NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY - ANALYSIS REPORT

under the project

Building Women’s Leadership in Water Conservation:

Alwar, Rajasthan

funded by

prepared by

Gender, Water and Climate Change Department,

Centre for Social Research,

2, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070

CONTENTS

P. No.

List of Tables

iii

List of Figures

About Centre for Social Research

Preface

vi-vii

Acknowledgement

viii

Foreword

Chapter I: Introduction

1-2

1.1

Introduction

1.2

Need and importance of the study

1.3

Objectives of the study

1.4

Scope of the study

1.5

Data and methodology

1.6

Chapterisation Scheme

1.7

Limitations of the Study

Chapter II: Alwar District – An Introduction

3-5

2.1

Administrative set-up

2.2

Topography and Climate

2.3

Rainfall

2.4

Geology and Aquifers

2.5

Stages of Groundwater development and Depth of water level

2.6

Groundwater Chloride distribution

2.7

Groundwater Fluoride distribution

2.8

Groundwater Nitrate distribution

2.9

Depth to Bedrock

2.10

Unconfined aquifers

2.10.1

Unconfined aquifer in alluvial areas

2.10.2

Unconfined aquifer hard rock areas

Chapter III: Overview of Govt. of India & Govt. of Rajasthan policies and programmes

related with Water

6-12

3.1

Introduction

3.2

GoI schemes and programmes at a glance

3.2.1

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the rain (2023)

3.2.2

Jal Jeevan Mission (2019)

3.2.3

‘Sahi fasal’ campaign (2019)

3.2.4

Atul Bhujal Yojana (2019)

3.2.5

PMKSY - Accelerated irrigation benefits programme (2015)

3.2.6

National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (2012)

3.2.7

The Command Area Development and Water management Program

(1974-75)

3.3

Groundwater Policies and Governance in the State

3.3.1

Rajasthan River Basin and Water Resources Planning Act, 2015

3.3.2

Rajasthan Water Resources Regulatory Act, 2012 (Rajasthan Act No. 38

of 2013)

3.3.3

Rajasthan State Water Policy, 2010

3.3.4

The Rajasthan Ground Water Management Bill, 2006

3.3.5

Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting (RTRWH) in building bylaws, 2005

CONTENTS

P. No.

3.4

Other Initiatives to promote water conservation

3.4.1

Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan

3.4.2

Indira Gandhi Canal

3.4.3

National Rural Drinking Water Programme

3.4.4

Watershed Development Programme

3.4.5

Jal Swarajya Abhiyan

Chapter IV: Situational Analysis/ Needs Assessment

13-30

4.1

Data and Methodology

4.2

Survey Results

4.2.1

Socio and demographic details of the respondents

4.2.2

Major Source of Household Income

4.2.3

Participation in Local Governance

4.2.4

Decision-making Role in the family

4.2.5

Status of water availability in the households

4.2.6

Water Conservation through Pond Renovation

4.2.7

Status of Current Water Conservation and Management Structures

4.2.8

Willingness to work to construct water management/ conservation

structures

4.2.9

Training and Capacity Building Requirements

Chapter V. Summary Discussion

31-35

Chapter VI: Conclusion and Way Forward

References

37-38

Annexures

39-51

Environmental Indicators – Alwar District

39-43

Questionnaire

44-51

iii

LIST OF TABLES

P. No.

4.1

Block, Gram Panchayat and Village Details for the Study

4.2

Socio and demographic details of the respondents

4.3

Decision-making Role in the family

4.4

Water Conservation through Pond Renovation

4.5

Status of Community Water Supply Systems

4.6

Satisfaction with government for water measures

4.7

Will creation of “Nadies/Pond/Anicut/Earthen Paal” support existing structures

LIST OF FIGURES

P. No.

4.1

Blocks Covered under the Needs Assessment

4.2

Block wise Major Source of Household Income

4.3

Average Monthly Household Income

4.4

Member of an SHG

4.5

Major source of water

4.6

Availability of safe drinking water

4.7

Common practice(s) for water storage

4.8

Block wise Water for drinking purpose (distance from home to source)

4.9

Block wise Supply of water tanker

4.10

Community Water Conservation Techniques Followed

4.11

Rain Water Storage at the Household Level

4.12

Willingness to work on the water structures

4.13

Training imparted by any other agency on water conservation and management

4.14

Willingness of women for skill enhancement programme or training on water related

issues

4.15

Preferable training days as suggested by the women respondents

4.16

Preferable training hours/ day as suggested by the women respondents

4.17

Preferable Subject or Topic for the Trainings/ Workshops

ABOUT CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH

For nearly four decades, the Centre for Social Research (CSR) has been at the forefront of the women's

movements in India. Addressing gender justice in India entails confronting a myriad of intricate social,

cultural, and economic challenges simultaneously. These encompass, but are not restricted to, issues

such as violence against women, pre-natal sex selection, gender-inclusive governance, women's

participation in the economy, and fostering gender sensitivity and mainstreaming across all sectors of

society.

The Centre for Social Research strongly advocates for the equal rights, privileges, and opportunities

for all individuals. We believe in the pivotal role women play as catalysts and agents of social change.

Recognizing that reshaping gender dynamics necessitates involvement from diverse stakeholders,

including women, men, youth, and individuals from various levels and sectors, both public and private,

we strive for gender justice across all domains.

Concentrating on Gender, Water, and Climate Change, our objective is to emphasize the roles of

women as stakeholders, decision-makers, educators, and experts in this realm. Recognizing women's

contributions to climate change discussions facilitates a gender-transformative approach to

addressing both mitigation and adaptation to climate challenges.

ABOUT GENDER, WATER & CLIMATE CHANGE DEPARTMENT

The Department endeavours to promote environmental sustainability, tackle climate change through

both mitigation and adaptation measures, and conserve forests and wildlife. CSR's goal is to enhance

climate action by advocating for gender equality. Acknowledging the significant roles women play as

decision-makers, educators, stakeholders, and experts across various sectors and levels can pave the

way for effective, sustainable solutions to climate change. CSR collaborates with Self-Help Groups

(SHGs), Elected Women Representatives (EWRs), community members and leaders, technical experts,

local practitioners, and government officials in Bihar, Nepal, and notably across multiple districts in

Rajasthan.

www.csrindia.org

Credits

This report is developed by GWCC Department at the Centre for Social Research.

Lead Authors: Dr. Naveen Kumar and Nehul Goyal

Published by the Centre for Social Research with generous funding support from the Embassy of the

Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi.

transmitted, in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or

otherwise without prior permission from Centre for Social Research, New Delhi.

PREFACE

India has 17.5 per cent of the world’s population but less than 4 per cent of its water resources, making

it among the most water-stressed country in the world. Rajasthan is one of the most water-scarce

states in India and Alwar is one of the districts, where the groundwater level is consistently decreasing.

An in-depth analysis of water level data before the monsoon season spanning from 2002 to 2011

revealed that Alwar's groundwater has been receding at a rate of 25 cm annually.

India stands as the world's foremost consumer of groundwater, with over 60% of its irrigated

agriculture and 85% of its potable water supply relying on this vital resource. Since the 1990s, there

has been a notable reduction in the extent of land under canal and tank irrigation in India. In contrast,

the acreage benefiting from groundwater-driven irrigation has seen a consistent increase over the

years. Farms that utilize groundwater for irrigation boast a twofold improvement in crop water

productivity compared to those reliant solely on surface water and rain water. This marked advantage

arises from the enhanced control that groundwater affords farmers, enabling them to dictate when

to irrigate their fields and the precise volume of water to employ on each occasion. Consequently, the

accessibility and efficiency of using groundwater resources have prompted numerous farmers in India

to transition from canal or tank irrigation to tube well or bore well irrigation.

A committee constituted by the government of India to review water governance in the country led

by Dr. Mihir Shah in his report in 2016 observed that the public finance on water resources after

independence largely focused on surface water. Huge amount was invested on creating surface water

infrastructure. Infrastructure to recharge ground water resource remained neglected despite it

replacing surface water in agriculture as well as for domestic use in the last few decades. However,

farmers invested hugely in ground water extraction infrastructure especially after the green revolution

as it is a reliable source of water, i.e., can be extracted as per the need of the farmer, and can be used

in any way desired. The technological advancements along with growing availability & affordability of

power also helped individual investors (largely farmers) to create groundwater structures like

borewells and tube wells. Currently there are around 30 million groundwater structures in India, with

little to no regulation on the amount they are extracting.

Despite the valuable nature of the resource, approximately one-third of the groundwater aquifers are

semi-critical, critical, or overexploited, and the situation is deteriorating rapidly. This is because, across

the country groundwater is being extracted at a rate which is more than its recharge rate through

precipitation. Climate change – changing pattern of rain - will further strain groundwater resources.

This will have serious implications for the sustainability of agriculture, long-term food security,

livelihoods, and economic growth of the country. It is estimated that over a quarter of the country’s

harvest will be at risk.

A complex web of factors determines groundwater extraction such as the size of landholdings, density

of population, water-intensity of crops planted, water users’ behaviour, irrigation method, legislation

and administration of groundwater, power subsidies for pumping irrigation water, and economic

policies.

Groundwater extraction is a quintessential example of tragedy of the commons, as it can be recharged

only at community level but is extracted as a private resource leading to its exploitation. Thus, a

practical and non-controversial intervention, which can be implemented in the current environment

is community management of ground water wherein the user community is the primary custodian of

the resource and focusses on recharging ground water by implementing management and

conservation measures. This can be achieved by constructing, rejuvenation, reviving water harvesting

vii

structures that are suited to the local geographical and environmental conditions. Traditional water

structures are often perfect examples of this, from Baoris of Delhi, Johads of Rajasthan, Kunds of

Gujarat and Eris of Tamil Nadu.

Thus, the project aims to revive the traditional water harvesting structures of Alwar district, Rajasthan

while building women’s leadership. The survey was conducted with the aim to understand the ground

realities regarding water uses and practices, local knowledge of these structures, and gaps to and

willingness for reviving them.

Dr. Naveen Kumar,

Head of the Department,

Gender, Water & Climate Change

Centre for Social Research

viii

Acknowledgement

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful

completion of this needs assessment report. This undertaking would not have been possible without

the collaboration and support of numerous individuals and organizations.

First and foremost, we would like to acknowledge the support and guidance received from Dr. Ranjana

Kumari, Director, CSR whose insightful feedback and constructive suggestions played a pivotal role in

shaping the final report.

We also extend our thanks to the participants and stakeholders who generously shared their time,

perspectives, and experiences during interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions. Their input

played a crucial role in shaping the findings and recommendations presented in this report.

Additionally, we acknowledge the generous funding support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic

of Germany, New Delhi for providing the necessary resources and support to carry out this needs

assessment. Their commitment to addressing community needs has been instrumental in the success

of this initiative.

We would like to thank all the interns Managam Singh, Saisha Bhatnagar, Saqib Zameel, Vibhuti Jain

Mohammad Kaif, Mobashira Fatima for supporting the work throughout this assessment. We would

like to thank Dr. Suresh Chand Aggarwal and Gunjika V. Misra, Shipra Deo for their initial feedback on

the questionnaire for this needs assessment.

We want to express our gratitude to the entire filed level support team, Ratan Singh, Naseeb, Sushma,

Shyam, Gourav, Taruna, Manju and Manisha whose dedication and hard work contributed to the

thoroughness and accuracy of the information presented in this report.

Finally, this report stands as a collective effort, and we are truly thankful for the collaborative spirit

that characterized this undertaking. We would like to thank colleagues at the Media Department –

Jyoti Vadhera and Tanya Thankur; Research And Knowledge Management Department – Dr. Manasi

Mishra and Abhishek Sharma; Organisational Development Department – Valerie Hohman; Admin, HR

and Finance - Bala Krishnan, Sandeep Gupta, Anil Jha; IT team – Manoj; Office Support Staff - Sanjay,

Policarp, Vijay, Jameel, Suresh and Waseem.

We also would like to thank Shailender working at the Adarsh Enterprises for printing and binding the

report.

This project would not have been successful without the collaborative spirit of all involved. Thank you

for your dedication and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and improvement.

Foreword

This report delves into the Centre for Social Research's (CSR) multifaceted role in advocating for

gender justice, particularly in addressing water scarcity issues. It outlines CSR's belief in gender

equality, stressing the importance of women's active participation and recognizing their role as agents

of social change. Additionally, it emphasizes CSR's focus on gender, water, and climate change, aiming

to position women as stakeholders and experts in these domains.

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of water scarcity in Rajasthan, India, highlighting the

alarming rate of groundwater depletion. It points out the increasing dependence on groundwater for

agricultural irrigation and potable water, attributing it to improved crop productivity but also raising

concerns about over-extraction and its impact on sustainability. The report also highlights government

expenditure on surface water infrastructure over groundwater recharge mechanisms, leading to its

neglect.

The escalating groundwater crisis, exacerbated by climate change, poses a significant threat to

agriculture, food security, livelihoods, and economic growth in India. It attributes groundwater over-

extraction to a complex interplay of factors including landholdings, population density, crop water

requirements, and existing policies. The report addresses the tragedy of the commons phenomenon

and proposes community-based management of groundwater resources as a practical intervention to

counter over-extraction, emphasizing the need for local, context-specific water harvesting structures.

Moreover, the project aims to revive traditional water harvesting structures in Alwar district,

Rajasthan, while empowering women's leadership. The study intends to analyze local water practices,

assess gaps in infrastructure, and revive these traditional structures in partnership with women

leaders. Additionally, the project aims to build capacities for women's leadership in water

conservation, agricultural practices, and network strengthening among Civil Society Organizations

(CSOs) in Rajasthan.

