CHAPTER IV UPPER NILWANDE PROJECT CHAPTER IV UPPER PROJECT

4.1 General 93

4.2 Historical Prospective 94

4.2.1 Dam Place and Characteristics 97

4.2.2 Acquisition and Rehabilitation 97

4.2.3 Storage and Consumption of Water 97

4.2.4 Leading Features of Upper Pravara Nilwande Dam Project 98

4.2.5 Surface Water Reservoirs 103

4.3 Monitoring Land Use Planning 105

4.3.1 Village Wise LULC 2011 105

4.3.2 Village Wise LULC 2015 110

4.3.3 Soil Wetness Index 117

4.3.4 Soil Depth 120

4.3.5 Monitoring Groundwater of Wells 125

4.4 Assessment of Upper Pravara (Nilwande) Proposed Canal 125

4.4.1 Introduction 125

4.4.2 Upper Pravara Nilwande Canals 126

4.4.3 Area Upside the Canal to be Wet by Bailed out Water 126

4.5 Resume 127 CHAPTER IV UPPER NILWANDE DAM PROJECT

4.1 General

Nilwande Dam: Nilwande dam, also called as upper dam, in the Indian state of is the second largest dam on the river. This dam is located in tehsil of district. and Sinnar tahsil in district have always been faced famine to strike consecutively after each two year intervals due to irregularity of rainfall. The British Government has noted and had commenced dam work in Mhaladevi village in 1899. Maharashtra state also decided in 1970 to erect the dam at same place.

Meanwhile, there is vast horticulture developed on both the sides of river, hence villagers of Mhaladevi and another 12 have obstructed the dam project because they fear that their fertile land may descend drop down under dam water. Therefore, the government has passed dam project in Nilwande village (Nilwande-1) which is situated at upside of Mhaladevi. Proposed project cost was approximated to Rs.l03 Crore.

The project refers that, the proposal of 187km. canals over to 64,260ha area had planned under irrigation and 99km. canal work has also been completed under Jawahar Rojgar Hami Yojana but villagers of Nilwande acted against the project and put their demand "Rehabilitation first and then dam." Because, villagers who were affected (stricken) by the project of Nilwande-1 by which they have not been rehabilitated. Therefore no dam work could commence.

In 1978 to 1990 major lost of fertile land of village Chitalvedhe and Nilwande came under yearly bail out irrigation. Therefore, both villagers put their demand to move dam site upstream to 600m. to save both villages from fiiture calamities. Therefore, government sanctioned the proposal and dam moved 600m. upstream from Nilwande gaothan (Nilwande-2)

93 4.2 Historical Prospective

Deliberation for Mhaladevi dam began in 1970. State Government declared that said dam will be completed within 5 years. In 1978, dam site was made fix at Nilwande village namely Upper Pravara dam instead of Mhaladevi. Public movement started again to save prospective sink land, hence the dam place moved to 600m. upstream and renamed as Uppar Pravara (Nilvande-2) which has been granted on 1992 is now called as "Nilwande Dam".

Proposed and sanctioned Nilvande dam can carry 8.32 TMC water and physical consumption are expected 11.00 Billion cu.ft. This water will provide to Akole, , Rahata, , Rahuri, and east side of Sinnar tehsil i.e. total 65260ha. land will come under irrigation for 8 months.

The depth of is 589m. at dam and its height is up to 652m. There is an outlet at 598m. height to bail out water of . Water for Sangamner has to bail out from 601m. depth and other one way at 610m. in Nilwande dam. The dam will reach full level at 648m. After all water bailing through canal only 0.258 cu.m. this water will remain as dead stock.

The proposal further contented that the construction of main stone weirs of the dam started in 1995. Watering benefit will start step by step since June 2005 and then the final irrigation capacity will be determined since June 2015.

Financial stages of the project are - The budget cost of dam was 103 Crore in 1978 than it extended as per timeline of 1999-2000 rates i.e. 760.21 Crore. This amount divided amongst dam, canal and distribution units, i.e. dam -321 Crore, canal and distribution unit -396 Crore as expected in the plan. But the present rate shows that Rs. 1008 Crore will be spent only for canals only and farmers would have to wait for 7 to 8 years for watering benefits. Further says that the dam work is totally completed. Left and right canal are also made step by step up to 60% said canal work was started since 2015.

Only wall work was under construction in Akole tahsil and the question of rehabilitation of sunken land affected people of Digambar and Kamatwadi villages were the must. Project affected farmers started movement and asked for "Rehabilition

94 First then Dam". Hon. Shri. Madhukarraoji Pichad leads to rehabilition all stricken and rehabilitate them which called as "Model Rehabilitation" alongwith excess compensation got from government and distribute to stricken, so that we salute and congratulate Mr. Pichad Sir.

