Watershed schemes have become a boon for tribal people of Srikakulam who used to strive hard to get water from remote areas.
With the successful implementation of the schemes in various places, many such projects are being taken up in places like Mettuguda near Sithampet.
As many as 5,000 acres of barren land was converted into fertile agricultural fields and horticulture plants, thanks to watershed programmes in mandals like Burja and Sithampet mandals. With the construction of check dams and maintenance of ponds recharged groundwater levels in and around Vonigedda scheme of Burja mandal and Chilagam scheme of Seethampet mandal.
National Agricultural Bank for Rural Development (Nabard) with the association of Action in Rural Technology and Services (ARTS), a non-governmental organisation of Srikakulam district launched many schemes 10 years ago, helping farmers generate income apart and solve their drinking water problem.
Landless labourers of many villages in Burja and Seethampet mandals became land owners apart from getting regular income up to Rs.40, 000 per year. About 1,500 families are leading respectable life with social status after becoming land owners as the government issued pattas in the land that developed under the watershed schemes.
Nabard’s support
They are involved in growing paddy, mango, cashew, turmeric pineapple and other crops.
ARTS Director V.Sanyasi Rao urged Palakonda MLA Viswasaraya Kalavati to ensure more funds for watershed schemes since many other areas were facing acute shortage of water particularly in rainy season. He said that Mettuguda watershed project will be completed very soon to help tribals to have regular income through agricultural activity.
He said Nabard’s support was helping tribals to overcome financial hurdles with the conversion of barren lands into fertile lands.
According to him, Vonigedda watershed scheme in Burja mandal stopped migration from villages.