The introductory chapter highlights the significant role of women in managing water resources at

home and within communities while underscoring the urgency to engage women in climate change

solutions. It emphasizes the need for inclusive planning processes and empowering women leaders to

address water scarcity and climate variability.

Overall, the report sheds light on the critical issues of water scarcity, gender equality, and climate

change adaptation while outlining initiatives to empower women's leadership in addressing these

challenges.

Dr. Ranjana Kumari

Director,

Centre for Social Research

Chapter I:

Introduction

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Women in rural India are primary managers of water at home. Whether surplus or scarce, women are

responsible for appropriate use of water in households. However, they are often neglected during

water management at the community level. Moreover, climate change is causing variability of water

in Rajasthan, increasing the burden of women for fulfilling water needs of the house. There is a need

for greater social inclusion and for engaging women’s leadership in developing solutions to climate

change.

In light of this, the project aims to build capacity of women leaders in leadership and governance skills

for local water conservation planning. Trainings will be conducted to advance women’s participation

and decision-making in the management of community water resources. Local capacity will also be

developed to manage water conservation at village level with trainings for concrete improvements to

water infrastructure. Further, trainings will be conducted focusing on technologies to enhance water

conservation in agriculture and increasing productivity. The projects also aim to strengthen a network

of CSOs within Rajasthan to integrate best practices of water conservation at the state-level. With this,

the project hopes to narrow the gap in understanding the impact of environmental problems on

women, and mainstreaming them in the planning process.

1.2 Need and importance of the study

Even though women bear a primary burden of water management within homes, communities, and

agricultural systems, they are often excluded from developing solutions for water conservation and

broader environmental issues. Training on technological aspects of conservation is also limited and

the gendered impact of environmental problems are seldom mainstreamed in planning processes.

In 2019, the Hon’ble Prime Minister set out five-year objectives for the upcoming term of his new

government. In this plan, addressing the current climate change issues and water management were

key target areas. Rajasthan is a state of focus for water conservation – since it faces serious water

shortages. This plan also addressed the need for greater social inclusion and for engaging women’s

leadership in developing solutions to climate change.

Moreover, the study also focuses on the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - SDG 5 to

promote gender equality through women’s leadership in community decision-making, SDG 13 focused

on developing socially sustainable solutions in climate change and SDG 6 to increase access to water,

sanitation and infrastructure development.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The present needs assessment tries to assess the following –

• Women’s participation in the local governance

• Women’s decision making at the household and community level

• Current situation of water in the study area

• Status of traditional water conservation structures

• Status of capacity building initiative/s on water conservation and management

1.4 Scope of the study

The needs assessment covered 7 blocks of the district. The blocks are Umren, Kishangarh Bas,

Ramgarh, Thanagazi, Tijara, Bansur, and Mundawar.

1.5 Data and methodology

The needs assessment is based on the primary data collected through a questionnaire during June to

August 2023 using simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire covered the following broad

sections - socio-economic and demographic details like age, marital status, education, household size,

income, etc.; membership in SHG and PRI; participation in Gram Panchayat meeting. To know the

status of current situation of water questions like - sources of water, water availability, storage, and

status of existing structures were assessed. Qualitative questions focused on health issues due to

fetching water; knowledge and involvement of women in water management and conservation at

community level; willingness to develop water management and conservation structures; and training

requirements were also assessed.

The primary data have been analysed using simple statistical tools and techniques such as

percentages, averages, etc. and is presented with the help of charts, bar diagram, pie diagram, etc.

1.6 Chapterisation Scheme

Chapter I: Introduction

Chapter II: Alwar District – An Introduction

Chapter III: Overview of Govt. of India and Govt. of Rajasthan policies and programmes related

with water

Chapter IV: Situational Analysis/ Needs Assessment

Chapter V: Summary Discussion

Chapter VI: Conclusion and Way Forward

1.7 Limitations of the study

The needs assessment was carried out only in 7 blocks of Alwar district in Rajasthan. It is to be noted

that after the initiation of the study there were new blocks formed as well as some blocks merged

with newly formed district in the state of Rajasthan. Thus, generalisation of the study results is focused

only for 7 blocks of Alwar district. While selecting the study villages in the gram panchayats of 7 blocks,

availability of water conservation structures has been kept at the centre of the priority so that based

on the study assessment, a participatory women led development for rejuvenation or renovation work

can be carried out for the identified water conservation structure in the selected villages.

Chapter II:

Alwar District – An Introduction

CHAPTER II: ALWAR DISTRICT – AN INTRODUCTION

Alwar district is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan. It is bounded in the north by state of Haryana,

in the east by Bharatpur district, south by Dausa and in the west by Jaipur district. It stretches between

27⁰ 02’ 33.21” to 28⁰ 13’ 46.14” North latitude and 76⁰ 06’ 50.32’’ to 77⁰ 15’ 31.79’’ East longitude

covering area of 8,382.9 sq. kms. Major part of the district has a systematic drainage system, as whole

region is part of basins namely ‘Shekhawati River Basin’,’Sabi River Basin’,’Ruparail River Basin’ and

‘Banganga River Basin’.

The below information is compiled from the Hydrological Atlas of Rajasthan, developed by

Groundwater Department of Rajasthan & Rolta India Limited under the European Union State

Partnership Programme in the Year 2013 (Annexure – I).

2.1 Administrative set-up

Alwar district is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan. Alwar has 14 blocks namely Bansur, behror,

Kathumar, Kiahangarh bas, Kotkasim, lachhmangarh, Mundawar, Neemrana, Rajgarh, Ramgarh, Reni,

Thanagazi, Tijara, Umren. Among all the seven districts taken for our study Umren came to be the

most populated block with 4.82 lakhs population as per 2001 census with 12% of the district area.

However, Tijara had the maximum number of the towns and villages among all the blocks that is 207.

2.2 Topography and Climate

The district lies in the north-easterly part of Aravalli range and presents an excellent arch type of

folded mountain belt. In the east and southeast, the district has an undulating topography. The

general elevation range of the district is 250 m to 375 m amsl. Elevation ranges from a minimum of

190.3 m amsl in Tijara block in the northeastern part of the district to a maximum of 771.1 m amsl In

Bansur block in western part of the district.

The climate of the district is moderate and Is part of sub-humid region. The district has a hot dry

summer and a bracing cold season. Generally, winter season begins from November and lasts up to

February while rainy season from July to the first half of September. While temperature continuously

rises in the season from March to June, it goes down after mid – November till it declines up to the

minimum in the month of January. The mean annual rainfall of the district is 668.6 mm.

2.3 Rainfall

The district received fairly good rainfall in the majority of blocks and slightly less in some of the blocks

(as per year 2010 data). Average annual rainfall in Alwar district was about 761.1 mm based on the

data of available blocks. The highest average annual rainfall in the district is noticed/ recorded in

Thanagazi block (887.7 mm)

2.4 Geology and Aquifers

Geologically, the district is covered primarily by rocks belonging to Aravalli and Delhi Super Group of

rocks. Pre Delhi rocks of the district comprise of quartzite with interlayered schist and phyllite, impure

marble & granite. Delhi Super Group starts with a basal conglomerate which is arkosic at places. The

entire sequence shows a facial change from calcareous members in the lower to arenaceous members

in middle and to a predominantly argillaceous nature in the upper portion. There is distinct type of

Post Delhi intrusive viz. sills and dykes of amphibolites and meta-dolerite.

In Alwar district, aquifers are formed primarily in Older alluvium and Quartzite. Weathered and

fractured parts of the massive quartzite contribute to aquifer formation whereas the sandy, gravelly

and other granular parts of alluvium constitute aquifers. Quartzite forms about 22% of the area and

occurs along the fringes of hilly parts in the southwestern parts of the district. The alluvium is the

principal aquifer in this district as it occupies more than 67% of the district occupying eastern, northern

and western parts. Typical sandy horizons constitute aquifers in alluvial areas.

2.5 Stages of Groundwater development and Depth of water level

All the seven blocks of our study fall under the ‘over-exploited ‘category indicating that the

groundwater is under stress and exploitation exceeding recharge. Depth of the water (Pre-monsoon-

2010) level varies significantly from less than 10m below the ground level (bgl) to more than 60 bgl.

10m interval has been adopted to depict the depth to groundwater levels in Alwar district. Ramgarh

and Tijara shows water depth at 10-20m bgl for maximum area whereas rest of the blocks shows

maximum areas under 20-30m bgl and then reaching up to >60m bgl in some areas.

2.6 Groundwater chloride distribution

High chloride concentration in groundwater also renders it unsuitable for domestic and other

purposes. Approximately 65% of the district area has low chloride concentration <250mg/l and is

suitable for domestic purpose with Umren having the largest area under suitable category that is 707.0

sq. km. The area with moderate chloride concentration(250-1000mg/l) occupies approximately 31%

of the district area with Ramgarh having the maximum area that is 346.2 sq. km. Remaining small part

of the district approximately 4% falls under high chloride category(1000mg/l).

2.7 Groundwater Fluoride distribution

The area with the low concentration (<1.5mg/l) occupies 80% of the area of the district which makes

it suitable for domestic purposes with Umren having the maximum area falling under this category

that is 696.7sq. km. Ramgarh has the significant area with moderately high concentration (1.5-

3.0mg/l) among other blocks. Remaining small part of the district approximately 5% has high Fluoride

concentration(>3.0mg/l).

2.8 Groundwater Nitrate distribution

Low nitrate concentration occupies 59% of the district area which is suitable for agriculture with

Umren having the maximum area that is 653.0sq. km. Tijara and Ramgarh has maximum area under

moderately high nitrate concentration(50-100mg/l) and in total this category occupies 29% of the

district area. Remaining part of the district is covered with high nitrate concentration (100mg/l) which

is not suitable for agricultural purposes.

2.9 Depth to Bedrock

The beginning of massive bedrock has been considered for defining top of bedrock surface. The major

rock type occurring in the district is quartzite. These rocks are overlain by alluvial deposits of sand,

clay, silt etc. It varies from up to 60m bgl to more than 120m bgl. Shallow bedrock is found in the

northernmost part of Tijara block (less than 40m bgl). Deepest occurrence of bedrock is found in

northern part of the district (more than 120m bgl).

2.10 Unconfined aquifers

2.10.1 Unconfined aquifers in alluvial areas

Most part of the district has thick cover of alluvium. In unconfined conditions the alluvial aquifers

attain a thickness of more than 70m. the general thickness is up to 40m. The data reveals that this

aquifer is spread in most part of the district with moderate thickness of up to 20m and in some pocket

attaining more than 40m thickness. The maximum thickness of alluvium was noticed in Tijara block.

2.10.2 Unconfined aquifers in hard rock areas

Weathered, fractured and jointed rock formation occurring at shallow depths constitute good

unconfined aquifers. Such zone ranges in thickness from less than 10m to slightly more than 20m.

Umren shows the maximum hard rock areas at <10m.

Geographically Alwar is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan and is primarily covered by rocks

belonging to Aravalli and Delhi Super Group of rocks. The aquifers are formed primarily in older

alluvium (67.2%) and quartzite (21.8%). The block wise comparison shows that Umren block has the

maximum amount of the hard rock aquifers with thickness of <10m. It has a total population of approx.

30 lakhs with the most populated being Umren with population of 4.82 lakhs (as per 2001 census) and

also has the maximum area and 12% of district area.

The climate of the district is moderate and is part of a sub-humid region. The district receives fairly

good rainfall in the majority of blocks like Kishangarh bas, Thanagazi and slightly less in some blocks.

The highest average annual rainfall is seen in Thanagazi that is 887.7mm. All seven blocks, even after

receiving fair amount of rainfall, falls under ‘over-exploited’ category, indicating that the groundwater

is under stress and exploitation exceeding recharge which in turn, signifies the importance of

implementation of rain water harvesting methods.

High chloride concentration in groundwater also renders that it is not suitable for domestic and other

purposes. Based on the chloride concentration 65% of the district area has low (<250mg/l) chloride

concentration and is found suitable for domestic purpose but Ramgarh falls under high chloride

concentration that is >1000mg/l, which is not suitable for domestic purposes. Groundwater fluoride

distribution shows that 80% of the area is found suitable for domestic purposes based on the low

fluoride distribution that is <1.5mg/l. However, based on the distribution of low Nitrate concentration

(<50 mg/l) in the groundwater, which occupies 59% of the district area, it is found suitable for

agriculture purposes.

The area irrigated by wells is very significant in Alwar districts. There are large numbers of wells, with

average of one in every 5.8 ha in Alwar. The district uses groundwater intensively and experiences

over-exploitation

Aquifer Mapping and Ground Water Management, District Alwar, Rajasthan (Under XII Plan), 2017

Chapter III:

Policies & Programmes

related with Water

CHAPTER III: OVERVIEW OF GOVT. OF INDIA AND GOVT. OF RAJASTHAN POLICIES AND

PROGRAMMES RELATED WITH WATER

3.1 Introduction

Rajasthan is one of the most water-scarce state in India, with a semi-arid to arid climate and an

average annual rainfall of only around 300 mm. The state is home to the Thar desert, which covers

much of the western and northwestern regions and has a low water-bearing capacity. The scarcity of

water in Rajasthan is further exacerbated by the increasing population, rapid urbanization, and

industrialization, leading to over-exploitation of groundwater and depletion of water resources.

Groundwater replenishment in the State mainly takes place through monsoon rainfall. Annual

groundwater availability thus varies with rainfall condition during a particular year. The projected

groundwater draft and stage of groundwater development will thus further be modified

corresponding to rainfall condition and management activities taken up in the near future.

