Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur   

Watersheds improving lives in drought-hit village

Pleasant sight: An overflowing checkdam constructed as part of watershed activity across Rathimaduguvanka in Kammuru village of Anantapur.

ANANTAPUR: Kammuru, an extremist-affected village located in a hilly terrain in Kuderu mandal, was no different from many drought-hit villages in Anantapur district till three years back with the lives of people depending mostly on the rain gods.

Living standards were below par with the main source of income, agriculture, turning into a gamble due to undependable rains.

Kuderu area is known for perennial drought conditions for ages with the average annual rainfall of only 348 mm, much below the district average of 550 mm.

It is the second lowest rainfall receiving area in the district after Atmakuru. Farmers could hardly depend on seasonal open and bore wells due to the remote chances of their recharge after the rainy season.

But, the situation is in the process of transformation for the last three years, since the implementation of two watersheds was taken up.

A section of farmers have already started enjoying the fruits of assured water in borewells for most of the year, thanks to the improved groundwater with the help of soil and moisture conservation works.

“About Rs. 35 lakhs was spent on the two watersheds so far on construction of eight check dams, restoration of three ponds, formation of five farm ponds and several rock-fill dams and stone-bunds besides taking up block plantation, all in 1,100 hectares,” MDT coordinator Ramesh Reddy and PIA Krishnamurthy explained. The results are there to be seen for all.

Restoration of Eedulakuntavanka pond, repairs to its spillway and strengthening of its bund has made the pond hold rainwater to its brim, improving the groundwater table in its surroundings.

It has also recharged about 15 borewells and helping fruit orchards sustain in about 50 acres.

“SMC works taken up under the two watersheds have recharged about 200 borewells and sustaining about 110 orchards”, beneficiary farmers Peddanna and Gurappa and sarpanch Nagamuni said, accounting the change.

“It was difficult to find groundwater even 300 feet below surface in the village earlier, but it is now available at 150 feet itself”, they said.

A sunken pond formed near Vannappavanka and chains of rock-fill dams formed across the slopes have stopped soil erosion and increased both fertility and productivity of the lands.

Restoration of Errotimaduguvanka check dam and others have also made the lands left fallow for about two decades productive now.

In-charge Project Director of DWMA Malliswari said that about 3.5 lakh hectares of land was treated in the district under 1,315 watersheds by spending Rs. 182.38 crores so far.

Of them, 948 watersheds were still being implemented and the rest were already completed.

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