Activities of proposed canal work on Nilwande dam started in 2002, at that time, canals at 6I0m. depth goes through irrigated area. Beneficial area shown under Nilwande canals was already made as horticulture by Bhandardara dam and hence, no use of Nilwande canal water for this area. The needy area which is deprive from irrigation that is the foothills situated in Akole tahsil, and by considering these facts Hon. Madhukarrao Pichad and some farmers of Akole had sent a letter to state government and put demand to raise Nilwande canals up to hills to irrigate the bottom area. Said letter has admitted and forwarded by the Water Resources Department for further action. Then, Godavari Marathwada Patbandhare Vikas Mahamandal has sanctioned "Upper Pravara Canals (Nilvande-2) proposal on 10/2/2004 by passing resolution no. 19/1 respectively. Thereafter, the regulatory committee agreed to prepare 4"^ revised budget and survey thereof

However, high level canals are finally granted to erect officially, it was an appreciated step of development, the concept of 8 month irrigation was next step taken later in 1970 in the maimer of development and propagation of irrigation from dam water and to establish social law, instead of 12 months concept. Whereas Nilwande dam is fix for 8 month watering, so that the irrigated area is considered more than Bhandardara because Nilwande water is secured for autumn and winter seasons.

But what action had been taken by concern authorities during 2004 to 2008 for resolution? It was a study that what will happen if 610m. depth canals get cancelled and replace it with higher level canals. The board has ordered to survey the same and obviously it was expected the deep study must be required. It was necessary to deep physical survey, study and maintain record of minor to minor point in that respect, of the fi-omtha t some reasons are given below.

1) High deep canals - How much and where? 2) Non-technical, 3) Non-realistic,

95 4) Govt, unable to return the land acquired from farmers and 5) No objection to comparative study because main canal is drawn at various depths. But such rough study made people confused. A comment of 630m. and 620m. depth instead with 610m. is available which must be studied. The comment referred that, there may 1572ha. excess area of Akole may come under wetness if 630m. short- canals will construct above right and left canal except original canal. Maharashtra Water Council recommends dual canal concept for maximum area under irrigation from dam water in the manner to vast and fast development. Hon. Chitale Commission also has to recommend this concept for which we applied the commission and discussed with. It was most necessary in the manner to the vast interest in respect to the question of land acquisition which is interrelated with the main policy. Therefore the decision to from high level canal is appreciated.

Water Resource Depatment issued orders to commence the work of 610m. right and left canals in 2008 which were originally proposed. But the demand, which puts in 2002, rose again. It was "Status Quo" during 4 years, which misguided people that, "canals will move on high level instead with previously proposed place. If people came to know the information, government policy, dam plan, then there will be no chance to issue misguidance (Irrigation Dept. Sangamner).

Canal works started in April 2010 after two year interval, but contractor has stopped the construction due to public prevention. There has been a militancy being since last four months in Akole. According to canal work and it caused to divide the two parties in Akole. Ruling party supports to canal work, but water rights committee opposed to the ruling party and constant that never let canals can be done by any mean. The committee adapted ways of various movements against the canal work. The committee also visits the multi-villages and propagate importance of high level canals, rehabilitation, compensation of land, etc. caused a shaking situated in concern villages and people too supports the same.

Hon. Pichad sir leads to complete terminated canal work, not even he worshipped the land at village Kalas (kh) and Kalas (Bk) to commence canal work and while he said that, "If we do not make canals then own water of Akole tahsil will turned to Marathwada" but it is impossible, no other five tahsil people let water turn

96 to Marathwada even if canals not made in Akole. Many leaders and faculties are confused due to the role of Hon. Pichad Sir and people also do not take seriously the mob with Mr. Pichad. Whatever, Mr. Pichad is experienced person and to face the incident, he avoid anything to solve the sudden question, as it is his ability, hence we can clearly said that, he will not entertain any bar against the interest of Akole tahsil.

4.2.1 Dam Place and Characteristics

There is a deep valley at this new dam place, so that the proposal recommended erecting 74.50m. height and 533m. length. Its catchment area is about 202 sq.km. and 5 round gates are planned to control flooding.

Plan further refers that, water which flows from Bhandardara dam to Ozar bank for irrigation through Pravara canal, same water will be use to generates power in proposed power house at Nilwande dam and then it will flows to Nilwande canal. Proposed power house will generate total 11 M.W. power.

4.2.2 Acquisition and Rehabilitation

Total 1042ha. land is acquired for proposed dam. 617ha. land is acquired from private owners, 177ha. is of government and 247ha. is forest land.

Rehabilitation scope has much lowest due to this dam and there is only 1 village and 1 wadi had to rehabilitate in which 225 residences and 592 account holders are being project affected.

4.2.3Storage and Consumption of Water

The storage capacity of dam is 8.32 thousand cu.ft. (235.00 million cu.m) that that extended over 825ha. area and physical water consumption will 11 thousand million cu.ft. (311.30 Million cu.m.)

