Sub Surface Water Harvesting Structure A New Concept for Water Resource Development in Coastal Area

At Erasama block, a part of the coastal waterlogged area in Jagat singhpur district of Orissa, which has been severely damaged by super cyclone, a number of micro water resources in the fonn of sub surface water harvesting structure (SSWHS) was constructed on participatory basis, each catering to agroup of resourcepoorfanner. The Costofthe structuresvariedfrom Rs. 9.5l1m³ to Rs. 16.80/m³ of water storage. The recharge rate from the SSWHS varied from 1.58 m³/hr to 4.7 m³/hr in the sandy zone and from 1.01 m³/hr to 3.4 m³/hr in the clayey zone. Income from fish per cubic meter capacity of SSWHS varied from Rs. 2.96/- to Rs.12.23/-. By following integrated farming system approach total income varied from Rs. 12.93 to Rs.47.20 per m³ capacity in the first year itself. The Beratio varied from 0.67 to 2.3 and water productivity varied from Rs. 8.87 to Rs. 47.99 per m³. Hence micro water resource development and management in coastal waterlogged area is sustainable and profitable through the adoption of integrated farming system approach.