Villagers of Kuhimunda in Degeaon block by constructing a small and makeshift check-dam on their own have set an example for others.
On December 4, utilising water of a small rivulet, the villagers have created irrigation facility for cultivation of vegetables and Rabi paddy crop.
"Earlier,we would hire a JCB machine for digging a big water hole (Chhala) for getting water. But water would barely last for one hour there and was too inadequate to meet the requirement," said a villager.
On December 3 evening, the villagers held a meeting facilitated by members of Reliance Foundation Bolangir,and after deliberation, they decided to construct the makeshift check dam through 'Shramadan' (contribution of manual labour).
"On December 4, all the villagers and SHG members went to Keuti Jore(,the dry rivulet) and packed bags to create a dam in two places of the river," said Maithili Sahu, a village woman.
"After the construction of the check dam, we can run motor pumps for hours to get water as much as we need," said Kshirodra Pradhan.
The check dam would provide water to vegetable and paddy cultivation till March. Nearby village farmers will also get the benefit. The easy availability of water would boost cultivation in around 30 acres in the village, told Sambhu Sahu, another villager.
"We urge the district administration to take necessary steps to construct a permanent check dam here," he added.