The incomplete canal project of Nilawande dam in tahsil Akole, district Ahmednagar creating the major socioeconomic problems in present days. Eastern part of Ahmednagar district (Tahsil Akole and Sangamner) under the drought prone area due to imbalance in the management and planning in distribution of irrigation. Some major and minor irrigation projects like Bhandardara, Mula, Ujani, are helpful to minimize the drought impact in the affected regions. Ahmednagar

97 district is covered the maximum area in Maharashtra which is also becoming economically and socially stable because of various new arrivals of industries and sugarcane factories.

A recent ongoing minor project of Nilwande dam over river Pravara is supported and useftil projects for drinking and irrigation water supply management in the given region. It is discussing issues from its starting in 1994 because of its water distribution policy and its equal management. The recent canal project is hanged due to incomplete demarcation of canal site, which creating a regional dispute of people community. Most of cultivated lands are submerging under the proposed canal due to the absence of proper survey. The existed plan of canal site will be reducing the productive cultivated land, displacement of people from their own land and make them landless.

4.2.4 Leading Features of Upper Pravara Nilwande Dam Project

1] Place joint basin : Pravara river, village Nilwande (Tal-Akole).

Pravara is sub-river on right shore of . River Godavari is the mother basin of it.

2] Government Approval.

a] First grant : Rs. 7.93 Crore (in 1970)

b] Secondly revised : Rs. 32441 Lacs (in June 1993)

c] Third revised

With Govt, approval : Rs. 76021 Lacs (Sept. 2003)

Cost : (Rate Index of year 99-2000)

3] Incoming Water and Consumption

a] Catchment area (Individual) : 201.21 Sq.km.

b] Catchment area : 323.95 Sq.km.

(common with Bhandardara)

98 c] Incoming 50% dependable

326.06 M.cu.m(l 1.50 TMC.) d] Total consumption 326.06 M.cu.m.(l 1.50 TMC.) e] Net consumption 313.46 M.cu.m.(l 1.05 TMC.)

4] Dam a] Type Colgroute Stone Structure b] Length 533m. c] Height (Max.) 74.50m. d] Dam Top Level 652.00m. e] Crest level 641.50m. f] Gates Radial Gates 5

(12 mx 6.50m.) g] Shed length 72m.

5] Reservoir a] Total Capacity 236.00 M. cu.m. (8.32 TMC.) b] Dead Stock 7.25 M. cu.m. (0.256 TMC.) c] Usable Stock 228.75 M. cu.m. (8.064 TMC.) d] Lost area (Bad Sectors) 825.49ha. e] Affected Villages

1) Sunk 2 Village

(Digambar and Kamatwadi)

2) Partly affected 10 village

3) Affected A/c.holders 565

99 a] Government grant 515.80 Crore b] Current prices 1008.59 Crore. c] Total irrigation area 65260ha. d] Beneficiary villages and tahsils e] Left Canal

1] Length : 85km.

2] Flow Capacity: 26.40 Cu.M/cm. (932 Cu.Ft./cm.)

3] Irrigation Area: 43835ha. f] Right Canal

1] Length : 97km.

2] Flow Capacity: 14.38 Cu.m/cm. (508 Cu.Ft./cm.)

3] Irrigation Area: 20395ha.

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100 6] Canals

Table 4.1 Canal Under Irrigation Area

Upper Pravara Upper Pravara

right canal left canal Irrigation Canals Total Tahsil area District Irri. Irri. villages No. of No. of area area (ha.) villages villages (ha.) (ha.)

Akole 13 1964 11 2271 24 4235

Sangamner 43 15393 37 10035 80 25428

Kopargaon 11 5666 - - 11 5666 03

Rahata 37 17231 - - 37 17231

Shrirampur 3 999 - - 3 999

Rahuri - - - 8089 21 8089

Nasik Siiinar 6 2612 - - 6 2612

Total 113 43835 69 20395 182 64260

Sourc e - Godavari 1Vlarathwa c a Irrigatio n Develop ment Co rporation, A.urangabad.

101 Table 4. 2 Village wise Acquired Land in Akole Tahsil

Acquired Acquired No Left Canal Rigtit Canal Area (ha.) Area (ha.)

1 Nimbral 299.43 Rumbhodi 79.98

2 Agar 26.22 Indori 289.16

3 Bahirwadi 101 Aurangpur 144.68

4 Dhokari 190.56 Akole 910.67

5 Gardani 57.13 Unchkhadk Bu 276.55

6 Kalas Khu 183.53 Parkhatpur 132.02

7 Khanapur 144.68 Kalas Khu 680.18

8 Kumbhephal 445.16 Sugaon Bu 318.76

9 Mehenduri 203.46 Manoharpur 60.91

10 Mhaladevi 186.42 Sultanpur 110.89

11 Rede 175.22

12 Sugaon Khu 267.87

13 Takali 223.54

14 Unchkhadak Khu 201.78

Total 2478 2582.57

Soi irce - Godavari Marathwacia Irrigation De;ve l opment Corporati*Dn , Aurangabac

102 4.2.5 Surface Water Reservoirs

Water is an important resource for human development. Water is used as an input for successful agriculture, industries and growth of urbanization. Along with ground water, surface water reservoirs are satisfying the requirement of drinking water, irrigation and industrial sector. In the present study surface water is available in and rivers (Seasonal). The region is endowed by 8 small and minor water reservoirs along with major river.

