E511 vol. Social and Environmental Assessment of Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project 2001 SUMMARY REPORT (ADVANCED DRAFT)

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1 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Kamataka Community-based Tank Management Project Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore BACKGROUND Social and Environmental Assessment Summary Report E511 vol. Social and Environmental Assessment of Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project 2001 SUMMARY REPORT (ADVANCED DRAFT) The southern Indian State of Karnataka has 36,672 tanks with a potential command area of 6,90,000 ha, out of which about 2,40,000 ha is currently irrigated. Ninety percent of these tanks have an irrigation command area of less than 40 ha. Many of these tanks are centuries-old, created mainly as the main source of water for drinking, livestock and agriculture in a village community. These tanks also act as a major groundwater recharge mechanism. This is particularly important given that 54% of the geographical area of the state is drought-prone. These tanks have been traditionally managed by the local communities and declined over time owing to interventions which reduced the local communities' role. A major reason for this decline is poor operation and maintenance and lack of investment on the old tank infrastructure and growth in alternate system of irrigation through groundwater. The improvements of the tank system' is critical to enhance the utility of these tanks, particularly in dry areas for supplementary irrigation and to meet drinking water and livestock requirements. As a part of the tank system improvement, active involvement of various types of stakeholders is required at all stages from planning to execution and its sustainability. This tank system improvement needs a substantial paradigm shift in the institutional, policy and legal frameworks, both at the State and grassroots levels. POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT: Kamataka has no clear policy on tank system improvement; however, there have been a few ad hoc projects over the last three decades, which have not resulted in building up sustainable community involvement in tank system management. In recent years, the State has shown keen interest in formulating an enabling policy and legal framework to rehabilitate tanks through community-based and demand-driven approaches. As a part of the general policy of decentralized govemance of natural resources management of the State, participatory management of tank systems is being introduced both at major and medium irrigation and also minor irrigation. Currently, the tanks are administered by various institutional entities as shown in Table El. Table El: Distribution of Tanks in Karnatak according to Command Area SLNo Command Area Percentage of Tanks Managed by I Below 4 hectares 41% Taluk Panchayat 2 4 to 20 hectares 42% Zilla Panchayat 3 20 to 40 hectares 9% Zilla Panchayat 4 40 to 200 hectares 7% Department of Water Resources (Minor Irigation) ha 7% Department of Water Resources (Minor Irrigation) 6 Above 2000 ha <1% Department of Water Resources (Major and Medium Irrigation) However, multiple Government agencies like departments of Fisheries, Forestry, Mines & Geology, Revenue, Agriculture and horticulture still have a role in tank systems, particularly so in the Each tank system consists of the catchmernt area, the tank bed, bunds, wiers, sluices, distribution systems, and rommand area. Often, there are cascades of tanks in which downstream tanks are hydrologically dependent on upstream tanks. FILE COPY

2 Institute for Soclal and Economic Change, Bangalore tanks having a command area above four hectares. These agencies are mostly administering the tanks orn physical structure maintenance and improvements. Owing to a severe growing financial crunch, these tank structures are poorly maintained, leading to sub-optimal water use and under utilization of tank systems. The involvement of the users in these tank systems is currently very minimal. Over time, the poor financial allocations for tank improvement activities has also led to poor irrigation conditions and associated poor revenue generation. This situation has also led to lower dependence on the tank systems by the poor and vulnerable groups in the village communities. The problem is also attributed to lack of better approaches and the mono-discipline nature of the Department of Minor Irrigation and inadequate capacity both at the State and local govemment level (Zilla and Taluk Panchayats). The existing institutional arrangements have led to poor coordination and lack of accountability. In light of the above issues, the Government of Karnataka (GoK)'s evolving strategy is to initiate a process to transfer management of all tanks in Karnataka to communities. With the objective of' instituting sustainable tank system management, the GoK has committed to embark on a program that will substantially increase participation of all important stakeholders in the management of the tanks and adopi an integrated planning and management approach that considers each tank in its totality with a holistic approach to land, water and ecosystem management. The State has established the Jala Samvardhane Yojana Sangha (JSYS), a registered society, as a nodal agency to facilitate the regeneration of community management, control and ownership of tank systems in a phased manner. The GoK has developed a vision statement to support the long-term strategy of sustaining this initiative. These strategies are in tune with the evolving overall reform strategy of the Water Resources Development Organization of the GoK. Efforts are also being made to coordinate this project with other related projects; a Committee with the Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner of GoK has been set up at state level with all the Secretaries and directors in-charge to coordinate this project with two other World Bank financed projects - the Kamataka Watershed Development Project and the Kamataka Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Project Objectives: The project development objective is to develop and strengthen community-based approaches to managing selected tank systems in order to improve rural livelihoods. The project aims to demonstrate the viability of a new community-based tank improvement and management approach by developing, testing, and implementing it on a pilot basis. If successful, the project would provide a useful model for scaling up this innovative approach statewide. The poverty focus of the project is based on geographic targeting of taluks across the state with a high incidence of poverty. Within the selected taluks, the selection of individual tank systems will be based on community level commitment and receptivity. Project Area: The project is located in eastern and northern part of Karnataka State and aims to rehabilitate about 2,000 out of about 3,500 tank systems in 34 taluks of nine districts (as shown in Figure El). The proposed project area targeted for tank rehabilitation has been determined by selecting taluks in nine districts in the state that exhibit the following attributes: a) high incidence of poverty; b) female illiteracy; c) SC/ST population; d) non-working population; and e) significant number of minor irrigation tanks. Tank systems located in the Cauvery basin are currently excluded from the project due to an unresolved inter-state river dispute. The physical interventions in the project will be limited to the catchment area ( feeder channel clearance and construction of check bunds up to a radius of 500 meter from foreshore), tank bed and waterspread area at full tank level, tank structures (embankment, waste weir, sluice) and the design conmmand area of the tank. 2

3 Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore In the selection of individual tanks, a bottom-up approach ensuring existence of local ownership for tank improvement before it is selected by the project has been proposed. This would be reflected by communities self-selecting themselves by achieving organizations, commitment, preparation and financial contribution with tangible milestones demonstrating their seriousness. Key criteria for tank selection include tank-specific socio-economic indicators, strong local ownership and screening for environmental and social safeguards. ur~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,kr Q alm~~~~~~~~lur am~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > _ a l l i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a summarizedabti intbl,2 Tigure EC: Taluks Selected for Implementation of the Project PROJECT COMPONENTS The project adopts a programmatic approach to community-based tank management and covers the first slice of the program - to address 2,000 of the about 36,672 tanks in the state that have a command of 67,570 ha out of about 690,000 ha of potential command area. The project components are summarized in Table E2. Table E2: Project Components Component Enabling Environment (US $ 12.6 million) Sub-Component (i) policy, planning, and legal environment, and (ii) project management 2. Community Development (i) human and institutional resource development, (US $ 18.8 million) (ii) inclusion of vulnerable groups, and (iii) planning and management support to (Tank User Groups) TUGs 3. Tank System Improvements (i) tank civil works improvement, (US$ 76.9 million) (ii) agricultural and horticulture development, (iii) technical assistance for other income generation, and 3

4 Institute for Socal and Economni C*ange, Bangalore I(iv) technology development [Note: All costs are indicative and are expected lo befine-tunedfurther during appraisal The costs do not include physica! and price contingencies. The estimated overall project costs including contingencies is US$122.4 millionj The project has been designed for achieving meaningful participation of all stakeholders including vulnerable groups. Tank system is being identified as a common property natural resource and the different user groups are properly identified and an equitable distribution of benefits will be ensured. The project will employ Community-Driven Development approach, which provides for representative ancl transparent decision making processes within the Tank User Groups and Tank User Committees (TUCs) The communities participating in the project will be socially mobilised to form Tank User Groups and Tank User Committees, who plan and implement Integrated Tank Development Plans (described below),, which outline the key activities to be undertaken in each tank system. The communities share a part of the capital cost of investment and assume full operation and maintenance responsibility for the tank system, The project will have capacity building support to empower the communities in strengthening theit capacities in planning, implementing and monitoring the project activities. INTEGRATED TANK DEVELOPMENT PLAN (ITDP) The ITDP is a key output of a community consultation process that defines the scope, prioritization and schedule of activities to be undertaken for each tank. The ltdp also indicates the interventions (e.g. physical, financial and human) and their sustainability at various stages of implementing this community-based approach. Monitoring activities to determine progress and achievement of objectives would complement the implementation action plan. The ITDP Process proposed in the project is summarized in the table below. Table E3: The ITDP Process Summary Stage Initial Pre-Planning Planning Activity - Cluster Facilitation Team (CFT) in-place (incl. financial arrangements for involvement of Project NGOs and others) - Quick Information base (villages, socio-economic characteristics, technical, maps, other secondary information) - Project Awareness (e.g. house visits, informal meetings, media activities, field visits, etc.) - Gram Sabha consent to form TUG - Initial Capacity Building (Institutional, management, etc.) - Form TUG (including adoption of by-laws) - Selection of TUC - Rapid Tank System Assessment Survey (General, Engineering, etc.) - Rapid Screening Assessment (commitment to principles such as cost sharing, willingness to assume responsibility for O&M, encroachment, gender, equity, etc.). Criteria satisfied - Pre-Planning Monitoring & Evaluation - Registration of TUG as per Societies Act - TUG Setup (2 bank accounts, display board, etc.) - Capacity Building of TUG/TUC and sub-groups (institutional, financial, technical, management, social, environmental, gender; manuals, handbook, reinforcement of communication/awareness, etc.); Linkage w:,th other TUGs (Cascade/Basin groups) Survey- Topographic, Command, water management practices (including remote sensing as required.) - Surveys - Hydrologic (incl. groundwater status) - Survey - Other Social, Environmental, Tribal, Vulnerable sections, R&R issues - PRA, Stakebolder Analysis (including Joint Walkthroughs, gender analysis, technical screening, etc.) - RAP and Indigenous Peoples Development Plan prepared and agreed - Consolidated Feasibility Report Prepared (including cost estimates) - Preparation of Baseline Data (including photographs) - Finalization and Prioritization of ITDP Activities (investments, capacity-building, etc.) 4