Alwar district, located in the eastern part of Rajasthan, is one the most water-stressed district in the

state. The district has a predominantly rural population and is known for its dry, hilly terrain. The

district faces water scarcity due to several reasons, including:

Low rainfall: Alwar district receives an average annual rainfall of around 650 mm, which is much lower

than the national average of 1170 mm of annual rainfall.

Over-exploitation of groundwater: The district heavily relies on groundwater for its water needs, but

the increasing demand for water has led to over-exploitation of groundwater resources, causing a

decline in groundwater levels.

Poor water management: There is a lack of proper water management practices in the district, with

water resources being poorly maintained and managed.

Climate change: The district is also facing the impacts of climate change, with increasing temperatures

and changes in rainfall pattern leading to further water stress.

The water scarcity in Alwar district has had severe impacts on the lives of the people, particularly those

living in rural areas. Women and children, who are primarily responsible for water collection and

management for household purposes, have to travel long distances to fetch water, often facing

physical and social hardships. The lack of water has also affected agriculture, which is the primary

livelihood for many people in the district.

To ensure long term groundwater security in villages – a decentralised, demand driven, and

community managed water supply system where local communities, especially women need to be

oriented and engaged in an intelligent water management, is the need of the hour.

To address the water scarcity in Alwar district as well as at the national-level, several initiatives have

been taken by the Government and NGOs. These include rainwater harvesting, watershed

management, and the promotion of water-efficient practices in agriculture. There is also need for

greater community participation and awareness-raising to ensure the sustainable management of

water resources in the district and the country.

3.2 GoI schemes and programmes at a glance

Name of the Scheme

Salient Features/ Brief about the Scheme

3.2.1 Jal Shakti

Abhiyan: Catch the

Rain

(2023)

• Launched on March 2023 and focuses on (1) rainwater harvesting &

water conservation (2) enumerating, geo-tagging & making inventory of

all water bodies; preparation of scientific plans for water conservation

(3) Setting up Jal Shakti Kendras in all district (4) intensive afforestation

and (5) awareness generation.

• 25 districts in Rajasthan have received the first instalments of funds –

Water conservation and rain water harvesting- 41907 (total)

Check dam: 5586; Pond/Tank:33900; Trench:537; Rooftop water

harvesting structures:313; Other rainwater harvesting structures:33;

Other water conservation structures:1538

Reuse and recharge structures-1986 (total)

Soakpit:1625; stabilization pond:3; others:358

Watershed development-5026 (total)

Gully Plug: 34; Percolation tank:712; Staggered Trenches:86; Other

watershed construction activities:4194

Intensive Afforestation-1570510 (total)

Nurseries:162; Seedlings planted:173960; Plantation:3960; Samplings

planted:1392428

3.2.2 Jal Jeevan

Mission

(2019)

• To have secure tap and sewer connections at household level;

rejuvenation of water bodies and creating circular water economy, JJM

launched in 2019 under Jal shakti Ministry and it envisages supply of 55

liters of water per person per day to every rural household through

Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.

• Contribute to gender equality by reducing the burden of water

collection on women. Community based mission for water and includes

extensive Information, Education and Communication as a key

component of the mission.

• Implementation involves formation of Paani Samitis that include 10-15

members, with at least 50% women members and other members from

Self-Help Groups, Accredited Social and Health Workers, Anganwadi

workers, etc.

• Its status in Rajasthan is that 43.8% of the household has tap

connections.

3.2.3 ‘Sahi fasal’

campaign

(2019)

• This campaign was launched by National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal

Shakti in 2019 to nudge the farmers in the water stressed areas to grow

less water intensive, economically remunerative and environment

friendly crops.

• A series of workshops have been organized in Amritsar, Aurangabad &

Kurukshetra and with technical experts in New Delhi for awareness

generation.

• No specific data is available on number of farmers shifted to less water

intensive crops and amount of water saved due to ‘Sahi Fasal’ campaign.

3.2.4 Atul Bhujal

Yojana

(2019)

• Launched in 2019, it is a Centre sector scheme worth Rs.6,000 crore for

sustainable management of groundwater with community

participation (Water User Association) implemented by Ministry of Jal

Source: https://jsactr.mowr.gov.in/PublicDashboard.aspx

Shakti. It is funded by Government of India and the World Bank on 50:50

basis.

• The identified over-exploited and water-stressed areas for the

implementation of the scheme are Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka,

Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

• In Rajasthan, this scheme is applicable in 1139 water stressed gram

panchayats.

3.2.5 PMKSY –

Accelerated

irrigation benefits

programme

(2015)

• Launched in 2015, has three main components viz. AIBP, HKKP and

Watershed Development.

AIBP – launched in 1996 with the aim of accelerating the implementation of

irrigation projects that exceed the resource capabilities of states.

Har Khet ko Pani aims to create new water sources through Minor

Irrigation. Repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies,

strengthening carrying capacity of traditional water sources, construction of

rain water harvesting structures.

Watershed Development is the effective management of runoff water and

improved soil & moisture conservation activities such as ridge area

treatment, drainage line treatment, rain water harvesting, in-situ moisture

conservation and other allied activities on watershed basis.

• Convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level.

• To expand the cultivable area under assured irrigation (Har Khet ko

pani).

• To improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce water wastage.

• Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing the “Per

Drop More Crop” component of PMKSY that mainly focus on micro

irrigation (drip and sprinkler irrigation).

• To enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water

conservation practices that will increase agricultural output.

3.2.6 National

Aquifer Mapping and

Management

Program (NAQUIM)

(2012)

• Launched in 2012 and implemented by Central Ground Water Board

(CGWB) under Ground Water Management and Regulation (GWM&R)

Scheme, a central sector scheme.

• Maps aquifers (water-bearing formations), characterizes them, and

develops Aquifer Management Plans.

• The scheme aims for sustainable management of groundwater

resources across the country.

• In Rajasthan, for 216430 sq. km. area aquifer maps and management

plan has been prepared.

3.2.7 The Command

Area Development

and Water

management

Program

(1974-75)

• The programme was started as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in the

year 1974-75 with the objective to bridge the gap between irrigation

potential created and utilized through participatory irrigation

management.

• The key objectives of the Command Area Development Programme

(CADP) are to improve irrigation efficiency, increase agricultural

productivity, and foster socio-economic development.

• The implementation of the CADP involves a step-by-step process that

includes planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation done by the

state government.

• Irrigation will improve farming activities which will cause socio-

economic upliftment.

• There are two projects running under this scheme in Rajasthan.

3.3 Groundwater Policies and Governance in the State

Rajasthan has enacted number of legislations in the recent time to regulate water resources and

incentivize rainwater harvesting. Major legislations enacted by the state includes the Rajasthan Water

Resource Regulatory Act, 2012 and the Rajasthan River Basin and Water Resources Planning Act, 2015.

Moreover, the state had adopted state water policy in 2010. To regulate the groundwater resources,

the state had drafted The Rajasthan Ground Water Management Bill in 2006. However, it is still in the

draft form. Brief description of major legislations and policies enacted by the state are highlighted in

the following table.

Major Policies and Legislations Governing Groundwater Resources in Rajasthan

Name of the Policy/

Legislation

Salient features

3.3.1 Rajasthan

River Basin and

Water Resources

Planning Act, 2015

• An Act for the establishment of the State Water Resources Advisory

Council and the Rajasthan River Basin and Water Resources Planning

Authority to adopt an Integrated Water Resources Management

approach for the management and development of river basins and sub-

basins on sustainable basis by planning of for all watershed, irrigation

and drinking water projects covering the basins, subbasins, aquifers and

watersheds to develop state-level water resources plans to ensure

optimal and efficient utilization of groundwater and surface water,

including inter-basin water transfer, interlinking of rivers from surplus to

deficit basins, sub- basins and to amend the Rajasthan Water Resources

Regulatory Act, 2012.

3.3.2 Rajasthan

Water Resources

Regulatory Act,

2012 (Rajasthan Act

No. 38 of 2013)

• An Act to provide for the establishment of the Rajasthan Water

Resources Regulatory Authority, to regulate water resources within the

State of Rajasthan, facilitate and ensure judicious, equitable and

sustainable management, allocation and utilization of water resources,

fix the rates for use of water for drinking, agriculture, industrial, and

other purposes, and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

3.3.3 Rajasthan

State Water Policy,

2010

• The policy describes the critical status of water in Rajasthan in terms of

– the growing imbalance between demand and supply of water,

uncertainty in availability of water, inequity in access to water, low

operational efficiency of water resource development projects,

depleting groundwater resources and deteriorating quality of water,

high cost of service, low-cost recovery and low level of expenditure, and

lack of ownership among stakeholders.

• Radical shift from predominantly engineered-based solutions to local

community-based water management solutions. Shift towards

community level empowerment and responsibility for their own water

management under the process of ‘Integrated Water Resources

Management’. Bottom-up decision making and top- down technical

support within a much more holistic conceptual framework for water

management.

• Water allocation according to a decreasing order from priority starting

from human drinking water, livestock drinking, other domestic uses,

commercial and municipal water uses, agriculture, power generation,

environmental and ecological, industrial, non-consumptive uses, and

others.

• The new policy document addresses issues related to water supply and

development, integrated Water Resource Management, irrigation,

water resources infrastructure, water conservation, water quality,

environmental management, water pricing, legal enablement, capacity

building, research, and monitoring and evaluation of water policy and

action plans.

• Exploitation of groundwater for agriculture and purposes other than

drinking will be managed by public participation so as not to exceed the

average long-term recharge potential.

• The current ethos of uncontrolled groundwater extraction as an

“individual right‟, will be discouraged. It will be replaced by an ethos of

community responsibility for the long-term sustainability of the aquifer

as a community resource.

• A programme of water metering for water management purposes will

apply to all significant water users irrespective of source and water

ownership.

• Differing stepped water rates may be charged for agricultural, industrial,

commercial, and municipal purposes. In all cases, the highest rate will be

a strong disincentive for profligate water usage.

3.3.4 Rajasthan

Groundwater

Management Bill,

2006

Draft

3.3.5 Roof Top Rain

Water Harvesting

(RTRWH) in building

by law, 2005

• The Govt. has made provision of compulsory installation of rainwater

harvesting system in all newly and existing construction building and

Govt. offices vide order dated 31.05.2000 and 12.12.2005 disconnection

of water supply, has also been made.

3.4 Other Initiatives to promote water conservation

The government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with various NGOs and civil society organizations, has

implemented several initiatives to promote water conservation in Alwar district. Some of these

initiatives are:

Name of the Scheme

Salient Features/ Brief about the Scheme

3.4.1 Mukhya Mantri

Jal Swavlamban

Abhiyan

• Launched in 2016 across 295 Blocks of 33 districts. It was four-year

programme, each phase of one year making villages self-sufficient in

water & creating “Islands of Excellence”.

• Construction of low-cost water harvesting structures on watershed

through use of technology. Mobilizing financial resources from multiple

sources – Line Departments, NGOS, Corporate houses, religious trusts,

non-resident villagers, Social groups, etc.

• To increase groundwater level, availability of surface flow in the main

stream of watershed, availability of drinking water, increase in irrigated

area, cultivable area and crop production.

• This scheme was started by the Government of Rajasthan on 27 January

2016 from village Gardankhedi in Jhalawar district. Through this

campaign, a target was set to provide benefits to 3000 priority villages

in 2016 and 6000 villages every year for 3 years.

https://mjsa.water.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/mjsa/en/home.html#

• No data on work progress were found/ or made available.

3.4.2 Indira Gandhi

Canal

3 4

• Canal project was constructed in 1983 and finished in 2010. It was 445

km in length. It has been constructed for starting agricultural activities

in the Rajasthan fields. Built on Sutlej and Beas rivers and connected

with Rajasthan and Punjab.

• It provides water for irrigation in Sriganganagar, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer,

covering a total area of 12.58 lakh hectares. It provides drinking water

service in eight districts of western Rajasthan. Agricultural production

has increased significantly as a result of the availability of sufficient

water for irrigation. Agriculture-related industries have also flourished.

• The state has established industrial cities and markets as a result of this

canal. The availability of green fodder and agricultural products has

resulted in the state’s livestock and fisheries development. As a result

of the canal, the forest area has grown. The pasture grounds have been

expanded, and the desert area’s expansion has been checked.

• The development of barren land has become possible due to the

availability of water. Suratgarh and Anupgarh branches have three

micro hydropower plants that provide electricity to the state. Other

benefits include famine control, increased human settlements, mineral

industry development, and increased per capita income.

3.4.3 National Rural

Drinking Water

Programme

(NRDWP)

• Aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water to rural

communicates. Under this scheme, rainwater harvesting structures

such as rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, recharge pits, and

percolation tanks are constructed in rural areas to improve water

availability.

• With a major emphasis on ensuring the sustainability of water

availability in terms of adequacy, affordability, portability, convenience

and equity, the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), a

centrally sponsored scheme was launched in 2009.

• The NRDWP guidelines were further updated in 2013 with focus on

piped water supply, increasing household tap connections and raising

drinking water supply norms.

• NRDWP is implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with costs

being shared between the Central and State Governments.

• The cost incurred on implementing the programme is decided to be

shared between the Centre and the States in the ratio of 50:50. The

scheme has been merged with Jal Jeevan Mission since 2019.

• Under this scheme, rainwater harvesting structures such as rooftop

rainwater harvesting systems, recharge pits, and percolation tanks are

constructed in rural areas to improve water availability.