River is flowing through the central part of study area and supplies water during most of the months of a year. It is frequently flooded in the rainy season whereas during summer season it is dry except dam discharge. Number of villages and a large agricultural area are depending on the river. Other streams are flowing only during the rainy season and dry in the summer. Three major dams were built across the river, Ghatghar dam is constructed in the upper basin, then Bhandardara in middle and Nilwande at the lower basin of study area, with the storage capacity of water 11.038 TMC, and 08.028 TMC respectively. Bhandardara is a large and a multipurpose project of this region. A multipurpose project is that which simultaneously serves several purposes. A dam built across a river often serves more than one purpose at a time and is termed as a multipurpose project. Flood control, irrigation, generation, navigation, fishing and tourism are the some of the chief aims of a Bhandardara dam. The second largest dam is Nilawande constructed to the east side of Bhandardara. The main aim of this dam is to provide irrigation for agricultural field through the canal and the river channel. Ghatghar dam is constructed to the west side of Bhandardera dam, it is small in size compared to Bhandardara and Nilawande dam. Apart from this three main dams, there are 5 minor reservoirs are located in the northern side of river. The main purpose to construct such reservoir are to provide irrigation water for small area, but such small reservoirs become dry during the summer season due to small water capacity.

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104 4.3 Monitoring Land Use Planning

4.3.1 ViUage Wise LULC of Basin Based on IRS P6 LISS-III 2011 Classified Image and Upper Canal

Land use refers to man's activities and the varied uses which are carried over the land and land cover refers to natural vegetation, water bodies, rock/soil, artificial cover and others noticed on the land (NRSC, 1989). RS satellite IRS P6 LANDS AT 8data is used to evaluate land use land cover of study area. Sometimes standard classification scheme such as Anderson's LULC classification system (Anderson et al. 1972) is used, while at other times the numbers of land cover classes are chosen according to the requirements of the specific application. Accuracy of supervised classification was derived from a reference template from the machining data with 300 randomly selected samples on all over study area, from which overall accuracy and Kappa statistics were derived. Kappa statistics incorporates the diagonal elements of the error mafrices. It represents the agreement which is obtained after removing the proportion that could be expected to occur by chance (Yuan et al. 2005). The overall accuracy of the classification is 93.46% and Kappa statistic for the same is 0.92. Total eight different LULC classes are identified and explain as below:

Table4.3LULCin2011

Sr. No. Class Area (in ha) Area (in %) 1 Agriculture 5483.67 9.46 2 Barren land 17540.42 30.27 3 Dense forest 1661.19 2.87 4 Open scrub 12020.09 20.74 5 Rocky / Open space 4560.76 7.87 6 Settlement 655.85 1.13 7 Sparse vegetation 13968.60 24.11 8 Water bodies 2056.93 3.55 Total 57947.51 100

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107 4.3.1.1 Agricultural Land

Area under agricultural land use is largely dependent upon agro-climatic conditions prevalent in the area, type of soil, availability of irrigation facilities and physiography of region (Korade and Paliwal, 2014). Different agricultural patterns have been observed in study area. The present land use appears to be well adapted to topography, soil and irrigation facilities. Total area under agriculture is 5483.67ha. and it is accounting only 9.46% of total study area, which is very less. Number of reasons can be given for less agricultural area in study region, but this area comes under the rugged topography, lower soil depth and semi-arid region, therefore barren and scrub land are major land cover in this area. To convert this land cover into agricultural land use is the major challenge in this region by suggestions and implementation of different measures. LULC map of study area clearly illustrates that particular area, area along the river in the eastern plain is more developed in agriculture. Whereas, remaining entire study region covered by other than agriculture. Development of agriculture in the eastern plain of river is due to availability of alluvial fertile soil and irrigation facilities.

4.3.1.2 Barren Land

This land is prone to degradation and may or may not have scrub cover. Such land occupying topographically high locations and excludes plain, hill and mountainous terrain. Total barren land occupies 17540.42ha. (30.27%) areas, concentrated in the central and eastern plateau region of study area. This is most dominating categories of LULC in this study region. Few measures and techniques can be easily converted this barren land into productive land form.

4.3.1.3 Dense Forest

These areas bearing an association predominantly of trees and other vegetation types (within the notified boundaries) capable of producing timber and other forest products. Total forests occupy I66l.l9ha. (3%) areas, concentrated in the western, northern and southern hilly part of study area.

