Surface rainwater harvesting potentiality and impact of Dhaval micro-watershed in Satara district, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The main objective in constructing the rainwater harvesting structures is to collect and retain the maximum possible amount of runoff generated from its catchment area. If suitable small surface water harvesting structures are taken up systematically on a micro-watershed basis, it is possible to avoid the drought like conditions that prevail in semi-arid regions. The present paper based on the primary data collected by conducting intensive fieldwork and personal interviews. It is found that three main surface water harvesting structures have been constructed. These are - i) Cascade of tanks and contour bunds ii) Networking of farm ponds iii) percolation tank. It is suggested that such surface rainwater harvesting structures should be constructed in a micro-watershed particularly in the drought-prone areas to bring prosperity and development.

Key Words: Water harvesting, Potentiality, Micro-watershed, Impact, Sustainable development.