken at larger level involving large number of beneficiaries. Remarks and grading of each activity under Productivity Enhancement system is done separately each MWS wise. Highlights Some activities like SRI system paddy cultivation has yield very encouraging response from the beneficiaries. Regarding various vegetable cultivation and seeds for the same, mixed opinion of the beneficiaries are found. One important issue raised by beneficiaries and even PIAs is the timely allocation of seeds which depends on the timely disbursement of funds from SLNA Delay in distribution of seeds and other agricultural support in few MWS entails to worsen the produce and thus negatively impacts the result of demonstration activities, thereby discouraging other farmers from using the new techniques. The condition of tree plantation is not so satisfactory in the MWSs where ever implemented. Survival of plants is low Major Activities conducted so far under Productivity Enhancement System are: SRI system Paddy Cultivation HYV Tomato Demonstration Vegetable Cultivation Nutritional/ Kitchen Garden Fruit tree Plantation Natural Resource Management Bio Gas / Gobar Gas Suggestion Agricultural seeds and other support should be provided on time Trees Planted should be protected by Gabbion and other fencing mechanisms. WC committee and PIA should sensitise beneficiaries regarding importance of plantation and vegetation so as to ensure the survival of the plants. 6.8 Convergence Convergence plan is an important aspect of IWMP. Convergence plan of all MWSs are mentioned in DPR. During Work Phase many work is proposed through convergence with different government schemes. However, PIAs are facing lot of difficulty in doing convergence with various government schemes and agencies, especially Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, (MGNREGA). No work has been begun so far with regard to convergence in any MWS except MWSs of PIA- Soil Conservation Department Godda and Soil Conservation Department, Pakur. Exemplary work has been done by these two PIA s in this regard where a Check Dam with lift irrigation facilities has been made in both the places. 39 P a g e

40 7. Conclusion For a state like Jharkhand, which faces acute shortage of water inspite of heavy rainfall, IWMP if implemented properly, will be boon for the state. It will not only enable us, harvest the loss of rain water, ground water recharge & soil and moisture conservation thus enhanced agricultural and allied activities but also help in providing livelihood opportunities to a large number of poverty ridden and asset less population through its livelihood promotion activities. Blend of water conservation activity with community mobilisation measures, agricultural productivity enhancement actions and livelihood support to the landless, that too with involvement and empowerment of the community is the uniqueness of IWMP project. Involvement of women, tribal and schedule caste people at different levels makes it one of the most inclusive government scheme so far. In Jharkhand it is at nascent stage and needs more constant care and mentoring. More frequent participatory evaluation will enable more learning and timely resolution of the issues. Community needs to be sensitised, aware and empowered more intensively so that they are able not only to reap the utmost benefit of the project during the work phase but also become capable to sustain the mission of Watershed Management Programme on long term, even after the exit of implementing agencies. 40 P a g e

41 8. References Bibek Deboroy, L. B. (Apri, 2011). Transforming Jharkhand - Agenda for Action, Report of the Chief Minister's Committee for the Development of Jharkhand. Ranchi, Jharkhand: Governemnt of Jharkhand. DOLR. (2012). Guidelines for Evaluation of Preparatory Phase of IWMP Projects. New Delhi : Ministry of Rural Department. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5th, 2012, from Mission, S. L.-J. (2011). Annual Report Ranchi : State Level Nodal Agency- Jharkhand State Watershed Mission. Mission, S. L.-J. (2011). IWMP at a Glance - 2. Ranchi : State Level Nodal Agency-Jharkhand State Watershed Mission. Nathwani, P. (2011, February 3). Jharkhand Second Highest among Indian states with Unemployment. New Delhi, India. 41 P a g e

42 MWS Maharajganj & Banai Nala, Forest Department, Gumla 42 P a g e Photos Clock wise from top Pond Renovation SHG member displaying her jute product TV Set distributed under EPA Earthern Check Dam Wall Writing about IWMP- Well Renovation Earthern Check Dam

43 MWS Rukka & Kulhi, KGVK, Ranchi 43 P a g e Photos Clock wise from top Sign board displaying Poultry Farming by SHG Members Well Renovation Pond SHG Members Water Tank (Jal Minar )

44 MWS Banhe Nala & Holang, Hazaribagh 44 P a g e Photos Clock wise from top Sign board displaying MWS Office Dobha, Field Buding, Vermicompost pit- Loose Bolder Check Dam -Tomato Field Artison Well Farm Pond

45 MWS Garnala VI & Garnala VII, Saraikela Kharsawan 45 P a g e Photos Clock wise from top Land Levelling Farm Pond- Drip Irrigation Pond Renovation - Farm Pond- SHG Meeting Platform renovation of Hand pump Dova

46 MWS Pochakhali & Kadakota, Bahragoda, East Singhbhum Photos Clock wise from top Earthern Checkdam Contour Trench SHG Members meeting Well Repairing - SHG Members meeting Farm Pond 46 P a g e

47 MWS Maithon 3d & 3e, Jamtara Photos Clock wise from top Agricultural Equipment distributed Well Renvovation under IWMP - Sign board displaying MWS Office Bamboo Craft by landless Solar Lamp under EPA 47 P a g e

48 MWS Kathghari Nala and Bandgari Nala, Deoghar Photos From top Solar Lamp under EPA Well Renvovation under EPA 48 P a g e

49 MWS Kajhiya C & Kajhiya E, Godda Photos Clockwise From top Check Dam through Convergence- Meeting with SHG Members-Vermi Compost unit Well Renovation under EPA- Check Dam through Convergence 49 P a g e

50 MWS Tosebathan & Jalgarnala, Godda 50 P a g e Photos Clockwise From top Farm Pond Pump Set (Agricultural equipment) under IWMP - Meeting with SHG Members- Percolation Tank Farm Pond - Well Renovation under EPA

51 MWS Bansloi A Nala & Bansloi E Nala, Pakur 51 P a g e Photos Clockwise From top Well Renovation under EPA Vegetable Cultivation Demonstration- Agricultural Equipments - Land Levelling Solar Lamp Post under EPA