Volunteers for Village Development (VVD), an NGO based in Ukhrul, Manipur had requested the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), a registered Society under Land Resources Department, Govt. of Nagaland for assisting them on preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of twoSpringshed based watershed Development projects covering four villages with funding support from NABARD.
Accordingly, a team of six highly qualified and experienced technical experts from varied background visited Ukhrul from the 20th – 23rd April, 2021as listed below.
- SetenoSoukhrie, GIS expert
- AlnoKennao, Social Science
- ShaniloSeb, Hydrologist
- LopenPongen, Civil engineer
- Kalito J Sumi, Livelihood
- Yangthungo, Agriculture
The team visited four villages viz. Luireishimphung, Kuirei, Ngahui and Nungpi under Ukhrul district and conducted baseline survey, detailed Hydro-geological survey and Inventorization of Critical Springs that the communities dependent upon for their domestic use. The team also conducted community sensitization and mobilization on Springshed management and development which saw healthy participation in all 4 villages. The sustainability of the project will be based on how well a community is sensitized and empowered to take forward the works even after the exit of the project period. The team also imparted hands on training to the NGO functionaries on all aspects of the springshed.
Based on their survey, the team observed the prevalence of the Disang formation (shales, siltstones and sandstones) and the ophiolite suites in the proposed project villages which will be taken into consideration during the DPR preparation. Engineering interventions depending on the feasibility of the structures such as Trenches, Percolation tanks/Dugout ponds, Bench Terraces, Gully Plugs, Brushwood/Boulder/ Check dams are found to be feasible for recharging the aquifers.
The team also motivated the communities in taking up afforestation of local species trees in the barren land and the recharge area of the springs.Based on the prevailing landscape of the springshed areas, Alder (Alnusnepalensis) tree would be most suitable to grow for vegetative cover. The occurrence of Alder is linked to the availability and abundance of water besides having nitrogen-fixing properties. For the vegetative measures in the watershed, horticulture and plantation crops like lemon, banana, parkia, avocado, cardamom, coffee, sugarcane, etc. are found to be quite suitable.
For economic upliftment, livelihood activities such as rearing of large black and Hampshire swine breeds for breeding, fingerlings and layer birds and pottery making were found to be viable.
Based on the field survey assessment, the team shall be preparing two Detailed Project Reports for the NGO for submission to NABARD. The SLNA has also assisted other Nagaland based NGOs on such assignment which have been accepted by NABARD and already in full implementation phase.
(DIPR)
