DhaariN

Environmental InterDhaariventions of Diocesan Social Service societies nin for the last ten years

KERALA SOCIAL SERVICE FORUM 1 Celebrate the networkingConsolidated Repo experiencert on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

Dhaarin (A sanskrit word which means “Collection”) Volume - VII Environmental Interventions of Diocesan Social Service Societies in Kerala for the last ten years KSSF Thankfully Acknowledge Published by: Kerala Social Service Forum on 5th June 2017 Cheif Editor: Caritas Fr. George Vettikattil Director, KSSF Compiled & Edited by: Jobie Mathew Catholic Relief Services Sr. Jessina SRA P. A. Jose Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 2 DhaariN

Dhaarin Environmental Interventions of Diocesan Social Service Societies in Kerala for the last ten years

Kerala Social Service Forum Amos Centre, Adichira, Thellakom P.O., - 686630 Tel: +91 9447417590 I E-mail: [email protected] I www.kssfktm.com 3 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN Content

Chairman’s Message 5 Preface by Fr. George Vettikattil 6 Introduction by Dr. Jose Kallarakkal 8 Environmental interventions of DSSS: 11 A. Trainings undertaken on Environment at a glance 11 B. Environmental activities at a glance 13 C. Activity wise data on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 16 1. Watershed projects 16 2. Environmental Protection 26 a. Training Programs on Environmental Protection 26 b. Soil & Water Conservation Measures 28 3. Renewable Energy 57 a. Training & Workshops on Renewable Energy 57 b. Renewable Energy Devises 58 4. Waste Management 62 a. Trainings on waste management conducted by DSSS 62 b. Waste Management Activities 64 5. Biomass Conservation Activities 69 6. Wetland Conservation activities 72 7. Planting Tree Promotion 77 8. Natural Resource Management Promotional Activities 81 9. Supporting Systems Developed by DSSS in NRM Sector 86 10. Innovations in NRM sector by DSSS in Kerala 90 11. Significant success stories of DSSS in NRM interventions 95 12. Traditional Environmental practices protected/ preserved 109 13. Awards & Recognitions to DSSS 117 Conclusion 118

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 4 DhaariN Commission for Justice, Peace and Development Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE I am very happy to present a report of the interventions of our Diocesan Social Service Societies for the promotion and protection of the Nature for the last 10 years, consolidated by the Kerala Social Service Forum, the official arm of the social activities of Kerala Catholic Church. I consider it as a historical document and I congratulate the diocesan social service socities and in particular, KSSF and all those who contributed to this noble venture. The nature is the gift of God to the living beings. Human beings are the stewards of nature. Thus every intervention to protect nature is nothing but collaborating in the work of God Himself. Nature and its resources are to be preserved and protected for the generations to come. So it is the prime concern of every one to conserve the nature- the miracle of God. Down the centauries the Catholic Church and the church leaders highlighted the importance of this mission, especially in ‘Laudato si’. The efforts, knowledge and resources invested by the DSSS to participate in this mission of the Church are indeed, a blessing for the Church in Kerala. I call upon all the Diocesan Social Service Socities to continue this noble work of God. I wish and pray that this book be a reference document for further learning and planning for creating an eco-friendly society. It is also an eye-opener to the civil society and its political and other leadership to know what the church has been doing in the last decade. Some of the initiatives could be taken as models for the government in their undertakings to enhance quality of human life. Let us dream for an environment- friendly society. May God’s blessings rest up on you all and the Nature! Yours lovingly,

Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos Chairman, JPD Commission, KCBC

5 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

Preface

“You are called to care for creation not only as responsible citizens, but also as followers of Christ!’’ -Pope Francis. It is our long cherished dream of publishing a consolidated report of the contributions of Kerala Catholic Church in protecting and conserving the environment. Involvement in the field of environment is divine as it is to protect the creation of God. Holy Bible teaches that Man is the steward of nature and the living beings. History of the Church reveals its commitment towards the protection and promotion of environment. Kerala Church has a significant role to safeguard the unique innate beauty of Kerala with all its flora and fauna. At the same time we realize that in some places there were limitations in conserving nature with all its richness. Fr. George Vettikattil The environmental interventions of the Church Executive Director, KSSF are being carried out through the Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSS) the official arm of the Dioceses for social apostolate. A huge volume of these DSSS’s interventions consists of activities related to natural resource management. Right from the time of shift to development approach, environment was the major concern of DSSS. Soil and water conservation measures, promotion and popularization of renewable energy, waste management are the major area of

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 6 DhaariN

involvement. Awareness creation and day observations helped our people to become an environment conscious society. Community participation is the strength of DSSS in all the activities especially in environmental interventions. The content of this document will speak for itself, is the proof of the efficiency and capacity of the DSSS acquired through their long years of research and experience in the concerned field. By this document KSSF wish to expose to the general public the knowledge and experience of DSSS in natural resource management. Let this document be a ready reference for cross learning and further interventions. The network of DSSS, among themselves, with the Government and other development agencies created a common platform towards the fortification of the nature. The collaboration among these development actors has facilitated the competence of the Diocesan Societies. KSSF remains grateful to Caritas India and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for their handholding in realizing this noble work. I also thankfully acknowledge the wholehearted support and assistance of Dr. V. R. Haridas, Zonal manager Caritas India, Dr. Jose Kallarackal, Emeritus scientist KFRI Peechi, Mr. T.A. Varghese, Director Christ University extension centre Trivandrum, Mr. Sasikumar Chennan, Director CRD Kazragode, Mr. P.A. Jose , Think Tank member KSSF cum General Coordinator WSSS Mannathavady. I am obliged to all the Directors and team members of DSSS for their generosity and cooperation to actualize this compiled report. My special thanks to Sr. Jessina SRA, Project Officer KSSF and Mr. Jobie Mathew, Team Leader KSSF for their efforts in fulfilling this historic document. “ If we destroy Creation, Creation will destroy us”, let these words of Pope Francis constantly ring in our ears.

7 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

Introduction

Dr. Jose Kallarakkal CSIR Emeritus Scientist, KFRI, Peechi

he satisfaction of human needs and aspirations is the major objective of development. The essential needs of Tvast numbers of people in developing countries for food, clothing, shelter, jobs are not being met, and beyond their basic needs these people have legitimate aspirations for an improved quality of life. A world in which poverty and inequity are endemic will always be prone to ecological and other crises. Development involves a progressive transformation of economy and society. Settled agriculture, the diversion of watercourses, the extraction of minerals, the emission of heat and noxious gases into the atmosphere, commercial forests, and genetic manipulation are all examples of human intervention in natural systems during the course of development. Until recently, such interventions were small in scale and their impact limited. Today’s interventions are more drastic in scale and impact, and more threatening to life- support systems both locally and globally. Sustainable development, adopted by the United Nations recognizes that growth must be both inclusive and environmentally sound to reduce poverty and build shared prosperity for today’s population and to continue to meet the needs of future generations. It must be efficient with resources and carefully planned to deliver immediate and long-term benefits for people and the planet. Sustainable development must not endanger the natural systems that support life on Earth: the atmosphere, the waters, the soils, and the living beings. The three pillars of sustainable development– economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion– carry across all sectors of development.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 8 DhaariN

Over the past two decades, economic the promotion of values that encourage growth has lifted more than 660 consumption standards that are within million people out of poverty and has the bounds of the ecological possible raised the income levels of millions and to which all can reasonably aspire. more, but too often it has come at the Hence sustainable development requires expense of the environment and poor that societies meet human needs both by communities. Through a variety of increasing productive potential ensuring market, policy, and institutional failures, equitable opportunities for all. Earth’s natural capital has been used in So-called free goods like air and water ways that are economically inefficient and are also resources. The raw materials and wasteful, without sufficient reckoning of energy of production processes are only the true costs of resource depletion. The partly converted to useful products. The burning of fossil fuels supported rapid rest comes out as wastes. Sustainable growth for decades but set up dangerous development requires that the adverse consequences, with climate change impacts on the quality of air, water, and today threatening to roll back decades other natural elements are minimized of development progress. At the same so as to sustain the ecosystem’s overall time, globally, growth patterns have left integrity. In essence, sustainable hundreds of millions of people behind: development is a process of change in 1.2 billion still lack access to electricity, which the exploitation of resources, the 870 million are malnourished, and 780 direction of investments, the orientation million are still without access to clean, of technological development; and safe drinking water. institutional change are all in harmony and Sustainable development contains within enhance both current and future potential it two key concepts: to meet human needs and aspirations.  The concept of ‘needs’, in particular The prevention and reduction of air and the essential needs of the world’s poor, water pollution will remain a critical task to which overriding priority should be of resource conservation. Air and water given; and quality come under pressure from such activities as fertilizer and pesticide use,  The idea of limitations imposed by urban sewage, fossil fuel burning, the the state of technology and social use of certain chemicals, and various organization on the environment’s other industrial activities. Each of these is ability to meet present and future expected to increase the pollution load on needs. the biosphere substantially, particularly Living standards that go beyond the in developing countries. Cleaning up basic minimum are sustainable only after the event is an expensive solution. if consumption standards everywhere Hence we need to anticipate and prevent have regard for long-term sustainability. these pollution problems, by, for instance, Yet many of us live beyond the world’s enforcing emission standards that reflect ecological means, for instance in our likely long-term effects, promoting low- patterns of energy use. Perceived needs waste technologies, and anticipating the are socially and culturally determined, impact of new products, technologies, and and sustainable development requires wastes. 9 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

The fulfilment of all these tasks will too long, preventing us from being aware require the reorientation of technology of our common interest and realizing the key link between humans and nature. our combined power. Fortunately, the First, the capacity for technological gap is closing. We now know that what innovation needs to be greatly enhanced unites us is vastly more important than in developing countries so that they can what divides us. We recognize that respond more effectively to the challenges poverty, environmental degradation, and of sustainable development. Second, the population growth are inextricably related orientation of technology development and that none of these fundamental must be changed to pay greater problems can be successfully addressed attention to environmental factors. The in isolation. We will succeed or fail technologies of industrial countries are together. Arriving at a commonly accepted not always suited or easily adaptable to definition of ‘sustainable development’ the socio-economic and environmental remains a challenge for all the actors in conditions of developing countries. Not the development process. enough is being done to adapt recent The role of Non-governmental innovations in materials technology, organisations (NGOs) in achieving the energy conservation, information goals of sustainable development is technology, and biotechnology to the imperative. It is the NGOs who should needs of developing countries. These gaps close the communication gap between must be covered by enhancing research, the government, political system and design, development, and extension the people. It is they who should work capabilities in the Third World. The at the grass root level and educate the common theme throughout this strategy community in sustainable development. for sustainable development is the need Kerala Social Service Forum (KSSF) to integrate economic and ecological with its large number of DSSSs has considerations in decision making. They been involved in promoting sustainable are, after all, integrated in the workings development activities for the last of the real world. This will require a several years in Kerala. A large number change in attitudes and objectives and in of sustainable technologies including institutional arrangements at every level. watershed projects, Afforestation, It must be realised that economic and recharging of water sources, water quality ecological concerns are not necessarily in improvements, promoting renewable opposition. Energy devices, biomass conservation Sustainable development has been activities, waste management, wetland described here in general terms. How conservation activities, value addition are individuals in the real world to be for many food products, etc. have been persuaded or made to act in the common on their agenda. Besides these NGOs have interest? The answer lies partly in been training thousands of people in the education, institutional development, and proper use of resources and technologies. law enforcement. A communications gap This paper presents the achievements in has kept environmental, population, and the above fields during the last ten years. development assistance groups apart for

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 10 DhaariN

Environmental interventions of Diocesan Social Service Societies

A. Trainings undertaken on Environment at a glance

The Diocesan Social Service Societies [DSSS] in Kerala has a history of more than 60 years. Environment cannot be separated from the life and development of the people in Kerala. DSSS has considered environmental protection as the significant part of its developmental intervention and has made noteworthy contributions in this sector. Environmental activities in this document are explained under three sectors such as Environmental protection, Renewable energy and Waste management. Capacity building and workshops were always part of every development process undertaken by DSSS and this has occupied more than 20% of the total efforts of DSSS. The trainings programmes were conducted in a participatory way by involving the local community structures like Self Help Groups (SHGs), elected representatives and community leaders. The tables below show the volume of trainings by each DSSS.

