Participatory Irrigation Management in Katepurna

Irrigation Project : A Success Story1

Er. Sanjay Belsare2

1. Location

Eastern Maharashtra (Vidarbh) is one of the four political regions of the state of Maharashtra,
in India. Three out of nine agroclimatic zones of the state are in Vidarbh region viz. assured
rainfall zone, moderate to moderately high and high rainfall zone with to 600-900 mm, 900-
1250mm and 1250-1700 mm rainfall respectively. The climate of the region is subtropical,
semiarid monotonic type by three distinct seasons. Summer with hot and dry weather (March-
May), Monsoon-warm and rainy (June-October) and winter dry mild cold (Nov.-Feb.)

Irrigation projects, in Eastern Maharashtra State, under assured rainfall zone, Precious resource
of water was not used efficiently for the benefit of the society. Among all these project
Katepurna Irrigation Project was the worst affected The main dam of Katepurna is situated in
Tapi basin, across the river Katepurna in between latitudes 200 -28’-30”N and longitudes 770 -
9”E. The water let out in river and diverted in to canal from pick up weir (Khambora) which is
19 Km. away from the dam. The discharge carrying capacity of the canal is 7.78 cumec and
length of canal system is around 108 Km. The canal is unlined and passes through deep black
cotton soil and there fore critical and timely maintenance is necessary. The live storage of the
dam is 86.35 Mm3 and 8325 ha. area is under command.

2. Background

Katepurna irrigation project was completed in 1975, having the storage of 86.35Mm3 . The
project has designed irrigation potential of 8325 ha. and drinking and industrial water supply to
Akola city and surrounding villages. Katepurna project completed its 25 years service in 2000,
but the project could not provide the irrigation benefit as it envisaged. In last 25 years project
could provide irrigation hardly to 2027 ha. averagely. Due to less utilization of water for
irrigation, non irrigation reservations have increased from 25.20 to 46.82 Mm,3 it amounts 54 %
of the live storage and therefore the water available for irrigation is reduced from 49.45 Mm3 to
27.83 Mm3 as a result irrigation potential reduced to 5967 ha.

As project comes under assured rainfall zone, the farmers were not much enthusiastic towards
irrigation, Secondly, relactancy among farmers was also due to non-assurity of getting right
amount of water at right time. There was heavy wastage of water, which led to problem of
drainage and transportation of produce in command. There were outstanding dues on farmers as
a result the majority of farmers were not using the water. The department could not maintain
the canal throughout the length due to less utilization and shortage of funds. Under such
circumstances, there was no co-ordination among beneficiaries and Project authorities.
Everyone was blaming each other for under utilization of water.

The author took charge as Executive Engineer, Akola Irrigation Division, Akola in May
1998,resuming responsibility of management of irrigation project in Akola district. With the
poor water utilization scenario, efforts were made to identify and analyze the worst affected
situation. Accordingly the strategies have been finalized to solve the problems and to improve,
water utilization scenario step by step. The strategies and efforts made in the command are
described below. The author has also taken case study of Katepurna project for Ph.D. research.

1. ICID Watsave Young Professionals Award (201) winning paper 2001

2 ER. Sanjay Belsare,Executive Engineer,Akola Irrigation Division,Akola (Maharashtra state),India
3. Strategies adopted for the system Improvement.

§ Engineering Measures
§ Agronomic Measures
§ Management Measures
§ Public Awareness and Involvement
§ Engineering Measures

i) Repairs of canal system

Canal system rapairs were carried out

systematically according to priority,
availability of funds and beneficiaries
requirement. Foremostly bottlenecks were
removed, important canal structure such as
syphon, heavy leaking structure repaired,
selective canal lining was carried out for
short length, service road repaired for better
transportation.

