RESOURCE SURVEY AT PANCHAYATH AND BLOCK LEVEL
The objective of the scheme is to generate database as well as to prepare micro watershed plans at Panchayath and Block Level.
I. PREPARATION OF NRM PLAN FOR MICRO WATERSHEDS
Watersheds has been accepted as the basic unit for Natural Resource Management (NRM) activities and micro watershed is the smallest possible hydro geological unit where meaningful interventions can be done for NRM. In Kerala, as part of Government policy, preparation of micro watershed level master plan has been made mandatory to implement MGNREGA programmes where NRM is the thrust area for poverty alleviation and ensuring livelihood security.
The catchment area of a micro watershed, in most cases, extends beyond the administrative boundary of a local body. NRM plans prepared and executed at LSGI level without considering the location of that piece of land within the micro watershed leads to dearth in the envisaged outcome. Similarly a better understanding regarding the micro watersheds in relation to their location lying in upstream, middle and downstream portion of the concerned river basin is necessary for solving problems related to water (natural disasters such as flood, drought etc), optimum land use and increase biomass production.
I A. PREPARATION OF NRM PLAN FOR KALPATHY SUB WATERSHED, PALAKKAD DISTRICT IN COLLABORATION WITH DISTRICT PANCHAYATH, PALAKKAD.
Preparation of NRM plan for Bharathapuzha river basin was initiated as a pilot programme in Gayathri sub watershed. Bharathapuzha, which is the second largest river of Kerala, is formed by four main tributaries namely Gayathri puzha, Thutha puzha, Kannadi puzha and Kalpathy puzha. The Gayathri sub watershed plan preparation has been completed by 2015-16, Thutha sub watershed by 2021-22 and Kannadi sub watershed by 2022-23.
Kalpathy puzha is formed by confluence of four main sub tributaries namely Korayar, Varattar, Walayar and Malampuzha. Areas of Kalpathy sub watershed extend in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The catchment area of Kalpathy puzha in Kerala state has an approximate area of 525 sq km and encompasses 42 microwatersheds.
NRM plan preparation of 7 micro watersheds constituting Cluster I of Kalpathy sub basin have been completed by 2023-24. During 2024–25 it is proposed to complete 15 micro watersheds constituting Cluster II and IV of Kalpathy sub basin. The study area extends in Pudusseri, Marutharoad, Elappully, Pirayiri, Parali, Vadakarapathy, Nallepilly panchayaths and Palakkad municipality of Palakkad district.
I B. PREPARATION OF NRM PLAN FOR KEECHERI RIVER BASIN, THRISSUR DISTRICT IN COLLABORATION WITH DISTRICT PANCHAYATH, THRISSUR.
The Keecheri River is the second largest river basin of Thrissur district with an area of around 769.80 sq. km. The Wadakkanchery river and Puzhakkal river originate from the hills of Westernghats and confluence at Kole lands of Thrissur district and form the Keecheri river. The Keecheri River enriches the Kole lands and flows through Enamavu Lake and Chettuva backwaters to the Arabian Sea. Vazhani Dam constructed across the Wadakkanchery River, Poomala Dam, and Pathazhakundu Dam constructed across the Puzhakkal River is used for the supply of drinking water and irrigation purposes of the state.
The Keecheri river basin includes 79 micro watersheds of which 76 falls exclusively in Thrissur District. Out of these, 26 micro watersheds of Cluster I constituting the initial and middle catchment of Keecheri – Vadakkancherry sub watershed have been completed by 2023-24. During 2024–25 it is proposed to complete 12 micro watersheds of Keecheri River Basin. The study area extends in Adat, Avanoor, Choondal, Chowannur, Elavally, Kaiparambu, Kandanassery, Mullassery, Porkulam, Tholur panchayaths and Guruvayur, Kunnamkulam municipalities of Thrissur district.