5 Insttute for Soclal and Economic Change, Bangalore l Implementation Post- Implementation - Determine community cash and labor contribution - 3% cash in bank account. (Resource Mobilization, Cash flow; O&M arrangements and Sustainability) - Institutional Arrangements agreed for ITDP Implementation (including. responsibilities, linkage with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), line departments, etc.) and Procurement Plan and Sustainability - Planning Monitoring & Evaluation - ITDP agreed and signed - Establishing TUG funds and flow of funds (including initial installment) - Financial Management Arrangement Finalized (including receipt of money from JSYS); internal documentation systems within TUG - Procurement - Community Contracting (Contract prepared, capacity-building, signing) - Capacity Building of TUG and sub-groups -Execution of ITDP Activities (tank bund strengthening, repair to sluice and waste weir, catchment treatment, on-farm development, fisheries devevelopment, agricultural diversification) including RAP and ITDP - Supervision (including community, Cluster Facilitation Team, and third-party quality 2% of base costs) & release of installments by TUG - Implementation Monitoring & Evaluation - Implementation Completion Report (including sustainability) - O&M - Follow-up Actions (including re-orientation, activity diversification, etc.) - Impact/Outcome M&E; Durability/Re-evaluation Analysis In order to better understand the environmental and social implications of the proposed project, design measures to mitigate and safeguard against potential environmental and social risks or adverse impacts as well as measures to enhance positive benefits, a combined Social and Environmental Assessment (SEA) was conducted. METHODOLOGY The study used a combination of different methods for the purpose of data gathering and consultations. They included Exposure Visits, Participatory Transect Walks, PRAs and Focus Group Discussions, Questionnaire Canvassing, Consultations with SC and ST members of the community and with the officials of various line-departments, PRAs with community leaders. To validate the findings and understanding of them, there were a series of intemal and consultative external reviews, and feedback workshop involving members of the village communities, representatives of NGOs, experts and state government officials. A series of methodological discussions were held with the representatives of the World Bank, JSYS and members of the faculty within ISEC. Fifty tanks (in 17 taluks of originally selected 12 districts and falling into 10 agro-climatic zones) were identified (based on a number of environmental and social criteria) in consultation with JSYS and the World Bank for a detailed study as part of the Social and Environmental Assessment. For the purpose of preparing a Resettlement and Rehabilitation Action Plan and Indigenous Peoples Development Plan, the study team revisited six villages for a detailed survey of the Project Affected Families (PAFs). Consultations Extensive consultations were carried out with a variety of stakeholders (including farmers, representatives from the PRIs, women and other vulnerable groups, and other local organizations), government agencies, researchers and expert groups, NGOs and the World Bank. * Consultations with SC and ST members of the community: With a view to preparing an Indigenous Peoples' Development Plan, special consultations were held with members of the SC and ST population in the village communities. Leading members of the community were also 5

6 insttute for Soda/ and Economic Change, Bangalore Social and Environmental Assessment Execubive Summary invited to join such consultations so as to be sensitive to the perceptions of other sections of the community concerning the interests of the marginalised and vulnerable sections of the society. * Consultation with the affected community: Detailed consultations were held with the affected community in the first round of social assessment. In the second round, individual affected families suffering economic displacement were interviewed to assess the impact of the project on their livelihood. These consultations helped in the formulation of R&R policy and model RAP prepared for six tank systems. * Consultations with other groups: The team held separate consultations with the landless, artisans, pastoral tenants and sharecroppers regarding their present and perceived role in the project, and to incorporate issues into the project design so as to safeguard their interests. Separate focus group discussions were also held with members of community-based organizations (temple committees, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), milk and credit cooperatives) to understand the history of organizing practices in the village. Special emphasis was laid on learning from the past experiences of the people in managing community organizations, conflict resolution process, and representation for the different section of the population. * Consultations with the officials of various line-departments: Officials at various levels (state, district, taluk and revenue subdivision, and Gram Panchayat levels) were consulted about the present status of tanks, their operation, irrigation, taxation policies, recovery process and financial allocations, etc. In particular, the discussions with the officials of the Department of Minor hkrigation at the District level proved to be very insightful. Consultations were also held with the Village Accountant and Revenue officers. During the second round of data gathering from a subsample of six tanks, these officials, along with a few engineers from Irrigation department accompanied the team especially to assess the situation concerning encroachment of tank property. Wherever users' societies had been formed by the local NGOs, and/or DMI/ JSYS, consultations were held to learn from the experience of fornation process and the lessons that could be learnt in the designing of project's TUG/TUC.. - Other consultations: In addition to the consultations at the village levels, as part of the SEA studies, discussions were held with representatives of PRI institutions at the village level. Likewise, there had been consultations with the local and regional NGOs working with the people at grassroots levels and they were consulted from the point of view of the working of communitybased institutions and potential participatory issues in regard to the Tank Users' Associations. - PRAs with community leaders: PRAs and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were carried out to assess the role and problems of a range of stakeholders, group formation processes and potentials for collective action. Participation of community leaders accompanied by the local people proved to be very meaningful and informative. * Internal and consultative external reviews: During the course of carrying out the SEA, the team members held open, frank and critical review meetings at the frequency of a week or a fortnight both with a view to learning from each other's experience and insights to inform one's own work, and to sensitize each other of the inter-relatedness of issues centering around the tank, community, environment, agricultural practices, etc. Members of the team also participated in the weekly meetings conducted by JSYS to review the progress made by different studies. Proceedings of such meetings were found to be helpful in identifying a wide range of inter-related issues, as for instance the linkages between institutional studies with those of SEA. * Exposure visits: With a view to identifying the best practices elsewhere a few members undertook visits to the participatory projects of watershed development (PIDOW in Gulburga, Projects in UP, Gram Vikas, etc.) * Feedback workshop: With a view to validate the findings, and to identify gaps if any, a one-day workshop was held at the ISEC. Participants included a cross-section of NGO functionaries, leading experts in water and irrigation sector, officials of the World Bank and the state departments of irrigation, JSYS, and more importantly, a few members of the village communities that had been covered in the study. For the benefit of those not familiar with English language, 6

7 Instttute for Soclal and Economic Change, Bangalore Social and Environmental Assessment Executve Summary translations were made available. The feedback received was very useful, and in some instances, re-visits to the villages/tanks were made to fill the gaps or to gather additional data. A similar twoday Workshop was held in September to discuss the draft final Social and Environmental Assessment report. The study team got feedback on how to minimize negative externalities and maximize positive externalities and conflict resolution among different users. Data on important parameters, which can be monitored and compared during and after the implementation of the project was also collected and synthesized into detailed profiles for each of the 50 tanks. The important parameters considered related to the institutional, environmental, social aspects of the tank system, including catchment, tank bed and command and other areas. Data gathered from the field were supplemented from the work of other studies, including the GIS-based Information and Knowledge base and Hydrology study team. The data collected from field covered important aspects of catchment, tank and the command areas. A strong consultation process has been mainstreamed into the project to create community ownership in the preparation and implementation of an integrated tank development plan. REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SETTING Kamataka State is the eighth largest State in India, both in area and population. The State has an area of around 19 million ha and is divided into 27 districts. According to 1991 Census, the total population of the state is millions. The State accounts for 5.84 percent of total geographical area and 5.32 percent of total population of the country. Majority (65 percent) of the state's population is dependent on agriculture with the total number of holdings accounting to million with an average holding of 2.13 ha. The overall population density of Karnataka works out 235 persons per sq.km, while the literacy rate of the State stands at percent (1991 Census). Physiographcially, the State can be divided into four regions viz., (i) The Coastal region; (ii) The Malnad (hilly); (iii) The Northern Plains; and (iv) The Southern Plains. The two important river systems of Karnataka are Krishna and its tributaries in the North and Cauvery and its tributaries in the South. A number of smaller rivers flow westward into the Arabian Sea. Of these, Sharavathi, Kalinadi, Netravathi are important as they are being tapped for hydroelectric power. Kamataka has been divided into 10 agro-climatic zones based on climate, topography, soils and vegetation. The normal rainfall in the State is 1139 mm, most of which is received during south-west monsoon (June-September). The annual precipitation varies widely from 569mm in Bijapur district to 4029 mm in Dakshina Kannada district. The selected districts cover most of the eastern and northern areas of the state on the western extremity of the Deccan Plateau. Districts are well-distributed over six of the 10 agro-ecological zones that occur in the state. Terrain slope is mostly moderate (less than 10%) with elevation ranging from 300 to 900 m.above sea level. Of the total geographical area of million ha, 3.06 million ha (16.1 percent) land is under forest while 2.05 million ha (10.7 percent) is not available for cultivation. During , the Net Sown Area (NSA) was 54.7 percent of the total geographical area. The average size of the operational holding is 2.13 ha and is larger by about 36 percent than the all-india average of 1.57 ha. The total irrigation potential created up to March 1996 was 3.04 million ha. Twenty one blocks in the state have been categorized as " Dark Area" and 22 as "Grey Areas". About 22 percent of the Net sown Area ( NSA) in the state were irrigated in However, while in districts like Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga and Mandya 40 percent of NSA are under irrigation, the districts like Kodagu, Chickmaglur, Bidar and Gulburga have very low level of irrigation. The proportion of Net Irrigated area (NIA) to NSA increased from about 11 percent ( ) to 24 percent ( ). 7

