Institutional Arrangements for Sustainable Water Management in Uttarakhand

The paper has analysed the water harvesting systems (WHS) in Uttarakhand hills based on 20 case studies from 50 villages and more than 3000 farm families, their management systems, and initiatives and policy prescriptions for their sustainability. In the hill region, the government water delivery system is poor, and hence, traditional WHS, e.g. Naula or Bodi, and dhara, are popular. Tanks, Gul/Kul, and hydrams (limited) are the commonly used irrigation structures. Tanks (10–700 cum) and minor Gul are generally managed by the user groups. Malatha Gul (>300 years old) in Tehri Garhwal is an example of engineering skill and community participation. In general, state canals are poorly managed and distribution beyond village outlet is managed by the community. CSWCRTI has demonstrated management of such community-based WHS at many locations (Fakot, Kalimati, Bhopalpani, Sainji, Langha, etc.) and a local water users association manages it. The state government has no clear-cut water policy, although, many schemes are in operation focusing on conservation and management of water. For sustaining water yield, adoption of soil and water conservation measures should be the integral part of all developmental activities. Open Gul/Kul need be replaced by underground GI/PVC pipe with riser facilities. Management of micro and minor WHSs be vested with local community with technical support from the government.