Micro Watershed (MWS)/ Isolated MI scheme identification to SDMP preparation and WUA development in South 24 Parganas District Project Management Unit (DPMU) under West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project

Funded By: WBADMIP, Govt. of West Bengal and World Bank

Project Duration: July 2018 to Ongoing

The Sundarban is a fragile mangrove ecosystem situated in the southern part of West Bengal. This mangrove delta experiences frequent storms and cyclones. To augment the livelihoods of these coastal communities, the West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project (WBADMIP) has been implemented by the Government of West Bengal under the department of Water Resources Investigation and Development (DWRID). As a supporting organization, NEWS has been working in the WBADMI Project since 2018. Between 2018 & 2019, NEWS has identified 71 sites in Gosaba, Basanti, Patharpratima and Kultali Blocks for development of Minor Irrigation Schemes. During the year 2019, Preplanning Reports for 11 proposed Minor Irrigation (MI) schemes had been submitted out of which 6 has been sanctioned and excavated in 2019. Out of these, Water User Associations (WUAs) have been formed under 5 schemes –
1.Amtali Uttar Water Detention Structure (WDS)
2.Amtali Paschim WDS,
3.Kumirmari WDS,
4.Purba Surendranagar WDS, and
5.Srinarayanpur WDS.
Project Objectives:
1.Generation of livelihood options for small and marginal farmers in the project area through irrigation scheme (CD, WDS, PDW etc.) development by strengthening community-based irrigation management.
2.Development of Agriculture, Horticulture, Plantation, Fisheries using new technologies and improved production practises.
3.Formation and nurturing of nursery women groups, orientation of nursery development.
4.Plantation of the mangrove saplings on both-side embankments, monitoring, surveillance and implementation of long term sustainability planning.

Project Location: South 24 Parganas