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A participatory approach to watershed development programmes: understanding constraints and exploring solutions
01.10.2000
The Rural Development Trust (RDT) is a voluntary organisation working in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. There has been a committed effort within the RDT to follow the participatory approach to watershed development in the true spirit of the government-funded new Guidelines. The following reflections are based on their experiences through working with people and the Government administration. -
Addressing WATSAN needs in watershed development projects
01.01.2002
The focus of watershed (catchment) development projects in India has been on improving agricultural production from poor and degraded lands. Water management has generally been limited to making better use of 'green' water (soil moisture for crops and trees) rather than 'blue' water (rivers, tanks or aquifers). Water and sanitation (WATSAN) is rarely given specific consideration – even where it is the main problem faced by rural communities and the key to improving livelihoods. This article considers how watershed (catchment) development projects might be modified to explicitly address WATSAN needs or challenges. -
Avoiding fluoride in drinking water, Andhra Pradesh, India
01.07.2005
Increased exploitation of groundwater for irrigation is one factor leading to dangerously high levels of fluoride in drinking water in parts of India. Involving local people in testing and monitoring can help to find safe sources. It is then important to protect sources by improving local recharge and reducing nearby extraction.