108 4.3.1.4 Open Scrub Land

Scrub land could be land with scrub or land without scrub. This category appears on satellite imagery as light yellow to brown to greenish blue patches of varying size with irregular shapes. They are usually associated with upland and hills. Hence, area with scrub has been separated from those, which are devoid of any such vegetation cover, which enabled to classify them separately. In study area scrubland area is estimated at 12020.Iha. (20.7%). This land cover category is observed mostly over upland and hills in western part of study area.

4.3.1.5 Rocky/ Open Space

These are rock exposures of varying lithology often barren and devoid of soil and vegetation cover. They occur amidst hill-forests as openings or as isolated exposures as openings or as isolated exposures on plateau and plains. Rocky or open space typically observed over northern and southern hilly boundary of study area where vegetation is missing and rocks are exposed. This typical type of land cover is mostly associated with steep slopes and top of the hill. Therefore, it accounts less area compare to other classes. In study area rocky or open space is estimated at 4560.76ha. (8%).

4.3.1.6 Settlement

It is defined as an area of human habitation developed due to intensive non- agricultural use and that has a cover of buildings. Akole (154.35ha.) is a major settlement in study area; it is a tehsil headquarter developed on the right bank of river in the eastern part of study area. Followed by Akole, Dhumalwadi (38.63ha.), and Navalewadi (36.92ha.) are the major settlements observed in study area. Total area under the settlement is estimated at 655.85ha. this is accounting 1.13% of total study area. Except Akole all the settlement is small and sparsely distributed over study area.

4.3.1.7 Sparse Vegetation / Deciduous Vegetation

These are the vegetation that predominantly composed of species which shed their leaves once a year, especially during summer and trees are sparse from each other. They appear dark red to red in tone of varying sizes in the satellite image. This category also includes acacia thorn forests in semi-arid areas. Area under this

109 category is about 13968.60ha. (24%). This land cover is the second largest in study area followed by barren land. This category is observed predominantly over western study area from northern and southern hilly region to river valley. Due to semi-arid climatic condition this type of vegetation is dominated in study area.

4.3.1.8 Wastelands

Wastelands are one of the important land cover in study area. Wastelands are described as degraded land which can be brought under vegetation cover with reasonable effort and which is currently underutilized for lack of appropriate water and soil management or on account of natural causes (NWDB,1991).

The wasteland type identified in study area are barren land, open scrubland and rocky/open scrub. Total area under wasteland category estimated is 34121.27ha. (58.88%) of total study area. Wasteland accounts almost 59% area of total study area. If it converted into agriculture, agro-forest or other activities, it will tremendously improve the development of study region.

4.3.1.9 Water Body

Water resources play a vital role in the human life. Water bodies are consisting of surface water which may be stored or flowing in the channel. The major river in study area is flooded frequently in the rainy season. Bhandardara is the major dam in study area, which is constructed across the river at the upper basin and having a storage capacity of 1.49 TMC (4235ha.). Number of small size dams is also observed in the study basin such as Nilwande dam, Gharghar, Waki and Adhala etc. Total area under water body is around 2056.93ha. (3.55%). These water bodies are basically used for the drinking water and agriculture.

4.3.2 ViUage Wise LULC of Basin Based on OLI and TIRS LANDSAT-8 2015 Classified Image and Upper Canal

The LULC area are rapidly change during 2011 to 2015. Here is the main area covered by barren land which is 30.41%. Then the open scrub covered 20.84% of area under the land cover area. Remains portion where covered by another LULC features in study area. The settlement in study area is covered only 1.13% area. Similarly, the dense forest covered minimum land cover area with 2.89% of the area. In case of

110 water bodies, the area occupied by water bodies is around 3.53%. In study area the right canal and left canal also occurring the land use, which construction process in ongoing. These canals are located in the eastern part of study area. The land use pattern in study area, especially in the eastern direction of study area is altering due to Nilwande canals in the fiiture (Joshi, 2009).

Table 4.4LULC Pattern in 2015

Sr. No. Class Area (in ha.) Area (in %)

1 Barren land 17695.08 30.41

2 Settlement 655.9049 1.13

3 Open scrub 12127.36 20.84

4 Rocky / open space 4478.077 7.70

5 Agriculture 5486.499 9.43

6 Dense forest 1684.635 2.89

7 Sparse vegetation 14007.46 24.07

8 Water bodies 2057 3.53

Total 58192.02 100

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112 4.3.2.lAgricultural Land

Different agricultural patterns have been observed in study area. The present land use appears to be well adapted to topography, soil and irrigation facilities. Total area under agriculture is 5486.99ha. and it is accounting only 9.43% of the total study area which is very less. A number of reasons can be given for less agricultural area in the study region, but this area comes under the rugged topography, lower soil depth and semi-arid region, therefore, barren and scrub land are major land cover in this area. To convert this land cover into agricultural land use is the major challenge in this region by suggestion and implementation of different measures. LULC map of study area clearly illustrates that particular area, mostly along the river in the eastern plain is more developed in agriculture, whereas remaining entire study region covered by other than agriculture. Development of agriculture in the eastern plain of the river is due to availability of alluvial fertile soil and irrigation facilities. We can observe in LULC map, agriculture is developed in a belt falls between the two dam canals originated from Nilwande dam. Therefore we can conclude that rather than other factors of agriculture, irrigation facilities are a major controlling factor in study area and to increase in agricultural land we need to provide more and well irrigation facilities to remaining areas.