• In Alwar district, several villages have benefited from this scheme, and

many households have installed rooftop rainwater harvesting system.

3.4.4 Watershed

Development

Programme

• The Watershed Development Programme is a community-driven

programme that focuses on watershed development and management.

Under this programme, soil and water conversation measures are

https://unacademy.com/content/railway-exam/study-material/geography/a-short-note-on-indira-gandhi-

canal/

https://prepp.in/news/e-492-indira-gandhi-canal-project-geography-notes

https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/national-rural-drinking-water-

programme/#:~:text=The%20primary%20objective%20of%20NRDWP,times%20and%20in%20all%20situations.

implemented to increase the availability of water for agriculture and

other purposes.

• In Alwar district, several villages have implemented this programme

resulting in improved water availability and increased agriculture

productivity.

3.4.5 Jal Swarajya

Abhiyan

• The Jal Swarajya Abhiyan is a national programme launched by the

Ministry of Jal Shakti to promote water conversation and management.

Under this programme, rainwater harvesting structures and other water

conversation measures are promoted in rural areas to increase water

availability.

• In Alwar district, several villages have implemented this programme,

resulting in improved water availability and reduced dependence on

groundwater.

These government initiatives, along with the efforts of NGOs and civil society organizations, have

helped in promoting rainwater harvesting and improving water availability in Alwar district. However,

there is still a long way to go in ensuring sustainable water management and addressing the water

scarcity in the area.

Chapter IV:

Situational Analysis/

Needs Assessment

CHAPTER IV: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS/ NEEDS ASSESSMENT

4.1 Data and Methodology

To assess the ground realities of water management, social context, and the beneficiary concerns, and

to design a demand-driven plan of action, a needs assessment survey was conducted. The household

survey was designed to investigate and explore the current situation of water resources and gender

issues in the identified villages of Alwar district of Rajasthan. To address the depleting groundwater

concerns in Alwar district of Rajasthan – the following processes were followed, by the CSR team –

(a) Reconnaissance Visit – a reconnaissance visit comprising of three team members from the Centre

for Social Research was conducted during May 2023. The team comprises of HoD-Gender, Water and

Climate Change, HoD- Research & Knowledge Management and a Technical Expert. The

Reconnaissance Visit was to determine the identification and feasibility for the project

implementation area. The CSR team travelled extensively before finalising the 7 blocks as project

intervention areas.

(b) Based on the extensive field travel and the interaction with different stakeholders, an eight-page

questionnaire (Annexure – II) was developed in English and translated into Hindi.

the field testing of the questionnaire.

(d) Based on the primary data available from the groups of Sarpanches (village head – this may include

one village or several villages to form one gram panchayat, this is primarily based on the population).

A total of 2-to-3-gram panchayats were selected for the project implementation. In each and every

gram panchayat a total of 2 to 3 villages were selected based on the inputs from the stakeholders,

village women and also based on the need for the rejuvenation/ renovation/ repair work for

traditional water conservation structure in that village.

(e) Training/ Orientation to the data collection team (investigators and supervisors) – a team of 8

investigators and 2 supervisors were involved in data collection. All the investigators and supervisors

were oriented and trained about the objective of the study and the geographical setting of Alwar

district and water situation in different blocks.

(f) Data collection – it took close to three months during May to June for data collection from 7 blocks

and a total of 363 women were included in the primary survey.

(g) Data entry and data validation – data entry, data validation and any inconsistencies between and

among the responses were assessed and it took close to two-three weeks to complete this exercise.

(h) Reliability test – The reliability of the questionnaire was also tested with the help of Cronbach’s

Alpha method. Thus, to assess the internal consistency in the responses – Cronbach’s alpha test

, also

known as rho-equivalent reliability or coefficient alpha, is a reliability coefficient and a measure of the

internal consistency of tests and measures, was conducted. The general rule of thumb is that a

Cronbach's Alpha of 0.60 and above is good.

Cronbach's alpha is a way of assessing reliability by comparing the amount of shared variance, or covariance,

among the items making up an instrument to the amount of overall variance. The idea is that if the instrument

is reliable, there should be a great deal of covariance among the items relative to the variance.

= tau-equivalent reliability

k = number of items

= covariance between Xi and Xj

= item variances and inter-item covariances

Results of Cronbach’s alpha test – Scale reliability coefficient: 0.8369 (high value for alpha satisfy the

reliability test).

(h) Data analysis – data was analysed using statistical software STATA (version 13) and Excel (version

10) and for better presentation some figures were included.

Figure 4.1: Blocks Covered under the Needs Assessment

Study blocks for needs assessment

Table 4.1 presents the total sample of 363 women from 19-gram panchayats from 39 villages in 7

blocks of Alwar district in Rajasthan. The blocks selected for the needs assessment are Umren,

Kishangarh Bas, Ramgarh, Thanagazi, Tijara, Bansur, and Mundawar.

Table 4.1: Block, Gram Panchayat and Village Details for the Study

Name of the Block

Gram Panchayats

Villages Covered

Total Survey

Bansur

Rampur

Sabalpura

Kalyanpura

Total

Kishangarh bas

Kolgaon

Khoiro pipli

Khanpur mewan

Jhirandiya

Dadarheda

Ichhaka

Jhirandiya

Khedla

Tehatda

Total

Mundawar

Jindauli

Sorkha kalan

Badi

Total

Ramgarh

Neekach

Kota kalan

Chhota gaon

Neekach Bada bas

Taj ka bas

Ghadi dhaneta

Khoeda karmali

Ishan ka bas

Total

Thanagazi

Bamanwas kankad

Tola bas

Bamanwas kankad

Bhadana ki bal

Kanpura lodge

Maana vaas

Total

Tijara

Hameeraka

Navinagar

Jojaka

Khadkhada vaas

Palpur

Baliya vaas

Total

Umren

Chandauli

Kasba dehra

Rundh mas ka tiraya

Tehadpur

Todiyar

Kasba dehra

Nandihere

Nanglasedhu

Nandihere

Total

Grand Total

363

The survey was a mixed-method questionnaire which focused on demographic and socio-economic

details like age, marital status, education, household size, income, etc., membership in SHG and PRI,

participation in Gram Panchayat meetings. Few technical questions spanned details regarding sources

of water, water availability, storage, and status of existing structures. Qualitative questions focused

on health issues due to fetching water, knowledge and involvement of women in water management

and conservation at community level, willingness to develop water management and conservation

structures, and training requirements.

4.2 Survey Results

The survey results have been broadly classified into nine broad categories – demographic and socio-

economic details of the respondents, participation in local governance, income, decision making role

in the family, status of water availability in households, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding

water conservation, status of current water conservation and management structures, willingness to

work on water conservation structures, and lastly, training and capacity building requirements.

4.2.1 Socio and demographic details of the respondents

Caste: Majority of the respondents were from OBC category (55.10%) cumulatively in all the blocks.

Only in two blocks, Kishangarh Bas and Umren, most respondents were from SC category with 58.06%

and 76.09%, respectively. In other 5 blocks OBCs were the most prominent with 48.98% population in

Mundawar, and 75.93% in Ramgarh (Table 4.2).

Age: 34.99% women belonged to the age group of 41-60 years, followed by 33.06% of 31-40 years old.

21.76% of the respondents were in the age group of 19-30 years. 7.71% and 0.83% belonged to Above

60 and Below 18 age groups, respectively. Most of the respondents were in the age group of 18-60

years comprising 89.81% of the total sample.

Marital Status: 87.33% were married, while 9.09% were widowed.

Household size: 74.93% women respondents lived in households with more than 5 family members.

As per average of the district only 17.91% households had 4 members, ranging from 9.26% in Ramgarh

to 28.00% in Thanagazi.

Educational Qualification: 59.78% of respondents have had No Schooling, 22.59% have completed

their education only till 5

standard, 8.82% have completed till 10

, 4.68% have studied till 12

class.

Only 4.13% have done Graduation/ Post-Graduation (Table 4.2).

Table 4.2: Socio and demographic details of the respondents

S. No.

Attributes

Sub-attributes

Bansur

Kishangarh Bas

Mundawar

Ramgarh

Thanagazi

Tijara

Umren

Total

Caste

General

2 (4.00)

2 (3.23)

3 (6.12)

7 (12.96)

3 (6.00)

2 (3.85)

0 (0.00)

19 (5.23)

OBC

34 (68.00)

23 (37.10)

24 (48.98)

41 (75.93)

30 (60.00)

40 (76.92)

8 (17.39)

200 (55.10)

4 (8.00)

0 (0.00)

3 (6.12)

1 (1.85)

8 (16.00)

0 (0.00)

16 (4.41)

10 (20.00)

36 (58.06)

19 (38.78)

4 (7.41)

7 (14.00)

10 (19.23)

35 (76.09)

121 (33.33)

Others

0 (0.00)

1 (1.61)

0 (0.00)

1 (1.85)

2 (4.00)

0 (0.00)

3 (6.52)

7 (1.93)

Total

50 (100.00)

62 (100.00)

49 (100.00)

54 (100.00)

50 (100.00)

52 (100.00)

46 (100.00)

363 (100.00)

Age

< 18

0 (0.00)

2 (3.70)

0 (0.00)

1 (1.92)

0 (0.00)

3 (0.83)

18 – 30

13 (26.00)

14 (22.58)

8 (16.33)

11 (20.37)

10 (20.00)

13 (25.00)

10 (21.74)

79 (21.76)

31 – 40

14 (28.00)

16 (25.81)

16 (32.65)

17 (31.48)

20 (40.00)

16 (30.77)

21 (45.65)

120 (33.06)

41 – 60

19 (38.00)

27 (43.55)

18 (36.73)

17 (31.48)

14 (28.00)

18 (34.62)

14 (30.43)

127 (34.99)

> 60

4 (8.00)

4 (6.45)

6 (12.24)

5 (9.26)

5 (10.00)

3 (5.77)

1 (2.17)

28 (7.71)

No Response

0 (0.00)

1 (1.61)

1 (2.04)

2 (3.70)

1 (2.00)

1 (1.92)

0 (0.00)

6 (1.65)

Total

50 (100.00)

62 (100.00)

49 (100.00)

54 (100.00)

50 (100.00)

52 (100.00)

46 (100.00)

363 (100.00)

III

Educational

Qualification

No Schooling

31 (62.00)

35 (56.45)

25 (51.02)

35 (64.81)

34 (68.00)

37 (71.15)

20 (43.48)

217 (59.78)

Passed

8 (16.00)

15 (24.19)

15 (30.61)

13 (24.07)

7 (14.00)

11 (21.15)

13 (28.26)

82 (22.59)

Passed

5 (10.00)

5 (8.06)

5 (10.20)

3 (5.56)

5 (10.00)

1 (1.92)

8 (17.39)

32 (8.82)

Passed

1 (2.00)

3 (4.84)

2 (4.08)

1 (1.85)

4 (8.00)

2 (3.85)

4 (8.70)

17 (4.68)

Graduate

5 (10.00)

4 (6.45)

2 (4.08)

2 (3.70)

0 (0.00)

1 (1.92)

1 (2.17)

15 (4.13)

Total

50 (100.00)

62 (100.00)

49 (100.00)

54 (100.00)

50 (100.00)

52 (100.00)

46 (100.00)

363 (100.00)

Marital

Status

Married

39 (78.00)

55 (88.71)

41 (83.67)

47 (87.04)

44 (88.00)

50 (96.15)

41 (89.13)

317 (87.33)

Widowed

8 (16.00)

6 (9.68)

6 (12.24)

4 (7.41)

6 (12.00)

0 (0.00)

3 (6.52)

33 (9.09)

Separated

2 (4.00)

0 (0.00)

2 (0.55)

Divorced

0 (0.00)

1 (1.85)

0 (0.00)

1 (0.28)

Single

1 (2.00)

1 (1.61)

2 (4.08)

2 (3.70)

0 (0.00)

2 (3.85)

2 (4.35)

10 (2.75)

Total

50 (100.00)

62 (100.00)

49 (100.00)

54 (100.00)

50 (100.00)

52 (100.00)

46 (100.00)

363 (100.00)

Household

Size

One

0 (0.00)

1 (1.61)

1 (2.04)

0 (0.00)

2 (0.55)

Two

2 (4.00)

0 (0.00)

1 (2.04)

0 (0.00)

2 (4.00)

0 (0.00)

1 (2.17)

6 (1.65)

Three

5 (10.00)

3 (4.84)

1 (2.04)

2 (3.70)

3 (6.00)

3 (5.77)

1 (2.17)

18 (4.96)

Four

9 (18.00)

10 (16.13)

11 (22.45)

5 (9.26)

14 (28.00)

6 (11.54)

10 (21.74)

65 (17.91)

Five & above

34 (68.00)

48 (77.42)

35 (71.43)

47 (87.04)

31 (62.00)

43 (82.69)

34 (73.91)

272 (74.93)

Total

50 (100.00)

62 (100.00)

49 (100.00)

54 (100.00)

50 (100.00)

52 (100.00)

46 (100.00)

363 (100.00)

4.2.2 Major Source of Household Income

Cumulatively in all the blocks, based on the multiple responses, income from Own Farm (18.09%) and

income from Animal Husbandry (18.66%) contribute the same amount to the household income

(Figure 4.2). This was followed by Agricultural Wages from other’s farm at 16.10%, MGNREGA work at

14.68%, 12.88% income from Daily Wage Labour work in the village, 6.25% from Small Businesses, and

5.30% from Crop Trade and Other work including driver, government job, electrician, etc include

8.05%.