11 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN Table 1. Environment training at a glance. Environmental On Renewable Waste Sl. Name of the DSSS Protection Energy Management No Training Participants Training Participants Training Participants

1 WSSS, Manathavady 165 13425 972 44928 496 30954 2 TSSS, Thalasserry 178 32164 608 38078 332 3210 3 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 332 11196 3 24 63 2598 4 KAIROS, Kannur 216 14423 3 35 53 1601 5 Jeevana, Calicut 310 14063 121 2162 384 15640 6 Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 0 0 12 689 107 3072 7 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 6010 65600 2000 25000 2600 25500 8 COD, Thamarasserry 56 1815 50 2100 256 6760 9 Chethana, Mavalikkara 50 2000 00 00 12 2000 10 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 178 11170 3 168 67 3842 11 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 25 715 390 16430 1319 74724 12 KSSS, Kothamangalam 40 4658 117 12000 416 5500 13 HDS, Idukki 28 875 6 180 2 82 14 KSSS, Kottayam 00 1200000 00 521800 00 46900 15 PSSP, 3054 259534 190 10692 4871 304030 16 CHASS, Changanacherry 316 15555 440 27393 846 36919 17 CSSS, Cochin 162 5987 5 55 22 1030 18 PSWS, Palai 32 17292 83 4026 351 28371 19 PSSS, Punalur 186 8806 00 00 456 17028 20 KIDS, Kottapuram 30 2800 14 1150 116 1960 21 ESSS, Verapoly 11192 1668603 200 11000 500 24138 22 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 10 500 1 38 9 135 23 Swanthanam, Thrissur 0 0 0 0 50 2500 24 Shreyas Bathery 11052 497816 2603 86295 3868 141453 25 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 88 46200 0 0 0 0 26 QSSS, Kollam 525 52000 200 2306 780 13598 27 VSSS, Vijayapuram 16 641 03 275 05 280 Total 34251 3947838 8024 806824 17981 793825

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 12 DhaariN Summary of the trainings conducted in NRM

Graph.1

B. Environmental activities at a glance Table.2: Summary of the Environmental activities of DSSS Sl. Total No. Type of Program/ Activities Total No. Area No. benefited of Families benefited 1 Watershed Program 152 2 Soil & Water Conservation Measures: a Silt Pits 1233903 7601 Ha 88869 b Stone Pitched Bunds 2043115 M3 17905 Ha 37876 b Contour Earthen Bunds 4177111 Mtr 58466 Ha 43249 b Loose Boulder Check Dams 13024 [RM] 5054 Ha 15256

13 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN e Brushwood Check dams for Gully Plugs 14545 [RM] 8419 Ha 27928 f Earthen Check Dams 143[No.] 3991 Ha 8462 g Loose Stone Check Dams 187 [No.] 6338 Ha 7987 h Stream bank Protection 12967 [RM] 2129 Ha 9765 i Vegetative Measures/ Live Fencing 940303 [RM] 10921Ha 41273 j Well Recharging 17259 [No.] 25924 k Renovation of wells 17131 [No.] 17131 l Percolation Pits 1379 [No.] 855 Ha 4687 m Head Ponds 351 [No.] 1932 Ha 27964 n Renovation of ponds 4359 [No.] 45366 o Rain Water Harvesting Tanks 25833 units 45366 p Afforestation 1827340 plants 6452 Ha 55597 q Springs development 201 units 18159 r Silpaulintanks for Irrigation 1415 1704 1511 s Water Purifying Systems 12225 22906 t River Bank Protection Program 45 program u Coconut Basin preparation 1864302 units 142748 v Terracing 212155 mtr 2404 Ha 224114 w Fodder cultivation 46616 units 12194.5 72456 x Mangroves 21700 plants 3 renewable Energy Devises: a Biogas Plant 58220 units 58220 b Solar Lantern 111507 units c Solar Panel 8904 units d Smokeless Chula 67244 units 4 Waste Management Activities: a Terracotta Tanks 40519 units b Vermi Compost Units 70954 units 71601 c Pipe Composting units 28343 units 25280 d Compost pits 63037 64153

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 14 DhaariN

5 Biomass Conservation Activities: a Mulching 39585 Ha 87071 b Green manure crop promotion 5362 Ha 11354 c Composting 56526 units 57826 d Bio control agents promotion 28732 units 450 30273 6 Wetland Conservation Activities a Paddy Cultivation & Field development 25252 units 13581 Ha 27191 SRI Cultivation 354 units 151 359 Paddy field Bunds Construction 24744 [RM] 12138 28943 Improvement of Irrigation facilities 811 units 935 1805 7 Tree Plants Promotion Tree planting activity 6094562 plants 733198 Tree plants nursery 239 units 2236505 8 nrM Promotional Activities NRM policy related activities 156 program 16 DSSS Environment day celebrations 883 program 221747 Participants Waste Disposal campaigns 2179 program 132188 Participants Tree planting campaigns 777 program 136621 Participants River & Riverbank protection campaign 236 Program 24560 Participants Wet land conservation campaign 367 Program 74511 Participants 9 Supporting Systems Developed Nature Clubs (General) 2556 Nature Clubs (School) 267 Forums 168 Working Groups 212 Publications 210

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C. Activity wise data on the Environmental interventions of DSSS

I. Watershed projects undertaken by DSSS Watershed development is not a new concept in India and the people of India living along river banks have adapted various measures for harvesting, storing, and managing rainfall, runoff and stream flows. The Government of India has also adopted programs based on traditional water management approaches, which focus on micro-watersheds as the basis for planning and intervention since 1995. NABARD Supported Holistic Watershed Development Programme (NHWDP) was launched in 2008 and three distressed districts namely Kasargodu, Palakkad and Wayanad were selected by NABARD for the holistic watershed development project in Kerala. Water shed projects are based on rainfall and runoff harvesting schemes that involve rehabilitating, building small check dams and tanks, and groundwater recharge structures as they are important instruments to bring about rural development. The Watershed Development projects initiated by NABARD not only aims for soil and water conservation measures but also incorporates support for overall development of families through integrated activities like livestock development, horticulture plantation, women’s development and providing improved livelihood options to the landless families.

Table. 3: District wise data on the watershed projects undertaken by DSSS

District No. of No. of Water sheds undertaken by DSSS watershed in Dt. DSSS Number Wayanad 23 WSSS, Manathavady 6 Jeevana, Kozhikod 8 Shreyas Bathery 9 16 TSSS, Thalasserry 7 KAIROS, Kannur 6 Shreyas Bathery 3

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 16 DhaariN

Kannur 16 TSSS, Thalasserry 8 KAIROS, Kannur 7 Shreyas Bathery 1 6 Jeevana, Kozhikod 3 COD, Thamarasserry 2 Shreyas Bathery 1 Palakkad 19 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 4 PSSP, Palakkad 15 Thrissur 9 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 8 KIDS Kottapuram 1 Ernakulam 6 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam- Angamaly 1 CSSS, Cochin 2 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 3 Idukki 7 KSSS, Kothamangalam 1 hDS, Idukki 3 KSSS, Kottayam 1 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 1 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 1 Kottayam 15 KSSS, Kottayam 2 CHASS, Changanasserry 7 PSWS, Palai 4 VSSS, Vijayapuram 2 Pathanamthitta 2 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 1 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 1 Kollam 13 QSSS, Kollam 5 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 5 PSSS, Punalur 3 Thiruvanathapuram 6 CHASS, Changanasserry 2 nIDS, Neyyattinkara 2 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 2 Water shed projects are the key intervention of DSSS in natural resource management sector in their respective target areas. DSSS in Kerala has undertaken water shed projects either in collaboration with international funding partners or with Govt. Even before 2000 AD Diocesan Social Service Societies started to undertake watershed projects with the support of international funding agencies for protection and restoration of soil and water. Later DSSS collaborated with the Govt. agencies who promoted similar programs like NABARD, WGDP etc… The Projects are implemented in 02 Phases: Capacity Building Phase (CBP) and Full Implementation Phase (FIP).

17 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

General objectives of Watershed Projects are:  Improve livelihood of farmers in the cluster (of 5 to 6 villages) through community participation.  Strengthening village level institution like Village Watershed Committee, Cluster Level Committee and Self Help Groups to make them capable of undertaking the planned measures and develop linkages for sustainable management of resources in the cluster.  Integration of activities to conserve soil and moisture leading to improve the crop productivity. Approach in Watershed Projects: The approach consists of participatory planning, management of natural resources for providing improved livelihood opportunities for the watershed dwellers. A cluster of five to six villages is considered to be a unit for implementation. Village Watershed Committees (VWC) are formed for each micro watershed and a Cluster Level Committee (CLC) is formed for efficient coordination and implementation of programme. Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) is also formed to undertake activities related to women’s development. The project measure funds are directly transferred to VWC account by NABARD and overall programme operations are managed jointly by PIA and committees. The monitoring and training inputs are being provided by the Resource Support Organization (RSO) for this programme. Community has to contribute 10% of the total project cost which is being deposited separately in the maintenance fund account for the purpose of post project operations. The table below gives a bird eye view of the Watershed projects implemented by DSSS since 2000.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 18 DhaariN Table. 4: Details of the watershed projects undertaken by DSSS since 2002

Sl. Name of watershed Location of watershed Implementa- Funding Total financial No. tion period Source outlay [Rs] 1. WSSS, Manathavady 1 Alattil Thavinjal Grama Panchayath in Wayanad District 2002-2006 WGDP 7159200 2 Ellumannam Thavinjal Grama Panchayath in Wayanad District 2002-2006 WGDP 5272800 3 Ayanivayal Thondernadu Grama Panchayath in Wayanad District 2008-2014 NABARD 7592997 4 Mattilayam Thondernadu Grama Panchayath in Wayanad District 2008-2014 NABARD 7279620 5 Porlom Thondernadu Grama Panchayath in Wayanad District 2008-2014 NABARD 7324168 6 Nellery Thondernadu Grama Panchayath in Wayanad District 2008-2014 NABARD 3644528 2. TSSS, Thalasserry 7 Kukkumkaya Padippu, Kasaragod 2006-2009 Andheri 2840600 Hilfe, Germany & BMZ 8 Kottody Kottody, Kasaragod 2006-2009 ,, 1946500 9 Pungamchal Pungamchal, Kasaragod 2006-2009 ,, 1738800 10 Chully Chully, Kasaragod 2006-2009 ,, 2145600 11 Puncha Puncha, Kasaragod 2006-2009 ,, 1567400 12 Cheriyapuncha Cheriyapuncha, Kasaragod 2006-2009 ,, 1987300 13 Kottakunnu, Nellikutty, Kannur 2006-2009 ,, 2124500 Vettilakody 14 Plasi Perumba Chundaparamba,Kannur 2006-2009 ,, 1980700 15 Mavumchal Chandanakampara,Kannur 2006-2009 ,, 2120400 16 Pulikurumba Pulikurumba,Kannur 2006-2009 ,, 1856400 17 Munnur Kochi Kudiyanmala,Kannur 2006-2009 ,, 1734500 18 Kaithalam Kaithalam,Kannur 2006-2009 ,, 3480600 19 Karumangalam Ulickal ,Kannur 2006-2009 WDGP & PRI 2015209 20 Paisakary Payyavoor (4 villages), Kannur 2010-2013 WDGP & PRI 5372012

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21 Food Security Kannur and 2013-2016 Andheri 29000000 and Poverty Kasaragod Districts Hilfe, Alleviation of (12 villages) Germany Marginal Farmers & BMZ in Remote Hills of South India

3. SAFI, Irijalakkuda 22 Randukai Micro Randukai 2005-06 SAFP 313518 Water Shed & CIDA 23 Parekattukara watershed Parekattukara 2006-07 SAFP 764100 & CIDA 24 Parekattukara Parekattukara 2007-08 SAFP 236750 watershed & CIDA 25 Micro Watershed Parekattukara 2008-09 SAFP 672918 Development & CIDA 26 SPED III 20 villages of 3 Panchyaths ie.. 2012-13 SAFP 203000 Annamanada, Kuzhoor & CIDA & Parakadavu 27 SPED III 20 villages of 3 Panchyaths ie.. 2013-14 SAFP 45000 Annamanada, Kuzhoor & CIDA & Parakadavu 28 SPED III 20 villages of 3 Panchyaths ie. 2014-15 SAFP 2500150 Annamanada, Kuzhoor & CIDA & Parakadavu 29 SPED II 20 villages of 3 Panchyaths ie. 2015-16 SAFP 423200 Annamanada , Kuzhoor & CIDA & Parakadavu

4. KAIROS, Kannur 30 Vellarivayal Kannur District 2002 – 2007 W G D P 7482476 31 Orkayam Kannur District 2002 – 2007 W G D P 9384149 32 Thayyeni 2003 – 2008 W G D P 6881500 33 Ennapara Kasaragod District 2004 – 2008 W G D P 5503100 34 Malamkadav Kasaragod District 2009 -2013 W G D P 7534091 35 Thazhe Vilakkannur Kannur District 2010 – 2014 W G D P 8859167 36 Varakkad Kasaragod District 2010 -2014 W G D P 18832755 37 Padapengad Kannur District 2010 – 2015 W G D P 9204357 38 Thottayamchal Kasaragod District 2008 – 2011 NABARD 9232753

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 20 DhaariN

39 Nallompuzha Kasaragod District 2008 – 2011 NABARD 14039700 40 Umayamchal Kannur District 2013- 2016 W G D P 10199295 41 Kaipamkuzhy Kannur District 2013- 2016 W G D P 10450053 42 Kallodi Kannur District 2013- 2016 W G D P 7391814

5. JEEVANA, Kozhikod

43 Nellimunda Meppadi, Wayanad 2002-2004 Caritas 600000 India 44 Peruvazhikadavu Peruvazhikadavu, Kunnamangalam, Calicut 2005-2006 SAFP-CIDA 700000 45 Muthappankundu Mooppainad, Wayand 2006-2008 SAFP-CIDA 1000000 46 Thannickal Quilery, Mananthavadi, Wayanad 2007-2012 WGDP 4500000 47 Pilachery Ozhakodi, Mananthavadi, Wayanad 2009-2013 NABARD 4200000 48 Thindummal Vatterkunnu –Mananthavadi 2009-2013 NABARD 4400000 49 Soochipara Soochipara, Meppadi, Wayanad 2009-2014 NABARD 7900000 50 Kanthanpara Rippon, Mooppainad, Wayand 2009-2014 NABARD 8300000 51 Muthappankundu Nathenkuni, Mooppainad, Wayand 2009-2014 NABARD 8000000 52 Velimanna Omassery, Calicut 2012-2016 WGDP 12012000 53 Velimanna Omassery grama panchayath 2011 -2016 WGDP 745312

6. Bodhana, Thiruvalla 56 Kattappana 2012-2016 Caritas India 446000 57 Omallur Pathanamthitta 2012- 2016 Caritas India 655000

7. COD, Thamarasserry 62 Mysoorpatta Kodiyathoor Panchayat 2006 IBC 1200000 63 Kattullamala Koorachundu Panchayat 2009 SAFP 500000

8. NIDS, Neyyattinkara

64 Pasuvannara Keezharoor 2006 – 2008 SAFP 600000 65 Narakathinkala Vithura 2004 - 2006 SAFP 600000

9. Sahrudaya (WSE), Ernakulam- Angamaly

67 Manikamangalam Kalady Panchayth, Ernakulam Dist 2006-2007 SAFP 2000000 68 NHWDP- Alanellur Panchayth 2009-2012 NABARD 4496000 Kannamkundu Palakkadu District

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69 NHWDP - Nattukal Thatchanattukara Panchyath, 2009-2012 NABARD 9042000 Palakkadu District 70 NHWDP- Kuamranputhur Panchayath, 2009-2012 NABARD 5787500 Vendamkurissi Palakkadu District 71 WGDP - Thatchanattukara Panchayath, 2013-2014 WGDP 14200000 Annamthodi Palakkad District