ii) Irrigation scheduling

Earlier, there was no control on irrigation

rotation, farmers at head, used to take water
as and when required and tail enders had to Repairs of Canal in deep cutting portion
suffer. This practice led to improper
distribution, waste of water and disharmony among farmers. Irrigation scheduling, prepared
with tail enders to receive water first and head reach farmer at the end. The scheduling has been
followed strictly. Scheduling was prepared by considering water requirement and soil type.
This practice enabled farmers to have assured, adequate and timely supply of water. Earlier,
beneficiaries were not taking water in night, leading to heavy wastage of water. Now night
irrigation is made compulsory and practiced strictly, due to which greater quantity of water is
saved.

iii) Volumetric measurement of water

Earlier, water rates were charged on area

basis, thus there was no tendency as well as
no incentive on farmers side to use water
efficiently. Now the flow measuring devices
are installed at the head of canal for
measurement of the canal discharge. The
supply of water to water user association is
being made on volumetric basis, with
subsidised water rate structure, which
resulted in efficient, effective and economic
use of water. A two days training program
organized during on 28th -29th January 2000
for irrigation officers and irrigators on flow Training organized for measurement of water
measurement with the help of Water and
Land Management Institute, Aurangabad.
iv) Improved surface irrigation methods

Considerable wastage of water occurs due to wild flooding and other uncontrolled surface
methods. The on-farm irrigation efficiency could be as low as 40 to 50%. In such cases use of
proper irrigation layouts is essential. The farmers are trained and encouraged by demonstrating
the efficiency of such border, furrow, basin etc. layout to farmers by conducting on farm
training. As a result now farmers in command are adopting improved surface irrigation
methods properly and effectively.

v) Computerization

Computer laboratory established in division as

well as sub-division office with 5 computers. In
first stage, computerization of basic record,
water account settlement invoicing etc. was
undertaken to enable better system management.
A software IMIS (Irrigation Management and
Information System) developed by Akola
irrigation division for complete processing of
data from water demand, application to billing of
water charges, for efficient and timely irrigation
management. Computerized Lab in Division Office

• Agronomic Measures

Integrated approach of irrigation and agricultural department at field and administrative level is
adopted which helped in water saving.

i) Applying water at critical growth stages of crops.

With the support of agricultural department farmers were educated in the application of right
amount of water at right time which has reduced the number of rotations and ultimately
minimized over application of irrigation water which is further found useful to maintain the
proper drainage of the land under command.

ii) Crop diversification

Katepurna command constitutes around 39% of cotton crop but farmers were reluctant to
practice irrigation for cotton. With integrated efforts of Agricultural University, Agriculture and
Irrigation department promoted farmers to take pre monsoon cotton. It has given 1.5 to 2 times
higher yield than traditional cotton growing and now there is trend set for pre monsoon cotton
growing among farmers. The demonstration and guidance is delivered to farmers through NGO
and departmental meeting which resulted for better response for pre monsoon cotton. The area
sown under pre monsoon cotton during 1998-99 was 352 ha. and during 1999-2000,2000-2001
was 474 ha. and 413 ha. respectively.

iii) Soil testing laboratory

The Akola irrigation division has a soil testing laboratory subdivision. The author has
developed and modified laboratory working and obtained ISO-9002 certification for quality
system. It was first and unique attempt in the state.

The laboratory provided soil-testing facility for farmers to know soil properties so as to plan the
cropping system and water management practices scientifically.
• Management Measures

i) Promotion of Participatory Irrigation management (PIM) by formulating Water User’s

Association (WUA)

Maharashtra State has age-old traditions of operation and maintenance of irrigation system by
farmers themselves. Phad system in North Maharashtra and Ex. Malgujari system in Eastern
Maharashtra are still in vogue in some parts. It has been accepted all over the world that
farmers manage and operate irrigation system, regulate and distribute water more efficiently
among users.

Katepurna Project’s beneficiaries were motivated, trained and convinced the importance of
water user’s associations. The special privileges given to form water user association, proper
environment was created and it resulted in formation of water user’s association covering 87 %
of the command area. Table 1 shows progress of formation of water user association in the
command of Katepurna project. The day is not far away when the complete command of
project will be handed over to WUA.

Table 1. Formation of water users association (wua) in command area of katepurna project
Revised ICA-5967 ha.

