South Gujarat's Ridge-to-Valley initiative boosts water conservation, groundwater recharge and rural livelihoods
Surat, June 30
South Gujarat's forests are being transformed into natural water reservoirs under the Forest Department's Ridge-to-Valley model as part of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign, strengthening water conservation, groundwater recharge and rural livelihoods.
In forest areas such as Umarpada in Surat district, rainwater is being conserved through check dams, forest ponds and contour trenches. Over the past five years, the initiative has led to the construction of around 170 check dams and 215 forest ponds, helping recharge nearly 580 crore litres of groundwater.
Farmers say the water conservation structures have benefited both agriculture and local employment.
"A check dam and a pond have been built to store water. Villagers get employment through excavation work, and the stored water helps farmers irrigate their fields," said farmer Jethia Bhai Vasava of Dheertan village.
Another farmer, Rakesh Kumar Vasava from Ghanavad village, said the check dams and ponds have improved rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
"The groundwater level has increased, borewells have improved, and the initiative has greatly benefited farmers living in forest areas," he said.
Officials said the project has significantly enhanced water availability across the region.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Dheeraj Kumar said that under the initiative, more than 150 check dams, over 200 forest ponds and nearly two lakh running metres of contour trenches have been created.
"These structures have improved rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. In tribal areas under the Surat Forest Division, including Umarpada, Mandvi and Wakal, groundwater levels have risen, and water availability in wells and borewells has improved," he said.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Gaurav Lodha said the Surat Forest Division has conserved nearly 580 crore litres of water over the last five years.
"In areas where Soil and Moisture Conservation works have been carried out, groundwater levels have increased by around one to one-and-a-half metres. During the past year alone, nearly 1.15 lakh man-days of employment were generated, providing livelihood opportunities for local communities, especially in tribal areas, reducing migration and improving socio-economic conditions," he said.
Officials said the Ridge-to-Valley model has emerged as an example of integrated watershed management by combining rainwater conservation, groundwater recharge, employment generation and environmental protection, contributing to long-term water security in South Gujarat.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is heartening to read. We need more such community-driven conservation efforts. The 1.15 lakh man-days of employment generated shows how environmental protection and livelihood creation can go hand in hand. Tribal areas particularly benefit from reduced migration. Well done, Forest Department!
Good to see the Jal Shakti Abhiyan bearing fruit. But I hope this is not just a one-off project. We need consistent monitoring to ensure check dams and ponds don't silt up after a few monsoons. Also, is there any plan to scale this to more districts? Long-term maintenance is key.
Great work by the Forest Department! The 1-1.5 metre rise in groundwater level is significant. My village in Rajasthan could learn from this. We have similar check dams but they often dry up. Maybe the contour trenches are the game-changer here. Need to replicate this in arid zones.
Imagine what could be achieved if every forest range implemented this! The combination of check dams, forest ponds AND contour trenches is what makes it effective. Farmers like Jethia Bhai and Rakesh Kumar are living proof. Only thing is - we need faster execution. 170 check dams in 5 years seems slow.
As a Gujarati, this makes me proud! Tribal areas like Umarpada often get neglected. This initiative not only conserves water but creates local jobs and reduces migration. That's holistic development. Hope the government allocates more funds for watershed management. Also, need to involve local youth in maintenance.
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