10. KSSS, Kothamangalam

72 Jalagram Anchiri in Taluk, Idukki District 2005 SAFP 1000000

11. HDS, Idukki

73 Asarikavala Erattayar, Nedumakandom, 2014-17 WGDP 8019569 Pampadumpara Grama Panchayaths 74 Melechinnar Erattayar, Grama Panchayaths 2016-2019 WGDP 4652000 75 Karikintholam Mariyapuram Grama Panchayath 2015-2018 WGDP 8700667

12. KSSS, Kottayam

76 Vathikudy Vathikudy, Idukki 2000-2003 Andheri 2700000 - Hilfe 76 Velliyanoor Velliyanoor 2005-2007 SAFP 1700000 77 Integrated NRM 28 villages in Kottayam and 2003-2010 Andheri 25000000 & Watershed Idukki Districts -Hilfe Program

13. PSSP, Palakkad

78 Dhoni Dhoni, Palakkad 2000-2001 Caritas India 1250000 79 Neethipuram Mangalam Dam 2005-2006 SAFP 350000 80 Kalladikkode Karimba 2002-2002 Caritas India 2650000 81 Moonnekkar Karimba 2006-2007 SAFP 1050000 82 Thadukkassery Keralassery 2002-2007 WGDP 9500000 83 Akkiyampadam Kanjirappuzha 2009-2013 WGDP 5049500 84 Chirampadam Thachanattukara 2010-2013 WGDP 6489000 85 Ambankadavu Kanjirappuzha 2013-2015 WGDP 8320500 86 Chathikkazhayi Mankara and Keralassery 2013-2015 WGDP 11076000 87 Sarkkarpathy Perumatty 2009-2013 NABARD 15000000

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 22 DhaariN

88 Mullanthode Perumatty 2009-2013 NABARD 10800000 89 Muthuswamypudur Perumatty 2009-2013 NABARD 8650000 90 Kariyamkode Kottayi 2011-2014 NABARD 8500000 91 Kuppandiwarra Vadakarappathy 2011-2014 NABARD 9000000 92 Kulamadachalla Vadakarappathy 2011-2014 NABARD 11000000

14. CHASS, Changanacherry

93 Manimala Manimala G.P 2000-2006 Caritas India 2250000 94 Pangada Pampady G.P 2001-2007 Andheri 1775000 Hilfe 95 Vellavoor Manimala G.P 2003-2009 SAFP 1585000 96 Mylady Nedumkunnam 2006-2011 SAFP 795000 97 Kurumbanadom Madappally & Vakathanam GPs 2008-2013 IBC 2218100 98 Karikattoor Manimala G.P 2009-2014 IBC 1976000 99 Madappally Madappally GP 2009-2014 IBC 1887000 100 Amboori Amboori GP 2006-2009 Manoas 2857000 Unidas, Caritas India IGSSS 101 Edappalayam Amboori GP 2006-2009 Manoas 1954500 Unidas, Caritas India IGSSS 15. CSSS, Cochin 102 Cherthala South Arthunkal 2003-2006 SAFP 1564700 103 Arasupuram, Arasupuram 2007-2009 SAFP 1706900 Vettackal 16. PSWS, Palai 104 Vellikulam Vellikulam 2007 IBC 475000 105 Teekoy Teekoy 2007 IBC 510000 106 Mangalagiri Mangalagiri 2007 IBC 589000 107 Santhigiri Santhigiri 2007 IBC 535000 17. PSSS, Punalur 108 Angadikal Kodumon Panchayat 2001-2004 Caritas India 600000 109 Inchakkad Mylom Panchayat 2004-2005 SAFP 1050100 110 Urukunnu Thenmala Panchayat 2008-2009 SAFP 981 800

23 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

18. KIDS Kottapuram 111 Puthenvelikkara Puthenvelikkara panchayath 2000-2005 SAFP 350000

19. Samruthy, Muvattupuzha

112 Chettikandom Pampakkuda & Ramamangalam GP 2013-2016 WGDP 5480576 113 Kakkad Piravom GP 2013-2016 WGDP 4056491 114 Ezhukumvayal GP in Idukki 2012- 2015 WGDP 10255821 Kumanpara 115 Mulamalichera Pallarimangalam GP 2014- 2017 WGDP 2044200

20. Shreyas Bathery

116 Vellakettu Noolpuzha, Wayanad 2010-14 NABARD 12800000 117 Amarakkuni Pulpally, Wayanad 2010-14 NABARD 7800000 118 Sasimala Sasimala, Wayanad 2012-14 SAFP India 600000 119 Kattippara Kattipara, Kozhikode 2012-16 WGDP 3800000 120 Kelakom Kelakom, Kannur 2000-02 SAFP 400000 121 Karinkannikunnu Muttil, Wayanad 2006-09 WGDP 2700000 122 Kappiset Pulpally, Wayanad 2007-09 Caritas India 300000 123 Mallam Badiyadukka, Kasargode 2011-15 NABARD 7600000 124 Pallathadukka Bandhadukka, Kasargode 2011-15 NABARD 5400000 125 Bellarkaje Bellarkaje, Kasargode 2011-15 NABARD 8800000 126 Kallupadi Muttil, Wayanad 2006-09 IBC 1200000 127 Nambiarkunnu, Nenmeni, Wayanad 2000-03 CRS 5600000 Cheeral 128 Nenemni, Noolpuzha Wayanad 2013-18 NABARD 5600000 129 Nellikkara Poothadi, Wayanad 2008-10 IGSSS 300000

21. MSSS, Thiruvananthapuram

130 Purambilthod Elamad, Veliyampanchayaths 2001-2005 WGDP 6914455 of Kollam Dist. 131 Poovanathummoodu Kulathoopuzha Panchayath of 2001-02 WGDP 3677190 Kollam district 132 Elavarmkuzhy Eroor Panchayath, Kollam Dist. 2003-04 Caritas India 600000 133 Elamad Elamad Panchayath in Kollam Dist 2003-05 IBC 3700000 134 Thottumukku Chithara Panchayath Kollam Dist 2004-05 WGDP, 812300

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 24 DhaariN

135 Karmala Konni Panchayath of 2004-05 SAFP 500000 Pathanamthitta Dist. 136 Paluvally Pangodu Panchayath of 2008 -2011 WGDP 5400000 Trivandrum Dist 137 Kurinjilakkad Kallara Panchayath of 2008-2011 WGDP 4500000 Trivandrum Dist

22. QSSS, Kollam

138 Kochuthuruth Neendakara 2005 NABARD 3416700 139 Thrikkadavoor Anchalummood 2000 NABARD 1852550 140 Thirumullavaram Sakthikulangara 2000 NABARD 1850000 141 Sakthikulangara Sakthikulangara 2005 NABARD 3585000 142 Thanny Eravipuram 2000 NABARD 1745500

23. VSSS, Vijayapuram

143 Jalagram Cherumthadom, Elanji Panchayat 2004-2007 SAFP 1078513 144 Jalathartang Valiapara, Pampooripara 2008-2011 SAFP 814591 Mannackanad Total 63,25,40,915

* NABARD- National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development Govt. of India, WGDP- Western Ghats Development Program Govt. of India, SAFP- Save A Family Plan, IBC- Italian Bishop’s Conference, CRS- Catholic Relief Service, IGSSS- Indo Global Social Service Society.

The major impacts of the Water shed program are:  Increase in ground water recharge & availability of assured water. Reduction in soil erosion.  Increase in crop production, productivity & cropping intensity and additional area brought under cultivation.  Socio economic development of rural communities through income generation and livelihood enhancement activities.  Employment generation and substantial reduction in migration.  Social impacts like –assured source of income for landless poor, availability of drinking water, fodder availability, etc.  Drinking water scarcity in villages has been overcome  Local employment generation has improved, reducing off season migration  Increase in agri. productivity and production

25 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN  Dairy activity has received a fillip  Demand for credit has gone up  Women empowerment and reduction in drudgery;  Large number of community based organizations [CBO] both of women and men were formed and credit linked  Ensured responsible participation of the people in their own development, especially in protection and restoration of natural resources.

2. Environmental Protection 2.a. Training Programs on Environmental Protection

Table.5. DSSS & Subject details of the trainings on environmental protection

No Subjects Name of DSSS No. of no. of trainings participants

1 Watershed Development WSSS, TSSS. SAFI, NIDS, & Management PSSP, CHASS, PSWS, Jeevana, MSSS, Sahrudaya & Shreyas 929 110750

2 Natural Resource Management WSSS, SAFI, HDS, PSSP, CHASS & CSSS 579 25648

3 Water Literacy/ Water Harvesting WSSS, PSSP, CSSS, PSWS, Shreyas, VSSS& KIDS 1931 74255

4 Waste Management/ Pollution Control WSSS, SAFI, NIDS, KSSS, CHASS, PSSS, Shreyas & Bodhana 2953 77486

5 Climate Change WSSS& Shreyas 142 13051

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 26 DhaariN

6 Natural Camp for Students WSSS 2 155

7 Importance of environment protection TSSS, VSSS& SAFI 76 1206615

8 New economic policy and Indian farmers TSSS 14 1180

9 Organic, Natural farming/Kitchen garden TSSS, PSSP, CHASS, VSSS& CSSS 492 83059

10 Organic manure Production TSSS, SAFI, MSSS, VSSS & PSSP 972 49357

11 Participatory monitoring and evaluation & PRA on environment TSSS, VSSS & CSSS 27 1391

12 Soil and Water Conservation TSSS, KAIROS, COD, NIDS, PSSP, CHASS, PSSS, Shreyas & MSSS 1023 104891

13 Agro & Social Forestry TSSS, SAFI, Shreyas & PSSP 721 44996

14 Various livelihood opportunities TSSS, SAFI, KAIROS, based on NRM Jeevana, Bodhana, MSSS, PSSP & VSSS 2249 31084

15 Multi cropping pattern in hilly regions TSSS 10 955

16 Man and Ecology TSSS 10 785

17 Disaster management SAFI 27 2227

18 Water Recharging/ RWH KAIROS, Bodhana, NIDS, PSSP, QSSS, CSSS & Shreyas 2114 83001

19 Students Campaign Program on Natural Management KAIROS 9 720

20 Compost Making Bodhana 100 100

21 Protection and conservation of medicinal plants Chethana 50 2000

22 Bio- diversity Conservation & register preparation KSSS & Shreyas 47 29125

23 Technical Training on Bodhana, PSSP & Water conservation Measures Sahrudaya 1054 13002

27 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

24 Rejuvenation of water recharging points CSSS & QSSS 404 37585

25 Reclamation of abandoned paddy fields CSSS 15 215

26 Filter well development CSSS 5 67

27 Workshop in EIA PSSS 24 1248

28 Importance of environment protection/ mobilization of people KSSS KTM 000 1200000

29 Agronomic Measures Shreyas 413 27811

30 Capacity building of Watershed committees Shreyas 91 1612

31 Management Information System in Watershed Shreyas 54 1346

32 Land Capability Characteristics (LCC) Shreyas 434 16675

33 Soil Test/ Soil- Structure, texture Shreyas 275 17611

34 Water quality test/ Water management Shreyas 731 39404

35 Resource map preparation Shreyas 166 8738

36 Agro horticulture management Shreyas 212 19252

Note: KSSS KTM- KSSS Kottayam, TSSS-TSSS Thalasserry & KSSS- KSSS Kothamangalam

2.b. Soil & Water Conservation Measures Soil and water are the basic resources and these must be conserved as carefully as possible. The pressure of increasing population neutralizes all efforts to raise the standard of living, while loss of fertility in the soil itself nullifies the value of any improvements made. This calls for more systematic resource conservation efforts. It is well known to every farmer that it is the top soil layer, which sustains agricultural production. Once this layer is lost or eroded, nothing can be done to replace it within a short period of time. Climate and hydrology, soil topography, soil surface conditions and their interactions are major factors affecting erosion-sedimentation processes. Human intervention has disturbed the natural equilibrium and intensive and extensive agriculture has become a dominant factor in accelerating land degradation. The ever-increasing population pressure has brought intensive cultivation of land to the forefront through irrigated agriculture. Cultivable wastelands are increasing in the agricultural fields due to improper land management. The obvious remedy for this is to follow soil and moisture conservation practices along with integrated nutrient supply system for improvement of soil fertility as well as crop productivity on sustained basis. Soil conservation in any form is the only known solution to protect the productive lands. In a predominantly agricultural state like Kerala, where droughts and floods cause chronic

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 28 DhaariN food scarcity, adequate soil conservation program, not only increases crop yield, but also prevents further deterioration of land. Methods to control surface runoff and soil associated soil erosion have been practiced in Kerala from times immemorial. 2.b.1. Silt Pits Silt pit is one of the recommended soil, water and nutrients conservation practice in Watershed Development Programs. Although silt pits have been practiced for several decades, their practices have not always been successful as scientific principles are not followed while making it. This is because of the absence of instructions on how to build silt pits. This review shows that the number and the dimensions of silt pits are related to the hill slope steepness, soil physical conditions, amount of run-offs and

soil erosion. The total volume of constructed silt pits to be constructed must be arrived at in line with the total volume of run-off and yet not to have too large an opening which would encourage large evaporative losses. Silt pits should not be deeper than 1 m or shallower than 0.5 m to release trapped water into different crops active root zone and to avoid overflow of trapped runoff and sediments.

