[highwaylover]

Originally Posted by DKG

He will be initiating work on creating a check dam on a runoff stream near Uma Maheshwaram where there already is a waterhole.

....

It may mean excavating tanks along these streams. Obviously it has to be done in a scientific manner so this will be in consultation with scientists specialising in the subject

Originally Posted by DKG

Once DFO Jannaram has the stream measured for width and works out details of height of dyke etc we should get this implemented.

DKG, met the retd. scientist at NGRI yesterday and he is willing to provide any sort of help - provided we have a proper plan and permission from the forest department. He said, he had made plans and raised funds to construct similar structures near the forest boarder (in 2005), but at the last minute the forest officials stopped them saying only forest dept can do such work. but it is still not completed inspite of having a good design and money. so it is a MUST to have proper permission from the forest dept itself and not a single official.

On the technical side, he said anything we do, should be done only after proper scintific investigation. Because we do not want water to percolate into the ground. and since 30% is lost as evaporation, and another 30% into the ground, only 40% will be left in the checkdams. so, we must select areas where there is an underlying rock that stops the loss of water etc.

I read about one of his projects in chittor district. Before he started his project, that area had 9 borewells giving enough water for just one crop per year. After their project, 4 of these wells are overflowing with water (like a natural spring) and the farmers are able to raise 3 crops per year.

I will give this some thought and may be we need to meet again for what to do next.

to sum up - we have an NGRI scientist who is expert in geo physical investigation and has contacts with top govt agencies and one Retd Cheif engineer who can give design for any sort of structure. Both are willing to do anything than can help the greater cause of conservation of forest. Now its up to us how we use them.

[MileCruncher]

@DKG: Can we revive the Sri Sailam project? I meet a few adventure lovers who would be interested in joining up for the conservation activity

[DKG]

Originally Posted by highwaylover

we do not want water to percolate into the ground. and since 30% is lost as evaporation, and another 30% into the ground, only 40% will be left in the checkdams. so, we must select areas where there is an underlying rock that stops the loss of water etc.

Raj its for this reason alone that I devised a system based on a 5000 litre sintex tank. I am waiting to set aside some money to make a prototype. Once I have it ready I will show it to the PCCF and get his official clearance to implement it. For all you know the forest dept themselves may allocate funds for such a solution.

It goes without saying that without the approval of the forest department you cannot do anything, even enter the forest ! Further forest department officials are trained to study all the aspects you mentioned before they embark on check dam contruction etc. Atleast I have been advised so by the forest officials

Its wonderful to have access to experts in the field. I feel initiatives for rain water harvesting, based on a scientific study of soil conditions etc and the system I propose should be a workable solution to drinking water needs of wildlife.

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

@DKG: Can we revive the Sri Sailam project? I meet a few adventure lovers who would be interested in joining up for the conservation activity

There are two issues here:

1. Participate in conservation initiatives. If interested we could meet and possibly come up with a fund to make the prototype sooner and showcase it to the forest department

2. If you are referring to a eco tourism initiative, then the cottages/dorms are open to public, anyone can book them, and also go for a safari drive for a fee

Let me know what interests your friends and we'll take it from there

[vintagepoint5]

As summer at its peak season, any updates from Forest Dept. or others
about status of water holes. Any news of rains in these forest area.

Any updates! if possible.

[DKG]

Both at Kawal and Srisailam the water situation thankfully is not so grave as they've had some funds released and also some rainfall has refilled some water sources.

I think this coming year we can work toward a more secure and permanent solution hopefully based on the tank design I am proposing.

[MM440]

Hey guys '
PLease check this out and comment on it.

Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine

The fate of conservation in Karnataka.

Regards
Anand