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Atal Bhujal Yojana - Atal Jal

Gramin Vikas Trust, as the District Implementing Partner (DIP)

Under the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal), Gramin Vikas Trust, as the District Implementing Partner (DIP), plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable groundwater management across 224 Gram Panchayats in Banaskantha district, spanning the talukas of Palanpur (98 Gram Panchayats), Vadgam (88 Gram Panchayats), and Dantiwada (38 Gram Panchayats). The Trust is committed to implementing comprehensive strategies to address groundwater-related challenges through community-driven initiatives and technical support.

Formation of Participatory Groundwater Management Committees (PGWMs)

Gramin Vikas Trust has facilitated the formation of Participatory Groundwater Management Committees (PGWMs) in each Gram Panchayat. These committees comprise local representatives, including women and marginalized groups, to ensure inclusive decision-making. The PGWMs act as the focal point for groundwater management activities, coordinating efforts and building a sense of ownership among community members.

Development of Water Security Plans (WSPs)

A critical responsibility of the DIP is to create Water Security Plans (WSPs) for each Gram Panchayat. Meetings are held under the leadership of the PGWM Chairperson to identify groundwater-related issues and design tailored solutions. These plans outline actionable strategies for water conservation, recharge, and sustainable usage, aligning with the unique needs of each village.

Community Awareness and Engagement Activities

Gramin Vikas Trust actively conducts various awareness and engagement activities to foster community participation in groundwater management. These activities include:

• Women’s Meetings: Encouraging women to take an active role in water management.
• Street Plays (Nukkad Nataks): Using creative methods to communicate the importance of groundwater conservation.
• Door-to-Door Campaigns: Educating villagers about sustainable water usage practices.
• Wall Paintings: Spreading key messages on water conservation through visual communication in public spaces.

These efforts aim to raise awareness, promote behavior change, and inspire collective action for groundwater sustainability.

Capacity Building and Training

The DIP organizes training sessions for PGWM members and community leaders to build their capacity in groundwater management. These sessions cover technical aspects such as recharge techniques, monitoring groundwater levels, and sustainable water usage. This empowers local communities to manage their water resources effectively.

Data Collection and Monitoring

The Trust is responsible for collecting baseline data on groundwater levels and usage patterns in the villages. Regular monitoring is conducted to measure the impact of implemented activities. Comprehensive records and reports are maintained to track progress and ensure accountability.

Gender Inclusion and Social Equity

A significant focus of the DIP is on gender inclusion and ensuring representation of marginalized groups in water management. Women’s active participation is encouraged in PGWMs, enabling them to contribute to decision-making and implementation.

Technical and Logistical Support

The Trust provides technical assistance for activities such as groundwater recharge, grey water management, and rainwater harvesting. Additionally, logistical support is extended to facilitate smooth execution of project initiatives.

Behavior Change Communication

Effective communication strategies are employed to bring about behavioral changes in the community. Campaigns emphasize the importance of water conservation and promote the adoption of water-efficient practices in households, agriculture, and industries.

Collaboration with Stakeholders

Gramin Vikas Trust works closely with government departments, local authorities, and community leaders to ensure alignment with state and national policies on groundwater management. This collaboration ensures resource optimization and shared responsibility.

Promoting Climate Resilience

The Trust integrates climate adaptation measures into WSPs, addressing the impacts of climate change on groundwater resources. Villagers are educated about the links between climate change and water sustainability to build resilience.

Implementation of Grey Water Management

In select villages, the DIP has implemented Grey Water Treatment Plants to recycle wastewater. Communities are trained on the benefits and maintenance of these plants, inspiring similar initiatives in other areas.

Encouraging Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting systems are promoted as a key strategy for groundwater recharge. The Trust assists villagers in constructing and maintaining these systems to ensure their long-term effectiveness.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

The DIP advocates for water-efficient agricultural practices such as micro-irrigation, crop rotation, and mulching. Farmers are trained to adopt methods that reduce groundwater dependency while ensuring productivity.

Post-Project Sustainability

Gramin Vikas Trust develops strategies to ensure the sustainability of PGWMs and WSPs after the project’s conclusion. By fostering community ownership and self-reliance, the Trust ensures that groundwater management efforts are sustained over the long term.

Impact and Empowerment

Through its dedicated efforts, Gramin Vikas Trust has empowered communities to take charge of their groundwater resources. The participatory approach ensures that solutions are not only effective but also embraced by the community, creating a sustainable model for groundwater management in Banaskantha district.

These comprehensive roles and responsibilities underscore the critical role of the DIP in achieving the objectives of the Atal Bhujal Yojana and fostering water security for rural communities.