Necessity of check dams for rainwater harvesting, prevention of soil erosion

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, June 17: A loose boulder check dam has been constructed to facilitate irrigation and cultivation for farmers of Ghaghara village under Matiyabandhi Panchayat of Chakulia block. The check dam, constructed under community schemes was approved in the 2021-’22 fiscal the estimated cost of which was Rs 2,15, 541.

Ghaghara village farmers were happy with the construction of the loose boulder check dam. They said that earlier they could grow only one crop because cultivation depended heavily on monsoon and no other option was available to them. The only option was rainwater fed irrigation for farming.

The villagers, particularly the farmers were happy and contented with the loose boulder check dam constructed in Ghaghara. They said that this check dam helped in storing flowing water during the rainy season and it ensured availability of water for round-the-year cultivation of several crops including paddy, cereals, and seasonal vegetables and fruits.

The necessity of check dams becomes all the more vital in the realms of increased agricultural production, groundwater recharge and prevention of soil erosion during heavy rains. The construction of loose boulder check dams at Ghaghara, Pathrabasa, Majhu Ghagha, Bandar Danga that are surrounded by hills, have helped in preventing soil erosion and captured water during monsoon season facilitated multi-farming throughout the year.

 The villagers expressed happiness on the construction of the check dam and said that it was the answer to their demand through several years. They praised the administration for its sensitivity to the tillers’ requirements.