Activities

The GCF project, titled "Ground water recharge and Solar Micro Irrigation to ensure food security and enhance resilience in vulnerable tribal areas of Odisha", aims to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable development in the state of Odisha, India.

Aim/Primary Objective of the GCF Project: The primary objective of this project is to enhance groundwater recharge in the community ponds through structural adaptation measures and use of solar pumps for micro-irrigation to ensure water security and food security in the vulnerable areas of the state of Odisha, India.

Sub-Objectives of the Project: The sub-objectives to achieve its primary aim:

• Augmentation of groundwater recharge to improve water table and water quality conditions in rural areas (Gram Panchayat) through the adoption of recharge systems in existing village ponds/tanks.
• Sustainability of groundwater-based schemes (domestic/irrigation) at the Gram Panchayat level, including the revival of defunct community tanks used as drinking water sources for reducing vulnerability.
• Use of solar pumps for irrigation as a component of a low-emission, climate-resilient crop planning strategy.
• Increased climate-resilient sustainable development.
• Enhanced livelihoods and increased resilience for the most vulnerable people, communities, and regions.
• Increased resilience of health and well-being, and food and water security.
• Promotion of a sustainable strategy for energy security through low-emission crop water management.
• Create a knowledge base for enabling policy and regulatory framework for market transformation

Components and Activities of the GCF Project: The project is structured into seven main components, each with specific outputs and activities:

Output 1.1: Baseline study for 10,000 tanks are conducted and database developed

• Output 1.2: Tank improvement plan and estimate for the recharge shaft installation developed

Output 1.2: Tank improvement plan and estimate for the recharge shaft installation developed

• Activity 1.2.1: Consultation cost for Development of implementable SOP (Through Workshop) This involves consultations, likely through workshops, to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the tank improvement plans. These plans will guide the desiltation, soil use, and treatment of catchment areas and tank beds, ensuring community participation.
• Activity 1.2.2: SOP distribution in tank area to Jalsathis (21000 Copies@ 25 each approximately) This activity focuses on disseminating the developed SOPs to "Jalsathis" (para-professionals) and communities in tank areas to guide implementation.

Output 1.3: Standard Operating procedure for installation and maintenance developed

• Activity 1.3.1: Development of Standard Operating procedure for installation and maintenance This activity specifically entails preparing detailed SOPs for the installation of recharge systems and the ongoing maintenance of tanks and solar systems.

Output 1.4: Ground water recharge system installed in 10000 tanks

• Activity 1.4.1: Ground water recharge system installation in 10000 tanks This is a core construction activity, focusing on installing groundwater recharge systems in 10,000 tanks. Each system is assumed to include five recharge wells to facilitate water movement to underlying aquifers.