Table. 6. DSSS level details of Silt Pits constructed

SL. DSSS Total No of Silt pits Area benefited total No. of No. constructed in Hectors families benefited 1 WSSS, Manathavady 46500 332 1460 2 TSSS, Thalasserry 40500 291 1575 3 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 80200 572 2575 4 KAIROS, Kannur 84175 601 2727 5 Jeevana, Calicut 17133 122 661 6 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 3000 26 193 7 COD, Thamarasserry 17200 126 614

29 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

8 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 3412 26 236 9 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 86000 615 5535 10 KSSS, Kothamangalam 3400 25 153 11 KSSS, Kottayam 94600 697 6196 12 PSSP, Palakkad 181600 1293 6250 13 CHASS, Changanacherry 110000 1410 9406 14 PSWS, Palai 16528 118 637 15 PSSS, Punalur 28400 203 1459 16 Swanthanam, Thrissur 24300 174 1186 17 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 12800 103 649 18 Shreyas , Bathery 357100 285 44697 19 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 23870 544 1734 20 QSSS, Kollam 885 16 276 21 VSSS, Vijayapuram 2300 22 650 Total 1233903 7601 88869

2.b.2. Stone Pitched Bunds This measure involves construction of horizontal lines of stone pitched contour bunds across the sloping land surface. Contour bunding is practiced to intercept the runoff flowing down the slope by an embankment with either open or closed ends to conserve moisture as well as to reduce erosion. The land treatment in between the bunds is desirable for uniform conservation of moisture. While constructing the Stone Pitched Bunds, always provide a berm (distance from excavated portion to bund) of minimum 30 cm and provide a settlement allowance of 10-15% depending on soil type. Exit must be provided in sloping land and in impermeable soils, depending on site conditions. In impermeable soils increase the

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 30 DhaariN cross section area of bunds. Do not start the lay-out of bunds from the shorter section. Always begin from the longest section within the largest area of uniform slope. Do not make bunds on slopes higher than 10%. On relatively high slopes do not make bunds closer than 30 m. On low slopes do not make bunds farther than 60 m. Do not construct bunds where there is already dense vegetation. Do not excavate if roots of a tree are encountered and not excavate soil continuously in permeable soils. Table. 7. DSSS level details of Stone Pitched Bunds SL. DSSS Number of Area benefited no. of No. units M3 in Hector families covered 1 WSSS, Manathavady 440400 3820 6112 2 TSSS, Thalasserry 366300 2458 3800 3 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 215140 1670 2492 4 KAIROS, Kannur 377200 2600 3162 5 Jeevana, Calicut 52482 236 378 6 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 5200 28 46 7 COD, Thamarasserry 9750 44 73 8 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 8300 38 60 9 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 76380 344 550 10 KSSS, Kothamangalam 14800 36 62 11 HDS, Idukki 45600 205 329 12 PSSP, Palakkad 158952 716 1146 13 CHASS, Changanacherry 87540 394 631 14 PSWS, Palai 26200 108 176 15 PSSS, Punalur 18360 98 168 16 Shreyas Bathery 89126 412 17443 17 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 51385 4698 1248 Total 2043115 17905 37876

31 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 2.b.3. Contour Earthen Bunds Contour Earthen bunds are a simple and low- fertile topsoil also gets deposited in the bund. cost method of checking the velocity of runoff It is, therefore, important to combine contour in the Contour Earthen bunds are a simple bunds with appropriate vegetative measures. and low-cost method of checking the velocity While constructing the earthen bunds, always of runoff in the watershed. A contour bund is provide a berm of 30 cm and provide a constructed along a contour line. A contour line is an imaginary line which joins together points of the same elevation. Making a bund along a line that is at the same level increases the chances of containing runoff for a longer period of time within the bund. Contour bunds are constructed in the ridge area of a watershed. Rainwater, which falls in this area, flows unchecked carrying with it eroded soil into the flatter portion of the watershed - the “valley”. This silt gets deposited into reservoirs and ponds, reducing their life. Thus, any water harvesting work undertaken in the valley will become meaningless unless appropriate measures such as contour bunds settlement allowance. Exit must be provided and trenches are undertaken to control runoff in sloping land and in impermeable soils. Do and soil erosion in the ridge. Like contour not start the lay-out of bunds from the shorter trenches, bunds also collect the rainwater section. Always begin from the longest section that falls in the ridge area. This way the soil within the largest area of uniform slope. On moisture profile in the area adjacent to the high slopes do not make bunds closer than 30 bund is improved. Along with the water, eroded m. On low slopes do not make bunds farther than 60 m. Do not make bunds on slopes higher than 10%. For slopes between 10% and 25%, contour stone bunds are more appropriate depending to the availability of stones locally. For slopes above 25%, adopt vegetative measures. Do not construct bunds where there is already dense vegetation. Do not excavate if roots of a tree are encountered and do not excavate soil continuously in permeable soils. In highly sloping land and impermeable soil, water will flow more rapidly.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 32 DhaariN Table 8. DSSS level details of Contour Earthen Bunds constructed

SL. DSSS Number of Area benefited no. of No. units- Mtrs in Hector families covered

1 WSSS, Manathavady 476655 2820 3680 2 TSSS, Thalasserry 18590 110 143 3 Jeevana, Calaicut 98020 580 765 4 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 18253 108 151 5 NIDS, Nyyattinakara 16240 96 144 6 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 6760 40 72 7 KSSS, Kothamangalam 23718 140 210 8 HDS, Idukki 113230 670 871 9 KSSS, Kottayam 39518 233 372 10 PSSP, Palakkad 439950 2603 3384 11 PSWS, Palai 78585 465 651 12 PSSS, Punalur 83824 496 695 13 CHASS, CHRY 39715 235 376 14 Shreyas, Bathery 2686951 46640 30845 15 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 36212 3214 765 16 QSSS, Kollam 890 16 125 Total 4177111 58466 43249 2.b.4. Loose Boulder Check Dams Loose Boulder check dams are used for checking runoff velocity in steep and broad gullies where good size of stones is available in abundance. Loose Boulder Check dams have longer life and usually require less maintenance as compared to other check dams. These are generally constructed at upper reaches of drainage lines/gullies or branches of main streams, where plenty of boulder stones are locally available. Dry stone/ loose boulder check dams are usually constructed up to about 1.25 m height and about 2.5 m length. The foundation of the

33 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN check dams should be dug out from 0.3 m - 0.5 m and the keying into stable portion of banks is also kept from 0.3 m - 0.6 m.Through the Loose Boulder Check dams, in the watershed area it assist recharge of shallow wells and reduced the salinity in groundwater and allows groundwater recharge and sediment to settle out (reduces sediment transport)

Table 9. DSSS level details of Loose Boulder Check Dams constructed

SL. DSSS Treated Area benefited no. of families No. (RM) in Hector covered 1 Kairos, Kannur 489 286 515 2 TSSS, Thalasserry 3200 800 1445 3 COD, Thamarasserry 46 15 23 4 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 144 45 81 5 PSSP, Palakkad 2610 1110 1998 6 CHASS, Changanacherry 175 110 198 7 PSWS, Palai 82 117 210 8 Jeevana, Calicut 26 65 117 9 Shreyas, Bathery 5257 2217 10491 10 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 495 142 87 11 QSSS, Kollam 500 147 91 Total 13024 5054 15256

2.b. 5. Brushwood Check dams for Gully Plugs

Brushwood check dams made of posts and brush are placed across the gully. The main objective of brushwood check dams is to hold fine material carried by flowing water in the gully. Small gully heads, no deeper than one meter, can also be stabilized by brushwood check dams. Brushwood check dams are temporary structures and should not be used to treat ongoing problems such as concentrated run-off from roads or cultivated fields.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 34 DhaariN Table 10. DSSS level details of Brushwood Check dams for Gully Plugs

SL. DSSS Treated Area benefited no. of families No. (RM) in Hector covered 1 COD, Thamarasserry 25 14 29 2 NIDS, Nyattinkara 76 42 87 3 HDS, Idukki 2000 1123 2133 4 PSSP, Palakkad 1916 1064 2028 5 Shreyas, Bathery 10528 6176 23651 Total 14545 8419 27928

2.b.6. Earthen Check Dams Earth Check Dams, which are small structures, are constructed across the gullies. Their main purpose is to hold water and let it percolate into the ground. In non-humid regions, small gullies which are not deeper than 2 meters, with a gully bed gradient of less than 10 per cent, can be stabilized by a series of earth plugs. In humid regions, earth plugs must be combined with small diversions. Distribution of earth plugs depends on the gully channel’s gradient.

35 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN Table 11. DSSS level details of Earthen Check Dams constructed SL. DSSS Number of Area benefited in total No. of No. Dams Hectors families benefited 1 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 15 420 588 2 Jeevana, Calicut 31 876 1225 3 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 38 1064 1490 4 HDS, Idukki 2 56 79 5 PSSP, Palakkad 24 672 940 6 Shreyas, Bathery 23 623 3783 7 QSSS, Kollam 10 280 357 Total 143 3991 8462

2.b.7. Loose Stone Check Dams Loose stone check dams made of relatively small rocks are placed across the gully. The main objectives for these dams are to control channel erosion along the gully bed and to stop waterfall erosion by stabilizing gully heads. Loose stone check dams are used to stabilize the incipient and small gullies and the branch gullies of a continuous gully or gully network. The length of the gully channel is not more than 100 meters and the gully catchment area is two hectares or less. These dams can be used in all regions. Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 36 DhaariN

Table 12. DSSS level details of Loose Stone Check Dams constructed SL. DSSS Number Area benefited in Total No. of No. Hectors Families benefited 1 WSSS, Manathavay 15 480 600 2 KAIROS, Kannur 21 672 840 3 Jeevana, Calicut 19 289 745 4 COD, Thamarasserry 5 160 212 5 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 18 576 718 6 PSSP, Palakkad 44 1408 1670 7 CHASS, Changanacherry 3 96 118 8 PSWS, Palai 12 384 480 9 Shreyas, Bathery 12 364 1689 10 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 27 91 395 11 QSSS, Kollam 10 318 465 12 VSSS, Vijayapuram 1 1500 55 Total 187 6338 7987

37 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 2.b.8. Stream Bank Protection Stream sides are a critical transition region between terrestrial uplands and the flowing stream ecosystems. These are highly dynamic systems, alternating between inundation and draw downs resulting from fluctuating water levels, and also subject to the shearing forces of flowing waters. Many plants of the streamside zone are uniquely adapted to, and often dependent upon, these environmental conditions. Healthy vegetation growing along the streamside provides numerous benefits

or ecosystem services, both above-ground and below-ground. In order to conserve, enhance and restore streamside areas, protection walls have been constructed for better water management and fish population.

Table 13. DSSS level details of Stream Bank Protection SL. DSSS Running Area benefited in total No. of No. Meter Hectors families benefited 1 WSSS, Manathavady 210 46 68 2 TSSS, Thalasserry 1322 298 439 3 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 36 08 15 4 KAIROS, Kannur 45 10 18 5 Jeevana, Calicut 1606 353 600 6 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 500 140 238 7 COD, Thamarasserry 75 18 32 8 HDS, Iddukki 750 165 281 9 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 428 98 176 10 KSSS, Kothamangalam 190 42 76 11 KSSS, Kottayam 579 127 228

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 38 DhaariN

12 PSSP, Palakkad 510 112 201 13 CHASS, Changanacherry 85 20 36 14 PSWS, Palai 130 27 49 15 PSSS, Punalur 60 16 29 16 Shreyas, Bathery 4386 435 6584 17 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 2054 202 648 18 VSSS, Vijayapuram 1 12 47 Total 12967 2129 9765 2.b.9. Vegetative Measures/ Live Fencing The live fences are a more sustainable and affordable fencing option for the farmers. DSSS promoted local specious of plants for developing live fences though out the watershed area. Live fences support the farmers as an alternative green manure. It also controls the contamination to the farm. Some of the plants which used for live fencing also have medicinal value. So the farmers can make use these plants for traditional medicine preparations. Also this can use as an Organic Weedicide for the crops.

Table 14. DSSS level details of Vegetative Measures/ Live Fencing SL. DSSS RM Area benefited in total No. of No. Hectors families benefited

1 WSSS, Manathavady 149280 865 933 2 TSSS, Thalasserry 52000 2304 2120 3 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 8000 46 50 4 KAIROS, Kannur 76000 437 475 5 Jeevana, Calicut 36000 372 405 6 COD, Thamarasserry 10000 1113 1210 7 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 4960 29 31 8 HDS, Idukki 9870 98 107

39 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

9 CSSS, Cochin 58500 336 366 10 KIDS, Kottapuram 4800 28 30 11 PSSP, Palakkad 111600 1140 1240 12 CHASS, Changanacherry 31535 341 371 13 PSSS, Punalur 6720 77 84 14 ESSS, Verapoly 6200 138 150 15 Shreyas, Bathery 372344 3430 32866 16 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 2494 167 835 Total 940303 10921 41273

2.b.10. Well Recharging Open wells have a major role to play in the artificial recharge of ground water. Rooftop rainwater and surface water flowing in stormwater drains can be filtered; the silt removed and allowed to recharge the open wells. There are thousands of dug wells which have either gone dry or the water levels have declined considerably. These dug wells can be used as structures to recharge. The recharge water is guided through a pipe to the bottom of well, below the water level to avoid scoring of bottom and entrapment of air bubbles in the aquifer. The quality of source water including the silt content should be such that the quality of ground water reservoir is not deteriorated.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 40 DhaariN

Table 15. DSSS level details of wells recharged SL. DSSS Number of no. of families No. units covered 1 WSSS, Manathavady 1345 1545

2 TSSS, Thalasserry 120 147

3 Jeevana, Calicut 200 238

4 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 1000 1211

5 NIDS, Nyyattinakara 31 136

6 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 1238 1417

7 CHASS, Changanacherry 517 568

8 HDS, Idukki 15 35

9 KSSS, Kottayam 3210 7501

10 PSSP, Palakkad 2414 2891

11 PSWS, Palai 850 912

12 PSSS, Punalur 634 699

13 Kairos, KAnnur 214 263

14 COD, Thamarasserry 17 24

15 CSSS, Cochin 64 262

16 KIDS, Kottappuram 2434 2864

17 Swanthanam, Thrissur 2200 2465

18 ESSS, Verapoly 75 93

19 SAFI, Irijalakuda 26 36

20 Shreyas, Bathery 287 2249

21 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 245 245

22 QSSS, Kollam 95 95

23 VSSS, Vijayapuram 28 28

Total 17259 25924

41 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 2.b.11. Renovation of wells A number of wells were renovated though out the Kerala under Watershed Development Programs implemented by DSSS. This is

mainly for providing the safe drinking water. The wells which selected for renovation are mainly public wells. The details of renovation of wells are:-

Table16. DSSS level details of wells renovated SL. DSSS Number of No. of No. units families covered 1 WSSS, Manathavady 248 268 2 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 15 21 3 Jeevana, Calaicut 151 285 4 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 100 215 5 NIDS, Nyyattinakara 3 11 6 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 162 199 7 CHASS, Changanacherry 621 745 8 HDS, Idukki 20 38 9 KSSS, Kottayam 2177 3265 10 PSSP, Palakkad 1726 2140 11 PSWS, Palai 120 187 12 PSSS, Punalur 828 932 13 Kairos, Kannur 8 13 14 COD, Thamarasserry 5 12

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 42 DhaariN

15 Chethana , Mavalikkara 2 10 16 CSSS, Cochin 26 44 17 Swanthanam, Thrissur 480 812 18 ESSS, Verapoly 50 63 19 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 98 135 20 Shreyas, Bathery 8976 35645 21 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 1030 1030 22 QSSS, Kollam 250 250 23 VSSS, Vijayapuram 35 68 Total 17131 46388

2.b.12. Percolation Pits Percolation pits, one of the easiest and most effective means of harvesting rainwater, are generally not more than 60 x 60 x 60 cm pits, (designed on the basis of expected runoff as described for settlement tanks), filled with pebbles or brick jelly and river sand, covered with perforated concrete slabs wherever necessary.