Figure 4.3 presents the average monthly household income, 4% of the households fall in the poorest

of the poor category since their monthly household earnings are less than Rs.3000. 11% of the total

respondents earn less than or equal to Rs.5000. The households that earn more than Rs.5000 but less

than Rs.10000 form a majority i.e., 41%, a similar percentage also earns more than Rs.10000 per

month as a household (40%).

Figure 4.2: Block wise Major Source of Household Income

Figure 4.3: Average Monthly Household Income

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Bansur Kishangarh

Bas

Mundawar Ramgarh Thanagazi Tijara Umren Total

Daily Labourer MGNREGA Own Farm Agriculture Wages

Crop Trade Small Business Animal Husbandry Others

11%

41%

40%

< Rs.3000 Rs.3001-Rs.5000 Rs.5001-Rs.10000 > Rs.10000 No Response

4.2.3 Participation in Local Governance

All 363 respondents were asked whether they are part of a self-help-group in their village, as well as

if they are also part of the elected body i.e., gram panchayat, either as a ward panch or sarpanch.

The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) is a poverty alleviation project implemented by the

Ministry of Rural Development, a branch of the Government of India. This Mission is focused on

promoting self-employment and the organization of rural poor. The idea behind this programme is to

organize the poor into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and make them capable of self-employment

‘Panchayat’, being a “Local government”, is a State subject and part of the State list of the Seventh

Schedule of the Constitution of India. Clause (3) of Article 243D of the Constitution ensures

participation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions by mandating not less than one-third reservation

for women out of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election and the number of offices of

chairpersons of Panchayats. Bihar was the first state to reserve 50% of the seats for women in

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIS) in 2006. Rajasthan adopted this in 2010. As 0n 23

September 2020,

there are 20 States namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,

Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim,

Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, have made provisions for 50%

reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions in their respective State Panchayati Raj Acts

Member of an SHG: Overall, 51.24% women were not an SHG member and remaining 48.76% were

members. Kishangarh Bas and Umren had most membership at 79.03% and 73.91% respectively.

Whereas, Thanagazi (26.00%), and Bansur (26.00%) blocks had the least SHG membership. This also

shows that these blocks may have low/ no penetration of SHG initiatives (Figure 4.4).

Member of PRI: Only 16 women from the entire sample were Ward Panch, or Sarpanch, i.e., elected

women Representatives of the Panchayati Raj Institution. Of which, 5 were from Kishangarh and

Umren blocks each, followed by 3 from Tijara, 2 from Bansur, and a single woman from Ramgarh block.

Figure 4.4: Member of an SHG

Source: National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) under Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1658145

48.76

26.00

79.03

38.78

51.85

26.00

40.38

73.91

51.24

74.00

20.97

61.22

48.15

74.00

59.62

26.09

Total

Bansur

Kishangarh Bas

Mundawar

Ramgarh

Thanagazi

Tijara

Umren

Yes No

4.2.4 Decision-making Role in the family

It is widely recognized that women play a significant role in the progress and development of any

nation. Unfortunately, in many underdeveloped and developing countries, women’s involvement is

limited due to entrenched traditional values and negative actions from their families and society as a

whole. There is a prevailing belief that women are less capable than men, which greatly hinders their

participation in various aspects of life, relegating them primarily to domestic responsibilities. It is a

known fact that women possess all the necessary abilities to make and execute important decisions,

but they often lack the empowerment required to play an active role in decision-making processes.

The position of women in society is indicated by their legal entitlements, educational opportunities,

health, well-being, employment opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes.

Various societal, cultural, and religious beliefs have led to the enactment of biased laws and the

perpetuation of discriminatory practices that hinder women from fulfilling their rightful roles in both

society and the economy. In many traditional and developing countries, persistent discrimination

against women, from a very young age to old age, has consistently hindered their access to education,

opportunities for income generation, and economic independence. This discrimination has, in turn,

led to a decline in their societal standing.

In addition to women’s role in strengthening a family financially, they also perform significant home-

making duties and fulfils various important responsibilities according to their socio-economic status.

As members of a family and as parts of society, women are involved in various professions with various

natures, which are governed by different factors (Reddy & Narayan, 1987). In many important social

commitments, such as marriage decisions, dowry issues, selection of the male partner, education of

children, expenses and overhead management of marriage etc., the contribution of women is

significantly high.

According to a study on “Women Empowerment: A Key to Human Development,” Barkat (2008), it

was noted that ordered women empowerment can only be obtained by enriching their social as well

as economic position. This can be materialized only via taking or implementing several important

economic and social policies in line with the full growth of women. In addition, it is also very crucial to

help them recognize the fact that they have the perspective to be resilient personalities.

Sharma (2007), has noted that women empowerment is commonly associated with women’s struggle

for social justice and equality. This has proved to be disadvantageous in disregarding women and also

implanted negative changes in the direction and nature of society. In order to gain the capabilities of

decision making and fulfilling them with substantial knowledge, self-respect as well as full confidence,

the empowerment is considered to be a strong approach. Maral & Kumar (2017), suggested that

women’s role is an essential constituent which develops the human structure of family and society.

The inclusive development of society and nation greatly depends upon women’s participation in the

majority of the socio-economic and political activities.

In a study, Das (2011) reported different limitations of women empowerment in Karbi tribes of Assam,

which are related to societal, political, economic, technical and spiritual. He also mentioned that ‘lack

of knowledge about new technology and information is one of the key reasons responsible for the

deprived women empowerment in this community.

Pandey & Rai (2017), explained that women empowerment is essential for sustainable economic

growth and reduction of poverty in developing countries. Although women’s empowerment is not a

sufficient condition, it is still a necessary condition for the development process. Economically

empowered women play a more active role in household decision-making, with greater bargaining

power and increased spending on education and development.

The crucial parameters regarding women, such as their freedom of movement, involvement in family matters, the decision in the purchase of home assets,

agricultural investments and family planning such as expenses on education of children, expenses towards marriage of children, etc. are chosen to ascertain

the degree of women empowerment in the study area.

From the data, it is evident that in health care, agriculture, livestock, land, and vehicle purchase, it is the husband and other family members of the household

except for the women, who make the decisions. It is noteworthy that despite certain activities like – caring for sick persons in the family, laborious agriculture

work like sowing, weeding, planting, post-harvest work, and livestock rearing – being the responsibility of women in household, they are given little to no

power over making decisions for these crucial aspects of their lives. Only regarding household and kitchen expenses, women predominantly are liable to

make decisions. In matters regarding children, whether marriage or education, mostly the women is also part of the decision-making process along with her

husband, and/or other family members (Table 4.3).

Table 4.3: Decision-making Role in the family

Health

Care

HH and

Kitchen

Agriculture

Livestock

Land

Purchase

Marriage of

Children

Other Expenses

of Children

Vehicle

Purchase

Bansur

Husband &

Others

Self

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Both

Husband &

Others

Kishangarh Bas

Husband &

Others

Self

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Mundawar

Husband &

Others

Self

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Both

Husband &

Others

Ramgarh

Husband &

Others

Both

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Thanagazi

Husband &

Others

Self

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Both

Husband &

Others

Tijara

Husband &

Others

Self

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Both

Husband &

Others

Umren

Husband &

Others

Self

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Husband &

Others

Note: Analysis for decision making is based on the maximum responses recorded for an attribute.

4.2.5 Status of water availability in the households

According to a recent report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people around

the world do not have safely managed

drinking water services. The report reveals that 1.8 billion

people have gained access to basic drinking water services since 2000, but there are vast inequalities

in the accessibility, availability and quality of these services. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people (785

million) still lack basic services, including the 144 million who drink untreated surface water. The data

shows that 8 in 10 people living in rural areas lacked access to these services and in one in four

countries with estimates for different wealth groups, coverage of basic services among the richest was

at least twice as high as among the poorest.

Closing inequality gaps in the accessibility, quality and availability of water should be at the heart of

government funding and planning strategies. To relent on investment plans for universal coverage is

to undermine decades worth of progress at the expense of coming generations. Thus, Governments

must invest in their communities if we are going to bridge these economic and geographic divides and

deliver this essential human right.

(i) Major Sources of Water

The survey results show that majority of the households were dependent on borewells (86%),

followed by 7% of the households were getting their water needs fulfilled through piped water supply.

The sources of water for domestic purpose were hand pumps (1%), pond (1%), water supply through

tanker (2%), and there were 3% of the households depending on well for their water consumption

needs (Figure 4.5).

Figure 4.5: Major Sources of Water

Drinking water from sources located on premises, free from contamination and available when needed

(https://www.who.int/news/item/18-06-2019-1-in-3-people-globally-do-not-have-access-to-safe-drinking-

water-unicef-who, accessed on 7

November 2023)

86%

Well Pond Bore Well Hand Pump Piped Water Supply Water Tanker

ii) Availability of safe drinking water

In all the blocks except Ramgarh, safe drinking water was available to more than 80% of the

respondents, with highest proportion in Thanagazi (94%). In Ramgarh, only 2/3

respondents had

access to safe drinking water (Figure 4.6).

Figure 4.6: Availability of Safe Drinking Water

iii) Common practice(s) for water storage

Almost all the women responded that they regularly store water in their households. All respondents

used more than one method to store water. A similar trend of water storage was found in all study

blocks (Figure 4.7). Based on the multiple responses, it was found that the majority store water in

buckets, followed by water drums and utensils. Almost an equal percentage use water bottles as well

as underground water tank to store water.

Figure 4.7: Common practice(s) for water storage

88.00

93.55

81.63

66.67

94.00

96.15

84.78

12.00

6.45

18.37

33.33

6.00

3.85

15.22

Bansur Kishangarh

Bas

Mundawar Ramgarh Thanagazi Tijara Umren

Yes No

245

248

125

207

100

150

200

250

300

Water Drums Buckets Water Barrels Water Bottles Utensils Ungerground

Water Tank

iv) Water for drinking purpose (distance from home to source)

For 65.29% respondents, the distance from their home to the source of water was less than 500

meters, for 14.33% it was between 0.6 to 1 km, and for 11.57% it was more than 1 km. Also, 8.82%

women were not required to go fetch water as there was some kind of water supply available at home

(Figure 4.8).

Figure 4.8: Block wise Water for drinking purpose (distance from home to source)

v) Health issues due to fetching water

172 (47.38%) of 363 have said they experienced health issues due to fetching water. The most

common issues faced by the women were overall body pain and tiredness. Some women suffered

from neck pain, back pain, headaches, pain in hands, and/or hair fall (due to carrying water vessels on

head for long duration and at several times in a day).

vi) Supply of water tanker

Overall, 61.98% women responded that there was no supply of water tankers in their village. Only

34.71% women had access to a tanker (Figure 4.9).

vii) Water conservation techniques followed by women

Based on multiple responses, 306 women responded that they use Johad for their water needs,

followed by Kund/ Water Tank (52 responses). Responses for Earthen dam/ mitti ke paal and Jhalara/

step well are 36 and 21 respectively (Figure 4.10).

viii) Storing rain water at household level

80.72% of the total respondents across all seven blocks did not store rain water in their homes (Figure

4.11).

62.00

67.74

55.10

38.89

86.00

80.77

67.39

65.29

20.00

16.13

20.41

18.52

10.00

3.85

10.87

14.33

14.52

4.08

40.74

2.00

1.92

15.22

11.57

18.00

1.61

20.41

1.85

2.00

13.46

6.52

8.82

Bansur Kishangarh

Bas

Mundawar Ramgarh Thanagazi Tijara Umren Total

< 0.5 Km 0.5 - 1 Km > 1 Km No Response

Figure 4.9: Block wise Supply of water tanker

Figure 4.10: Community Water Conservation Techniques Followed

Figure 4.11: Rain Water Storage at the Household Level

50.00

37.10

40.82

11.11

36.00

3.85

69.57

34.71

50.00

58.06

55.10

87.04

56.00

92.31

30.43

61.98

4.84

4.08

1.85

8.00

3.84

3.31

Bansur Kishangarh

Bas

Mundawar Ramgarh Thanagazi Tijara Umren Total

Yes No No Response

22.00

11.29

16.33

25.93

16.00

13.46

32.61

19.28

78.00

88.71

83.67

74.07

84.00

86.54

67.39

80.72

Bansur Kishangarh

Bas

Mundawar Ramgarh Thanagazi Tijara Umren Total

Yes No

4.2.6 Water Conservation through Pond Renovation

Table 4.4 presents that 68.04% of the total respondents know about the pond rejuvenation work in

their area/ village. Little more than 50% also shared that the community has benefited from the pond

rejuvenation work in the past, some of the benefits listed by the respondents are (a) more water is

available for their livestock to drink and bathe in, this was followed by (b) wages, which they got due

to MGNREGA work, that was availed to rejuvenate ponds, (c) increase in the groundwater level, which

led to better water supply in their borewells. However, in villages where previously rejuvenation work

had been done, many respondents also mentioned that pond rejuvenation had not been a success

due to overall lack of rain and water scarcity (Table 4.4).

A total of 238 women who responded that women were involved in pond rejuvenation work

mentioned that the primary benefit they felt from the work was that they got MGNREGA work. This

shows that employment opportunities are a priority to the community, this reflects a disconnection

from the understanding of how water availability can directly and indirectly enhance sources of

income and livelihoods (Table 4.4).

