Entire human, animal and plant life is dependent on rain-water. Much of it can be put back into the ground or stored, by way of Storage Tanks, Check Dams etc. Therefore, we Ashapura Foundation literally HARVEST WATER. Water is the most precious commodity in Kutchh district, (Western most part of India bordering Pakistan) is surrounded by Desert on the North and Arabian Sea on the West and South.

Construction of Staggered Trenches

Total 89,442 Staggered Trenches have been created.

The Staggered Trenches are pits, dug on the land surface with downward slope on the course of flowing water. The flowing water is initially hindered by these trenches. This method would reduce the speed of the flowing water and consequently prevents erosion of land surface (soil) and ultimately preserve fertility of soil. At a time, about 200 litres of water is filled in each Staggered Trench, which then percolates down and recharges the ground water.

Construction of Loose Boulders

Total 801 Loose Boulders have been constructed.

After filling the Staggered Trenches, the excess water flows out in the form of little streams. To stop these streams, the obstruction walls of the length equal to the width of the streams are made with the support of stones. Such walls are created at a distance of 200 to 300 meters along the channels of the streams. These walls are known as Loose Boulders.

With this kind of arrangement, water filters out after passing through this loose boulder. The material like sand grains, grass, plants, seeds etc. get mixed with the water gathered here. This enhances fertility and increases the moisture retaining capacity of land and it also prevents land erosion. In addition, this collection of organic materials would provide fodder to the cattle.


Construction of Nala Plugs

Total 51 Nala Plugs have been constructed which has created Total Water Storage Capacity of 387.5 Million Litre.

Nala Plugs are created to store rain water. By making such Nala Plugs, the stored water is used for farming. Benefiting the area of about 2 to 5 acers of land, located near the structure. At the end of the monsoon, the existing crops in the farm is benefited with water from these Nala Plugs & the crops are saved.

Construction of Storage Tanks

Total 79 Storage Tanks have been constructed with Total Water Storage Capacity of 1995.80 Million Litre.

By making arrangement of Storage Tanks, a good amount of water is stored. This water is used for agriculture in monsoon and even for the crops during winter and summer by lift irrigation.

Many farmers and large land areas are benefited out of this stored water. If the rainfall is good, the pay back period of such water storage tanks is one monsoon crop only.


Construction of Check Dams

Total 81 Check Dams have been constructed with Total Water Storage Capacity of 1043.80 Million Litre.

By constructing Check Dams, water stored is used for irrigation in the nearby farms. With the help of lift irrigation, the farmers are able to cultivate their crops not only during the monsoon but also during the winter and summer seasons as well.

Construction of Recharging Check Dams, Storage Tanks & Wells

Total 5 Recharging Structures have been constructed

Due to the arrangement of recharging structures, the level of underground water goes higher. This in turn improves the quality of water. Moreover, the water level in bores and wells goes up, so good quality and quantity of water is available for drinking and agriculture.


BORI BANDH

To obstruct water by placing used bags filled with sand.

Bori Bandh is the effective method to slow down the speed of flowing water of the stream in any area. Bori Bandh is made of empty cement bags filled with sand, clay and such other materials and placed at the course of stream to stop water. Usually there is great erosion due to flow of water in hilly terrain, but Bori Bandh can check it effectively.

Construction of Khet Talavdies (Farm Ponds)

Promoted construction of 44 Khet Talavdies (Farm Ponds), which have created Total Water Storage Capacity of 86.3 Million Litre.

The foundation promotes construction of Khet Talavdies(Farm Ponds) of size 20 X 20 X1 or 30 X 30 X 1 Meter by the farmer at the corner of his farm, where the water of his entire farm gathers, or in the vicinity of his farm. The water flowing out from the farm is collected and stored here. At the end of monsoon, when there is no chance of rain, the water requirement for the crops can be used from this water.