High Impact Mega Water-Shed Project, Chhattisgarh

October 2024 - September 2028

The High Impact Mega Watershed Project is a special program that brings together the Government of Chhattisgarh, Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation, and Axis Bank Foundation. Its aim is to improve the income of 100,000 small and marginal households by managing watersheds and increasing farm productivity. The community plays a crucial role in planning and carrying out the project activities. The project covers about 6.9 Lakh hectares of land in different districts, focusing on the upper ridges and catchment areas.

There is also another part of the project supported by the Ford Foundation. This part focuses on improving people’s livelihoods, especially in agriculture, non-timber forest products (NTFP), and the livestock industry. The High Impact Mega Watershed Project is closely connected to the NARWA treatment program of the Chhattisgarh state government. The State Project Management Unit (SPMU) provides support to the State MGNREGA cell in implementing the NARWA rejuvenation work throughout the state.

Chhattisgarh High Impact Mega Watershed Project

The film was shot in 2022. The movie puts together the thoughts and views of key stakeholders of the project and highlights key progress made under the project.

About the Project

To sustainably enhance the incomes of 2,50,000 small and marginal households through Natural Resource Management (NRM)-based assets, BRLF, Axis Bank Foundation (ABF), and the Commissioner of MGNREGS (Government of Chhattisgarh) partnered to implement the High Impact Mega Watershed Project. The first phase (2018–2024) focused on four key strategies: hydrological and ridge-to-valley planning using GIS mapping, community-led implementation, capacity building for Gram Panchayats, and prioritising resource-poor regions. CSOs supported by ABF and BRLF provided technical guidance, while the state MGNREGS Cell facilitated funding for on-groundwork.

Building on this success, Phase 2 (October 2024–September 2028) has been sanctioned across 35 blocks in 13 districts, aiming to scale sustainable livelihood improvements through watershed development.

Goal

The overall goal of the project is to increase the income of 2,50,000 small and marginal households by creating NRM-based assets, resulting in the adoption of various income-enhancing livelihood prototypes.

Objectives

  • Implement land and water treatment measures covering 10.37 Lakh hectares of catchments in 35 blocks of 13 districts.
  • At least 50% area (5 Lakh ha.) under 150% to 200% cropping intensity.
  • 40% Increase in the income (on the existing income) of 50% SECC-deprived HHs through benefiting women (SHG members) and disabled members of HHs.
  • Formation of 100 Agriculture Production Clusters (APCs)/1000 PGs covering 77,000 households in 35 blocks.
  • Build capacities of the front-line functionaries, PRIs, community members, and CSOs on the ridge-to-valley principle of watershed implementation that is aligned with livelihood layering.

Key Deliverables & Outcomes

  • Restoration of 10.37 Lakhs ha land through area treatment and checking soil erosion to reduce runoff by at least 50%.
  • Increase in the income of 150,000 households of the deprived category in the SECC. 40% Increase in the income (on the existing income) of 50% HHs through benefiting women (SHG members and disabled members of HHs).
  • Around 5 Lakh ha un-irrigated area will be converted into irrigated area through the construction of several water harvesting and soil conservation structures.
  • A total of 1200 (Approx.) GP-wise DPRs developed by following GIS-based mapping and with a participatory approach involving the community, CSOs, PRIs and MGNREGA officials which will also include a livelihoods plan.
  • Significant reduction in deleterious impacts of climate change and biodiversity – Measurable indicators will be developed since the inception of the program.
  • At least 50% area (5 Lakh ha.) under 150% to 200% cropping intensity.
  • Capacities of 2,000 front-line government MGNREGA functionaries including 400 women mates are augmented.
  • 10,000 PRI and SHG members of 1200 Gram Panchayats will be trained for effective planning and implementation of DPRs and livelihood plans.
  • 1000 Producer Groups (PGs) comprising 77000 Women farmers, and 100 Agriculture Production Clusters (APCs) will be developed around created water structures.
  • 400 Agri entrepreneurs with high potential enterprises and 80 master trainers will be promoted.

Key Results and Outcomes

Households Covered
0
Households engaged in improved agriculture
0
Hectare Land treatment completed
0
Leverage in Rs. Crore
0

In Collaboration with

Government of Chhattisgarh

State MGNREGA Cell

Government of Chhattisgarh

Axis Bank Foundation

Funding Partner

Ford Foundation

Funding Partner

Implementing CSO Partners

PRADAN

Lead CSO Partner

Chaupal

Sangata

Sarguja Gramin vikas Sansthan

Loksakti

Srijan

CarmDaksh

Sahbhagi

Samerth

ASORD

bastar_sewak_mandal

Bastar Sewak Mandal

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