4.3.2.2 Barren Land

This is the land which is prone to degradation and may or may not have scrub cover. Such land occupying topographically high locations and excludes plain, hill and mountainous terrain. Total barren land occupies 17695.08ha. (30.41%) areas, concentrated in the central and eastern plateau region of study area. This is the most dominating categories of LULC in this study region. Few measures and techniques can be easily converting this barren land into productive land form.

4.3,2.3Dense Forest

These are the areas bearing an association predominantly of trees and other vegetation types (within the notified boundaries) capable of producing timber and other forest products. Total forests occupy 1684.63ha. (2.89%) areas, concentrated in the western, northern and southern hilly part of study area.

113 4.3.2.4 Open Scrub Land

Scrub land could be land with scrub or land without scrub. This category appears on satellite imagery as light yellow to brown to greenish blue patches of varying size with irregular shapes. They are usually associated with upland and hills. Hence, area with scrub has been separated from those, which are devoid of any such vegetation cover, which enabled to classify them separately. In study area scrubland area is estimated at 12127.36ha. (20.84%). This land cover category is observed mostly over upland and hills in the western part of study area.

4.3.2.5 Rocky/Open Space

These are rock exposures of varying lithology often barren and devoid of soil and vegetation cover. They occur amidst hill-forests as openings or as isolated exposures as openings or as isolated exposures on plateau and plains. Rocky or open space typically observed over northern and the southern hilly boundary of study area where vegetation is missing and rocks are exposed. This typical type of land cover is mostly associated with steep slopes and top of the hill therefore accounts less area compare to other classes. In study area rocky or open space is estimated as 4478.07ha. (7.70%).

4.3.2.6 Settlement

Total area under settlement is estimated as 655.90ha. which is accounting 1.13% area of the total study area. Except Akole all the settlement is small and sparsely distributed over study area.

4.3.2.7 Sparse Vegetation

These are the vegetation that is predominantly composed of species, which shed their leaves once a year, especially during summer and trees are spared from each other. They appear dark red to red in tone of varying sizes in the satellite image. This category also includes acacia thorn forests in semi-arid areas. Area under this category is about 14007.46ha. (24.01%) this land cover is the second largest in study area followed by barren land. This category is observed predominantly over western study area from northern and southern hilly region to river valley. Due to semi-arid climatic condition this type of vegetation is dominated in study area.

114 4.3.2.8 Water Body

Total area under water body is around 2057ha. (3.53%). These water bodies are basically used for the drinking water and agriculture situated along the river.

4.3.2.9 Assessment of LULC Changes

From the image processing results and acquired LULC data it's reveled that, the LULC pattern in study area are changed. Table 4.5 shows the comparative changes in the general LULC pattern during 2011 and 2015. Change is observed in various categories viz, area under sparse vegetation (-23.55%), barren land (+ 4.07%), dense forest (-3.23%), agricultural land (-1.39) and water bodies (-1.37), barren land, open scrub, settlement, open, sparse etc. LULC was increased from 2011 to 2015. Agriculture, forest, water bodies, sparse vegetation reduced from 2011 to 2015 in study area. In the study region as a whole area under forest, land for cultivation, decreased and area under barren land have been increasing. Alarming negative changes in sparse vegetation are the subject of environmental degradation. In study area, it is observed that the water bodies also decreasing. It may be the result of excessive water transformation from dams to the lower sections of dams. The overall scenario of general LULC is detected as changeable and prone to environmental degradation. These acquired results are unsafe for future planning of the agriculture in the study region. These problems are mainly due to increasing population, over utihzation of water, lack of wise utilization of resources etc.

115 Table 4. 5 Changes in General LULC Pattern during 2011-2015 s. Land Use 2011 2015 Volume No. Category Area (ha.) Area (%) Area (ha.) Area (%) Change

1. Barren land 15327.06 26.34 17695.082 30.41 04.07

2. Settlement 307.5318 0.53 655.90494 1.13 00.60

3. Open scrub 1210.753 2.08 12127.36 20.84 18.76

4. Rocky/Open space 922.579 1.59 4478.78 7.70 06.11

5. Agriculture 6298.037 10.82 5486.4991 9.43 -01.39

6. Dense forest 3562.216 06.12 1684.6348 2.89 -03.23

7. Sparse vegetation 27712.36 47.62 14007.459 24.07 -23.55

8. Water bodies 2851.486 04.90 2056.9996 3.53 -01.37

Total 58192.02 100 58192.02 100 —

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Graph 4. 1 Land Use and Land Cover Comparison