Table 17. DSSS level details of Percolation Pits constructed SL. DSSS Number of Area benefited in no. of No. units hector families covered 1 NIDS, Nyyattinakara 13 02 3 2 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 112 86 94 3 CHASS, Changanacherry 892 645 687 4 CSSS, Cochin 106 74 82 5 PSSP, Palakkad 44 28 33 6 PSWS, Palai 10 2 4 7 PSSS, Punalur 23 9 29 8 Jeevana, Calicut 28 10 31 9 COD, Thamarasserry 17 6 22 10 Shreyas, Bathery 102 3487 11 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 27 850 135 12 QSSS, Kollam 4 2 34 13 VSSS, Vijayapuram 1 3 46 Total 1379 855 4687

43 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 2.b.13. Head Ponds The head pond is the first stage in the hydro system and is where the water is stored before it is required by the turbines. Head ponds works enrich the Mother Nature to provide food, shelter, and safety to the wildlife around it. It also provides an all-natural, low-maintenance piece of paradise. It’s important to remember, however, that every piece of the ecosystem puzzle must be present in order for a true ecosystem to be in place. Eliminate one of these head ponds will create an unbalanced ecosystem that won’t be so low-maintenance anymore. Table 18. DSSS level details of Head Ponds constructed SL. DSSS Number of Area benefited in no. of No. units Hector families covered 1 Kairos, Kannur 13 78 140 2 Jeevana, Calaicut 19 114 205 3 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 10 61 110 4 HDS, Idukki 4 24 43 5 PSSP, Palakkad 24 144 259 6 WSSS Mananthavady 06 32 48 7 Shreyas, Bathery 265 1426 27033 8 QSSS, Kollam 10 53 126 Total 351 1932 27964 2.b.14. Renovation of ponds The first step towardspondrenovation is to closely examine the pond for sources of water loss. Most ponds are filled by rainfall. An eroded watershed washes sediments into the pond with each rain, reducing pond volume and the useful life of the pond. Reduced sedimentation increases the pond life span by maintaining the pond’s volume, which also helps insure the pond maintains water during periods of drought. The pond can capture more rainfall by increasing the watershed acreage. This can be accomplished by cutting a small ditch that gently angles upslope from the pond. The ditch will funnel water into the pond from a wider area than the naturally, accessible watershed. However, if these furrows catch too much water the pond may regularly overflow resulting in failure of the dam.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 44 DhaariN Furrows or ditches are easily made with a single bottom plow. Soil should be thrown down slope from a six inch furrow. It can be smoothed with a box blade or shovel. Grass will soon cover the exposed soil. This furrow greatly increase run- off water available to the pond and allows it to fill quicker with less rainfall. Grass cover will help prevent sediments from washing into and muddying the pond or eroding the watershed.

Table 19. DSSS level details of Ponds renovated SL. DSSS Number No. of No. families covered 1 WSSS, Manathavady 34 66 2 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 5 86 3 KIDS, Kottappuram 1251 3450 4 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 20 86 5 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 6 40 6 CHASS, Changanacherry 989 2890 7 HDS, Idukki 5 12 8 PSSP, Palakkad 232 896 9 PSSS, Punalur 18 162 10 Kairos, Kannur 10 63 11 COD, Thamarasserry 72 350 12 CSSS, Cochin 32 89 13 Swanthanam, Thrissur 298 915 14 ESSS, Verapoly 15 46 15 Jeevana, Calicut 24 72 16 Shreyas, Bathery 1324 35984 17 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 12 85 18 QSSS, Kollam 10 28 19 VSSS, Vijayapuram 2 46 Total 4359 45366

45 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

2.b.15. Rain Water Harvesting Tanks Rainwater Harvesting is an effective and eco-friendly method to collect and store rain water runoff, typically from rooftops via rain gutters. Rainwater offers advantages in water quality for both irrigation and domestic use. Rainwater is naturally soft (unlike well water), contains almost’ no dissolved minerals or salts, is free of chemical treatment, and is a relatively reliable source of water for households. The Advantages of the Rain water harvesting tanks:-

 Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated with the house, which makes the water easily accessible.  Rainwater harvesting systems are personal, which prevents arguments about who should take care of maintenance.  The construction is easy and cheap in maintenance.

Table 20. DSSS level status of Rain Water Harvesting Tanks constructed SL. DSSS Units No. of families No. covered 1 WSSS, Manathavady 250 250 2 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 25 25 3 Jeevana, Calaicut 61 61 4 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 2500 2500 5 NIDS, Nyyattinakara 16 31 6 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 2246 2246 7 CHASS, CHRY 3268 3268 8 HDS, Idukki 82 82 9 KSSS, Kottayam 6494 7512 10 PSSP, Palakkad 6456 6456 11 PSWS, Palai 1411 1411

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 46 DhaariN

12 PSSS, Punalur 21 21 13 Kairos, Kannur 88 112 14 COD, Thamarasserry 210 210 15 CSSS, Cochin 250 335 16 Swanthanam, Thrissur 60 81 17 ESSS, Verapoly 440 440 18 TSSS, Thalasserry 163 195 19 KSSS, Kothamangalam 30 30 20 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 20 20 21 Shreyas, Bathery 336 18674 22 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 125 125 23 QSSS, Kollam 981 981 24 VSSS, Vijayapuram 300 300 Total 25833 45366 2.b.16. Afforestation Protecting trees is essential for warding off environmental degradation and rural poverty. The multiple goods and services available from tree plants offer many possibilities for off-farm employment and for economic diversification, with low capital input, for example through the integration of plantations with agricultural crops, in soil conservation and watershed management, as recreational areas, and as a source of subsistence. Afforestation has been suggested as a means of improving soil and water conservation in Watersheds, especially on the hilly areas. Understanding of the hydrological responses to afforestation will help us develop sustainable watershed management strategies. It was estimated that cumulative runoff yield in the treated watershed was reduced by 32% as a result of afforestation. A significant trend was also observed that shows annual runoff reduction increases with the age of the trees planted. Reduction in monthly runoff occurred mainly from May to September, which was ascribed to greater rainfall and utilization by trees during this period. Afforestation also resulted in reduction in the volume and peak flow of storm runoff events in the treated watershed with greater reduction in peak flow.

47 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN Table 21. DSSS level status of Afforestation activities SL. DSSS Number of Area benefited no. of No. plants in Hector families covered 1 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 1875 25 65 2 Jeevana, Calaicut 13125 175 455 3 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 15000 200 520 4 NIDS, Nyyattinakara 9000 120 312 5 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 8625 115 299 6 CHASS, Changanacherry 25875 346 952 7 KSSS, Kottayam 75000 108 280 8 PSSP, Palakkad 80000 119 309 9 PSWS, Palai 65000 866 2251 10 PSSS, Punalur 20800 268 696 11 Swanthanam, Thrissur 50,000 667 1734 12 ESSS, Verapoly 10000 134 348 13 TSSS, Thalasserry 48000 640 1664 14 KSSS, Kothamangalam 40000 533 1386 15 Chethana, Mavalikkara 18000 240 624 16 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 14000 186 484 17 WSSS Mananthavady 46500 575 1495 18 Shreyas, Bathery 1261540 878 40043 19 QSSS, Kollam 25000 257 1680 Total 1,827,340 6452 55597

2.b.17. Springs Development

Water is increasingly becoming a critical ingredient for sustainable development. In Kerala, village water sources like springs have been traditionally playing a vital role in providing water security to the rural community. These springs get recharged from the sub-surface flow or from the rain-water that percolates down.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 48 DhaariN

Table 22. DSSS level details of Springs development activities SL. DSSS Number no. of families No. covered 1 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 10 30 2 Jeevana, Calaicut 38 49 3 WSSS, Manathavady 86 246 4 TSSS, Thalasserry 12 30 5 PSSS, Punalur 03 47 6 Shreyas, Bathery 48 17481 7 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 2 40 8 VSSS, Vijayapuram 2 236 Total 201 18159 2.b.18. Silpaulin Tanks for Irrigation A plastic-lined dugout pond to store runoff and rain water for irrigation purposes during dry periods. This water harvesting technology is very useful in areas where there is limited rainfall for long periods of the year. These dry periods severely limit the growing of crops across Kerala especially on steep slopes where

49 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN conventional irrigation is difficult to arrange. Plastic- lined conservation ponds store water for irrigation more efficiently than the traditional earthen ponds which lose much water to seepage. The ponds are dug out and the earthen walls lined with high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheet or SILPAULIN (multi- layered, cross laminated, UV stabilized) heavy duty plastic sheeting. The size of the pond will vary depending on the area available and the soil characteristics. In Kerala, through different DSSS this method was tested and demonstrated with a capacity of 8,000-10,000 liters. These ponds were about 3m long, 2m wide and 1.5m deep and were located at shady sites to minimize evaporation losses.

Table 23. DSSS level details of Silpaulintanks made for Irrigation SL. DSSS Number of Area in no. of families No. units Hector covered 1 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 55 66 55 2 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 10 16 10 3 CHASS, Changanacherry 762 914 762 4 PSSP, Palakkad 44 53 44 5 PSWS, Palai 457 549 457 6 PSSS, Punalur 28 34 28 7 COD Thamarasserry 42 50 42 8 HDS, Idukki 5 07 5 9 Shreyas, Bathery 12 15 108 Total 1415 1704 1511

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 50 DhaariN 2.b.19. Water Purifying Systems Targeting the reuse of the resource and solution of the lethal health problems, DSSS has developed different Filtering Mechanisms and they have brought about a positive ray of hope in the lives of many. These filter units are unique, as each one of them suits a particular living condition. People choose from them according to their availability of water, economic condition and ease of use. A filter consist of three parts, first part is for storing contaminated water, second part is the filter media and third part is storage area for filter water.

Table 24. Status of Water purifying systems installed by DSSS SL. DSSS Number no. of families No. covered 1 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 6000 6000 2 CHASS, Changanacherry 1120 1120 3 PSSP, Palakkad 2016 2745 4 PSWS, Palai 1628 7749 5 Jeevana, Calaicut 1 1 6 CSSS, Cochin 34 91 7 Shreyas, Bathery 86 3860 8 QSSS, Kollam 1340 1340 Total 12225 22906

51 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 2.b.20. River Bank Protection Program Erosion and sedimentation are natural phenomenon and processes, but often are in conflict with our use of the shorelines and river banks. The most noticeable problem created by erosion is the loss of waterfront i.e. river bank’s property. These are highly dynamic systems, alternating between inundation and drawdowns resulting from fluctuating water levels, and also subject to the shearing forces of flowing wa- ters. Many plants of the riverside zone are uniquely adapted to, and often dependent upon, these environ- mental conditions. Healthy vegetation growing along the riverside provide nu- merous benefits, or ecosystem services, both aboveground and below-ground. In order to conserve, enhance and restore riverside areas, vege- tative measures have been constructed for better water manage- ment.

No. of River Bank Protection Program undertaken by DSSS 8

Graph. 2

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 52 DhaariN 2.b.21. Coconut Basin preparation Water is an essential component for the vegetative growth and nut production of coconut palm. In areas with long spell of dry weather or scanty and ill-distributed rainfall, coconut production is reduced. So conservation of water in coconut growing area is important to ensure availability of water throughout the year. Generally an adult palm requires 600-800 litres of water once in four to seven days, depending on soil type and climatic condition. Research shows that clay and organic matters hold the water in the soil and higher content of organic matter in the soil increases the moisture holding capacity. As much of the organic matter is present in the topsoil, so if soil erosion is checked soil continues to retain water holding capacity. It is seen that bare soils in coconut lands result in heavy erosion due to runoff. Continuous soil erosion finally results in barren land where coconut cultivation is no longer profitable. Therefore measures have to be adopted in coconut growing land to maximize the volume of rainwater to be absorbed into the soil sub layers without allowing it to run-off the land. When the rainwater collection and movement is properly managed on a land with the adoption of following measures the productivity of the land can be increased effectively. DSSS are promoting Coconut basins with 1.8m radius and 10-20 cm depth as a water conservation method in the Watershed Development Program. Table 25. DSSS level details of Coconut Basin preparation SL. DSSS Number of no. of families No. units covered 1 WSSS, Manathavady 1875 146 2 Jeevana, Calaicut 270 45 3 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 1500 300 4 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 38230 2700 5 PSSP, Palakkad 144000 9415 6 COD, Thamarasserry 110000 4400 7 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 400 180 8 Shreyas, Bathery 1458677 38703 9 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 8650 86500 10 QSSS, Kollam 700 359 Total 1764302 142748

53 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 2.b.22. Terracing A terrace is an earthen embankment, ridge or ridge-and-channel built across a slope (on the contour) to intercept runoff water and reduce soil erosion. Terraces are usually built in a series parallel to one another, with each terrace collecting excess water from the area above. Terraces can be designed to channel excess water into grass waterways or direct it underground to drainage tile and a stable outlet. There are three main types of terraces. Broad-based terraces are designed to be entirely farmed; they are generally suitable for long, uniform gentle slopes of up to 6% or so. Grassed back-slope terraces are designed to be farmed on the front slope of the ridge but the back slope is graded to a steep pitch and grassed; they are generally suitable on slopes up to 15%. With narrow-based terraces, the entire ridge is grassed instead of just the back slope, and both sides of the ridge are steeply pitched; the narrow ridges require only a small part of the field to be removed from production.

