DS (Dharampal Satyapal) Group launch the second 'Water Economic Zone,' an integrated watershed development project at Khandwa and Betul districts in Madhya Pradesh, after successfully implementing the first programme at Alsigarh and Kurabad Watershed areas in Udaipur.
The proposed intervention will be implemented in 3000 ha. Area of Barud Gram Panchayat in Chhaigaon Makhan block of Khandwa district and 2400 ha. Area of Dabhona Gram Panchayat in Athner block of Betul district and will reach out to more than 2000 households, mostly from marginalized section of the society.
'Creation of Water Economic Zone', through integrated watershed development projects focus on enhancing natural resources, particularly water and soil of an area, to increase its productivity. These project involve construction of recharging and storage structures, renovation of existing defunct or underutilized water bodies, soil conservation measures, introduction of efficient irrigation practices and also building institutions for long-term sustainability.
The availability of water at surface and sub- surface level is enhanced many fold due to the watershed structures, which leads to increased irrigated area and improved crop productivity resulting in better economic conditions of the communities in the intervention areas.
The project also promotes efficient use of water through improved irrigation practices such as Drip Irrigation and Rain guns along with harvesting climate-friendly crops.
The company has partnered with grass root level organizations - Arpan Seva Sansthan and Haritika for the implementation of the project in these two districts.
A detailed project report (DPR) based on net planning under preparation for construction of various water conservation measures such as check dams, renovation of existing structures, de-siltation of ponds, Soil conservation measures such as CCT, DCCT, gabion for implemented in next few years.
To ensure long term sustainability, the company empowers the local communities and create community institutions like water users groups, farmers' collectives, or any other suitable community institutions that successfully maintain and ensure continuity of the intervention.