16 4.3.2.10 LULC Changes from 2011 to 2015

The LULC change detection is the supportive techniques for any further planning. RS data has a wide range of application in LULC mapping and change detection also. The total geographical area of study area is 58192.02 ha. In the study region the utilization of land was classified into eight categories i.e. area under forest, barren land, sparse vegetation, etc. Table 3 indicates that the changes in LULC pattern in the study region during the period of 2011 to 2015. In the study region sparse vegetation area is the most important type of land use except the other entire land use category. Such changes in the LULC may be due to changing population, and related socioeconomic environment alteration. The RS data, such as LISS III and Landsat 8 are the potential data for identification of LULC in any diverse area. Identification of LULC of RS data can be a help for the further land planning and DSS.

4.3.3 Soil Wetness Index

Soil wetness index is calculated to measure the available moisture in Soil. In short this index gives an idea about moisture content in the soil. Soil water is an important parameter in the hydrological balance. It is an essential for understanding drought conditions. Wilhite and Glantz (1985) have given four different drought categories: meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic. These different classes of drought have varying descriptions and its impact, but rotate around a central theme that drought is a period of abnormally dry weather which is sufficiently prolonged with the lack of precipitation to cause a serious hydrological imbalance (World Meteorological Organization, 1992, American Meteorological Society, 1997). The focus of this analysis is to understand the soil wetness and to show the spatial variability in soil wetness from East to West across the study region.

Index value has been classified into six categories to form different classes of soil wetness index for the better understanding of spatial pattern viz. dry, low, medium, high, very high, and water. The highest soil wetness index values are reported over the water bodies such as Bhandardara dam, Nilwande dam, etc. High and very high index values are observed basically over irrigated agricultural field which are spread over the eastern plain area, along with this high and very high index values are also observed in the dense forest areas over southern hilly region. Some patches of these categories are also recorded in the western hilj^^^i^^^where

117 vegetation cover is very dense. Medium to high index values are predominantly concentrated over moderate to gentle slope of hills distributed over study area. These slopes are partially covered by the vegetation and grass. In case of the steep slope area with barren land has recorded index values belonging to dry and low categories. These two categories of soil wetness index are also dominant over plateau region.

Overall, soil wetness index values are controlled by the soil moisture contains and vegetation condition over the surface.

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The soil is a dynamic layer of loose and unconsolidated materials because of many physical, chemical and biological activities and processes operate simultaneously in the soil profile. Soil depth is depending on the process of soil formation as well as external factors which are continuously acting on soil layer. There is much variation in the soil forming processes which range from individual, small-scale and rapid events to large-scale complex events and processes which operate very slowly. Major six types of soils are observed in study area with varying depth. Shallow soil depth is dominant in the study region due to the plateau topography where agents of transportation are more active. Shallow soil depth is observed predominantly in the central plateau portion of study area and away from the river channel in the eastern part of study area, almost 30% of total study area covered by the this type of soil and depth of this is between 10 to 30cm. Dominantly excessive drained loamy soil on moderate slope is observed in shallow category. Second largest type in the sense of the geographical area is moderate depth soil with 50-90cm depth occupies almost 24% area. Moderate depth soil is regularly observed in the western part of study area of the valleys of small streams. This depth is achieved through continuous erosion on hill slope and deposition on the valley floor therefore such depth is identified in the western hilly region of study area. Marginal soil which is has soil depth between 30 to 50cm. Marginal soil is not dominant in a particular region of study, but it is observed over all study area with small patches at the foothill. Around 21% area is covered by this type of soil in study area. High depth soil having depth more than 90cm observed in the alluvial plain of river in the eastern part of study area. Alluvial plains are formed due to filling of extensive and deep trenches caused by tectonic movements with sediments of various sorts brought by the river. This type of soil covers almost 12% area of the total study area. Like marginal soil, thin soil also not dominant in a particular region of study and it is observed over all study area with small patches at the steep slope and top of the hills. In this type of soil depth is very less and it is hardly 10cm depth layer of soil, covers around 8% area of the total study area. This type of soil is not supportive to any type of vegetation during rainy seasons temporal grass grow for short period otherwise this is appeared as a barren land. There for this type is more susceptible for erosion and easy transportation of eroded material.

120 Table 4. 6 Soil Depth

Land use Sr. No. Class Area (in ha.) Area (in %) LISS-III

1 High soil depth >90cm 7171.13 12.32

2 Moderate 50-90 14007.5 24.07

3 Marginal 30-50 12127.4 20.84

4 Shallow 30-Oct 17695.1 30.41

5 Thin < 10 cm 4478.08 7.70

6 Settlement Settlement 655.905 1.13

7 Water bodies Water bodies 2057 3.53

Total 58192 100

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It I ir1 1 4.3.5 Monitoring Ground water of Wells

From the descriptive statistics of approximately 54 monitoring locations, Akole tehsil shows the overall east side ground water availability of this location is poor except river bank during all the three years of observation and the water quality is very good in the year 2015. The probable sources of contamination of ground water could be the over-application nitrate based fertilizers in farms, agricultural run-off, leaking storage tanks, etc. and infection by micro-organisms from domestic activity etc. in the local of ground water resources. Well water table observed in eastern hilly region was less.

