Uttaranchal Decentralized Watershed Development Project (UDWDP)-GRAMYA

Agriculture is the main source of household income in Uttarakhand for over 70% of the population. However agriculture incomes remain low because of : (i) Small and scattered land holdings, (ii) Subsistence farming and lack of modern pre and post harvest practices, (iii) low productivity of subsistence cereals, (iv) fragile soils with steep slopes and (v) inadequate basic rural infrastructure. In this context, Uttarakhand Decentralized Watershed Development Project (UDWDP) was conceived with the objective of improving the productive potential of natural resources and increase the incomes of rural inhabitants in selected watersheds through socially inclusive, institutionally and environmentally sustainable approaches.

Highlights:

• Project area includes highly degraded, poverty ridden and areas with poor connectivity and infrastructure in the Middle Himalayas

• A decentralized institutional setup using Gram Panchayat as planning, implementation and monitoring agency.

• Focus on vulnerable groups and sustainability issues.

• Expected project outcomes are -10% increase in household income,10% increase in biomass,15% increase in availability of water for drinking and other purposes and 20% increase in institutional capacity of Gram Panchayat.

The project is spread over an area of around 2348 sq. km. in 76 selected MWS in Middle Himalayas. About 461 Gram Panchayats identified in 18 Blocks of 11 districts of Garhwal and Kumaon will participate in this project. An estimated 2,54,000 population of the project area is likely to benefit from the project outcomes. A decentralized institutional setup using Gram Panchayat as the main
planning and implementing agency is a key feature of the project.

The UDWDP (Gramya) is based on joint relationship among three entities: (i) Village communities and GPs; (ii) WMD (Watershed Management Directorate); and (iii) NGOs and other service providers.

MANAVA BHARATI has been identified and hired as an FNGO, Garhwal Region (field level institution) by WMD in UDWDP to carry out social mobilization, may provide technical assistance and undertake other activities as agreed to with GPs and WMD. Mainly FNGO mobilize village communities and provide complete information on the project, facilitate PRAs at the Revenue Village and GP levels; focus on gender sensitization and social equity, assist GP to plan and implement the project. MANAVA BHARATI is working in 185 Gram Panchayats of Garhwal region.

In UDWDP, PME (Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation) exercise has been introduced where FNGO (MANAVA BHARATI) is playing an active role by facilitating the exercise in the field. Till October 2007 120 PME Exercises have been conducted in different GPs.

Project places special emphasis on Vulnerable Groups such as women, Schedule Caste, Schedule tribes, Landless, marginal farmers and transhumant population to ensure equity. Women�s participation in project interventions is sought to be enhanced by way of ensuring upto 50% representation of women in village level committees and inclusion of their concerns, needs and issues emerging in Women Aam Sabhas into the Gram Panchayat Watershed Development Plans. To inculcate sense of community ownership, beneficiary contribution is provided for in the project.