Table 4.4: Water Conservation through Pond Renovation

Attributes

Response

Total

Knowledge on Pond Renovation/

Rejuvenation in the Area

Yes

247 (68.04)

116 (31.96)

Grand Total

363 (100.00)

Benefits to community in the past

from pond rejuvenation

Yes

194 (53.44%)

163 (44.90%)

No Response

6 (1.66%)

Grand Total

363 (100.00)

Involvement of women in pond

rejuvenation

Yes

238 (65.56)

120 (33.06)

No Response

5 (1.38)

Grand Total

363 (100.00)

4.2.7 Status of Current Water Conservation and Management Structures

(i) Current status of Medhbandi, Check Dams, Earthen Paals and other water structures

43.52% responded that the status of current structures is good, 20.12% responded that there are no

built structures for water management and conservation in their village. 28.10% responded that the

built structures were not good and did not benefit them. Few other issues (8.26%) noted by

respondents were that structures are breaking down; hold very little water due to lack of rain; need

renovation; were getting destroyed in events of heavy rain; were even used to put garbage by a few

residents of the village; hence decreasing the quality of water; etc.

ii) Community involvement in cleaning and maintenance of water supply systems

Approximately two-third of the respondents (68.32%) mentioned that most of the community water

supply systems are clean and maintained (Table 4.5). The main reason mentioned for not maintained

structures that has been recorded is that the structures had over the course of time giving muddy

water as there had been no de-silting, and garbage was also thrown by other villagers in those

structures. 19.83% responded that they were willing to contribute towards maintenance of these

water structures. Of those 19.83%, most have said that they would help by cleaning the structures,

de-silting, along with not putting garbage in them.

Table 4.5: Status of Community Water Supply Systems

Status – Clean & Maintained

Total

Yes

248 (68.32)

102 (28.10)

No Response

13 (3.58)

Grand Total

363 (100.00)

iii) Satisfaction with government for water measures

61.71% have mentioned that they were unsatisfied with the government on their work regarding

resolving water issues in villages. Primary reason for this was government’s inaction towards any

water-related initiative in the respective villages. Other reasons included huge distance from borewell,

pipe installed but no water supply was ensured, water quality was low, sarpanch did not cooperate or

heed to their requests for better water measures, access to tanker was difficult due to price or

distance, and many such more. Only 38.29% of the 363 respondents were satisfied with government

interventions, most of these houses have piped water supply or borewell connections (Table 4.6).

Table 4.6: Satisfaction with government for water measures

Status

Total

Satisfied

139 (38.29)

Not Satisfied

224 (61.71)

Grand Total

363 (100.00)

4.2.8 Willingness to work to construct water management/construction structures

(i) Willingness to work on the following water structures –

Based on the multiple responses, Johad (151 responses) was the most desired water structure,

followed by Anicut (73 responses). The willingness for water tank, borewell, and piped water

connection stands at 37, 38 and 66 responses, respectively. This shows that a significant number of

women would prefer having personal water connections than community water resources, this

indicates lessening dependency on agriculture, livestock, or other livelihood sources that require

community water resources (Figure 4.12).

Figure 4.12: Willingness to work on the following water structures

151

Other Structures

Bore Well

Medhbandi

Anicut

Water Tank

Pond (Johad)

Piped Water Connection to each House

ii) Will creation of “Nadies/Ponds/Anicuts/Earthen Paals” support existing structures

Table 4.7 presents that 85% of the respondents opined that the creation of “Nadies/ Ponds/Anicuts/

Earthen Paals” will certainly support the existing water conservation structures.

Table 4.7: Will creation of “Nadies/Pond/Anicut/Earthen Paal” support existing structures

Response

Total

Yes

307 (84.57)

51 (14.05)

No Response

5 (1.38)

Grand Total

363 (100.00)

4.2.9 Training and Capacity Building Requirements

(a) Any training imparted by any other agency on water conservation and water management

Only 53, i.e., 15% women responded that they have received some kind of training on water

management or conservation (Figure 4.13).

Figure 4.13

Training imparted by any other agency on

water conservation and water management

Figure 4.14

Willingness of women for skill enhancement

programme/ training on water related issues

(b) Interest in having a training/skill enhancement programme on water resource management and

conservation.

310 (85%) women responded that they are interested in availing training for water management and

water conservation (Figure 4.14).

Figure 4.15 shows that out of 363 women, a total of 248 (68%) were willing to avail training for one-

to-three days.

On the other hand, while asking about the no. of hours in a day, 237 (65%) women respondents

preferred one-to-three hours training in a day. While enquiring the reason for the same, most of the

women opined that since they need to complete household chores as well as some agriculture field

related activities also, thus it would be very difficult to spare more than 4-5 hours per day for training

(Figure 4.16).

15%

85%

Yes

85%

15%

Yes

Figure 4.15

Preferable training days as suggested by the

women respondents

Figure 4.16

Preferable training hours/ day as suggested by the

women respondents

(d) Preferable Subject or Topic for the Trainings/ Workshops

Figure 4.17 captures the multiple responses from the respondents. The figure shows that while

preferring the topic or subject for the training – most of the women opted for (a) how to store

rainwater (b) how to maintain and take care of a Johad (c) how to increase groundwater level and (d)

how to rejuvenate other water conservation structures such as anicut and so on.

Figure 4.17: Preferable Subject or Topic for the Trainings/ Workshops

After analysis of the data collected through the Needs Assessment Survey, it has been found that

working on one’s own farm and livestock was the major source of income for these households, and

adding agricultural wages to that comprised of more than 50% of the total household income. This

shows that there was great dependency on natural resources for income and livelihood in the area.

The average income of the sample was low, with 46% households earning between Rs.5000 to

Rs.10,000 per month.

16%

30%

22%

18%

1-Day

2-Days

3-Days

4-5 Days

> 5 Days

No Response

12%

33%

20%

11%

15%

1-Hour

2-Hours

3-Hours

4-Hours

5 & Above Hours

No Response

208

238

143

235

How to increase groundwater level

How to store rainwater

How to rejuvenate unattended anicut

How to maintain & takecare of Johad

Husband and other family members were decision-makers, while women were excluded from making

decisions in core areas of their own lives where they devote the most time and labour, which reflects

the devaluation of unpaid labour work, care work, and house work that women provide.

Borewells were the major source of water for both drinking as well as agricultural purposes, as

deduced from the data and observed during field visits. Moreover, storage of water was a common

practice. The distance of water sources from houses was less than 500 meters for 65% of the

responses. Half of the women reported that fetching water multiple times had caused a variety of

health issues ranging from body aches, tiredness, to hair fall.

Women seek pond rejuvenation for primarily three reasons. First, community ponds will allow their

livestock to drink and bathe easily, increase milk production, and eventually increase income from

livestock and even add more livestock in their homes. Secondly, rejuvenation work will bring along

wage work which will aid in temporary income increase. Lastly, increase in groundwater level will

provide more water to them in borewells.

From the plethora of traditional water structures that exits in the area, most willingness shown by

women was in rejuvenating Johads, followed by Anicuts.

Chapter V:

Summary Discussion

CHAPTER V: SUMMARY DISCUSSION

The survey results have been broadly classified into eight broad categories – demographic and socio-

economic details of the respondents, participation in local governance, decision making role in the

family, status of water availability in households, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding water

conservation, status of current water conservation and management structures, willingness to work

on water conservation structures, and lastly, training and capacity building requirements.

I. Socio and Demographic Status

Majority of the respondents were from OBC category (55.10%) cumulatively in all the blocks. Only in

two blocks, Kishangarh Bas and Umren, most respondents were from SC category with 58.06% and

76.09%, respectively. In other 5 blocks OBCs were the most prominent with 48.98% population in

Mundawar, and 75.93% in Ramgarh. It was found that 34.99% women belonged to the age group of

41-60 years, followed by 33.06% of 31-40 years old. 21.76% of the respondents were in the age group

of 19-30 years. 7.71% and 0.83% belonged to Above 60 and Below 18 age groups, respectively. Most

of the respondents were in the age group of 18-60 years comprising 89.81% of the total sample. Data

shows that 87.33% were married, while 9.09% were widowed. Survey results shows that 74.93%

women respondents lived in households with more than 5 family members. As per average of the

district, only 17.91% households had 4 members, ranging from 9.26% in Ramgarh to 28.00% in

Thanagazi. Most of the survey respondents (59.78%) have had No Schooling, however, 22.59% have

completed their education till 5

standard, 8.82% have completed till 10

, 4.68% have studied till 12

class and 4.13% have done Graduation/ Post-Graduation.

II. Economic Status

Cumulatively in all the blocks, based on the multiple responses, income from ‘Own Farm’ (18.09%)

and income from ‘Animal Husbandry’ (18.66%) contribute the same amount to the household income.

This was followed by ‘Agricultural Wages’ from other’s farm at 16.10%, ‘MGNREGA’ work at 14.68%,

12.88% income from ‘Daily Wage Labour’ work in the village, 6.25% from ‘Small Businesses’, and 5.30%

from ‘Crop Trade’ and ‘Other Work’ including driver, government job, electrician, etc. include 8.05%.

Data shows that 4% of the households fall in the poorest of the poor category since their monthly

household earnings are less than Rs.3000. 11% of the total respondents earn less than or equal to

Rs.5000. The households that earn more than Rs.5000 but less than Rs.10000 form the majority i.e.

41%, a similar percentage (40%) also earns more than Rs.10000 per month as a household.

III. Participation in Local Governance

All 363 respondents were asked whether they are part of a self-help-group in their village as well as if

they are also part of the elected body i.e., gram panchayat either as a Ward Panch (Ward Member) or

Sarpanch (Village Head). Overall, 51.24% women were not an SHG member and remaining 48.76%

were members. Block wise analysis shows that Kishangarh Bas and Umren had most membership at

79.03% and 73.91%, respectively. Whereas, Thanagazi (26.00%), and Bansur (26.00%) blocks had the

least SHG membership. This also shows that these blocks may have low/ no penetration of SHG

initiative. A total of 16 women from the entire sample were Ward Panch, or Sarpanch, i.e., Elected

Women Representatives of the Panchayati Raj Institution. Of which 5 were from Kishangarh and

Umren blocks each, followed by 3 from Tijara, 2 from Bansur, and a single woman from Ramgarh block.

IV. Decision-making

It is widely recognized that women play a significant role in the progress and development of any

nation. Unfortunately, women’s involvement is limited due to entrenched traditional values and

negative actions from their families and society as a whole. The position of women in society is

indicated by their legal entitlements, educational opportunities, health well-being, employment

opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes. Various societal, cultural, and religious

beliefs have led to the enactment of biased laws and the perpetuation of discriminatory practices that

hinder women from fulfilling their rightful roles in both society and the economy. In many countries,

persistent discrimination against women, from a very young age to old age, has consistently hindered

their access to education, opportunities for income generation, and economic independence. This

discrimination has, in turn, led to a decline in their societal standing.

Some researchers suggested that women’s role is an essential constituent which develops the human

structure of family and society. The inclusive development of society and nation greatly depends upon

women’s participation in the majority of the socio-economic and political activities. Another study

explained that women empowerment is essential for sustainable economic growth and reduction of

poverty in developing countries. Although women’s empowerment is not a sufficient condition, it is

still a necessary condition for the development process. Economically empowered women play a more

active role in household decision-making, with greater bargaining power and increased spending on

education and development.

The crucial parameters regarding women, such as their freedom of movement, involvement in family

matters, the decision in the purchase of home assets, agricultural investments and family planning

such as expenses on education of children, expenses towards the marriage of children, etc. are chosen

to ascertain the degree of women empowerment in the study area. From the data, it is evident that

in health care, agriculture, livestock, land, and vehicle purchase, it is the husband and other family

members of the household except the women who make the decisions. It is noteworthy that despite

certain activities like - caring for the sick person in the family, laborious agriculture work like sowing,

weeding, planting, post-harvest work, and livestock rearing – being the responsibility of women of the

household, they are given little to no power over making decisions for these crucial aspects of their

life. It is pertinent to mention that regarding household and kitchen expenses women predominantly

are liable to make decisions. In matters regarding children, whether marriage or education, mostly the

woman is also part of the decision-making process along with her husband, and/or other family

members.

V. Status of Water

According to a recent report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people around

the world do not have safely managed drinking water services. The report reveals that 1.8 billion

people have gained access to basic drinking water services since 2000, but there are vast inequalities

in the accessibility, availability and quality of these services. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people (785

million) still lack basic services, including the 144 million who drink untreated surface water. The data

shows that 8 in 10 people living in rural areas lacked access to these services and in one in four

countries with estimates for different wealth groups, coverage of basic services among the richest was

at least twice as high as among the poorest.

Closing inequality gaps in the accessibility, quality and availability of water should be at the heart of

government funding and planning strategies. To relent on investment plans for universal coverage is

to undermine decades worth of progress at the expense of coming generations. Thus, Governments

must invest in their communities if we are going to bridge these economic and geographic divides and

deliver this essential human right.

The survey results show that majority of the households were dependent on borewells (86%),

followed by 7% of the households were getting their water needs fulfilled through piped water supply.

The sources of water for domestic purpose were hand pumps (1%), pond (1%), water supply through

tanker (2%), and there were 3% of the households depending on well for their water consumption

needs. In all the blocks except Ramgarh (67%), safe drinking water was available to more than 80% of

the respondents, with highest proportion in Thanagazi (94%). For 65.29% respondents the distance

from their home to the source of water was less than 500 meters, for 14.33% it was between 0.6 to 1

km, and for 11.57% it was more than 1 km. Also, 8.82% women were not required to go fetch water

as there was some kind of water supply available at home. A total of 172 (47.38%) of 363 have said

they experienced health issues due to fetching water. The most common issues faced by the women

were overall body pain and tiredness. Some women suffered from neck pain, back pain, headaches,

pain in hands, and/or hair fall (due to carrying water vessels on head for long duration and at several

times in a day).