8 Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project Institute for Social and ECOn70mic Change, Bangalore Stakeholder Assessment and Social Analysis In almost all the villages visited, members of the community viewed the tank as something that concerns those owning lands in the command. Often, the conception of a tank gets further narrowed down in terms of a typologies of stakeholders (Table E4) involving: * those with alternative sources of irrigation and those without; * those in the head, mid or the tail-end region; * those owning lands in the high lying or low lying areas of the command; * those who are originally command area farmers as against those who have converted their lands to have access to the tank irrigation; * farmers with varying extent of land in the command; or * those who have lands adjoining the command and thereby an expanded holding. Table E4: A typology of stakeholders, and implications Stakeholders Level of dependence /stakes 2 Type = oin the Current Post-implementation Process required Command Command Encroachers in Water-logging/ Ground foreshore area water recharge Risk to physical structure and feeder channel Survey, and social fencing Encroachment Encroachers in Block field channels Affect water distribution Reclaim, and revetment command area _ Head-reach Several Field channels, revetment, regulate distribution Mid-reach Several Field channels, revetment, regulate disribution Tail- reach Several Field channels, revetment, CF: Location of regulatedistribution land owned Combinations Several Field channels, revetment, regulatedistribution CF from other Risk to structures, not Subjecto norms, member of Enroll as member of TUA villages subjecto norms TUA Exdusive or supplementing Subjecto norms, member of TUA Own cultivation High dependence, search Continuedependence, Regulated distribubon, for alternative sources, or minimized need for altematives commitment to norms keep land fallow / dry 3. CF: atemabvecultivation sources of water Sale of water Additional source of income, Reduced sale Levy user tax on sale swels, oond, rent seeking t(bewell) Buying of water Additional source of income, Reduced sale Levy user tax on sale (75 to 100 per rent seeking cent) Tenants and Additional source of income, Subject to norms, members of Sharecroppers rent seeking TUG With Patta (titde cropping affects inflow of Members of TUG, commitment Involve in TUG as deeds given) water, siltng, and damages to CTMP and watershed stakeholders from the to tank structures activities. catchment Seasonal cropping affects inflow of Norms governing allocating Only during dry months, Tank bed water, silting, and damages rights, transparent, additional eco-friendly, and on cultivators to tank structures source of income to TUG competitive bidding. (Instituionalised / Vulnerable groups preferred. without) Without Patta cropping affects inflow of Norms goveming allocating Only during dry months, water, silting, and damages rights, transparent, additional eco-friendly, and on to tank structures source of income to TUG competitive bidding. Vulnerable groups Water-spread With adjoining Permanent structures, encroachers lands affect inflow of water, siltinq, and damaqes to.preferred. Tank area surveyed, voluntary Determine cut-off point of surrender by social pressure, time. Land survey, compensation where necessary boundary demarcation, 8

9 Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project Insttute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore tank structures determine compensation. Without Permanent structures, Tank area surveyed, eviction by Determine cut-off point of adjoining lands affect inflow of water, social pressure, compensation time. Land survey, siltng, and damages to tank where necessary boundary demarcation, structures determine compensation. Women Not consulted, rights Active members and dedsion- Determine women's issues; ignored makers involvement from different secbtons of the community Uvestock Dead storage not Pathways deared or made, Sluice repairs, norms maintained. Roads and norms on dead storage. established, recovery of oathwavs blocked, roads, or making ways. Tank + water: Fish Rights auctioned, non- Transparent terms, preference Promote cooperatives by other users: transparent, conflict of to local members, safeguard vulnerable groups. Training interest with command interests of all stakeholders. given. farmers Tank and silt: Indiscriminate, As part of desilting plan Nominal royalty to TUG brickmakers unsystematic when non-commercial Sandlifting Unplanned, without concem As part of desilting plan Royalty to TUG for tank Pottery As part of desilting plan From within the Watershed, recharge of Members of TUG Watershedevelopment village groundwater, soil and silt activites, tree plantation, Farmers in the erosion into the tank diversion channels, etc. catchment From outside the Watershed, recharge of Informal consultations. Watershedevelopment village ground water, soil and silt activities, tree plantation, erosion into the tank diversion channels, etc. Landless No stakes except Members of TUG, new stakes Formabon of self-help opportunity for labour (fishing, grazing, seasonal tank groups, cooperatves. bed cultivation, etc.) Royalty to TUG Non-command Unacknowledged recharge, Members of TUG, levy on Involvement in TUG Other farmers with water market groundwater recharge process. wells Non-command Lack of concem Members of TUG, new stakes Grazing made easier, roads farmers without (fishing, grazing, seasonal tank restored. Encourage silt wells. -- bed cultivation, etc.) application. Table E5: Caste and pattern of command area ownership Command area ownership pattern % of studied tanks Mainly owned by the local dominant caste (DC) 48 Mainly owned by two dominant castes 18 Minority high caste owning 90 per cent of the command land 18 DC (50 per cent and above) and Scheduled Caste or SC (50 per cent or less) 14 SC in a majority, own most command land 2 In the context of landownership pattern in the tank command area, it is noticed that usually the members of the dominant caste own a major portion of the land. Three or four farmers among the dominant castes in most tanks own a lion's share of the lands in the command area. The rest among them tend to have smaller holdings. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES The rehabilitation of tanks with community participation is expected to have positive impact on the environment. The rehabilitation of tanks result in the augmented supply of irrigation water, better recharge of groundwater, better quality of drinking water, increased productivity, enhanced employment opportunities and better well-being of the stakeholder communities. Moreover, project 9

10 Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project Instite for Soaal and Economic Change, Bangalore interventions or activities would help in better management of natural resources and improve the overall environment and local ecology. Analysis of alternatives defines the issues and a clear basis for choice among the alternatives for the decision-makers. The major problems faced by the tank system are: siltation of tank resulting in reduction in the storage capacity, encroachment on natural and other water ways and feeder channels in the catchment area, extension of cultivation and encroachment in the foreshore area, damage to the tank embankment, surplus-weirs, main and field channels. There are different altenatives to rehabilitate the tank system with short-term and long-term perspectives. The analysis of probable environmental impacts of major interventions is presented below. Table E6: Summary Anal! sis of Alternatives Alternative Key Observations (Reasons for Rejection/Acceptance) Tank Desiltation Project - Desiltation of tanks without integrating the treatment of catchment area would not be sustainable as the degraded catchment would countinue to erode - Desiltation is expensive and needs to be done sparingly and in accordance with the expected benefits - Poor community involvement and management after activity Rejected option: Targeted, appropriate and cost-effective desiltation is to be considered. Projecto increase in the level of - The submergence of foreshore area would lead to crop losss, waterlogging and increase surplus-weirs in conflicts between the foreshore area /catchment farmers and the command farmers. - Evaporation losses would increase due to increased waterspread area - Recharge benefits or dead storage benefits would not accrue significantly Rejected option. May be considered in particular cases. Project with all other -Water availability may not increase interventions except Desiltation -Some targeted desiltation may derive water storage and recharge benefits given the significant siltation of the tanks -Lack of improvement of dead storage could result in continued problems to water users (e.g. for drinking, livestock, fisheries, irrigation) Rejected option. Targeted, appropriate and cost-effective desiltation is to be considered. Integration of tank project with - A combined project would be complex and involve many more implementing agencies watershedevelopment - Appropriate for cascades of tanks in particular microcatchments - Tanks would probably not get much attention - Priority areas for watershedevelopment may not coincide with prioritized tanks Rejected option. It may be better if both projects are implemented separately but with cg strong synergy between the two where possible. Community-based Tank - Approach was selected to provide more community-based ownership and sustainabilit; Improvement and Management of interventions that are designed to incorporate social, environmental, technical., Project institutional and economic aspects in a holistic manner. - Approach would provide the benefits of catchmentreatment, targeted desilting, tank safety improvement, increased water availability and recharge, command arezi improvement and introduction of new tank management techniques. - Develop and implement an integrated tank development plan for a holistic approach with community ownership - Provide clear action plans for resettlement, tribal development, gender, environment. and pest managemento ensure adequate safeguards while enhancing the positivt outcomes. Selected Option No Project Scenario - Comparison againsthe no-project scenario is described in table E7 in detail. Rejected option 10

