Mini Dams-A Sustainable Intervention for Arid Regions

Water availability is limiting factor for agricultural productivity of Pothwar region, Pakistan with agriculture and livestock being main source of its people livelihood. Annual rainfall of this region varies from 400-1200mm which generates annual 3.5 MAF runoff. But at present, only 15-20% of total surface runoff is being stored in small dams, mini dams. Around 1400 mini dams were constructed in Pothwar region ( having undulating terrain) during last 2-3 decades to harvest rainwater. This study is attempt to assess impact of already constructed mini dam on hydro environment and socioeconomic conditions of the people, that will help policy makers to have baseline data about mini dams and their impact for future planning. Field surveys were conducted and 140 mini dams (10% of total) were visited. A questionnaire was developed to extract information from dam owner about hydro-environment and socioeconomic conditions of the area. Many experienced research & development organizations of Pothwar were also consulted for secondary data and discussion. It is found that before mini dams, people even used to travel an average10 km for livestock drinking water. Now mini dams are available within an average 1-2 km distance. Level of water courses is lower compared to general land surface of the region, so are of no use for irrigation, their water is being wasted as runoff. But mini dams are contributing in ground water recharge. Ground water level is higher (30-50 feet) in vicinity of mini dam sites, which is of good quality for drinking as well as irrigation purpose. Average water storage capacity of minidam is 20-50AF. Before mini dams, farmer were not interested in farming, due to unreliable water availability & erratic rainfall, but mini dam development has greatly shifted Pothwar from arid to irrigated environment. Now the farmers are using efficient irrigation system i; e sprinkler, drip systems. They shifted from diesel pump to solar pump to lift water. People are using dam for multi-purpose aquaculture, livestock, and agriculture. Aquaculture is also key profitable activities at most of surveyed dam due to low input costs and high returns. Many farmers are doing aquaculture to entertain their family & friends. People are shifting from traditional farming to high value crops e.g. grapes, Olives. About 6000 new mini dam sites have been identified due to suitable topography of the area, whose development can boost harvesting more rainwater and improve hydro-environmental conditions of Pothwar.