Table 26. DSSS level details of Terracing activity SL. DSSS Number of Area benefited no. of families No. units (Mtr) in Acres covered 1 COD 540 83 118 2 Jeevana, Calaicut 5425 834 1128 3 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 800 123 136 4 Shreyas, Bathery 166557 3234 219796 5 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 38333 1650 2860 6 QSSS, Kollam 500 86 76 Total 212155 6010 224114

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 54 DhaariN 2.b.23. Fodder Cultivation Green fodder plays a major role in animal rearing by providing sufficient nutrients. In addition, the fodder cultivated in the fields help to prevent soil erosion and improve the fertility of the soil. Thus, the fodder, livestock, manure and the soil nutrient cycle help the farms to become more productive.

Table 27. DSSS level details of Fodder cultivation activity SL. DSSS Number of Area benefited no. of families No. units- in hectors covered 1 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 1016 237 1016 2 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 100 22 100 3 PSSP, Palakkad 9926 1985 9926 4 PSWS, Palai 754 151 754 5 WSSS, Manathavady 1275 257 1275 6 COD Thamarasserry 1280 262 1280 7 HDS, Idukki 2000 408 2000 8 Jeevana, Calicut 8355 1640 8355 9 KSSS, Kottayam 3374 668 3374 10 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 1146 224 1146 11 TSSS, Thalasserry 2103 840 2103 12 WSSS, Manathavady 1275 246 1275 13 Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 125 26 125 14 KSSS, Kothamangalam 400 82 400 15 PSSS, Punalur 754 162 754 16 Shreyas, Bathery 12348 4939 37654 17 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 155 8.5 155 18 QSSS, Kollam 230 37 764 Total 46616 12194.5 72456

55 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 2.b.24. Mangroves Mangrove forests thrive near the mouths of large rivers where river deltas provide lots of sediment (sand and mud). Mangrove roots collect sediments and slow the water’s flow, helping to protect the coastline and preventing erosion. Over time, the roots can collect enough debris and mud to extend the edge of the coastline further out. Mangrove forests are teeming with life. Shorebirds, crab- eating monkeys, and fishing cats all make the mangrove home. Mangroves provide a safe haven and a nursery for a variety of fish, birds, crustaceans, and shellfish. Many DSSS are actively involved in conservation of Mangroves.

Graph.3

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 56 DhaariN 3. Renewable Energy Renewable energy resources and significant opportunities for energy efficiency exist over wide geographical areas, in contrast to other energy sources. Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Renewable energy often provides energy in four important areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/ cooling, transporting, and rural [off-grid] energy service. 3.a. Training & Workshops on Renewable Energy

Table 28. Training & Workshops on Renewable Energy conducted by DSSS No. of no. of No Subjects Name of DSSS trainings participants 1 Biogas Program WSSS,TSSSKAIROS, Jeevana, Bodhana, COD, NIDS, HDS, PSSP, CHASS, PSWS, KSSS KTM, KIDS, QSSS & Shreyas 5474 171932 2 Solar system, Solar lantern WSSS, TSSS, SAFI, Jeevana, COD, assembling & repairing , NIDS, HDS, PSSP, PSWS, Solar tent dryers KSSS KTM, KIDS, VSSS& Shreyas 408 220459 3 Alternative energy sources WSSS, Jeevana, Anugraha, KSSS, PSSP, CHASS, QSSS, Shreyas & Sahrudaya 1593 76387 4 Save Energy/ WSSS, Jeevana, COD, PSSP, PSWS, Energy Management KSSS KTM & Sahrudaya 335 311639 5 Smokeless Chulhas & Thermal Cooker CSSS, VSSS& KSSS KTM 6 14730 6 Sustainable waste management WSSS &ESSS 200 11000 7 Renewable energy equipments Sahrudaya 42 42000 8 Urjakiran- energy conservation awareness Shreyas 6 639 Total 8062 848511 * KSSS KTM- KSSS Kottayam, TSSS- TSSS Thalasserry, KSSS- KSSS Kothamangalam

57 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 3.b. Renewable Energy Devises DSSS are pioneers in introducing and promoting renewable energy devices especially Biogas plants in Kerala. DSSS have made a significant contribution in reaching the technology for use of solar energy to the remote villages and among the poorest; Samruthy Muvattupuzha was instrument to install the public lighting system in one of the tribal village in Attappady. 3.b.1. Biogas Plant Bio-gas plant is an alternative energy source that is now being utilized in rural areas. DSSS included Biogas plants as a Renewable energy source in NRM. Through this activity, created awareness and sensitized the community regarding the importance of alternative source of energy like biogas. The sustainable agricultural practices like vermin and NADEP composting methods are also used by the farmers for managing dung and organic solid wastes. It spread the massages of sustainable bio-waste management and not to cut the trees for fire wood.

Table 29. DSSS level status of Biogas plants installed Sl.No. DSSS Number of units 1 Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 3 2 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 1500 3 CHASS, Changanacherry 1475 4 COD, Thamarasserry 62 5 CSSS, Cochin 115 6 ESSS, Verapoly 350 7 HDS, Idukki 183 8 Jeevana, Calicut 385 9 KAIROS, Kannur 129

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 58 DhaariN

10 KIDS, Kottapuram 1 11 KSSS, Kothamangalam 30 12 KSSS, Kottayam 4810 13 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 158 14 PSSP, Palakkad 26956 15 PSSS, Punalur 20 16 PSWS, Palai 2618 17 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 15 18 TSSS, Thalasserry 636 19 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 12180 20 WSSS, Manahavady 5256 21 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 10 22 Shreyas, Bathery 953 23 QSSS, Kollam 75 24 VSSS, Vijayapuram 300 Total 58220

3.b.2. Solar Lantern A solar lamp also known as solar light or solar lantern, is a lighting system composed of an LED lamp, solar panels, battery, charge controller and there may also be an inverter. The lamp operates on electricity from batteries, charged through the use of solar photovoltaic panel. Table 30. DSSS level status of Solar Lanterns installed

59 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

Graph. 4

3.b.3. Solar Panel Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity. They are called “solar” panels because most of the time, the most powerful source of light available is the Sun, called Sol by astronomers. Some scientists call them photovoltaics which means, basically, “light-electricity.”A solar panel is a collection of solar cells. Lots of small solar cells spread over a large area can work together to provide enough power to be useful. The more light that hits a cell, the more electricity it produces, so spacecraft are usually designed with solar panels that can always be pointed at the Sun even as the rest of the body of the spacecraft moves around, much as a tank turret can be aimed independently of where the tank is going.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 60 DhaariN Table 31. DSSS level details of Solar Panel installed SL. DSSS Number of units No. installed 1 Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 30 2 C OD, Thamarasserry 108 3 CSSS, Cochin 1 4 ESSS, Verapoly 1 5 HDS, Idukki 2018 6 Jeevana, Calicut 580 7 KSSS, Kothamangalam 400 8 KSSS, Kottayam 800 9 PSSP, Palakkad 1746 10 PSWS, Palai 3075 11 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 56 12 Shreyas, Bathery 14 13 QSSS, Kollam 75 Total 8904

3.b.4. Smokeless Chula The Smokeless Chula is a low cost solution to enable healthy indoor cooking. This chula has been developed to fight the ill-effects of indoor air-pollution, a silent threat that is the cause of respiratory problems in many rural households of India.Co-developed by DSSS, local designers and stove users, the smokeless chula has many advantages over traditional stoves. Apart from providing a better cooking environment, the chula is easy to use and maintain, and can be used with indigenous biomass as fuel. As the stove is locally produced and distributed, it is relatively cheap and easily available. The stove production uses local materials and processes, and also allows for easy installation. The foremost benefits of the smokeless chula is that it provides a safer home environment for families, reduces the risk of respiratory illness, and supports indigenous fuels and ways of cooking. Table 32. DSSS level details about promotion of Smokeless Chula Sl.No. DSSS No of Units installed 1 Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 450 2 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 300 3 CHASS, Changanacherry 2188 4 COD, Thamarasserry 280 5 CSSS, Cochin 45 6 Jeevana, Calicut 745

61 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

7 KIDS, Kottapuram 30 8 KSSS, Kottayam 8890 9 NIDS, Neyyattinkar 7366 10 PSSP, Palakkad 37600 11 PSSS, Punalur 75 12 PSWS, Palai 89 13 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 1080 14 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 6978 15 Shreyas, Bathery 678 16 QSSS, Kollam 450 Total 67244

4. Waste Management Waste management or Waste disposal is all the activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal. It is estimated that over 160,000 Metric Tons (MT) of municipal solid waste is generated daily in the country. Waste management has become a challenge to people in Kerala. DSSS has made various interventions to equip the people of the target areas to manage the waste at the source especially in introducing both the traditional and modern technology in this regard.

4.a. Trainings on waste management conducted by DSSS

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 62 DhaariN

Table 33. Trainings and workshops conducted by DSSS in Waste Management

No Subjects Name of DSSS No. of no. of trainings participants 1 Different Waste WSSS, SAFI, KAIROS, Jeevana, management systems Anugraha, Bodhana, Chethana, NIDS, KSSS, HDS, PSSP, CHASS, CSSS, ESSS, Sahrudaya, Swanthanam, Shreyas & QSSS 9614 469565 2 Management of Solid & WSSS, TSSS, PSSS, ESSS, QSSS, liquid waste VSSS & Shreyas 1489 59105 3 Waste management technology/ techniques Sahrudaya, KAIROS & SAFI 353 19236 4 Health & Sanitation WSSS, Jeevana& PSWS 411 31971 5 Campaign against plastic Jeevana, NIDS, ESSS, & Management of QSSS & KIDS 304 8310 plastic wastes 6 Ecosan Toilet Bodhana 100 500 7 Environmental Management trough Waste management Sahrudaya 204 12444 8 Waste Management, Health & Hygiene WSSS &KSSS 76 800 9 Muchatti Composting CHASS 180 5215 10 Teracotta Composting CHASS, MSSS & Shreyas 5209 33250 11 Ring composting CHASS & QSSS 178 4396 12 Pipe Composting WSSS, CHASS & Shreyas 383 18043 13 Vermi Composting KIDS, PSSS, CHASS, Jeevana, KAIROS, TSSS, QSSS, Shreyas & WSSS 1304 47411 14 Composting & compost pit construction WSSS, SAFI, COD, KSSS, CHASS, PSSS, QSSS, Shreyas & Sahrudaya 3019 102071 15 Data bank preparation on Sanitation PSWS 1 25478 16 Competitions on Waste Management PSWS 15 856 17 E-Waste Management QSSS 10 250 18 Bio Cleant Technolgy QSSS 150 1560

63 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 4.b. Waste Management Activities

4.b.1. Terracotta Tanks Many DSSS are promoting Terracotta Tanks as part of Waste Management measures.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 64 DhaariN Table 34. Terracotta Tanks promoted by DSSS DSSS Number of Terracotta Tanks Bodhana, Thiruvalla 5000 CHASS, Changanacherry 6719 HDS, Idukki 750 KSSS, Kothamangalam 120 KSSS, Kottayam 12667 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 747 PSSP, Palakkad 746 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 5 TSSS, Thalasserry 400 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 12297 Shreyas, Bathery 968 QSSS, Kollam 100 Total 40519 4.b.2. Vermi Compost Units Vermicomposting is basically a managed process of worms digesting organic matter to transform the material into a beneficial soil amendment. Vermi composts are defined as organic matter of plant and/or animal origin consisting mainly of finely-divided earthworm castings, produced nonthermophilically with bio oxidation and stabilization of the organic material, due to interactions between aerobic microorganism and earthworms, as the materials pass through the earthworm gut. In order to enrich soil fertility, increase harvest and to suppress plant diseases, vermin compost production units were constructed. In addition, it has also become an effective bio-waste management method

65 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

Table 35. DSSS promoting VermiCompost Units DSSS Number of No. of families Vermi Compost units Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 1026 1026 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 4000 4000 CHASS, Changanacherry 5868 5868 COD, Thamarasserry 425 425 CSSS, Cochin 500 500 ESSS, Verapoly 250 250 HDS, Idukki 48 200 Jeevana, Calicut 78 78 KAIROS, Kannur 420 420 KIDS, Kottapuram 120 120 KSSS, Kothamangalam 20 20 KSSS, Kottayam 17440 17440 PSSP, Palakkad 30076 30076 PSSS, Punalur 527 527 PSWS, Palai 845 845 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 200 200 TSSS, Thalasserry 305 800 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 148 148 WSSS, Manathavady 2650 2650 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 360 360 Shreyas, Bathery 5473 5473 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 100 100 QSSS, Kollam 75 75 Total 70954 71601

4.b.3. Pipe Composting Many DSSS in Kerala has scripted success in organic waste management by using the simple pipe composting method. Strong PVC pipes with 4mm thickness were used so it does not break easily. The length of the pipe was 1.5 meters with a 10-inch wide mouth. It was long and wide enough to hold waste for months together, he added. The pipes are stuck in a foot-deep trench. It should never be covered tightly. Air circulation is necessary for turning the waste into manure that can be taken out by pulling the pipe out of the trench and pushing out the contents. To keep rats away from the pipe, granite stones can be spread around the pipe.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 66 DhaariN

Graph. 5 67 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

4.b.4. Compost pits Composting is nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, backyard composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting organic waste nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue. Finished compost looks like soil–dark brown, crumbly and smells like a forest floor. DSSS are promoting different types of compost units.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 68 DhaariN

Table 36. Compost pits promoted by DSSS DSSS Number of no. of families units covered Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 150 150 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 500 500 CHASS, Changanacherry 1876 1876 COD, Thamarasserry 673 673 CSSS, Cochin 1000 1000 HDS, Idukki 30 30 Jeevana, Calicut 577 577 KSSS, Kothamangalam 70 70 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 897 852 PSSP, Palakkad 20126 20126 PSSS, Punalur 484 484 PSWS, Palai 568 568 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 30 30 TSSS, Thalasserry 205 1366 WSSS, Manathavady 1875 1875 Shreyas, Bathery 33801 33801 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 55 55 QSSS, Kollam 120 120 Total 63037 64153

5. Biomass Conservation Activities Biomass is organic matter derived from living, or recently living organisms and it can be used as a source of energy and it most often refers to plants or plant-based materials that are not used for food or feed. Various biomass conservation activities are promoted by DSSS mostly in watershed areas. 5. 1. Mulching Mulching enriches and protects soil, helping provide a better growing environment. Mulching is one of the simplest and most beneficial practices you can use in the farm. Mulch is simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on top of the soil. Mulches also improve the condition of the soil. As these mulches slowly decompose, they provide organic matter which helps keep the soil loose. This improves root growth, increases the infiltration of water, and also improves the water-holding capacity of the soil. Organic matter is a source of plant nutrients and provides an ideal environment for earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms.