11 Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project Insbtute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore Table E7: Analysis of a With and Without Project Scenario for each Area of Concern Concern Without Project With project Depletion of land resources will continue Treatment of arable and non-arable land will arrest soil erosion Soil erosion, loss of fertile top soil and nutrients and loss of nutrients along with fertile soil Feeder channels and natural waterways blocked and diverted Treatment of natural drainage channels, cleaning of feeder by encroachers channels Unsustainable land use Scientific land use planning Fragile and poor lands used for cultivation of crops Crops as per the land capability Sparse vegetation, scarcity of organic manure Tree crops/ dry land horticulture Catchment area Unsustainable use of chemical fertilizers, depletion of soil fertility Increased tree cover, higher bio-mass production Increased supply of organic manure, better soil health Degraded pastures and grazing lands Rejuvenation of pastures and grazing lands through silvi-pastoral Denudation of forest cover and shortage of fodder and system fuel Higher production of fuel and fodder, less dependence on forest Siltation of tank bed due to soil erosion in catchment and Land treatment using eco-engineering techniques arresting soil foreshore areas erosion and reduction in the rate of silt accumulation in the tank Ecological imbalance bed Better environment Soil erosion due to lack of soil conservation measures and Application of appropriate soil conservation measures and faulty cultivation practices adoption of suitable cultivation practices Lot of encroachment and impediments for free flow of Removal of encroachments and allowing free flow of water with rain water into the tank the provision of silt traps, filter points, etc. Most of the tanks have accumulated silt and reduced Desilting of tanks will augment the storage capacity of tanks storage capacity by more than half of the potential storage Tanks will be cleaned and made free of weeds during desilting Tank bed / off- Tanks are infested with different kinds of weeds and operation shore area thomy bushes (prosaphisjuliflora, Ipomia carnicajacq, Planting of bamboo and other trees in the foreshore will serve as Zondu grass, etc.) filters and also be used by the poor as raw material for No vegetative barriers/silt traps of filters in foreshore area handicrafts. The sluice and surplus-weir are under disrepair Sluice, waste-weir and operating system will be repaired At many places tank bunds/dams have developed cracks/ Tank dam/bunds will be strengthened by using excavated silt / stone pitching has given way and are weak and carry an other material. Pitching of interior wall with stone will be carried element of security/safety risks. out wherever necessary A sizable area under the tank command is left fallow due Productive lands can be brought back under cultivation after the to shortage of irrigation water from the tank. rehabilitation of tanks Main and field channels are either damaged, encroached Main as well as field channels will be realigned for proper or disappeared due to lack of interest or non-availability irrigation of irrigation water from the tank for a long time Tank User association Groups will be responsible for equitable Most of the farmers located at the tail-end distribution of water among the Command and of the command do not get enough and timely water command farmers. Decide about the schedule for release of adjoining area supply. Suffer losses due to shortage of water during water crucial crop growth stage. There is good possibility of increasing cropping intensity once Only single crop is grown in most of the command areas the accumulated silt is removed from the tanks Currently, flood system of irrigation is used wherein The main and branch channels (field channels) will be used to water from main /sub-channels is released in the field at conserve and minimize wastage of irrigation water. the higher elevations and is allowed to flow into the lower Main channels may be lined wherever possible and necessary to parts of the command area by gravitation. This leads to arrest seepage wastage of precious water, loss of nutrients and helps the Improved recharge of groundwater aquifers will arrest lowering transmission of diseases and pests from one plot to of water table level. another. Adequate water in the tank and vegetation around keeps the local Lot of water is lost through seepage from main channels atmosphere cool and humid, reduced requirement of irrigation Depleting groundwater and lowering of water table Lack of water and vegetation increases the temperature and desiccation effect in the surrounding area. This also results in higher frequency of irrigation 11

12 Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore Sodal and Environmental Assessment Executive Summary Shortage of drinking water for animals due to inadequate Rehabilitation will augment storage capacity of the tank structure storage and provide drinking water to animals Drying up of tanks and silt accumulation discourages Availability of water in the tank for a fairly long time provides fishing activity opportunities for fish culture. Non-availability of water discourages aquatic flora and Healthy water bodies attract water loving birds and insects. fauna and also does not attract birds and bees Many of these are predators of crop pests while others like Non-availability of water forces women to wash clothes honeybees help pollination. Others near the borewell, which supplies drinking water. The Availability of water in the tanks for washing clothes and to mee= washing of clothes near the borewell creates cesspool and other domestic needs will keep the environment clean and neat. breeding place for mosquitoes. Moreover, seepage of The flora and fauna present in the tank has a great capacity to water pollutes the underground aquifers with detergents degrade the hazardous chemicals and thus keep the system and other chemicals healthy. Dried tanks in the state of disrepair do not provide any Tanks with clean water, surrounded by good vegetation, with aesthetic value but an ugly picture of sick and dead. birds around definitely provide a pleasing look and have great aesthetic value. In addition, analyses were carried out to score and prioritize interventions, based on weights assigned to environmental components and assigning scale values depending on the magnitude of impacts and weights to various environmental components. These are described in detail in the SEA but the overall outcomes indicated were extremely positive from all key environmental perspectives. SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES/IMPACTS AND MITIGATION/ENHANCEMENT MEASURES The key environmental and social issues are shown spatially in Figure E2. Fig E2. Key Environmental and Social Issues in a Spatial Context Soil Erosion & land degradation Diverted and clogged/weeded/silted feeder channel Encroachment on feeder channels Unsustainable land use Catchmen a Degraded grazing lands Sparse vegetation \ Foreshoreee High erosion rates Feeder channel clogging/weeds/siltation Waste Accumulation of silt Tank bed infested with weeds Tank Bed / Waterspread Weak and damaged dam - tank safety Damnaged sluice and waste weir Area } Encroachment Water quality and associated public health impacts Groundwater recharge /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~t in s-.~ v a' idamaged i nnceae n main go-heicins and field canals Vti tos ^ Dru u V w vlw a 'A atiiato i dcsinmaig o w ~~~~~~1 ; ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Exploitation of gro.undwaei50 ajgfr V rlt,'t 01 Datribals, women and other vulnerable Exgoups

13 Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore Sodal and Environmental Assessment Executive Summary At present, it appears that unless the project is designed carefully its activities to directly benefit the poor and the vulnerable sections of the communities may not materialize. This is especially because the rich and the more powerful landowners belonging to higher castes and class have alternative sources of irrigation, besides owning larger extent of land in the command area would gamer disproportionately the benefits of tank improvement. The other legitimate uses of the tank for the members of the village community have to come by way of groundwater recharge, safe drinking water, etc. In order to be able to accomplish such advantages, the Tank User Groups (TUGs) have to, from the very beginning, incorporate a "Tank-Plus" approach in preparing the village/tank level plans. To facilitate such a tank-plus approach, the bylaws as circulated among the promoters should permit enough flexibility to suit the local conditions, besides placing a greater dependence upon the voluntary institutions in their role of social engineering. Handing over the rights to fish in the tank and fodder to the local organizations also becomes a requirement for this purpose. 13

14 Insttute for Socal and Economic Change, Bangalore The World Bank safeguard policies that are triggered are summarized in Table E8. Table E8: Summary of Ban Safeguard Policy Applicability Policy Applicability Comments Environmental Assessment (OPIBPIGP Yes Category B Project; Integrated Social and Environmental Assessment 4.01) conducted. Consultations held. Environmental Management Plan prepared Natural Habitats (OP 4.04, BP 4.04, GP No No critical natural habitats are located in the project area. Moreover, the 4.04) project activities proposed will not result in any significant conversion or degradation of natural habitats. Therefore, the policy is not triggered. A "negative list" criteria would be used to exclude any tank activities that could be potentially harmful for any critical or semi-critical ecosystem,. along _ with measures suggested to improve the ecology of the tanks. Forestry (OP 4.36, GP 4.36) No Not triggered. Pest Management (OP 4.09) Yes Although no pesticides are proposed to be financed under the project, a Pest Management Plan (PMP) has been developed to enhance strengthening and monitoring of integrated pest management (IPM) in project areas. This would complement the extensive State-level IPM program under the Kamataka Watersheds Development Project. Cultural Property (OPN 11.03) Yes Potential impacts on burial grounds on tank bed, small places of worship/temples on tank bedlembankment, holy trees on embankments etc. Project design will ensure no major adverse impacts on these. Indigenous Peoples (OD 4.20) Yes A Tribal Development Strategy (TDS) and model Tribal Development Plans have been prepared that cover both STs and SCs. Tank-specific TDPs (when applicable) will be prepared consistent with TDS. Involuntary Resettlement (OD 4.30) Yes The project envisages minimal (if any) physical displacement and minimal new land acquisition. However, encroachments, particularly of tank beds is a major issues and may involve economic displacement. An R&R policy (approved by GoK) and model RAPs have been prepared. The policy and model plans will help TUGs to prepare tank-specific RAPs. Safety of Dams (OP 4.37, BP 4.37) Yes The tank structures are relatively small. However, tank safety has been mainstreamed into the hydrological assessment and engineering rehabilitation of the tanks and associated structures. A Task Force to. review tank safety will also review safety aspects. Projects in Intemational Waters (OP/BP/GP No Not triggered. 7.50) Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP/GP No Not triggered. 7.60)* 14

15 Institute for Soaal and Economi Chnange, Bangalore MITIGATION/ENHANCEMENT ACTION PLANS Specific action plans have been developed to mitigate against potential environmental and social adverse impacts and risks and to enhance the potential positive benefits. These plans include: * Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) * Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (IPDP) * Environmental Management Plan (EMP) * Pest Management Plan (PMP) * Gender Action Plan * Tank Safety Plan * Protection of Cultural Heritage Each of these plans include monitoring and evaluation indicators and arrangements and estimated costs that have been budgeted in the project formulation. The institutional arrangements for each of these have also been outlined in the SEA. These plans are outlined below: a) Resettlement Action Plan Project Impacts: In the process of rehabilitating about 2000 tanks, there are likely to be some adverse effects or impacts on the families and people in the form of losing the livelihood source. But minimal (if any) physical displacement and new land acquisition is envisaged. The major issue is encroachment particularly in tank beds. To minimise the adverse effects, a project Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and model RAP for six tanks have been prepared R&R Policy: For this project, an R&R policy has been formulated by the Govemment of Kamataka. Specific entitlements to the identified affected families have been provided under the policy.. The policy embodies the principle that no one will be worse off because of the project and if this appears inevitable, the person(s) will be supported with R&R assistance. The cutoff date for eligibility is the date of completing census survey in a tank area. To claim R&R support, a family should have been dependent on such encroached land at least for three years.. The categories of affected persons are: a) People losing land that is encroached, and b) People losing trees and crops. Some of the specific entitlement include 'land for land' whereever feasible; skill development to take up Income Generation Services (IGS), financial support in establishing IGS, access to institutional credit and government programs, support for marketing and additional Public Distribution System (PDS) quota for three years. Minimizing adverse impacts: The proposed interventions under the project are not expected to have any major adverse impacts on the local population, particularly in terms of physical displacement. The technical aspects of the interventions are being limited to the restoring the tank system to its design position. Therefore, it will not entail any additional land acquisition or submergence of physical assets. Consultations: In preparation of the RAP, extensive consultations were held with the potentially affected persons both individually or collectively. These consultations were held after explaining the project objective and the likely effect on the project area, people and its benefits. The issues raised and discussed in these consultations were: Land acquisition; Resettlement and rehabilitation; Encroachment; Loss of livelihood; R&R support to affected encroachers particularly those belonging to Below Poverty Line ( BPL) and landless groups ; and how to deal with encroachers of tank properties (tank bed). These wide ranging consultations have formed the basis for preparation of this action plan.

