Rooftop Harvesting in Rural Households

Location: Gaya district, Bihar

Partner NGO/institution: Disha

Date of commencement: March 2006

Date of conclusion: December 2006

Summary

DISHA proposed to install RWH structures in five villages in Bodhgaya block in Gaya district in Bihar by May 2006 in order to catch the rainfall of the year 2006 starting from June to October (Ashadh, Sawan, Bahdo and Asij). This is to fulfill the water requirements at individual level throughout the year. Excess water will be recharged into the ground through recharge tube well.

Why This Project?

Declines in groundwater levels in all villages in Gaya are significant and, because most areas are underlain by hard impermeable rock, well yields tend to decline with depth.  The recent drought has impacted the livelihood of Dalit families adversely as they are unskilled and have traditionally depended on agriculture.  The drought has also had a major impact on women and children.

Target group

The poor households in the selected five villages of Bodhgaya district.

Activities Planned:

• To build awareness and create demand for water management.
• To set up roof top harvesting systems in five villages and a demonstration site at DISHA.
• To train local persons as water managers.
• To document and disseminate the process as well as the impact for replication.

Project status:

Satisfactorily completed.