JWF Fund 2021- Project Outline
4. Rehabilitation of existing groundwater recharge system in Thallykothanoor village, India•••••

Organization:Tamil Nadu Board of Rural Development (TNBRD)（#298）
Location:
Thallykothanoor village,Thally, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu state, India
Cost:
US$3,695 (JWF Fund: US$1,500, contribution from TNBRD: US$2,195)
Number of direct beneficiaries: 500 people (men: 180, women: 170, children: 110)
Background：Thallykothanoor village is located on sloping land 930 metres above sea level. Its average annual rainfall is 855mm.
The major problem faced by the villagers was water scarcity in the summer season. Soil in the village is sandy loam andthere is significant soil and water erosion. Water harvesting structures, including a check dam, a gabion structure, anda percolation pond were previously constructed in the area in order to conserve soil and water. They play a major rolein increasing the ground water table to meet irrigation and drinking water requirements. These water storage
structures were more than fifteen years old and poor maintenance was causing problems, such as the spread of weeds,
silt deposition, and deterioration of the surroundings, which was interfering with operation of the facilities. This leads
to a gradual reduction in water storage capacity and less water for agriculture and drinking.

Before:Poorly maintained check dam••After:
Gabion structure after rehabilitation

Main activities of the project:-Inception meeting with stakeholders-Establishment of a watershed committee-Training on operations and maintenance with the committee-Rehabilitation and cleaning of the check dam (10m width x 4m depth), gabion structure (8m width x 2m depth), andpercolation pond (10m width x 10m length x 5m depth)
Sustainability activities: The watershed committee will continue to maintain and monitor the structures.

1

JWF Fund 2021 - Results of Follow-up Observations

4. Rehabilitation of existing groundwater recharge system inThallykothanoor village, India【Current situation】••

The water harvesting structures are functioning as planned and are providing irrigation water
for agriculture, as well as drinking water for farmers and livestock, with more than 1500
indirect beneficiaries. Due to groundwater recharging, the availability of water in wells andborewells has increased. This has led to more fallow land being converted to agriculturalactivities, which can lead to more employment opportunities in the village.
The watershed committee is playing an important role in sustainable management ofwatershed areas, which are vital for water conservation, agriculture and overall environmental
health. They cooperate on planning, execution and monitoring of watershed development
programs. They identify issues, prioritize problems, and develop action plans for sustainable
watershed management. The committee is responsible for maintenance of water harvesting
structures and educating the community about the importance of long-term maintenance andsustainability of the structures. The committee is involved in mobilizing funds received fromgovernment schemes, non-governmental organizations, and other sources, in order to support
watershed development activities. They maintain records of activities, expenses andoutcomes. They prepare reports on the progress of watershed development projects. They
are involved in resolving conflicts related to water use, land ownership, and resource
allocation within the watershed area. They act as mediators and facilitate discussions toresolve disputes. They also help market produce.

Check dam retaining rainwater【Changes】
Significant improvements in water conservation have been observed, mitigating the effects ofdrought and elevating water levels within the village due to the water harvesting structures
made in this project.
Access to quality drinking water for both humans and animals has been enhanced,
accompanied by improved resources for irrigation.
The increased water availability may have led to the adoption of better hygiene practices
among villagers. This could include regular handwashing, maintaining cleaner surroundings,
and potentially adopting more hygienic habits when handling water for various purposes.

Percolation pond retaining rainwater【Other Points】
The organization TNBRD received a request regarding a water crisis in a neighboring village.
The people of that community were pleading for the same type of help and funding received
by Thallykothanoor village. JWF Fund 2021 was helpful, requesting that the funding be
provided if possible.

Mr. Sankarappa cultivating vegetables

2

JWF Fund 2021-Results of Follow-up Observations

4. Rehabilitation of existing groundwater recharge system in Thallykothanoor village, India

Voices of the beneficiaries (Excerpts)
Mr. Sankarappa, 51 years oldI am a small-scale farmer, and my family consists of 12 people. I have 4.5 acres of land, 8 head of livestock, and one
750-foot borewell. The borewell is our only source of irrigation and drinking water. Two years ago, before the project,
the water was just sufficient to grow a single crop on half an acre of land. We were planning to move to a nearby town
in order to secure a regular income. During that time, TNBRD and the JWF made repairs and renovations to the water
harvesting structures in our village. Now I can grow vegetable and flower crops on my land, using a drip irrigation
system with technical support from TNBRD and financial support from the JWF. I can even provide employment for
nearby farmers. I’m going to buy another two acres of land soon.

Mr. Malesh, 51years old
Our main source of income is agriculture. I have 2.5 acres of land on which I grow flower crops. My land is adjacent toa percolation pond, which retains rainwater throughout the year. Soil erosion from my land is now completely prevented.
I’m getting enough water for irrigation and drinking purposes. I’m practicing mixed-crop cultivation with the assistanceof TNBRD. My income has gradually increased, and I can provide good higher education for my children. My family
wishes to buy four milking cows for additional income and family needs.

Mr. Rangannathan, 64 years oldBasically, I’m a rose farmer. Before the JWF's involvement, I was unaware of water saving technologies, drip andsprinkler irrigation systems, and water harvesting structure maintenance. Since the renovation work and completion ofwater harvesting structures in our village, we have enough water for drinking and irrigation. I have now adopted drip
and sprinkler irrigation for my crops and am getting higher yields, better quality products and better prices. My sincere
and heartfelt thanks to the JWF and TNBRD for these improvements.

3