16 InstitUte for Soclal and Economic Change, Bangalore Action Plan and Implementation: An action plan has been prepared for a sample of six tanks where the total water spread area is ha of which the affected area is 8.76 ha. The total number ot families and the population that is likely to be affected is 76 and 401 respectively. The affecte(3 families include 6 STs, 13 SCs and the rest belong to other castes. The following matrix (Table E9 l indicates the details of identified issues, proposed approach for adoption, designed plans, procedures and the agencies responsible for its implementation. Authentication of the affected area is carried out jointly by TUG, PRIs (Gram Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, and Zilla Parishad, as relevant), ancl Departments of Revenue and Minor Irrigation. This will form the basis for implementing the RAP. Table E9: RAP Summary Issues Approach Plan Procedures Agency Responsible Minimising Limiting the Consultations at the Carry out PRAs, examining alternatives, examine Technical department of JS YS / adverse impact project community level by the altematives in Gramasabba(s) DMI (Project Design and interventions to technical wing of the technical interventions); the technical Project to identify CFTs, TUG- and Gramasabha specifications project interventions (consultations). accordingly.... Voluntary Persuasion to Consultations and Land survey, group meetings, explaining Land survey department, surrender of give up lands community counseling. advantages, meetings with individual Revenue officials (identification lands Get consent letters encroachers. CFT will document the voluntary of lad and determining legal encroached certified by TUG and surrender of land, which will be checked by the status) TUG, Gramasabha, :'FTs, village revenue R&R and TD specialist. The extemal monitoring village elders (Persuasion). officials. agency for the project will also verify the validity Extemal M&L agency. of this process on a sample basis. Removal of Identification of Finalise the list of Notices will be served for repossession of the Revenue official at village/ raluk encroachments encroachers, encroachers, extent of encroached lands and refrain from further level (Identification of land consultative land encroached; sowing; consultations on altemative livelihood encroachers, extent of evolving of determine eligibility for opportunities and selection of livelihood activities encroachment) Line departmnents, support livelihood support; to be taken up with the seed capital provided as CFT (Training needs, technical programs for identify training needs per the R and R policy provisions under the guidance and follow-up), livelihood and organise training project. Seed capital will be channelised through Commercial Banks (loans), rehabilitation programmes with special the District Industries/ commercial banks. At the District Industries Centre ((3ioK focus on women time of implementation, furthet consultations to schemes and technical guidance), members of the PAFs; be held to identify IGS for PAFs. Organise Training institutions, TUG and Provide alternative training programme for skill development. CFT (consultations, doveta: ing income by dovetailing Establish links with appropriate departments for GoK programmes, promotinig with GoK's programs; receiving benefits from the GoK programmes, IGAs, and ensuring proper.se of assist in accessing and provide technical guidance, and follow up. Rebabilitation grants). institutional credit. Ensure proper forward and backward linkages for the livelihood activities promoted. Information Copies of R&R CFTs, local The R&R policy will be translated in the local Documentation and Dissemination policy for organisations can be language and a brief will be prepared and Communication Cell of JSYS, displaced or involved for this distributed among the local population. CFT, DPU, TUG, Anchor (I'FTs. affected will be purpose provided to people in the project area b) Tribal Development The Tribal development plan is based on detailed studies carried out in six tanks in five villages (two tanks in KK Halli, and one each in Obatti, C.N. Halli, Halkurke, and Byalya villages) where more than 35 per cent households belong to ST, and 12 per cent belong to SC. However, in terms of landholding, these groups do not have proportionate share in the command area indicating that their dependence on tank for irrigation purposes is significantly lesser than the other castes. Rehabilitation of these tanks, however, will benefit the SCs and STs by way of labor employment opportunities, since they are the main source of wage labor in these villages. The tribal population in these selected villages have already merged with the mainstream and have similar socio-economic characteristics as the rest of the village population. 16

17 J Kamataka Community-based Tank Management Project Institute for Socal and Economic Change, Sangalore Consultation with stakeholders. Wide ranging consultations were held with the stakeholders. Methods of consultations included individual interviews, focused group (landless, women, SCs, STs, land holders, command area farmers, encroachers) discussions, and village level meetings. The data was collected through both structured and unstructured formats. Secondary data was collected from population census documents, village revenue records, and Panchayat office. Tribal development plan (TDP): Following from the above issues, strategies, a TDP has been drawn up and is presented in the following format (Table EIO). The over all approach pursued is that the advocacy, training, etc. will be aimed at all the ST and SC conmnunities at the individual tank levels. For the economic activities recommended here, group approach covering SC / ST families below poverty line will be pursued. The budget required for activities focusing on women groups as included in this plan has not been specifically accounted since the funds will be available under the gender action plan. Table E10: Tribal Development Plan Summary Issues Strategies Responsibility Inadequate Ensure adequate JSYS: State Project Unit (SPU) and District Project Unit representation involvement and (DPU) to ensure and effect necessary changes in decision representation in required in the by-laws of TUG/TUC making TUC through CFT will work with STs and SCs to ensure their process necessary changes involvement in the formnation of TUG/TUC in the by laws R&R and Tibal development (TD) Specialist at all levels will coordinate with CFT and TUG on the aspects relating to ST and SC groups Project will provide the first year membership fee of TUG for those BPL among STs and SCs Poor Organize tailor Communication Manager in JSYS and Communication & leadership made training Training Specialist in DPU will develop training qualities programs on modules to meet specific needs of STs and SCs leadership and community action communities CFT will organize specific training programs for these groups on community decisions and actions. Less land in Promote irrigation Agriculture and Water Resource Specialist (A&WRS) the command and improved dry both in JSYS SPU and DPU will provide technical area land farm practices guidance on this aspect through tying up the existing programs of the govemment CFT will encourage TUG to undertake annual desilting of wells belonging to STs and SCs. CFT will work with relevant government agencies for dovetailing their programs for and to access credit by STs and SCs CFT will ensure that agriculture extension program (including training in allied activities) is focused on the specific needs of these communities Traditional Ensure need based Agriculture and Watershed Specialist (A&WVRS) both in agricultural agriculture JSYS: SPU and DPU will practices and extension and help facilitate changes to more suitable cropping pattems low retums support services; and farm practices from promote suitable provide interface between CFTINGO and the Agriculture agriculture cropping pattem Department at the district and taluk levels (including and improved farm practices particularly dry land farming; assist links with the new Farmer Knowledge Centers) CFT/A&WRS will (in collaboration with University of Agriculture Servises) organize demonstration on improved farm practices 17

18 Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project Inst7tute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore Sodal and Environmental Assessment Executive Summary in soil testing and suiting soil conditions treatment; support arrange specific training on dry land farming and for market linkages customize training on irrigated agriculture ensure supply of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and access to farm credit Inadequate Support for market CFT/A&WRS will exposure to linkages establish linkages with the Taluk agriculture marketing the market network, provide logistic support provide market information on prices Inadequate Targeting the tank- JSYS will work with NABARD and local banks on the access to farm villages and STs possibilities of prioritized lending to STs and SCs inputs and for institutional A&WRS will liaise with District Agriculture Office to institutional credit and supply ensure supply of required farm inputs credit of farm inputs CFT will work with taluk level Agriculture office to ensure timely supply of farm inputs Tail-end Mandatory CFT will work with TUG/TUC to evolve appropriate command membership for tail water distribution system emphasizing on equity in farmers get end farmers among terms of location of land held irregular/inade SCs and STs in TUG/TUC will monitor water-flow in different reaches of quate TUG and adequate the command irrigations representation in TUC CFT will emphasize field distribution channels in place of flooding water from field to field Project will bear the first year membership of TUG for all landless families High Ensure wage TUG/TUC will provide wage employment to STs and SCs incidence of earning (along with displaced households) on a priority basis landlessness opportunities in all construction and maintenance activities &subsistence during construction CFT will recommend to TUG/TUC that SCs/STs have level of living and maintenance priority access to the small enterprise programs in with no work under the fisheries, livestock, and forestry that have been diversification project on priority developed as part of the project. CFT will identify in economic basis to STs and educated unemployed youth among STs and SCs for activities SCs and promote job oriented skill training and then tie up with DIC, off-farm and non- ST/SC corporation, etc. to help in taking up self Inadequate farm occupations employment activities employment Project will bear the cost of training those who are opportunities covered under income generation schemes CFT will promote animal husbandry schemes like sheep, goat and pig rearing, dairy and poultry farming and tie up with the Animal husbandry department at district and taluk levels, IRDP and the banks DPU and CFT will help landless STs and SCs to access Tree Patta Scheme CFT will form of self help groups and help them access credit facilities for IG activities The Gender and Capacity Development Specialist at all levels will provide necessary guidance in forming and assisting self groups Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of RAP and TDP: The institutional arrangements for the implementation of RAP involves the following: a) R&R and Tribal Development (TD) Unit in JSYS, will ensure the availability of required funds and coordinate with the departments concerned in GoK to facilitate the smooth and timely implementation of the RAP and TDP, b) R&R and TD Specialist in District Project Unit will work closely with the CEO of the ZP and the Deputy Commissioner of the District to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the RAP and TDP with 18

