Home to perennial river sources, Himachal Pradesh is now staring at a water crisis. As part of several initiatives by the government to mitigate the problem, the state has come up with the first-ever multipurpose rainwater harvesting dam.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 16.38 crores near Samoor village in Una district, the dam can store rainwater in a massive reservoir collected from the catchment area of 10 sq km. It will be able to store up to 767 million liters of water
All-round benefits
The dam was built on hillocks to store rainwater to allow it to percolate underground to raise the water table, which otherwise quickly drains off the rocky soil and hilly terrain. The water from the dam is sufficient to irrigate 233 hectares and combat weather changes in the surrounding nine villages. The dam will also benefit 1,088 families living in the area, who were facing a severe water crisis.
More than 40 pumps and 31 wells that were dry during the drought season in the areas will also be recharged through this dam during irrigation activities.
Brings back farming to the region
Farmers, who almost left cultivation due to the lack of seasonal rains or who barely grow one crop a year due to the lack of water, will now be able to grow cash crops. The state horticulture department has launched a project to cultivate citrus fruits, guava, litchi, and pomegranate in these villages using water resources from rainwater harvesting dam.
More benefits
The fisheries department has also stepped in by providing help to the locals to practice fisheries. The tourism department plans to generate more employment opportunities through fishing and tourism.
The state government plans to develop this area as a model in convergence with various departments and involve experts drawn from agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and animal husbandry.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 16.38 crores near Samoor village in Una district, the dam can store rainwater in a massive reservoir collected from the catchment area of 10 sq km. It will be able to store up to 767 million liters of water
All-round benefits
The dam was built on hillocks to store rainwater to allow it to percolate underground to raise the water table, which otherwise quickly drains off the rocky soil and hilly terrain. The water from the dam is sufficient to irrigate 233 hectares and combat weather changes in the surrounding nine villages. The dam will also benefit 1,088 families living in the area, who were facing a severe water crisis.
More than 40 pumps and 31 wells that were dry during the drought season in the areas will also be recharged through this dam during irrigation activities.
Brings back farming to the region
Farmers, who almost left cultivation due to the lack of seasonal rains or who barely grow one crop a year due to the lack of water, will now be able to grow cash crops. The state horticulture department has launched a project to cultivate citrus fruits, guava, litchi, and pomegranate in these villages using water resources from rainwater harvesting dam.
More benefits
The fisheries department has also stepped in by providing help to the locals to practice fisheries. The tourism department plans to generate more employment opportunities through fishing and tourism.
The state government plans to develop this area as a model in convergence with various departments and involve experts drawn from agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and animal husbandry.
AquaStar has pioneered the science of rainwater harvesting in India. The wide range of innovative and exclusive rainwater harvesting products, made from virgin uPVC materials offers the perfect solution to create an effective and maintenance-free rainwater harvesting system for your buildings. Explore more at www.aquarain.in