Sr. No. Year Formed WUA WUA actual Total area No. of
WUA registered working out covered beneficiaries
under co-op. of registered under WUA
Act I.C.A. in ha.
1 Up to 1997 4 3 1 1192 758

2 1998 2 - - 655 442

3 1999 4 3 - 1399 987

4 2000 7 4 4 1931 1261

5 Total up to 17 10 5 5177 3448

date

The table shows that there is 87% of command area brought under water user association, with
68% of beneficiaries.

ii) Improved management and operation of irrigation systems.

Better and reliable, irrigation management and operation practice followed, considering
limitations of the system, farmers’ requirement and efficient use of water. Field level, minor &
distributory level and project level co-ordination between project authorities and farmers
striked to enable improved management. Project level co-ordination committee formed with
representatives from WUA to plan, co-ordinate and monitor irrigation program. Beneficiaries
were involved in decision making and real management of project.

iii) Involvement of Women in Irrigation

For sustainable agriculture, involvement of women farmer is essential. Various studies

indicated that for promoting water savings on the farm, women involvement is must. Two days
on farm women’s training program. 3rd -4th January 2001 has been conducted on water
application techniques, management of water distribution system, Water user’s associations
formulation and functioning etc. Women farmer has shown enthusiasm to hold the
responsibility of the WUA.
iii) Training/Capacity building

Capacity building of project personnel as well as farmer is imperative for better co-ordination,
implementation, operation and management of irrigation systems. Adequate training and
motivation imparted to irrigation personnel and farmers representative with the help of Water
and Land Management Institute, Aurangabad as well as Sinchan Sahyog, Akola. Incentives
were given to Irrigation officers as well as to WUA’s for their better contribution. On-farm
training were conducted for both farmers and project personnel. Field Visit were organized to
share experiences of successful WUA.

• Public Awareness and Involvement

Awareness regarding the need for water conservation/ saving should be promoted involving all
stakeholders including community group, political leader and farmers, mass education through
media, posters, Video tapes, public debater, T.V., Radio, New papers is found to be effective in
motivating people to reduce water wastages.

An attempt has been made by conducting/performing following programs.

i) Awareness campaign

Formation of water user association and need of the efficient water utilization was propagated
through newspaper, radio, exhibitions, pamphlets, posters to encourage farmers to participate in
irrigation management Slogans on participatory irrigation management and efficient use of
water were written out compound wall, canal structure, offices and public places, so as to
promote collective action

Mobile Van equipped with Slogans to promote awareness about

audio/ video facility efficient use of water written on
compound wall

ii) Katepurna Silver Jubilee function

A novel function was organized by beneficiaries of Katepurna project, on eve of silver jubilee
of the project. The beneficiaries felicitated the project-affected people for their sacrifice,
Engineers for their contributions. The project beneficiaries also felicitated the government, for
giving the project, which had changed their lives, Indebtness ceremony on eve of Katepurna
Silver Jubilee function was organized by beneficiaries to show sense of gratitude and
attachment towards the project. It was unique gathering of society, government and
media..Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra State chaired the function and congratulated for
organizing a novel function. The Chief Minister also called for organizing such program at
other project site to honour contribution of project in national development and to reiterate
sense of part of the project. This function was appreciated from all corners of state. The author
has played key role in conceiving and arranging the novel function.

iii) Establishment of Non-government Organization “Sinchan Sahyog” to promote

efficient use of water

‘Sinchan Sahyog’ is a non-Government organization established at Akola to promote efficient

use of water. Sinchan Sahyog is established with inspiration and guidance from Dr. Madhavrao
Chitale, Ex Secretary General, ICID. The author has taken lead in establishment of Sinchan
sahyog, at Akola. The author shouldering responsibility of secretary of Sinchan Sahyog, Akola.
Sinchan Sahyog working committee having represantives from agriculture, irrigation engineer,
agricultural industrialist, seeds experts, economist, socialist, member of legislative assembly,
media personnel and farmers. Broad objectives of the organization are to promote strategies of
the efficient and effective use of available water resources, to undertake training program, to
encourage people participation in irrigation management. The Akola center has contributed in
educating training and providing solutions to framers. Sinchan Sahyog has taken active
participation in promoting farmers to forms WUA and to adopt improved irrigation practices.
Sinchan Sahyog, Akola had taken a drive in water literacy by organizing small workshop for
farmers by demonstrating educating water measurement and water accounting.