Almost all the women responded that they regularly store water in their households. All respondents

used more than one method to store water. Based on the multiple responses, it was found that

majority store water in buckets, followed by water drums and utensils. Almost equal percentage use

water bottles as well as underground water tank to store water. Similar trend of water storage was

found in all study blocks. Overall, 61.98% women responded that there was no supply of water tankers

in their village. Only 34.71% women had access to a tanker.

Based on multiple responses 306 women responded that they use Johad for their water needs,

followed by Kund/ Water Tank (52 responses). Responses for Earthen dam/ mitti ke paal and Jhalara/

step well are 36 and 21 respectively. Data shows that 80.72% of the total respondents across all seven

blocks did not store rain water in their homes.

Analysis shows that 68.04% of the total respondents know about the pond rejuvenation work in their

area/ village. Little more than 50% also shared that the community has benefited from the pond

rejuvenation work in the past, some of the benefits listed by the respondents are (a) more water is

available for their livestock to drink and bathe in, this was followed by (b) wages, which they got due

to MGNREGA work, that was availed to rejuvenate ponds, (c) increase in the groundwater level, which

led to better water supply in their borewells. However, in villages where previously rejuvenation work

had been done, many respondents also mentioned that pond rejuvenation had not been a success

due to overall lack of rain and water scarcity.

A total of 238 women who responded that women were involved in pond rejuvenation work

mentioned that the primary benefit they felt from the work was that they got MGNREGA work. This

shows that employment opportunities are a priority to the community, this reflects a disconnection

from the understanding of how water availability can directly and indirectly lead to enhance the

sources of income and enhanced livelihoods.

VI. Water Conservation through Pond Renovation

Survey results shows that 68.04% of the total respondents know about the pond rejuvenation work in

their area/ village. Little more than 50% also shared that the community has benefited from the pond

rejuvenation work in the past, some of the benefits listed by the respondents are (a) more water is

available for their livestock to drink and bathe in, this was followed by (b) wages, which they got due

to MGNREGA work, that was availed to rejuvenate ponds, (c) increase in the groundwater level, which

led to better water supply in their borewells. However, in villages where previously rejuvenation work

had been done, many respondents also mentioned that pond rejuvenation had not been a success

due to overall lack of rain and water scarcity.

A total of 238 women who responded that women were involved in pond rejuvenation work

mentioned that the primary benefit they felt from the work was that they got MGNREGA work. This

shows that employment opportunities are a priority to the community, this reflects a disconnection

from the understanding of how water availability can directly and indirectly lead to enhance the

sources of income and enhanced livelihoods.

VII. Status of Current Water Conservation and Management Structures

Survey results shows that 43.52% responded that the status of current structures is good, 20.12%

responded that there was not any built structure for water management and conservation in their

village. 28.10% responded that the built structures were not good and not benefitted them. Few other

issues (8.26%) noted by respondents were that structures are breaking down; hold very little water

due to lack of rain; needed renovation; were getting destroyed in events of heavy rain; were used to

put even garbage sometimes by few residents of the village; hence decreased the quality of water;

etc.

Approximately two-third of the respondents (68.32%) mentioned that most of the community water

supply systems are clean and maintained. The main reason mentioned for poorly maintained

structures that has been recorded is that the structures over the course of time had muddy water as

there had been no de-silting, and garbage was also thrown by other villagers in those structures.

19.83% responded that they were willing to contribute towards maintenance of these water

structures. Of those 19.83% most have said that they would help by cleaning the structures, de-silting,

along with not putting garbage in them.

Analysis shows that 61.71% have mentioned that they were unsatisfied with the government on their

work regarding resolving water issues in villages. Primary reason for this was government’s inaction

towards any water-related initiative in the respective villages. Other reasons included huge distance

from borewell, pipe installed but no water supply was ensured, water quality was low, sarpanch did

not cooperate or heed to their requests for better water measures, access to tanker was difficult due

to price or distance, and many such more. Only 38.29% of the 363 respondents were satisfied with

government interventions, most of these houses have piped water supply or borewell connections.

VIII. Willingness to work to construct water management/construction structures

Based on the multiple responses, Johad (151 responses) was the most desired water structure,

followed by Anicut (73 responses). The willingness for water tank, borewell, and piped water

connection stands at 37, 38 and 66 responses, respectively. This shows that a significant number of

women would prefer having personal water connections than community water resources, this

indicates lessening dependency on agriculture, livestock, or other livelihood sources that require

community water resources. It was found that 85% of the respondents opined that creation of

“Nadies/Pond/Anicut/Earthen Paal” will certainly support the existing water conservation structures.

IX. Training and Capacity Building

Only 53, i.e., 15% women responded that they have received some kind of training on water

management or conservation. A total of 310 (85%) women responded that they are interested in

availing training for water management and water conservation. Survey results shows that out of 363

women, a total of 248 (68%) were willing to avail training for one-to-three days. On the other hand,

while asking about the number of hours in a day, 237 (65%) women respondents preferred one-to-

three hours training in a day. While enquiring the reason for the same, most of the women opined

that since they need to complete household chores as well as some agriculture field related activities

also, thus it would be very difficult to spare more than 4-5 hours per day for training.

Based on multiple responses from the respondents, it was found that that while preferring the topic

or subject for the training – most of the women opted for (a) how to store rainwater (b) how to

maintain and take care of a Johad (c) how to increase groundwater level and (d) how to rejuvenate

other water conservation structures such as anicut and so on.

Chapter VI:

Conclusion and Way Forward

CHAPTER VI: CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD

After analysis of the data collected through the Needs Assessment Survey, it has been found that

working on one’s own farm and livestock was the major source of income for these households, and

adding agricultural wages to that comprised of more than 50% of the total household income. This

shows that there was great dependency on natural resources for income and livelihood in the area.

The average income of the sample was low, with 46% households earned between Rs.5000 to

Rs.10,000 per month.

Husband and other family members were decision-makers, while women were excluded from making

decisions in core areas of their own lives where they devote the most time and labour, which reflects

the devaluation of unpaid labour work, care work, and house work that women provide.

Borewells were the major source of water for both drinking as well as agricultural purposes as deduced

from the data and observed during field visits. Moreover, storage of water was a common practice.

Distance of water source from houses was less than 500 meters for 65% of the responses. Half of the

women reported that fetching water multiple times had caused a variety of health issues ranging from

body aches, tiredness, to hair fall.

Women seek pond rejuvenation for primarily three reasons. First, community ponds will allow their

livestock to drink and bathe easily, increase milk production, and eventually increase income from

livestock and even add more livestock in their homes. Secondly, rejuvenation work will bring along

wage work which will aid in temporary income increase. Lastly, increase in groundwater level will

provide more water to them in borewells.

From the plethora of traditional water structures that exits in the area, most willingness shown by

women was in rejuvenating Johads, followed by Anicuts.

The survey has been able to give important insights into the knowledge gap regarding water

conservation and management in the study area, the current practices, as well as interest of women

of the area.

As per the data, only 15% women had received any kind of training earlier regarding water

management and conservation. About 86%, a significant proportion of the sample, were interested in

being trained. However, they requested that the training be organized at village level or block level,

as it will become challenging for them on various aspects if trainings are kept at district level in Alwar.

The topics that women were most interested in were rainwater harvesting, Johad rejuvenation,

groundwater level increase, and anicuts in decreasing order of preference.

After analyzing women’s low decision-making power in vital aspects of their own lives, and low socio-

economic status, they must be empowered to have more control over private and public spheres of

their own lives. Thus, the trainings must go beyond technical knowledge on water conservation and

management, and also focus on empowering them to realize themselves as key stakeholders in water

management and conservation at the community level.

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37 
 
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Annexure – I: Environmental Aributes – Block wise Environmental Aributes

Broad Category

No.

Aributes

Block Name

Alwar

Total

Tijara

(1)

Kishangarh

(2)

Bansur

(3)

Umren

(4)

Mundawar

(5)

Ramgarh

(6)

Thanagazi

(7)

Administrave

Set-up

1.1

Populaon (2001 Census)

2,80,772

2,08,973

2,14,351

4,82,387

1,97,582

2,20,219

1,89,977

29,86,982

1.2

Area (sq km)

680.2

507.5

693.2

1017.1

590.2

638.0

843.4

8,382.9

1.3

% of District Area

8.1

6.1

8.3

12.0

7.0

7.6

10.1

100.0

1.4

Total No. of Towns & Villages

207

142

132

156

142

173

159

2,003

Topography

2.1

Minimum Elevaon (m amsl

)

190.3

244.0

308.2

239.2

260.7

213.8

328.3

2.2

Maximum Elevaon (m amsl)

433.9

514.7

771.1

677.4

609.4

447.7

716.3

Rainfall

3.1

Minimum Annual Rainfall (mm)

495.2

728.2

538.6

761.2

533.2

748.6

805.7

3.2

Maximum Annual Rainfall (mm)

839.5

871.8

903.5

884.5

947.7

980.8

937.3

3.3

Average Annual Rainfall (mm)

648.6

807.3

756.8

830.4

747.3

854.7

887.7

Categorizaon

on the

basis of stage of

development of ground

water

4.1

Over Exploited

YES

4.2

Noed

Depth to Water Level

(in metre bgl

)

(Pre-Monsoon-2010)

Area coverage (sq km)

5.1

<10

1.9

5.9

6.6

24.8

5.2

10-20

470.6

78.3

75.1

130.0

24.1

301.3

237.8

2,532.4

5.3

20-30

162.9

191.2

317.6

109.5

316.5

163.8

341.9

2,588.8

5.4

30-40

143.5

166.7

263.6

209.9

109.2

67.6

1,368.8

5.5

40-50

56.7

50.9

231.4

30.0

11.8

5.1

625.9

5.6

50-60

11.5

281.9

5.7

>60

3.7

37.9

Water Table Elevaon (m

amsl) (Pre-Monsoon-

2010)

Area coverage (sq km)

6.1

<200

10.9

329.7

6.2

200-220

9.7

117.7

238.9

1,115.2

6.3

220-240

9.6

137.3

192.5

331.6

1,056.1

6.4

240-260

224.7

132.0

187.7

114.4

10.6

1,340.1

6.5

260-280

231.4

190.5

1.8

78.7

321.6

1,292.9

6.6

280-300

145.8

0.2

59.5

77.7

127.2

611.0

6.7

300-320

22.0

212.8

30.7

17.3

406.7

6.8

320-340

151.9

25.5

11.8

288.8

6.9

340-360

172.8

13.5

111.3

361.2

6.10

360-380

28.6

5.8

180.0

248.3

6.11

380-400

2.9

164.8

196.8

6.12

400-440

1.8

190.9

213.3

Broad Category

No.

Aributes

Block Name

Alwar

Total

Tijara

(1)

Kishangarh

(2)

Bansur

(3)

Umren

(4)

Mundawar

(5)

Ramgarh

(6)

Thanagazi

(7)

6.13

>440

0.2

0.4

Water Level Fluctuaon

Range (in metre)

(Pre to Post Monsoon

2010)

Area coverage (sq km)

7.1

<-6

0.8

7.2

-6 – -4

2.8

7.3

-4 – -2

9.9

0.4

1.2

25.6

7.4

-2 – 0

87.9

24.8

106.5

94.7

26.0

7.9

9.4

747.0

7.5

0 – 2

418.4

250.5

408.8

209.0

530.7

260.7

163.4

3,787.6

7.6

2 – 4

127.2

194.4

81.2

322.8

23.8

318.4

148.0

1,940.2

7.7

4 – 6

17.4

107.6

5.0

228.0

729.6

7.8

6 – 8

109.0

189.5

7.9

8 – 10

23.2

7.10

10 – 12

10.6

7.11

>12

3.6

Ground Water Electrical

Conducvity Distribuon

Electrical Conducvity

Ranges (µS/cm at 25⁰C)

(Ave. of years 2005-09)

Area coverage (sq km)

8.1

<2000

633.5

(100%)

398.4

(84.8%)

620.0

(98.8%)

734.5

(100%)

444.6

(76.5%)

326.2

(55.1%)

624.4

(94.7%)

5,522.7

8.2

2000 – 4000

67.6

(14.4%)

7.4

(1.2%)

105.3

(18.2%)

213.2

(36.0%)

32.7

(5.0%)

1,507.8

8.3

>4000

3.7

(0.8%)

30.6

(5.3%)

52.6

(8.9%)

1.9

(0.3%)

430.0

Ground Water Chloride

Distribuon Chloride

Concentraon Range

(mg/l)

(Ave. of years 2005-09)

Area coverage (sq km)

9.1

<250

631.4

(99.7%)

354.1

(75.0%)

596.7

(95.0%)

707.0

(96.3%)

397.6

(68.5%)

194.8

(32.9%)

582.0

(88.3%)

4,828

9.2

250 – 1000

2.1

(0.3%)

115.4

(25.0%)

30.7

(5.0%)

27.5

(3.7%)

169.3

(29.2%)

346.2

(58.5%)

77.0

(11.7%)

2,297.5

9.3

>1000

0.2

13.6

(2.3%)

51.0

(8.6%)

334.7

Ground Water Fluoride

Distribuon Fluoride

Concentraon Range

(mg/l)

(Ave. of years 2005-09)

Area coverage (sq km)

10.1

<1.5

605.5

(95.6%)

444.2

(94.6%)

537.0

(85.6%)

696.7

(94.9%)

500.3

(86.2%)

296.8

(50.1%)

604.6

(92.0%)

5,966.4

10.2

1.5 – 3.0

21.1

(3.3%)

25.5

(5.4%)

81.7

(13.0%)

37.8

(5.1%)

80.2

(13.8%)

235.9

(39.9%)

54.4

(8.0%)

1,142.8

10.3

>3.0

6.9

(1.1%)

8.7

(1.4%)

59.3

(10.0%)

351.3

Broad Category

No.

