Financial Contribution Appeal to save A River
“Save River Save Life Movement”
Bembla river rejuvenation program
Samvardhan
c/o
Dr. Nilesh Heda, Near APMC, Washim Road, Karanja Lad, Dist Washim 444105
Maharashtra
—
A short concept note –
Bembla River is
principle tributary of river Wardha, which is part of Godavari basin. The river
is originated at Karanja Lad city in Washim district of Maharashtra state. The
portion of Bembla river basin in Karanja block constitutes about 70 villages
with population 124000 people. For our practical propose, we have divided the
entire basin area of Bembla river in Karanja block into 24 micro basins. These
micro basins constitute many small streams, which needs eco-restoration. Idea
of eco-restoration involves de-siltation of heavily silted small streams and
main river course, farm bundings, plantation in the basin area and so on.
What are the problems?
1.
Local traditional decision making and
conflict resolution systems are collapsing.
2.
Deforestation and bundhless agriculture
in the basin area causing erosion of land which is creating massive siltation
in the river and stream beds.
3.
The massive siltation in the stream bed
causing habitat transformation, rising of stream bed, destruction of ancient
pools and chocking of the water recharging capillaries in the stream course.
4.
Land use pattern in the Bembla River is
mainly agriculture. The rising of river bed creating problem of flooding to
adjacent agriculture fields.
5.
Decreasing water recharging capacity of
stream causing groundwater depletion in the basin area affecting irrigation and
supply of drinking water to villages residing in the basin.
6.
The habitat destruction leading to
depletion of indigenous fish fauna causing traditional fishermen’s life more
and more measurable.
In above situation
there is urgent need to do following things in participatory mission mode:
What are the solutions?
1.
Establishment of village level conflict
resolution and decision making systems.
2.
De-siltation of the river bed.
3.
Deepening of the pools in the stream
which will allow water to percolate in the aquifers consequently will increase
the water table in the basin.
4.
Creation of small check dams in the
stream course.
5.
Plantation in the basin area will
decrease soil erosion in the river basin.
6.
Farm bunding in the farms in the basin.
I will reduce loss of fertile soil, retain moisture in the soil and recharge
ground water.
7.
Providing fertile soil back to farmers.
It will improve productivity.
What will be the outcome?
1.
Will solve the water problem of about 70
villages.
2.
Will increase irrigation of the area.
3.
Will conserve aquatic biodiversity and
strengthen livelihood of fishermen.
4.
Will halt soil erosion.
5.
Will improve vegetation there by improve
economy of the rural area.
6.
Will halt erosion of the soil from the
agriculture filled thereby increase productivity and will retain moisture for
longer time.
About SAMVARDHAN
SAMVARDHAN is registered
trust and society. The main goal of the SAMVARDHAN is to work for conservation
of natural resources, to promote its sustainable use & equitable sharing of
the benefits through people’s participation & holistic ecosystem approach.
We are mandated to create such a society where development will be calculated
by amount & quality of surrounding natural wealth, where every species,
every ecosystem & every diverse human groups will live together in harmony
with nature, where the most neglected member of the society will have equal
opportunity in decision making & in securing employment & resources.
How to make contribution?
1.
You can send your checks and DD by name “Samvardhan
Samaj Vikas Sanstha” Payable at State Bank of India Karanja Lad, Akola Branch.
Branch code is 0404.
2.
You may transfer electronically in the
State Bank of India account. Account name “Samvardhan Samaj Vikas Sanstha”
Account number : 30368705158.
Figure 1 Map showing Bembla river basin in Karanja Block.
The main river Bembla is joined by numerous small streams.
