When Ambuja Foundation commenced work in Darlaghat, they soon realized that water was the most pressing issue impacting the community.
Challenges like erratic rainfall and limited harvesting structures affected both agricultural work and household needs in the villages. Wrong techniques were causing soil erosion, loss of green cover, and reduced agricultural produce — all leading to falling income levels in the community.
Ambuja Foundation chose the watershed development approach, from 'Ridge to Valley', managing land and water effectively to ensure sustainability. This included conservation, protection, and development of resources with active community participation. Recognized by the Government, Ambuja Foundation was brought in as a key implementing agency for several large-scale, government-funded water projects.
In 2003, Ambuja Foundation began Water Resource Management interventions in Darlaghat to address water scarcity for drinking and agriculture. Together with NABARD and the community, 10,707 hectares of land were treated. Activities included bunding, contour trenches, ponds, irrigation water tanks, check dams, and gabion structures built via Watershed Committees to stop soil erosion.
With government support and funding, Ambuja Foundation also executed seven micro watersheds in Hamirpur covering 3,300 hectares with a total cost of Rs. 1.98 Crore. In 2005, the District Bilaspur administration invited Ambuja Foundation to join Water Resource Development projects — leading to nine more micro watersheds over 4,500 hectares at a project cost of Rs. 90 Lakh. Various additional projects were also undertaken under government schemes. Building on this experience, Ambuja Foundation is now implementing watershed projects in District Solan.
| Year | Project | Area (ha) | Project Outlay (lakhs) | Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Watershed Development Project - Hamirpur | 3300 | 198 | 100% fund - DRDA Hamirpur |
| 2005 | Watershed Development Project - Bilaspur | 4500 | 90 | 100% fund - DRDA Bilaspur |
| 2008 | Watershed Development Project - Dhundan | 714 | 59.49 | 100% fund - NABARD |
| 2008 | Watershed Development Project - Kashlog | 478 | 30.76 | 50% fund - Sir Ratan Tata Trust |
| 2013 | Watershed Project - Daseran | 925 | 204 | 100% fund - NABARD |
| 2014 | Watershed Project - Saryanj Sarma | 1044 | 253 | 100% fund - NABARD |
- The Social Return on Investment in Darlaghat Watershed was Rs. 12.53 for every rupee invested
- 51041 cum storage capacity structures have been created and more than 3.21 Lakh cumt of rain water harvested in 2019.
- Cultivable waste land has been decreased by 15.15% in Saryanj-Sarma watershed project whereas 35% in Daseran watershed project.
- Gross irrigated area is increased 45.09% in Saryanj Sarma watershed project and 24.92% in Daseran
- Net irrigation area is increased 45.09% in Saryanj and 25.53% in Daseran
- Dairy milk production is increased by 200%
- Kisan Credit Card increased by 77.72 % (315-264) in new KCC opening and amount sanctioning by different banks 96.23%. Reference - Service Area Bank Statement (2012-2018)
Of course, there is much more work to be done, and Ambuja Foundation has bold plans to continue tackling water issues in the district:
- Water budgeting for all core villages in future to ensure the judicious use of water, along with harvesting and rainwater recharge initiatives to make the location water positive by 5 times.
- Achieve 100% drinking water facilities across all 41 core villages by 2020, and ensure sustainability through pre- and post-drinking water quality testing via PRIs.
- Work on Milli watershed project approach for broader impact in the area; link water storage structures to farm fields to improve irrigation facilities; and promote solar-based lift irrigation facilities.