19 Insttute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore Social and Environmental Assessment Execuive Summary the departments concerned at the district level, c) Responsibility to facilitate the assessment of social impacts of the project interventions at the tank level lies with the Cluster Facilitating Team (CFT) which has R&R and TD Specialist as one of the functionaries. Capacity-building of the JSYS staff, NGOs and TUG is essential and have been incorporated into the project formulation. Grievance Redressal mechanism: All grievances related to the land acquisition are resolved through the provisions available in the LAQ,1894. However, for issues related to the R&R, a District Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) will be constituted under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner of the district with the District Manager of DPU as member secretary. The CFT will record the grievances of affected people and present in the GRC for resolution. Monitoring and evaluation for RAP and IPDP: The monitoring will be both internal and external. At the district level, this responsibility lies with the R&R and TD Specialist. The external monitoring agency, which will be selected and engaged for the entire project, will also cover R&R and TDP aspects of the tanks. Broadly, the monitoring and evaluation process of both RAP and TDP is similar to what is recommended for the project as a whole at the Tank level,. Specific indicators for monitoring and evaluation have been listed in the plan. c) Environmental Management Plan TMe environmental management plan (EMP) is intended to outline the institutional and process measures that need to be undertaken in order to ensure mitigation against any adverse impact of the project interventions and to enhance the positive environmental impacts of the project. The EMP presented here provides guidance on all the activities to adequately address the environmental issues in the project. It includes screening of new tanks, activities/ interventions to be included, baseline data collection, integration of social and environmental issues, capacity-building and training needs and emphasis on the systematic development of an environmental knowledge-base, analysis capacity as well as regular monitoring and evaluation. The key environmental issues (shown earlier) has formed the backdrop for EMP. These issues have been largely influenced by consultations, analysis of baseline informnation. The key elements of the EMP are summarized in Table E12. Screening of Tanks and Interventions The process of screening of new tanks for inclusion in the project for interventions or otherwise is shown in Fig E3 below. 19

20 Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore Sodal and Environmental Assessment Executive Summary Figure E3. Screening of tanks and interventions Rapid a scrtea cu Lift of screening for inclusion, no interventi Shrapid tn safety clauses/\ Short listing triggering of other ons of tank- \/ Preparatiaon process RRA/PRA FGD Transect walk with community/stake holders Requirements EA for triggers as Planning inputs V Cultural Field visits hentage Assessment through / Pest * RRA/PRA res Compliance with Management FGD gieie aksft Transect with village 4 For Environmental V Indigenous Planning Outputs & social mangt pol Identification of asocts Involunbry interventions & resettlement prioritization Identification of stake - holders Formation of TUA Cost sharing Yes Finalization of No interventions Approval by Awareness/cap -4 district/ Tank *Aproved Additional acity-building Cluster Group study M & E plan required? IPMIEMP plans 20Release 20

21 Insitute for Soaal and Economic Change, Bangalore Table Ell: Environmental management plan and mitigation measures (maj r interventions) PROJECT AREA ACTIVITIES POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES l (3a) (3b) Catchment Positive Negative Mitigation measures are intended to improve the Area (beyond 500m of foreshore environmental sustainability of the tank system. Soil & water. Gully stabilization * Increased GW recharge * Siltation of water * Reduce gully inflow and run-off rates conservation * Stream bank * Better irrigation facilities harvesting structures through vegetative and suitable ecostabilization * Reduced soil erosion and * Check dam failures engineering measures. nutrient loss * Alteration of surface run- * Upstream area soil conservation and slope off patterns stabilization measures to arrest siltation of check dams by the involvement of TUG a Siltation of tank will be arrested through construction of check dams/pickups, with vegetative measure, brushwood, drystone and crate wire check dams. Adequate provision will be made to trap transportedebris by providing sediment traps at the inlet points which are easily accessible for cleaning. Agricultural Deterioration in tank water Water quality sampling would be carried out and intensification quality which indirectly the results disseminated to the local (induced increase will affect groundwater community through CFTs to improve pesticide and recharge and therefore awareness and develop mitigation fertilizer use) sources of drinking water measures. supply Protection and development of site-specific measures would be outlined in the ITDPs Proactive integrated pest management, integrated plant nutrient management, composting, green manuring, organic manure cultivation and other practices would be encouraged as part of the agricultural extension services of the project to reduce the dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers Substantial monitoring and analysis would be carried out

22 Karnataka Community-based Tank Management Project Institute for Social and Economic Cnange, Bangalore Forestry Afforestation Increase in the vegetative cover Adverse effect of exotic Afforestation will be taken up to arrest * Silvi-pasture * Increased production and species if introduced degradation of poor, fragile, waste lands * Pasture availability of biomass * Change in the diversity of The stakeholder local population will select the development * Reduction in soil erosion and flora and fauna tree species. Trees like tamarind, mango, * Vegetative shrubs nutrient loss * Competition among food neem, pongamia (honge), gooseberry, ber, and barriers Arresting encroachment in the foreshore area and tree crops Improper selection of plant bamboo, etc., will be planted. Cost sharing arrangement will be encouraged on private * Increased water infiltration species for filter strip like and arable land * Promotion/increased use of Bellary Jali (acacia spp.) Planting of fruit bearing and timbre yielding organic/compost/ green leaf May create problems trees on the foreshore are to check manure encroachment Improved pasture species for grazing lands Silvi-pasture treatment model will be used for marginal arable lands, private nonarable lands and community waste lands in the lower reaches Participatory community management will be encouraged for sustainable silvi-pasture system Vegetative barriers with local shrubs and perennial grasses will be developed across the slopes and along the field boundaries to intercept surface run-off and allow the soil l to accum ulate behind the barriers Responsibility: Most of the activities suggested above are carried out as part of watershed interventions. JSYS should coordinate these activities with Watershed Development Authorities in the project areas (and KAWAD and other agencies/ngos also where possible), etc. - information flow, timing, increase synergy, reduce duplication. 22

23 Institute for Soaal and Economic Change, Bangalore PROJECT AREA ACVMIES POTENTIAL IMPACTS MIGATION MEASURES l (3a) (3b) Catchment Positive Negative Mitigation measures are intended to improve the Area (within 500m of foreshore area) environmental sustainability of the tank system. Planting of perennial * This will check encroachment * Trees planted on the bund * Planting of trees of mixed species in the trees in the foreshore on the tank bed may create shade foreshore area to meet the demands of area of the tank and * Arrests debris and silt from * Compete for water and fuel/fire wood, small timber and fodder of trees for green leaf reaching the tank bed nutrients with the main the village community manure and fodder in * Act as wind barrier crop * Planting of suitable tree species on the field the command * Provide aesthetic value * Dispersal of seed may bunds which will act as wind barriers and * Besides providing fuel/fire induce weeds source of green manure wood, fodder will generate income for tank maintenance when auctioned * Reduction in evaporation * Maintenance of soil moisture for longer time * Leaves can be used for green manuring / compost making Restoration of aning and de-weeding of Better flow of run-off from the Causes dispersal of seeds and feeder channels feeder channels catchment area to tank bed increase the weeds Weeds like wild Lantena can be used for basket making, compost making, and fuel. Responsibility: Extension personnel from Agriculture and Horticulture departments, local NGOs and Tank Users' Group should induce farmers to take up the activity. Agro-Forestry programmes are also in place to supporthe activity. 23

24 Insttute for Soda/ and Economic Caange, Bangalore PROJECT AREA ACTIVITIES POTENTIAL IMPACTS MImTGATION MEASURES Tank and (3a) (3b) Positive Negative Mitigation measures are related to tank Command Area improvement activities. Rehabilitation. Removal of silt from * Silt can be used as organic * Improper disposal of silt * Use of silt as organic manure and soil of tank tank bed and proper manure may pose environmental conditioner. structure disposal * Increased storage problems * Poor quality silt will be used for. Augmented supply of irrigation * Increased availability of strengthening the dam, filling roads water water may lead to * Use of silt to strengthen tank bund / dam * Increased duration of overuse, water-logging, will spare excavation from borrow sites. stored/standing water alkalinity/salinity problems The surplus silt can be auctioned for brick * Increased groundwater * Changes in the crop making and pottery recharge diversity * Introduction of exotic fish specieshould be * Increased and better quality of * Increased use of agro compatible with the local fish species. drinking water chemicals damaging soil * The interest of farmers as well as fishermen * Opportunities for development health will be protected and conflict if any will be of fisheries * Over-exploitation of settled through mutual discussion among * Higher fish production and groundwater the stakeholders. improved nutrition * Development of fisheries. The farmers who claim of having pattas to * Employment to landless may give rise to conflict cultivate the tank bed drain the surplus labourers between different water water after kharif crop and use the tank bed users like farmers and for cultivation though a second crop can be fishermen grown in the command using tank water. Introduction of exotic fish The conflict between the patta holders and species may change the the command farmers will be settled composition of indigenous amicably through the TUG/Gram Sabha. fish population * The strategy will be formulated by consensus among the stakeholders to regulate the use of groundwater to arrest over-exploitation of the same Guidance about maintenance of tank structure, silt removal methods, etc., will be provided to the stakeholders. Maintenance of storage dead Insures availability of drinking water Shortage of drinking water for Dead storage should not be located close to for animals and domestic use animals dam. Leave passage between the dam and dead storage 24

