The Story:
A springshed is the area of land that contributes groundwater to a spring. Springs have been a vital source of groundwater in all the mountainous regions across the world. The springs and their associated rivers and bays have tremendous ecological value and are home to countless plants and animals. Springs also provide a significant economic impact for local communities, and so is the situation at Gawdewadi village is located in Patan Tehsil of Satara district in Maharashtra, India.
Located near Koyna dam with Sahayadri mountains on the other side, rice is the primary crop in the village, wherein finger millet, wheat, and black grams are seasonal crops. The project covered a total of 604.38 hectares area that had 136 households and a population of 760. The annual rainfall recorded in Gawdewadi was 2000mm/yr.
With cultivable land being 375.32 hectares area, and uncultivable land 229.06 hectares area, it was noted that agricultural land is less. The villagers migrate seasonally in search of employment to the cities like Mumbai, Pune and the nearest town of Patan. About 8 springs out of which 3 are perineal with lesser water discharge and eventually drying out.
The Result:
The project was funded by Atlas Copco Charitable Foundation and strengthened springs that run throughout the year. It also aimed at reviving dying springs for irrigation and drinking water purpose. The core focus addressed concerns of regenerating springs, streams and underground flows.
The focus areas of Gawdewadi Springshed
The initiative is basically a result of a long and continuous watershed learning and experience. It identified the recharge areas of springs, streams and underground flows. And those areas were enhanced through community-led (participatory) actions, proper management, and equitable water distribution.