4.4Assessnient of Upper Pravara (Nilwande) Proposed Canal

4.4.1 Introduction

The work of the Upper Pravara project is in progress. A common canal from left side is proposed at 900m. height having 610.40m. depth and its flowing capacity is 41.5m^/s with its length of 2.7km. Both main left and right canal of Upper Pravara having 85 and 97km respectively and its flowing capacity is 26.40m^/s and 14.50 m /s. Left canal is of totally 85km. and except first 27km. later 28 to 85 km work is in progress as step by step, and right canal having 97km. except first 18km. length, later 19 to 97 soil work is in progress.

Both canals can cover total area of 64260ha. Proposed areas are of Akole, Sangamner, Rahata, Kopargaon, Shrirampur and Rahuri tahsils of Ahmednagar dictricts and Sinner taluka of Nashik district. 293ha. has been completely acquired against cost of Rs.lO Crores out of total required 338ha. area for both canals in Akole. Acquired land is in possession of Govt, and fiirther acquisition is also in progress by next step of Clause 4. A land possessed by the government may not return to the original owners.

However work order of both canals was issued in 2008 but work is terminated by farmers' obstruction and concern contractor asked for compensation against this work termination.

From the bottom of hill in Akole tahsil till original sanctioned area is situated on upside of proposed canals, therefore the area which is deprived of irrigation should

125 come under irrigation was demanded by local farmers and leaders in 2002. But supposed area is not under 610.40m. depth releaser hence, only separate high level canal for Akole tahsil is the option considered during survey and decided 630m. depths, more particulars of said survey as here in below

4.4.2 Upper Pravara Nilwande Canals

As per primary survey, it is found that, 558ha. area comes under left canal and 1014ha. for right canal, that total area is 1572ha. is excess and come under irrigation. High level left canal has 19.37km. length and 0.42 m^/s. flowing capacity where as Right canal has 18.31km. length and 0.71m^/s. flowing capacity is mentioned in the proposal. Dam water level reaches to 630m. on 15*January, by calculating on the water stock and depth map. Hence it is expected that irrigation to till 15"^ January fi-om high level canals. Percolating water from canals may raise deep well water level that can be used in Rabbi (winter) season. Said proposal is sanctioned by vide resolution No. 19/1 on 10/2/2004 issued by Godavari Marathwada Patbandhare Vikas Mahamandal, Aurangabad, along with conditions of cost to be include in fourth SPM (Statistical Parametric Mapping).

4.4.3 Area Upside the Canal to be Wet by Bailed out Water

Upper left and right canal work was ordered in 2008 by vide letter no. AB/TC/91/2008 dated 29/11/2008 and AB/TC/6/2008 dated 25/8/2008. But local farmers obstructed and prevented said commencement. Hon. Shri.Madhukarrao Pichad requested by his letter dated 24/12/2008 (Appendix- P) that, the hilly area situated on the upside of the canal which is derived from irrigation and to be irrigate by bailing out system. Then proposal prepared for the sanctioned row to hill bottom, i.e. total 3227ha. arable area to be irrigate by bail out water from Nilwande canals. Accordingly ftirther proposed that out of share of Nilwande in Bhandardara 462.14 MCM. water required for area from Nilwande to which is to be merge to Nilwande project and water shall bail out and irrigation for said proposed area and then, Pravara water bail out from Nilwande to Akole area is cancelled. Board sanctioned the proposal in respect of the condition of SPM. By taking right precaution that the government resolution no. BKH/1489/1411/ S.V. (Dho) 1 dated 8/11/1989 would not be violated and take grant from Government, if required (Board letter o. upasa/Ta-5/5139, dated 29 June 2009) respectively.

126 4.5 Resume

The Nilwande dam and profile has been discuss on present chapter. This dam has 74.50m. height and the wall length is 533m. From this dam 11 mw Hydropower generation plan can be easily setup. According to LULC in 2011, in the tehsil 9.46% Land is acquired by agriculture 30.27% is barren land on 2.87% land having forest cover, 20.74%) land is open scrub, 7.87%) rocky / open only, l.I3%o land having settlements, 24.11% area is covered by sparse vegetation and 3.55%) area having water bodies.

In LULC map, agriculture is developed in a belt falls between the two dam canals originated from Nilwande dam. Therefore, we can conclude that rather than other factors of agriculture, irrigation facilities are a major controlling factor in study area and to increase in agricultural land we need to provide more and well irrigation facilities to remaining areas. Irrigation field survey and its characteristic of the study area as discussed in the next chapter.

127