To propagate Sinchan Sahyog mission on large scale, Sinchan Sahyog, Akola, a web site is
hosted www.sinchansahyog.org .

iv) Cultural group

To motivate irrigators, cultural group formed from department staff members and cultural
program (songs, drama etc.) arranged at village level.
v) Youth awareness

A four-day workshop was held under National social service program in command area to
educate students towards water literacy, canal operation and maintenance, irrigation

Management etc. The awareness among youngsters could lead to better future in water saving.

vi) Maharashtra Irrigation Conference 2001

A two day state level conference was organized at Akola during 20th to 21st January 2001, with
theme ‘Irrigation in 2000’. The conference was devoted to irrigation management, development
in farming system, water literacy and women participation. The conference attended by Hon.
Ministers, Vice Chancellor’s of Agriculture University, Secretaries, Policy makers, Scientist,
Irrigation engineers, Agricultural officer and farmers. The attendance for conference was
overwhelming with around 500 participants.

The message of water conservation was wide spread in region after conclusion of conference. It
was for the first time such a large gathering was organized in region on issues of water
conservation. The author has taken pains to organize the conference in vital capacity of
organizing secretary.

vii) Website

To provide timely information on irrigation management and general awareness about water
status, policy, act, everything about WUA, to receive water demand, seasonal irrigation
message the web site www.irrigationaid.org hosted. It was for the first time in state to start
such practice.
viii) Katepurna Tourism center

Katepurna tourism project started at project site to provide tourist facility as well as to increase
awareness in people about irrigation practices, it’s management and need of saving of water.

ix) Audio Cassette/C.D.

Title as “Way to prosperity” the audiocassette comprising of song on efficient use of water,
crop diversification, participatory irrigation management released on professional level. The
song were written and sung by staff members themselves. The cassette has been proved very
effective in propagating message among farmers, as it is prepared in local language and
traditions. The cassette is conceived and accomplished by author.

x) Film on Success story of Katepurna

A film was made on “Success Story of Katepurna Irrigation Project”, highlighting participation
of beneficiaries in irrigation management could lead to miracle. The film was conceived by the
author. The film was displayed during village level meeting as well as through cable network
and state television network.(The C.D. of film is enclosed h/w)This film proved to be very
useful in convincing the beneficiaries of other project to form WUA to save water and earn
more .

4. Summery

With persistent effort mentioned above, for participatory irrigation management during the year
1998-99 to 2000-2001, average irrigation in the command of Katepurna project raised from
2027 ha., to 3646 ha. with, yearly water saving of around 7.71 Mm3 .(refer Table No.1) There is
a record irrigation of 5909 ha with almost complete utilization of reservoir water. For the first
time in history of Katepurna project, the project achieved irrigation equal to its present potential
with 86 % live storage. The benefits were extended from 2000 to 3970 number of beneficiaries
There is good yield of cotton and wheat in command to the tune of 1.2 billion rupees during
2000-2001.

Katepurna experiment was also tried, in other projects within Akola district under author
jurisdiction. There are 25 projects having present potential of 21,530 ha., with live water
storage of 199.25Mm3 . The formation of 38 water user associations are under progress covering
9203ha., area (43 % of total command area). The actual irrigation increase from 6626 ha., to
12229 ha., with water saving of around 15.50 Mm3 .

The water saving observed through efficient use of water in irrigation projects under author
jurdisction has been quantified to possible extent. But there is also possibility of larger amount
of water saving by community due to water saving awareness program.