25 Inszttlte for Soal and Economic Change, Bangalore Sodal and Environmental Assessment Executive Summary Strengthening of dam Increased tank safety and reduced Desilting may pose some Task force on Tank Safety would review the structure risk of breaching the dam problem where landless safety issues and recommend remedial l Auction of grass on tank bund / families cultivate the tank treatments (refer to Annex 1) dam will generatextra income bed when there is no Clearing of wild growth and thorny bushes from water in the tank tank bund/dam * Pitching of dam with stones to reduce damage to earthen dam * Physical stabilization of erodable surface through turfing of dam with grass * Repair and stabilization works in dry season Repair of sluice & * Stop leakage and arrest * Repair the sluice gates and sluice valves surplus-weir wastage of water from the * Wherever possible, traditional water control sluice device consisting of wooden pole / log will * Prevent water-logging be replaced with better water control * Proper control of irrigation devices like steel gates and valves. water * Surplus-weir will be strengthened and * Reduce the risk of flooding of stone scour protection will be provided at the standing crops base of the overflow spillway and stone pitched channel will be provided to lead the excess water away from the structure * Repair of main and Reduction in percolation and * Main channels will be repaired and field channels seepage selective lining will be done to reduce * Reduction in water loss due to transportation losses vegetation * Pursuing farmers not to breach the main * Reduction in soil erosion canal * Equitable distribution of water * Avoid flooding of fields and use fields for across the command area irrigation of small parcels of land * Remove weeds from the channels and keep them free from weeds and vegetation Responsibilities: Tank Users' Group would implementhe above listed interventions with technical support and financial assistance from JSYS or any other financial institution. Impacts in the rehabilitation of the tank structure that results in displacement will be mitigated under the R&R policy framework developed for the project. Refer to the project Resettlement Action Plan and Entitlement Framework for details. 25

26 Institute for Socal and Economic acange, Bangalore PROJECT ACTIVITIES POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES AREA 1 ~ ~~2 3 4 Support (3a) (3b) ServicesI Agriculture, horticulture, Reduce run-off and soil loss Pressure on use of water Demonstration for adoption of appropriate fisheries, etc. Improved practice of crop Increased use of ago- agronomic practices for rain-fed agriculture Demonstration and production chemicals to conserve in-situ moisture guidance about Increased production Run-offrom agricultural field Promotion of mulching and application of FYM Integrated Pest Increased production of fruits and (source of non-point Diversification of crop system from traditional to Management (IPM), vegetables pollution) export oriented crops like Gharkin balanced nutient Improved diet Mono-cropping and reduced Encouragement and promotion of organic management Diversified farming bio-diversity farming in areas near urban centres where Promotion of bio- Exposure to IPM, more efficient, Competition between food and demand for organic farm products is high villages/organic economic,environmentally fruit and vegetable crops Promotion of improved crop varieties, balanced farming friendly and least harmful plant The weeds removed from the nutrient management. Demonstration about protection method fields if burnt causes Demonstrations about Integrated Pest compost making. Better soil health due to increased pollution Management techniques. Promotion of the use of use of organic manure/compost Training in use and handling of agro-chemicals bio fertilizers and bio- Balanced use of plant nutrients Emphasis on growing horticultural crops on pesticides Better soil health marginal arable land Reduced environmental pollution Inter cropping of field crops with tree crops in the initial 3-4 year period If villagers select planting of fodder trees, restricting lopping of fodder trees no more than 2/3 of the crown Establishing some incentive so that farmers maintain some area under traditional crop l varieties to preserve genetic diversity Promotion and Improved nutritional status Use of exotic species may Use fish species in consultation with development of Generation of employment destroy valuable stakeholders and seek guidance from expert fishery and revenue indigenouspecies Generally Rohu, Catala and carp is the most preferred combination Avoid conflict between different stakeholders (command farmers and fishermen) 26

27 Institute for Soaal and Economnic Change, Bangalore Sodal and Environmental Assessment Executive Summary I Responsibility: Coordination by JSYS with the UAS and Department of Agriculture / Horticulture and Fisheries. Implementation of schemes like IPM demonstrations, compost making, organic farming, rain-fed agriculture, integrated plant nutrition programme, etc., sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture for the benefit of people in the project area. 27

28 Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore Socal and Environmental Assessment Executive Summary d) Pest Management Plan The proposed project does not propose to finance the use of pesticides. Moreover, the use of plant protection chemicals (PPC) is relatively low in the command area of study tanks when compared to the state and national averages. But given the potential induced impact of increasing pesticide use in the project area as a result of agricultural activities, a Pest Management Plan has been developed, which emphasizes the promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) activities in the project area. The services of the line departments such as agriculture and horticulture would be used for diversified agriculture, extension and promotion of EPM. IPM is one of the important components of watershed development programme, which is also being implemented throughout the state. The promotion of IPM will include basically the following: * Improving farmer's awareness of the health hazards of misuse and mishandling of PPC and the advantages of 1PM * Improving awareness and training for proper handling, usage, storage, and proper disposal of containers of PPC. * Increasing awareness about efficacy and advantages of eco-friendly alternatives of chemical pesticides. + Promoting use of bio-pesticides. * Training and demonstrations related to the use of IPM techniques and practices. * Dissemination of information about traditional practices used for the control of insect/pests. * Integration of IPM into a package of practices for the area * Improving the information and knowledge base on pests, chemical pesticide use, health impacts, IPM use and trends across the regions. This would be included in the monitoring and evaluation schedule suggested for the project. * Development of promotional material, dissemination of IPM through field demonstrations, canvassing through extension personnel and NGOs. * Exposure of JSYS staff and others (field level functionaries, farmers and NGOs) engaged in the implementation of the project to IPM through integration of IPM in the training programme. * Initiating a rewarding and recognition system for an individual farmer or group of farmers for adopting IPM. Provide incentives to the farmers as well as traders for promoting use of biopesticides. * Strengthening institutional capacity on IPM Policy, Regulatory Framework and Institutional Capacity : The Government of India as well as the State Govemment is striving hard to discourage the use of hazardous PPC and to promote the use of environmental friendly techniques as IPM encourages the use of botanicals, pheromones, bio-control agents and microbial pesticides. The Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act is the policy tool which regulates the quality of food products manufactured, sold and consumed in India. Under this act, pesticides are noted contaminants and are defined as harmful to human health. The Insecticide Act of 1968 has been suitably amended by the Parliament during the Budget session (February- May, 2000) to ensure supply of quality pesticides to farmers and to better deal with offenders. There are five insecticide control laboratories located at Commnissionerate of Agriculture, Bangalore, Dharwar, Bellary, Shimoga and Kotnur (Gulburga) in Kamataka. Institutional Framework: Biological control measures are now in place as substitutes for harmful PPCs. Biological control measures have been well received by the farmers owing to its 28

29 Institute for Soaal and Economic Change, Bangalore cost effectiveness and absence of residual problems. Biological control includes use of predators and parasites. Various types of predators and parasites have been identified and introduced. Laboratories for multiplication of parasites have been established and production and supply of bio-control agents have been streamlined in the state. There are a few private companies (Pest Control India Ltd, etc.) engaged in the production and supply of parasites to the farmers. Department of agriculture runs four bio-control laboratories in the state. The main objective of these laboratories is to control pests of important crops using natural predators instead of using chemicals. Bio-control methods are useful in reducing the plant protection cost and also the environmental pollution. The department of horticulture has established 17 major and 46 small scale parasite producing laboratories. Parasites produced in bio-control laboratories are supplied to farmers at subsidized rates. The Govemment of Kamataka provides direct subsidy for adopting IPM by the farmers. The Govemment of Kamataka has earmarked Rs million for IPM for the year , under the schemes suggested for horticulture sector. The financial outlay under IPM includes expenditure on demonstration, training and publicity programs related to IPM. There are many Institutes that are involved with teaching, research and extension aspects of IPM program in the state. They can impart orientation and training about IPM to the extension personnel, NGOs, officials from JSYS as well as to farmers from the project area. The State government has well trained personnel with the department of agriculture and horticulture posted at different levels. However, the extension personnel working at the grass-root level will have to be trained in adopting IPM for different agricultural horticultural crops. Integrated pest management is a major component (especially to strengthen IPM at the Statelevel) in the World Bank financed Watershed Development Project in Kamataka. However, as mentioned earlier, the Tank Improvement project would also integrate IPM in its activities. The IPM-related activities will include: * Initiating adaptive trials and demonstrations for technology refinement centering around IPM related measures (about 10% of the tanks would be taken up for these demonstrations initially and this may be scaled up depending on demand; hence, about 200 demonstrations are planned initially to be done by the Agriculture Department as part of the command area agricultural extension services planned) * In addition, the project would assist in: * Training, exposure/ study tours and visits, awareness building, outreach and advisory services. * Strengthening the institutional capacity for IPM and improving inter-agency coordination and partnerships (through the activities in this project and knowledge sharing). * Facilitating access to eco-friendly bio-pesticides and dissemination of information about cultural practices, mechanical and biological techniques as part of IPM; Compiling indigenous technical knowledge database, pre-testing on fields before demonstrating on the farmers' fields (as part of training and special studies). * Facilitating the sharing of experiences from other 1PM activities in other states/countries that could be adapted to enhance IPM activities in the project area. * Dissemination of information on disease/pest surveillance and forewarning. + Monitoring, evaluation and documentation of case studies. Jala Samvardhane Yojana Sangha (JSYS) would coordinate the demonstrations about IPM approach with the support of departments like agriculture and horticulture. The demonstrations 29