69 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

Table 37. Mulching activities implemented by DSSS DSSS Area benefited (Ha) no. of families COD, Thamarasserry 28 35 HDS, Idukki 125 200 Jeevana, Calicut 11 60 KSSS, Kothamangalam 70 120 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 8 26 PSSP, Palakkad 5532 2492 PSSS, Punalur 170 432 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 54 252 TSSS, Thalasserry 3200 2893 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 3100 4800 WSSS, Manathavady 5571 8600 PSWS, Palai 170 432 Shreyas, Bathery 21396 66635 QSSS, Kollam 150 94 Total 39585 87071

5.2. Green manure crop (Leguminous crop) promotion

Green undecomposed material used as manure is called green Table 38. Green manure crops promoted by DSSS manure. It is obtained in two Activity Area no. of ways: by growing green manure benefited (Ha) families crops or by collecting green leaf COD, Thamarasserry 280 470 (along with twigs) from plants grown in wastelands, field bunds NIDS, Neyyattinkara 200 488 and forest. Green manuring is PSSP, Palakkad 181 201 growing in the field plants usually belonging to leguminous family PSSS, Punalur 864 1830 and incorporating into the soil TSSS, Thalasserry 1210 1564 after sufficient growth. The plants grown for green manure are WSSS, Manathavady 1124 765 known as green manure crops. Shreyas, Bathery 1303 5984 The most important green manure crops are glairicidea, sun hemp, QSSS, Kollam 200 52 dhaincha, pillipesara,clusterbeans Total 5362 11354 and Sesbaniarostrata.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 70 DhaariN 5.3. Composting Composting is nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, backyard composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting your organic waste you are returning nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue. Finished compost looks like soil–dark brown, crumbly and smells like a forest floor. DSSS are promoting different types of compost units.

Table 39. Composting activities promoted by DSSS Activity Number of units no of families Chethana, Mavalikkara 2000 2000 Jeevana, Calicut 977 947 KIDS, Kottapuram 120 120 KSSS, Kothamangalam 120 80 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 268 231 PSSP, Palakkad 20126 18146 PSSS, Punalur 557 557 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 512 512 TSSS, Thalasserry 300 3687 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 6000 6000 WSSS, Manathavady 1155 1155 Shreyas, Bathery 24313 24313 QSSS, Kollam 78 78 Total 56526 57826

5.4. Bio control agents promotion

Biological control is the use of natural enemies (called biological control agents) to reduce populations of pests such as insects and weeds. Insect and fungal biological control agents have been promoted by DSSS as part of organic farming promotion.

71 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

Table 40. Bio control agents promotion by DSSS Activity Number of units Area (Ha) no of Families COD, Thamarasserry 2600 1850 2600 PSSS, Punalur 160 78 160 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 19 274 457 TSSS, Thalasserry 10 271 453 WSSS, Manathavady 7350 4704 7350 Shreyas, Bathery [Trichoderma, Pseudomonas] 16343 16343 QSSS, Kollam 2250 450 2910 Total 28732 450 30273

6. Wetland Conservation Activities Wetlands cover approximately 5%-8% of the global land area. These are important part of the ecosystem and are among the most threatened of all environmental resources. Wetlands directly and indirectly support millions of people in providing services. Human activities in wetlands may cause alterations of wetlands. Changes in wetland areas may significantly affect ecosystem processes. Land use changes such as increased urbanization play a pivotal role in environmental and ecological changes. Kerala has the largest proportion of land area under wetlands among all the states of India. Compared to other states of the country, wetlands in Kerala and hills are under threat because of developmental activities. Wetlands are being reclaimed with soil extracted from leveling of hillocks. These indiscriminate activities will have a serious negative impact on the entire ecological system.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 72 DhaariN 6.1. Paddy Cultivation & Field development activities

Many DSSS promoted paddy cultivation as part of Water Conservation. Through the paddy promotion the natural water bodies can be conserved. It will help ensuring food security too.

73 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN Table 41 Paddy Cultivation & Field development activities promoted DSSS Number of units Area benefited (Ha) no of Families Bodhana, Thiruvalla 03 04 10 CHASS, Changanacherry 26 282 846 Chethana, Mavalikkara 4 05 32 COD, Thamarasserry 13 09 29 CSSS, Cochin 3 06 35 HDS, Idukki 2 02 5 Jeevana, Calicut 10 14 80 Kairos, Kannur 1 02 20 KIDS, Kottapuram 15 10 46 KSSS, Kottayam 212 250 812 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 31 20 33 PSSS, Punalur 34 28 34 PSWS, Palai 103 120 364 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 40 36 50 TSSS, Thalasserry 12 10 12 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 20 33 60 WSSS, Manathavady 35 15 35 Shreyas, Bathery 24323 12564 24323 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 343 165 343 QSSS, Kollam 22 06 22 PSSP, Palakkad 2864 1520 2864 Total 28116 15101 30055

6.2. SRI Cultivation The System of Rice Intensification, known as SRI is a climate- smart, agroecological methodology for increasing the productivity of rice and more recently other crops by changing the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients. SRI methodology is based on four main principles that interact with each other:

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Early, quick and healthy plant establishment Reduced plant density Improved soil conditions through enrichment with organic matter Reduced and controlled water application Based on these principles, farmers can adapt recommended SRI practices to respond to

their agro-ecological and socioeconomic conditions. Adaptations are often undertaken to accommodate changing weather patterns, soil conditions, labor availability, water control, access to organic inputs, and the decision whether to practice fully organic agriculture or not.

Table 43. Promotion System Rice Intensification [SRI] by DSSS

Graph. 6 75 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 6.3. Paddy field Bunds Construction (Dykes) Paddy crop is strongly influenced by water supply. Water should be kept standing in the field throughout the growth period. For this strong filed bunds are essential in the paddy fields. This will create a flooded soil conditions. The characteristics of flooded soil which are conducive to high yields are: (i) greater availability of nutrients such as phosphorus, iron and manganese, (ii) suppression of weed competition, (iii) elimination of moisture stress as a limiting factor, (iv) micro- climate favorable to crop production.

Table 42. Promotion of Paddy field Bunds Construction by DSSS DSSS Volume Area benefited no. of Number Quantity (Ha) families of units (RM) involved Bodhana, Thiruvalla 6 1600 04 10 CHASS, Changanacherry 15 6387 100 1854 KSSS, Kottayam 280 4600 75 2500 PSSP, Palakkad 53 13267 31 53 SAFI, Irinjalakuda 16 1645 12 45 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 40 2000 28 52 Shreyas, Bathery 24323 21786 11768 24323 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 1 65 114 84 QSSS, Kollam 10 06 22 Total 24744 24744 12138 28943

6. 4. Improvement of Irrigation facilities To improve irrigation performance, it is necessary not only to promote the implementation of irrigation scheduling methods, but concurrently to improve system design and performance and to enhance farmers’ skills to control and manage their irrigation system more efficiently during its operation. For the three major irrigation techniques (surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and micro irrigation), the difficulties which have a significant negative effect on irrigation performance are existing. Solutions include, on the one hand, selecting the most appropriate technique, matching the local context, and using certified equipment which has a performance meeting relevant standards and which can ensure a minimum quality for on-field irrigation and, on the other hand, implementing upgraded management methods for such equipment and techniques, and developing skills to avoid those errors currently occurring during the ordinary operation of the system. DSSS are addressing this parameters while introducing the irrigation facilities.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 76 DhaariN Table 43. Improvement of Irrigation facilities promoted by DSSS DSSS Number of Area benefited no. of families units (Ha) covered Bodhana, Thiruvalla 3 04 10 HDS, Idukki 2 16 68 Kairos, Kannur 53 22 53 PSSP, Palakkad 364 364 1200 Swathanam, Thrissure 16 19 47 TSSS, Thalasserry 13 18 45 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 3 10 18 Shreyas, Bathery 342 476 342 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 15 06 22 Total 811 935 1805 7. Planting Tree Promotion The benefits of trees are unlimited. They are the strongest shield against the harms of air pollution, strengthen soil, resist natural calamities especially floods, provide the shadow, lessen the atmospheric temperature, enhance the beauty of surrounding, bring optimism in people living around them, give fruits, herbs, vegetables, etc. Trees are being cut in several times more than they are being planted. It is necessary to keep conducting tree plantation campaigns everywhere across the globe. It is the duty of all to launch such campaigns at local level. DSSS have taken key role to promote tree planting activities, especially on the occasions like environment day observation. 7.1. Planting Tree Farmers of the Watershed project area have planted varieties of trees and fruit plants with the support of DSSS. The planted local tree specious helps to slow down and temporarily store runoff, which further promotes infiltration, and decreases flooding and erosion. The local tree species reduce pollutants by taking up nutrients and other pollutants from soils and water through their roots, and by transforming pollutants into less harmful substances. In Addition local tree species provide a host of other benefits such as improved air quality, reduced air temperatures in summer, reduced heating and cooling costs, increased property values, habitat for wildlife, and recreation and aesthetic value

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Table 44. Involvement of DSSS in tree planting activity DSSS Number of no. of families Plants involved Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 35000 10500 CHASS, Changanacherry 275000 62550 COD, Thamarasserry 110000 14500 CSSS, Cochin 34771 6340 ESSS, Verapoly 42300 6150 HDS, Idukki 85000 11300 Jeevana, Calicut 146500 73500 Kairos, Kannur 158535 80215 KIDS, Kottapuram 84500 11750 KSSS, Kothamangalam 92000 11300 KSSS, Kottayam 750000 114500 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 65000 7640 PSSP, Palakkad 100800 10856 PSSS, Punalur 20120 5033 PSWS, Palai 250000 65000

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SAFI, Irinjalakuda 47000 2165 Swathanam, Thrissure 50000 2110 TSSS, Thalasserry 125000 14027 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 500000 87650 WSSS, Manathavady 246000 62600 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 13000 1650 Shreyas, Bathery 2832456 46046 MSSS, Thiruvanathapuram 4080 816 QSSS, Kollam 27500 25000 Total 6094562 733198

7.2. Tree plant’s nursery Save trees is a slogan used to motivate people to protect trees and plant more trees in the surrounding areas by spreading the importance of trees among people as well as reduce deforestation and axing of trees. Trees are as much important to our life as food and water. Life becomes very difficult without trees or we can say that life would be finished because trees are most important aspect of giving us healthy and wealthy life. Majority of the DSSS are promoting tree plants, for that they are developing tree plants nursery.

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Table 45. Plant nurseries promoted by DSSS DSSS Number of units no of Plants/Year Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 1 40000 HDS, Idukki 1 100000 KIDS, Kottapuram 1 50000 KSSS, Kothamangalam 2 120000 KSSS, Kottayam 6 300000 PSSP, Palakkad 43 430000 PSSS, Punalur 1 5000 PSWS, Palai 2 60000 TSSS, Thalasserry 68 340000 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 2 60000 WSSS, Manathavady 03 150000 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 50 250000 CHASS, CHRY 02 75000 Shreyas, Bathery 52 256500 QSSS, Kollam 5 5 Total 239 2236505

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 80 DhaariN 8. NRM Promotional Activities NRM sector is a key interventional area of all DSSS and most of them have this commitment in the form of a policy which is developed out of their long experience in this sector. NRM policy is set as a scale in the undertakings of every development interventions by DSSS. NRM promotional activities by DSSS are comprised of Environment day observation every year, various campaigns related to local environmental issues etc.. 8.1. Preparation and dissemination of NRM policy In consultation with the Catholic Diocesan Social Service Societies, Para-Church Social Work Organizations, Religious Congregations, Development Activists, Scholars, and Scientists, Kerala Social Service Form developed the Environment policy for in 2010. All the DSSS were instructed to prepare Diocesan level Environment policy in line with the Policy of KSSF. DSSS also developed their Environment policies through a process of consultations and disseminations. By this time all the DSSS have Environment policy.

