Rainwater Harvesting for Draught Proofing in Palamau Division of Jharkhand, India

摘要

Palamau division in Jharkhand State (India) suffers with mini, minor or major drought on every 3rd, 7th and 13th year in-spite of average to moderate (700 mm to 1100 mm) annual rainfall. The basic reason of this recurrent drought is speedy runoff of rainwater through the undulating terrain.rnRain water harvesting for irrigation and allied work is common practice for rainfed agriculture on which majority of small and marginal farmers depend. The experiments of sustaining agriculture through empowerment and action has been experimented by an NGO, Society of Hill Resource Management School (SHRMS). Authors are life member and fund managers of this organisation. The detail analysis of experiment reveal that the techniques are very effective and results are optimistic.rnIt is required to make provision for fast horizontal expansion of SHRMS experiments in hilly villages of Jharkhand in general and Palamau in particular.rnThe technical design and small experiments with land and water accumulated large quantum of rainwater in lakes, ponds, aahars, big tie ridges and amid the block plantations. The accumulated water were used for enhancement of crop productivity. The improved productivity is associated with improved socio-economic condition of the grass root groups. The systematic management of resources enhance job opportunity at the doorstep and system becomes self-sustaining in course of time. This mechanism is being considered suitable alternative for drought proofing Palamau.