30 Institute for Socal and Economic Change, Bangalore Sodal and Environmental Assessment Executive Summary are proposed to be for major crops grown in the command area of the tanks in different agroclimatic zones. The State Agricultural Universities and Agro Centres are also proposed to be involved in the distribution of parasites, predators, plant protection chemicals and equipment in the project area. Monitoring and Evaluation: An agency taking up the monitoring and evaluation assignment of the project would be advised to evaluate the IPM component based on certain parameters. The M & E will involve establishing a base line on the current status to evaluate the impact of project interventions. The M & E of IPM will be based on pre-defined parameters such as adoption of companion cropping system, planting of trap crops, following crop rotations, adoption of biological and mechanical methods of pest control, use of parasites and predators, adoption of bio-pesticides. e) Gender Action Plan The project proposal recognizes that "women are marginalized from local decision-making for 'socio-cultural reasons". But as evidenced in the field and documented in the stakeholder analysis (social and gender), women are the primary stakeholders in the benefits of the project. They are part of the socio-economic mainstream of the village in its dependence on the tank. Women's knowledge about its management and their experiences and strategic use of its resources during crises situations are high. Their potentials have to be made use of by the project to achieve its stated goals of community management and maintenance of tanks in a sustainable way. The recommendations to mainstream gender into the project are as follows: Legal: Provision in the Karnataka State Water Policy for inclusion of women in all decision making bodies; Water Users' Committees and TUGs. Administrative: i) Representation to qualified women at all levels of administration like State Water Board, State Water Policy Implementation Committees, Water Resources Department (that consolidates the major, medium and minor irrigation and groundwater departments), and wherever applicable, these bodies shall be represented by women from the project related CBOs, ii) Women administrators at all levels of the DMI, ZP, and other line departments to address issues relating to gender and water resources: a) All efforts should be made to attract and post qualified women officials for technical posts as well, instead of confining them to merely 'soft' posts; b) Appropriate steps to inculcate gender sensitivity at all levels; c) Federations of TUGs should also have 50 per cent or even more of women members. ITDP should consult the women members also in matters of decision making; d) Since conflict resolution on matters relating to encroachments, generation of revenue for rehabilitation, 0 & M have to be settled through the ITDP, the role of women in it is important, and their involvement to be made mandatory; e) Women should be given responsibilities for repair and maintenance work. They have important roles to play since they manage their homes during crisis situations and abject poverty conditions. What is required is power and opportunities invested in them with sufficient knowledge and support initially. Such women must be chosen based on their social standing, commitment to common resources, age, marital status, bargaining power, etc; f) The idea of an integrated tank management system requires that the tank and its surroundings must be treated equally. Each of its components is useful to different socio-economic groups. But when they come under the ITDP through TUG, they have to monitor the use of the tank by different stakeholders. Women members must be compulsorily placed in each of these responsibilities. Tank and Community Level: a) Women's participation and mobilization through a NGO to prepare the women to participate in tank improvement project; b) Arrangements for Operation 30

31 Institute for Social and Economic Change, Sangalore and Maintenance of assets created for exclusive use by women or for off-farm activities; c) Women's involvement in the preparation of ITDP. Tank plus activities, focusing as women should form part of the ITDP in as much significant way as catchment or command area development; d) As part of TUA activities, there shall be a Micro-Plan for women's development which shall consist of: identification of various activities including IGA/SHGs; and not merely women from command area landowning households (HHs), but also from other sections; e) Women's groups shall be viewed as partners in implementing the project than as beneficiaries. Where possible, such women's groups shall undertake main responsibilities of TUA activities such as, bund plantations, forestry/nursery raising, seedling nursery, maintenance of washing spots, etc; I) Priorities should be given to women to use water from the tank (through a dead storage) for feeding livestock. This is especially useful to communities depending on livestock rearing for livelihood. Women from these communities themselves may decide the framework for this. This should strategically get into the MoU between the departments of forest, minor irrigation, the ZP, NGO and the TUA. This should be non-negotiable; g) The poverty focus on 'Gender' has to be ensured by selecting women headed HHs, other vulnerable sections among women like women from habitual migrant households, widows, women from SC, ST and indigenous groups, particularly among marginal farmers and tail-enders. f) Tank Safety Plan The project covers mainly small existing dams (i.e. bunds of the tanks) most of which are very old with no major structural failure reported except of minor breaches in the embankments. The heights of the embankmnents for most of the tanks do not exceed 10 m and most of the tanks have a capacity less than 1.5 million cubic meters. The hydrology study has recommended a 25-year return period flood as an appropriate criterion for assessing tank structural safety. This appears reasonable considering that most of the tanks are very old with little information on their major failures. Institutional Mechanism: The Department of Minor Irrigation (DMI) has recently (October 20, 2001) constituted a Task Force for structural assessment of the tank structures (dam and other appurtenant structures) needing rehabilitation. DMI also prepares pre and post health status reports of the tank structures. The project will follow design and construction standards with sound engineering practices and adequate quality control (through an independent agency). The Task Force's purview will be extended to the tanks under the project and it will review selectively safety issues of tanks less than 10 m height but would consider all the tanks over 10 m height. The Task Force will co-opt specialist (hydrologist, geo-technical expert, construction expert) as considered essential for specific tanks for safety evaluation and suggesting mitigation measures. These aspects will be extended to the tanks under the project to ensure taking appropriate steps for health check ups of the tanks. The Task Force review would include on the spot inspection of the tank recommend specific surveys if required and suggest remedial measures which would be carried out by TUGs with the support of CFTs and JSYS. The Task Force will meet as and when requisitioned by JSYS. Budget: It is estimated that around 10% of the tanks (5% of the 1600 tanks with a command of less than 40 ha and 30% of the 400 tanks more than 40 ha command) will be reviewed by the Task Force. It is anticipated that review of each tank would cost around Rs. 50,000. A provision of Rs. 10 million has been made in the project. 31

32 Institute fr Social and Economic Change, Bangalore g) Protection of Cultural Heritage Tanks have played a pivotal role in the culture of a community. These cultural aspects can be classified into three; community-oriented, caste oriented, and individual oriented. The community oriented cultural activities are those cultural activities in which the entire community takes part. This ranges from that of float festival to commemorate the overflowing of tank to that of worshipping the rain god during droughts or no rain days. In some places to thank god or goddess for providing good crop offerings may be made to a selected tree on the bund and investing it with spiritual powers. Few of the caste groups may own the burial ground closer to the tank or in the foreshore area of the tank. Probably, due to overcrowding the groups concerned might have stopped using the ground. The individual based cultural activities are those that will mark activities such as birth of a child and death or marriage. During these days normally water in the tank is worshipped or part of the silt is carried home. The Social and Environmental Assessment studied 50 sample tanks and developed detailed profiles for each tank reflecting the depth and longevity of the interest of the community in tank management. It is noticed that most of the tanks generally have traditional festivals that bring the entire village together. The general feeling of the communities is that this project will contribute to the enriching of the traditional cultural practices surrounding the tank system. Another detailed study on 18 tanks including potential impacts on cultural property was conducted by JSYS. In this study, the cultural, religious, and traditional role of tanks was classified in three grades. In approximately 20% of the tanks the role was considered to be at a high level. However, only in four tanks were actual physical structures involved - shrines/places of worships were found on tank bunds. Action Plan The project will not finance any project interventions that have a negative permanent impact on cultural property. The project interventions (desiltation and strengthening of embankments) may however have a temporary negative impact on cultural and ritualistic activities. The project may temporarily affect small shrines or places of worship - especially if these are located on the tank bund. The mitigation measures proposed would avoid other potentially adverse affects on cultural property. For example, desiltation would be carried out in such a manner as to avoid burial grounds. Likewise, modifications to the waste weir would avoid affecting temples situated in close proximity to the waste weir. Table 1 summarizes potential impacts of project intervention on the cultural aspects and the proposed mitigation measures. Institutional Arrangements and Budget The institutional arrangements to ensure satisfactory implementation of the Action Plan rests with the TUG with assistance provided by the Cluster Facilitation Teams. During the preparation of the ITDP, identification of all potentially affected cultural property in the tank system will be made. Appropriate changes to the physical interventions will then be considered to avoid negative impacts to cultural property. If certain minor, temporary affects are unavoidable, adequate mitigation measures will be developed by the TUG. JSYS will provide assistance at the district and state levels with responsibility for cultural property assumed by the Resettlement and Tribal Development specialists. The incremental budget associated with the mitigation measures would be embedded within the overall costs of the ITDP 32

33 Institute for Soaal and Economic acange, Bangalore Social and Environmental Assessment Execubve Summary Table E 13: Action Plan for Cultural Prop _ Cultural aspect Description of Significance Frequency Positive Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures Burial Irrespective of caste and Increased availability of tank These places are identified as dwelling The TUG will identify burial ground Ground creed, burial grounds have a water (quantum and duration) places of departed souls and are treated areas and will ensure that the ritualistic value since annual will help in meeting water as sacred and any act (for example desiltation specified in the ITDP ceremonies for the departed Highl requirements for the rituals. desiltation) which uproots the place of avoids these areas completely. are conducted at the place of ligkhly burial of departed souls would invoke (Since only about 20-30% of Burial. unlikely protest from the related caste group. desiltation is proposed in each tank, Desiltation of such areas would strongly affect social sentiments this will not be difficult to achieve and will not have an effect on project benefits. Very small Constructed to celebrate By forming an island around Desiltation activities will be temples of certain festivals. This are the temple using the silt the identified by the TUGs outside the worship on designed to be submerged. Highly structure is strengthened. Such temple area. tank bed Submergence of these unlikely acts will enhance community temples is considered as trust on project activities. sign of prosperity. Place of Cultural linked to religious The project may enhance the Improvement of the embankments may Relocation is a common practice as worship in festivals of the village approach to such places of result in temporary relocation of the the deity is temporarily shifted to embankment associated with tank. These Somewhat worship through embankment deity. nearby temple and brought back to places are made of small common improvements. In addition the the original place. The period is stones (34 numbers with a community considers tank unlikely to exceed 2-3 months. stone piece worshipped as improvement as propitiation of deity) the presidine deitv. Temple close Have a major role in The project interventions will Waste weir redesign may impact the The design would ensure that in such to waste weir preserving cultural links improve approach to the temple structure if it is warranted that events the increase in spillway length among tank and community Somewhat temple and also enhance the the spillway length may have to be would be obtained from the other and worshipping rain gods omew aesthetic appeal of the temple. increased consequent to safety end. (float festival, lamp festival cm considerations of the tank bund. etc.) during droughts and special occasions. Trees/plants Worshipped in the name of Strengthening embankment These are small trees/plants unlikely with religious the presiding deity for good stabilize these trees/plants. to be affected by the project significance harvest and boons are interventions. on tank bund. sought from these trees Common with a belief that these have spiritual powers. 33