At present the movement of participation of beneficiaries in irrigation management is in full

swing. In next year, it is expected to bring at least 60% command area under water user
association management. The transfer of management to beneficiaries will result in to
sustainable, efficient and economic water use. The Akola experiment could prove as a
milestone in individual as well as collective effort in water saving.

Kharip : Monsoon season

Rabi : winter season
Hot weather : summer season
Table 2. Year wise irrigation and water used in Katepurna Project

Sr. Year Season wise irrigation in ha. Season wise water used for irrigation Non Max. Water
No in Mm3 irrigatio storage balance
. Kharip Rabi Hot- Total Kharip Rabi Hot- Total n water in of the
weather weather use project end of
Mm3 Mm3 year.
Mm3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 75-76 2 1485 2 1489 0 9 1 10 0.46 86.35 49.96
2 76-77 111 1745 267 2123 2.25 13.95 8.01 24.21 2.62 86.35 56.81
3 77-78 9 1213 289 1511 0.50 9.70 7.17 17.37 10.06 86.35 58.76
4 78-79 5 656 93 754 0.30 5.25 2.79 8.34 12.04 86.35 35.09
5 79-80 0 532 10 542 0 4.26 0.03 4.29 12.57 86.35 68.86
6 80-81 0 1209 9 1218 0 9.67 0.03 9.70 12.46 86.35 63.09
7 81-82 0 1624 40 1664 0 15.99 0.17 16.16 12.32 86.35 16.08
8 82-83 13 1677 347 2037 1.19 15.09 22.28 38.56 12.54 86.35 14.77
9 83-.84 0 954 387 1341 0 13.65 27.07 40.72 12.73 86.35 29.40
10 84-85 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13.77 19.11 5.4
11 85-86 79 1515 355 2317 1-90 21-55 7.02 30.47 18.49 81.25 0.79
12 86-87 372 2936 1126 4434 4.76 38.05 25.03 67.84 15.97 79.50 13.22
13 87-88 175 3706 108 3989 5.00 30.00 1.00 36.00 21.06 62.34 11.94
14 88-89 0 1530 1313 2843 0 24.10 18.16 42.26 18.55 86.35 41.35
15 89-90 0 1150 764 1914 0 28.59 14.90 43.49 17.34 86.35 2.94
16 90-91 0 737 853 1765 0 11.43 17.99 29.42 15.19 86.35 14.5
17 91-92 2000 433 126 2559 10.77 1.39 4.00 16.16 19.55 41.50 16.05
18 92-93 0 999 1074 2073 0 22.08 22.41 44.49 15.19 86.35 6.27
19 93-94 0 1419 700 2119 0 20.66 20.85 41.51 14.35 78.78 28.88
20 94-95 0 2511 791 3302 0 30.27 14.54 44.81 15.71 86.35 17.22
21 95-96 70 1791 130 1991 0.50 12.71 2.47 15.68 17.51 34.34 1.09
22 96-97 0 1739 830 2569 0 14.83 16.50 31.33 16.68 84.89 22.99
23 97-98 142 1295 630 2067 0.47 9.18 13.05 22.70 18.56 59.27 22.63

24 98-99 0 1454 882 2336 0 10.17 21.53 31.70 21.93 81.99 43.90
25 99-00 0 2098 595 2693 0 13.83 12.83 26.66 20.26 86.35 31.75
26 2000- 1501 4081 327 5909 5.75 23.44 5.77 34.96 24.00 74.26 2.15
01

Table No 2 shows improvement in the irrigated area, water use and average water saving
achieved during the year 1998-2000.

Average Irrigation Average Duty

Scenario during 1976-1997 2027 ha. 75.20 ha./Mm3
Scenario during 1998-2000 3646 ha. 117.20 ha./Mm3
Net increase in average Irrigation . 3646-2027 = 1619 ha.
a) Water requirement with previous duty. 1619/75.20 = 21.53 Mm3
b) Water requirement with improved duty. 1619/117.20 = 13.82 Mm3
c) Yearly average saving of water (a-b) 21.53-13.82 = 7.71 Mm3