Aributes

Block Name

Alwar

Total

Tijara

(1)

Kishangarh

(2)

Bansur

(3)

Umren

(4)

Mundawar

(5)

Ramgarh

(6)

Thanagazi

(7)

Ground Water Nitrate

Distribuon

Nitrate Concentraon

Range (mg/l)

(Ave. of years 2005-09)

Area coverage (sq km)

11.1

<50

145.5

(23.0%)

198.2

(42.2%)

414.8

(66.1%)

653.0

(88.9%)

295.3

(50.9%)

324.2

(54.7%)

411.6

(62.5%)

4,425.8

11.2

50-100

292.7

(46.2%)

161.7

(34.4%)

167.7

(26.7%)

63.8

(8.7%)

246.2

(42.4%)

140.0

(23.7%)

186.6

(28.3%)

2,171.2

11.3

>100

195.3

(30.8%)

109.8

(23.4%)

44.9

(7.2%)

17.7

(2.4%)

39.0

(6.7%)

127.8

(21.6%)

60.8

(9.2%)

863.5

Depth to Bedrock

(m bgl)

Area coverage (sq km)

12.1

<40

18.2

(2.9%)

18.2

12.2

40-60

38.1

(6.0%)

164.6

(35.0%)

118.9

(19.0%)

177.3

(24.1%)

16.1

(2.8%)

9.0

(1.5%)

577.8

(87.7%)

1,219.8

12.3

60-80

117.7

(18.6%)

301.0

(64.1%)

279.5

(44.5%)

556.3

(75.8%)

345.7

(59.5%)

313.1

(52.9%)

81.2

(12.3%)

3,052.4

12.4

80-100

165.5

(26.1%)

4.1

(0.9%)

229.0

(36.5%)

0.9

(0.1%)

148.5

(25.6%)

269.7

(45.6%)

2,206.1

12.5

100-120

196.4

(31.0%)

70.2

(12.1%)

0.2

744.6

12.6

>120

97.6

(15.4%)

219.4

Unconned Aquifer

in alluvial areas

Thickness (m)

Area coverage (sq km)

13.1

<10

78.1

221.5

422.7

396.2

423.8

147.7

146.9

3,031.1

13.2

10-20

284.4

152.8

164.7

79.6

118.3

257.6

2.3

1,953.9

13.3

20-30

153.2

9.5

30.2

4.2

25.8

137.3

652.7

13.4

30-40

83.9

1.5

49.2

258.5

13.5

40-50

30.2

57.2

13.6

50-60

2.0

6.5

13.7

60-70

1.0

1.1

13.8

>70

0.5

Unconned Aquifer

in hardrock areas

Thickness (m)

Area coverage (sq km)

14.1

<10

0.2

55.0

3.4

130.9

7.8

0.2

177.7

850.8

14.2

10-20

24.5

4.9

123.6

4.8

328.7

638.3

14.3

20-30

6.4

3.4

9.9

14.4

30-40

14.5

40-50

14.6

50-60

14.7

60-70

Broad Category

No.

Aributes

Block Name

Alwar

Total

Tijara

(1)

Kishangarh

(2)

Bansur

(3)

Umren

(4)

Mundawar

(5)

Ramgarh

(6)

Thanagazi

(7)

14.8

>70

Notes:

AMSL-above mean sea level

Basis for categorizaon: Ground water development >100% - Over-Exploited. In Noed blocks development of ground water is not permied.

bgl – below ground level.

Figures in the parenthesis are percentages of the total column in that category.

Ground Water Electrical Conducvity Distribuon - Electrical Conducvity Ranges (µS/cm at 25⁰C) - (Ave. of years 2005-09): The areas with low EC values in

ground water (<2000 µS/cm) is suitable for domesc purpose. The high EC values in ground water (>4000 µS/cm), is not suitable for domesc purpose.

Ground Water Chloride Distribuon - Chloride Concentraon Range (mg/l) - (Ave. of years 2005-09): (<250 mg/l) is suitable for domesc purpose. The high

chloride concentraon (>1000 mg/l) in the ground water is not suitable for domesc purpose.

Ground Water Fluoride Distribuon - Fluoride concentraon range (mg/l) - (Ave. of years 2005-09): The areas with (<1.5 mg/l) are suitable for domesc

purpose.

Ground Water Nitrate Distribuon - Nitrate concentraon range (mg/l) - (Ave. of years 2005-09): Low nitrate concentraon (<50 mg/l) in ground water is

suitable for agriculture purpose.

Depth to Bedrock (m bgl): The bedrock depth from the ground level - The areas in the central part of Alwar have moderately deep bedrock at around 60 to 80

meters below the ground level.

Unconned aquifer in alluvial areas: Most part of the district has thick cover of alluvium. In unconned condions the alluvial aquifer aains a thickness of

more than 70m. The general thickness is up to 40m. In most parts of the district aquifer is spread with moderate thickness of up to 20m, in general, and in

some pockets aaining more than >40m thickness. The maximum thickness of alluvium has noced in the Tijara block.

Unconned aquifer hard rock areas: Weathered, fractured and jointed rock formaons occurring at shallower depths constute good unconned aquifers.

Such zone ranges in thickness from less than 10m to slightly more than 20m and occurring along the fringes of hills in the southwestern parts of the district.

Environmental Aributes – Exploratory Wells (CGWB and RGWB)

Broad Category

No.

Aributes

Block Name

Total

Tijara

(1)

Kishangarh

(2)

Bansur

(3)

Umren

(4)

Mundawar

(5)

Ramgarh

(6)

Thanagazi

(7)

Exploratory wells

(in Nos.)

15.1

CGWB

15.2

RGWB

170

Ground water

monitoring staons

(in Nos.)

16.1

CGWB

16.2

RGWB

Recommended

addional wells for

opmizaon of

monitoring network

(in Nos.)

17.1

Water level

17.2

Water quality

160

CGWB: Central Ground Water Board

RGWB: Rajasthan Ground Water Board

The district has a well distributed network of large number of exploratory wells (310) and ground water monitoring staons (177) owned by RGWD (268 and

116 respecvely) and CGWB (42 and 61 respecvely). The exploratory wells have formed the basis for delineaon of subsurface aquifer distribuon scenario

in three dimensions. Benchmarking and opmizaon studies suggest that ground water level monitoring should be strengthened by adding 54 addional wells

in six blocks and 232 addional wells to eecvely monitor the water quality

Aquifers:

Aquifers are formed primarily in Older alluvium and Quartzite. Weathered and fractured parts of the massive quartzite contribute to aquifer formaon whereas

the sandy, gravelly and other granular parts of alluvium constute aquifers. Quartzite forms about 22% of the area and occurs along the fringes of hilly parts

in the southwestern parts of the district. The alluvium is the principal aquifer in this district as it occupies more than 67% of the district in eastern, northern

and western parts. Typical sandy horizons constute aquifers in alluvial areas

Aquifer in Potenal Zone

Area (in Sq. Km.)

Descripon of the unit/Occurrence

Older Alluvium

5,629.0 (67.2%)

This litho unit comprises of mixture of heterogeneous ne to medium grained sand, silt and kankar.

Quartzite

1,831.5 (21.8)

Medium to coarse grained and varies from feldspathic grit to sericic quartzite.

Non-Potenal Zone (Hills)

922.4 (11.0)

Annexure – II

NEEDS ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

  /  

GWCC DEPARTMENT, CSR INDIA

Target group: SHG Leaders & Elected Women Representaves

Please ll in the blanks or put a ✓ (ck mark) next to the word or answer the phrase that best

matches your response.





        ✓ ( )         

      

Locaon: Alwar, Rajasthan: : , 

Date: 

Block: :

Gram Panchayat:  

Ward No.:  :

Village Name:   :

Data Collected by (Interviewer’s Name):

  

Signature: 

General Quesons:  :

(1) Name of the respondent:





 :

(2) Caste 

GEN

OBC

Others

Code

(3) What is your age?

?

Under 18

18 ( )

19 – 30

31 – 40

41 – 60

Above 60

(60  )

Code

(4) Are you a member of any SHG

      



          

Yes (

No (

Code

What is the name of your SHG.

   



    

(5) Are you a Sarpanch/ Ward Panch?

  /   ?

Yes (

No (

Code

(6) What is your marital status?

    ?

Code

Married 

Widowed 

Separated    

Divorced 





Single 

(7) How many members are there in your family?

     ?

Code

More than 5 (5  )

(8) Household Monthly Income

   

Code

Below 3000 (3000  )

3001 – 5000 (3001  5000)

5001 – 10000 (5001  10000)

More than 10000 (10000  )

(9) Major Source of Income

  



 

Code

Daily labour work in the village   /   

Working under MGNREGA     

Income from own farm     

Agricultural wages from other’s farm 



    



 





Trading of crops   

Engaged in small business     

Engaged with animal husbandry 



  



 

Others 

(10) Educaonal Qualicaon



Code

Graduaon   

12th Pass 12 

10th Pass 10 

5th Pass 5 

Never went to school  



  

(11) Who makes major decision of the family?

  



    ?

Self



Husband &

Others

Healthcare expenses ,   

1.1

1.9

Household & Kitchen Expenses 



   

2.1

2.9

Agriculture related expenses 



  

3.1

3.9

Livestock related expenses 



 / 

4.1

4.9

Land purchase 



/  / 

5.1

5.9

Marriage of o springs      

6.1

6.9

Expenses for children      

7.1

7.9

Vehicle purchase  / 

8.1

8.9

(12) Women’s parcipaon in Gram Panchayat Meeng

       

Code

Never  

Somemes  – 

Always 

Technical Quesons: :

(13) Major Source of Water

  



 

Code

Well 



 

Pond 

Bore well  

Hand Pump  

Piped water supply     





(14) Is safe drinking water available in your area or village?

      



   ?

Code

Yes ()

No ()

(15) Do you store water regularly?

     ?

Code

Yes ()

No ()

(16) If yes, then how do you store water?

 ,         ?

Code

Water Drums  

Buckets  

Water Barrels    

Regular Water Boles     

Utensils  

Underground water tank   



  

(17) Do you follow any water conservaon techniques? If yes, choose from below?

        ?  ,    



?

Code

Taalaab 

Johads 

Kund 



 

Jhalara 

Nadi / 

Earthen Dam/ Earthen Paal   /   

(18) What is the importance of water in your life?

       ?

(19) Do you store rain water?

      ?  ,    



?

Code

Yes ()

No ()

(20) Do you have piped water connecon (Govt. water supply) in your house?

       ?

Code

Yes ()

No ()

(21) From where do you fetch water for drinking purpose? How far is it from your

house or village (in kms)?

      ?        



  (  





)?

Code

0.50 Kms  

0.60 to 1.00 Kms  

Above 1.00 Kms  

(22) Do you have supply of water through water tankers in your area? If yes, how

much do they cost/ rate per tanker?

       ?  ,     ?

(23) Have you suered from any health issues due to fetching of water? If yes, please

specify the kind of disease.

           ?  ,  



   

  

(24) Do you have any knowledge on the Pond Renovaon/ Rejuvanaon work

implemented in your area?          

(       ?

Code

Yes ()

No ()

(25) Do you think that has beneted your neighbourhood? If yes, why and if no,

why?           



 ?  ,   

   ?

If yes, why  ,  

if no, why?    ?

(26) Were women involved in the pond renovaon/ rejuvenaon acvies? What role did

SHGs (women) play during the project?

        ?    

  



   



 ?

(27) How are the exisng merbandi/check dams/ Earthen Paal status - running?

/        ?

(28) Is the neighbouring area of water supply systems maintained/ clean by communies

so that clean drinking water can be collected? If so, which iniaves are you aempng to

take?

 



  



      



      

    

(29) Are you sased with the measures taken by government to deal with the water

related problems in your area or village? If no, why?

                 

   



 ?  ,  ?

(30) What new construcons related to water conservaon would you like to work upon/

see?                 ?

(31) Will creaon of “Nadies/ Pond/ Anicut/ Earthen Paal” help or support the exisng

water conservaon structures?  “ /  / / 

  



      ?

(32) Is there any training programme conducted by any agency on water

conservaon and water management in your area/ village?

  /             

    

Code

Yes ()

No ()

(33) Do you want any skill enhancement programme/ training on water resource

management and water conservaon acvies?

            





/   

Code

Yes ()

No ()

(34) If yes, for how many days and how many hours per day?

 ,      ,   /   

No. of days   

No. of hours per day     

(35) On what subject/ theme/ topic, you would want to learn

  / /     

Code

How to maintain and take care of a Johad

         

How to rejuvenate unaended anicut for beer water conservaon?

    



     

()   

How to store rain water, some techniques?

       , 



  

How to increase the ground water level?





     /    

Any other area?

   -    /   

(36) Do you know/ are aware of water related schemes in your area (Alwar,

Rajasthan)?

    (, )         

1. Name of the Water scheme

   

(37) Any further suggesons on water resource management and water conservaon from

the parcipants.

 





Photos from the field while data collection was carried out in Umren block

Ms. Sushma, from Alwar Team of CSR,

conducting survey in Tijara block

Mr. Gourav from Alwar Team of CSR conducting

sruvery in Ramgarh Block

Gender, Water and Climate Change Department

CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH

2024