Table No. 46. NRM policy related activities in DSSS DSSS No of Programs no. of Participants Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 03 45 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 05 130 CHASS, Changanacherry 04 310 COD, Thamarasserry 05 280 HDS, Idukki 03 130 Jeevana, Calicut 06 120 Kairos, Kannur 15 256 KIDS, Kottapuram 05 171 PSSP, Palakkad 09 446 PSSS, Punalur 05 90 PSWS, Palai 05 1665 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 08 72 TSSS, Thalasserry 09 1467 WSSS, Manathavady 03 121 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 02 45 Shreyas, Bathery 06 242 CSSS, Cochin 03 379 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 05 842 KSSS, Kothamangalam 02 137 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 03 96 QSSS, Kollam 04 164

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Swanthanam, Thrissur 03 77 ESSS, Ernakulam 04 131 VSSS. Vijayapuram 04 167 Total 121 7583

8.2. World Environment Day celebrations

Environment Day Observations Every year KSSF and its partner DSSS are observing Environment day with various programs. Awareness programs, competitions in environment related subjects, publishing leaflets and study materials, Public meetings, Environment rallies, Seeds & seedlings distribution, planting trees etc., were the major programs conducted as part of environment day celebration. Table 47. Summary of World Environmental Day Celebrations DSSS No of Programs no. of Participants Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 06 759 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 05 1150 CHASS, Changanacherry 55 2750 COD, Thamarasserry 260 8280 CSSS, Cochin 15 650 ESSS, Verapoly 08 1650 HDS, Idukki 08 1450

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Jeevana, Calicut 20 365 Kairos, Kannur 06 130 KSSS, Kothamangalam 14 2400 KSSS, Kottayam 10 1800 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 30 3340 PSSP, Palakkad 10 1800 PSSS, Punalur 10 2240 PSWS, Palai 10 1897 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 145 21300 Swathanam, Thrissure 20 465 TSSS, Thalasserry 05 425 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 20 11000 WSSS, Manathavady 06 1116 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 12 780 Shreyas, Bathery 168 152000 QSSS, Kollam 40 4000 Total 883 221747 8.3. Waste Disposal Campaigns DSSS organized campaigns for effective waste management in their respective area in collaboration with the Local Self Government Institutions, like minded NGOs, Schools, Residence Associations, CBOs etc. and DSSS promoted appropriate technology feasible for the locality. Table 48. Summary of Waste Disposal campaigns undertaken by DSSS DSSS No of Programs no. of Participants Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 178 1816 Bodhana, Thiruvalla 500 11245 CHASS, Changanacherry 130 4765 Chethana, Mavalikkara 30 3650 COD, Thamarasserry 42 5430 CSSS, Cochin 25 1200 ESSS, Verapoly 25 2569 Jeevana, Calicut 18 2120 Kairos, Kannur 20 2018 KSSS, Kottayam 30 4340 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 16 1875 PSSP, Palakkad 20 4010

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PSSS, Punalur 80 9350 PSWS, Palai 24 3875 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 12 1340 Swathanam, Thrissure 25 13800 TSSS, Thalasserry 62 12673 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 600 23200 WSSS, Manathavady 60 8750 Shreyas, Bathery 52 11798 QSSS, Kollam 230 2364 Total 2179 132188 8.4. Tree planting campaigns Table 49. Summary of tree planting campaigns DSSS No of Programs no. of Participants Anugraha, Pathanamthitta 11 1050 CHASS, Changanacherry 56 8650 CSSS, Cochin 16 2340 ESSS, Verapoly 19 9663 HDS, Idukki 26 4700 Jeevana, Calicut 55 8975 Kairos, Kannur 60 7650 KSSS, Kottayam 30 4550 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 20 3400 PSSP, Palakkad 65 8750 PSSS, Punalur 18 3909 PSWS, Palai 25 4125 SAFI, Irijalakkuda 30 6030 Swathanam, Thrissure 40 7345 TSSS, Thalasserry 50 3000 Sahrudaya, Ernakulam 35 5000 Samruthy, Muvattupuzha 30 4750 Shreyas, Bathery 181 41087 QSSS, Kollam 10 1647 Total 777 136621

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 84 DhaariN 8.5. River & Riverbank protection campaign Table 50. River & River bank protection campaign undertaken by DSSS Programme /Activity No of Programs no. of Participants Bodhana, Thiruvalla 20 1000 HDS, Idukki 6 400 Jeevana, Calicut 10 470 Kairos, Kannur 04 750 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 03 604 PSSP, Palakkad 08 343 TSSS, Thalasserry 05 230 WSSS, Manathavady 05 880 Shreyas, Bathery 172 19235 QSSS, Kollam 03 648 Total 236 24560

8.6. Paddy filed & Wetland conservation campaign

Table 51. Paddy filed & Wetland conservation campaign by DSSS Programme /Activity No of Programs no. of participants CHASS, Changanacherry 46 2632 CSSS, Cochin 15 2050 Jeevana, Calicut 100 5500 KSSS, Kottayam 10 2440 NIDS, Neyyattinkara 07 1650 PSWS, Palai 13 3650 Swathanam, Thrissure 60 2800 TSSS, Thalasserry 18 3600 WSSS, Manathavady 16 1850 Shreyas, Bathery 75 45598 QSSS, Kollam 07 2741 Total 367 74511

85 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 9. Summary of the Supporting Systems Developed by DSSS in NRM Sector

Graph. 7

9.1. Nature Clubs [General, Children) promoted by DSSS DSSS location Major Interventions/ Total families Activities covered TSSS, Kanuur, Kasaragod Providing the interaction to ecology Thalasserry to various age groups in order to inculcate the love and concern for Nature and Environment, 2374 SAFI, Mehthala, Eriyad, Setting up of Village libraries, Irijalakkuda Edavilangu, SN Puram, preservation of nature, Formation [of Children] Mathilakam, Perinjanam, of Children’s clubs, Training for Valappad Kadapuram, local Child volunteers 80 and Kaipamangalam

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KAIROS Mudikkanam Promote Coccinia- Koval plantation 65 Jeevana Wayanad Sustainable livelihood 320 Anugraha Omalloor Develop a herbal garden. Bodhana Erumely, Ranni, Farming, Marketing 1000 Niranam, Thalavady Sahrudaya Ernakulam-Angamaly [WSE] Arch diocese Awareness Creation KSSS, Kottayam, Idukki, Kottayam Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Exposure visit, Group farming More than Pathanamthitta Eco-friendly IGPs, Awareness Classes, 56000 Tree planting, Plastic Reduction and other NRM Activities. PSSP Palakkad Alathur, Protection and promotion of nature Nemmara and and create nature fertility among Mannarkkad Blocks the farmers, students and others 11240 CHASS Chanagancherry, Environment friendly activities 18670 Kuttanad, Ambalappuzha, Pathanapuram, Kanjirapplly Thaluks CSSS Pattanakad and Awareness Kadackarappally Group Farming Back Washing Programs 1100 Renovation of Public Wells and Ponds Families PSWS Across The Diocese Environment Protection 65000 Shreyas 9 regions of Shreyas * Seminars on environmental preservation * Nature study camps 5754 QSSS, Kollam Created nature clubs with the support of farmers and youth clubs Lease land farming increased

9.2. Nature Club promoted in Schools DSSS Location Major Interventions/ Total Activities participants Anugraha 1. Sacred Heart Higher Schools can develop a herbal Secondary School, Mylapra garden in their compound. 2. Arya Bharathi High School, Omalloor Bodhana Niranam, Thiruvalla, Farming, Training, Techinial Chathenkery, Peringara, and Practical class, Thalavady Waste Management 400 Groups

87 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN

COD 42 Schools Awareness programs, (31 Panchayats) Vegetable garden, Composting 1890 Chethana Alappuzha Medicinal plant promotion 5000 NIDS Different school areas During school youth festival at district and state made plastic free 3000 Sahrudaya Ernakulam-Angamaly Haritha Vidyalam Awards [WSE] Arch diocese PSSP Palakkad and Promotion and protection of Mannarkkad Blocks nature and create nature fertility among the school children CHASS Chanagancherry, Kuttanad, Environment friendly activities 3575 Ambalappuzha, Pathanapuram, Kanjirapplly Thaluks Shreyas, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur Formation of Nature club, Bathery and Malappuram districts Exposure visit of children 656 QSSS, Kollam School Nature Clubs Were Tapioca, Banana, Sweet Potato Etc organized with the support Cultivated In School Groundsin of PTA” and Child Parliament Largec Scale By Student Clubs

9.3. NRM Forums promoted by DSSS DSSS Location Major Interventions/ Total families Technical and Activities covered Financial Support Jeevana Ozhakodi, Conducting meeting 450 NABARD Mandakamoola of beneficiaries Vimalanager Protecting the structures like check dam, Earthern bunds Bodhana Niranam, Peringara, Exhibitions, Organic 100 PTA, School and Thiruvalla, Manure Production and members Bodhana Chathenkery, Distribution, Thalavady Waste Management Shreyas, Shreyas *Forest protection 12667 *Forest department Bathery Operational Area activities *Ministry of *Ministry of *Environment preservation activities Environment and forest QSSS, Environment friendly Teachers Forum, Kollam Mindset Create Among Advocates Forum Students. Youngsters Fishermen’s Forum and Parents. were organized for helping the needy people

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 88 DhaariN 9.4. Working Groups promoted by DSSS DSSS Location Total area Major Interventions/ Total covered Activities families covered TSSS, Kanuur, 12 Thalasserry Kasaragod panchayaths 913 Bodhana Niranam, Peringara 5 areas Exhibitions, Organic 80 Thiruvalla, Manure Production members Chathenkery, and Distribution, Thalavady Waste Management CSSS Kumbalanghi 3 Group Farming 620 Chellanam Panchayaths Waste Management Families West Cochin Shreyas, Shreyas 87 Members of different Bathery Operational Area Panchayath working groups at 4232 the PRI level QSSS, Operational Achieved membership Kollam area in groups organized under local self government, prepared and monitoring projects

9.5. Publications of DSSS

Graph. 8

89 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN Publications of DSSS DSSS News Letters Major Publications TSSS, Thalasserry Shilpi ‘Neerum Nerum’ published on part of water literacy. ‘Njattuvela’published on part of western ghat development. Haritha Samrudhi published on part of watershed development. Haritha Jyothi published on part of WGDP. SAFI Gramadharsan Jeevana Guidelines for watershed implementation Hand book of water & soil conservation Water conservation practices Bodhana Newspapers, TV Sahrudaya [WSE] Jalakom monthly, Audio and video CDs- 3 E-news Periodically Documentaries & Books KSSS, Kottayam Sanghachaithanya Sanghachaithanya from 1999 from 1999 Annual Report from 2008 E-News letter from 2014 PSSP Publication Varthapathrika Publication of Jalakanam [Monthly environmental news] [Publishing the Latest News and various study results since 2009] Shreyas, Bathery Publications- booklets, annual reports, research studies, documents News Letter-80 editions

10. Innovations in NRM sector by DSSS in Kerala. Innovations are “new idea, device or method” often viewed as the application of better solutions that meet new requirements, unarticulated needs, or existing market needs accomplished through more-effective products, processes, services, or technologies that are readily available to society. Innovation is often manifested via the engineering process.Out of the necessities of the people they serve DSSS in Kerala developed many innovations in the area of environmental protection. These are supported with or are the outcome of long researches, experiments and learning of both people and DSSS personnel involved in the activity etc… Few of these innovations are briefed in the coming pages. 10.1. Locally Designed Water Filter- SAFI Irinjalakkuda Several homestead wells in 3 villages in Irinjalakkuda were water found reddish brown primarily of two reasons: one by presence of iron ore, other turbidity of water. People use this water after get it filtered through cotton clothes. Also depend of pipe water supply too found it reddish. Local community repeatedly approached local self government (LSG) to build a water purifying tank. Since it required big budget, searched for another option that a cost effective method. The team of the

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 90 DhaariN

project SPED came to know about a drawing master named ‘Santhosh’ a native of adjacent village who is passionate of doing technical experiments. He had already designed a primitive mode of water filter but could not make it marketed or popularized. At our repeated efforts he modified that device thrice. ‘Water from well is lifted to tank placed on house roof by an electric motor. From there, water channeled to first cylinder (big size) as shown in the photo. There, filters like sand, sand granule; sand particles of different size, polyester cloth, alum (hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate) do the filtration process. There is back washing method in first cylinder by that mud particles deposited can be discharged through an outlet twice in a week. Again this filtered water goes to two cylinders inside with a steel filter pot therein carbon is deposited. Carbon absorbs whatever silt is left. Then finally discharge clear water to outlet’. SPED team took initiation to test the water quality ‘before and after’ filtration at a renowned water testing lab at ‘Kochi’. Result showed non detection of fecal coli form and iron ore found substantially reduced. Cost per unit of this device comes to Rs.5500/- and the filters were fixed in 50 poor families. Now this method enthusiastically accepted by the community. Over 500 water filters are installed in and around the villages and even at villages in neighboring districts.

91 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 10.2. Water Purifiers- BODHANA, Tiruvalla Social Service Society 1. Bodhana Water Purifiers Bodhana with the support of Caritas India Foundation implemented the Community Based Disaster Preparedness Programme [CBDP]and Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Progrmme [CMDRR] projects in the water logged area of Kuttandu region to reduce risk regarding the flood and other disaster in the region. During the implementation of the project Bodhana conducted researches, Focused Group Discussion, SWOT analysis in the target area of the project. Targeting the reuse of the resource and solution of the lethal health problems, Bodhana has developed different Filtering Mechanisms and water purifying measures which brought about a positive ray of hope in the lives of many. These filter units are unique, as each one of them suits a particular living condition. People choose from them according to their availability of water, economic condition and ease of use. A filter consist of three parts, first part is for storing contaminated water, second part is the filter media and third part is storage area for filter water. Different models with varying storage capacities have been developed. 1.1. Cylinder Water Filter Cylinder Filters, which can be fixed on the pipeline and works automatically. It is suitable for households having a permanent pipeline connection. The filter will carry out all the functions by itself. While connecting it to the pipeline of the household the required water will easily reaches the filter media without any manual effort. Key features of Cylinder Water Filter  Affordable materials are used  Production is viable  Electrical energy is not required  Easy cleaning mechanism  Contents used are sand, charcoal and net  Chemicals are not used for purification 1.2. Home Stead water filter Homestead water filters are replication of indigenous way of filtering method called ‘muchatti arippa’. The filtering medium is used in a jar which can hold water up to 150 liter. The filtering medium covers up to half of the total volume of the jar. Water is poured through the opening at the top, which gets filtered through the natural filtering materials like Sand, Metal, Marble chips and Charcoal. The filtered water can be collected through the tap at the bottom of the jar. Key features of Home stead filter  Economically viable  Locally available materials are used as filtering medium

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 92 DhaariN  Operation method is very easy for the common people  Electrical energy is not required 1.3. Chamber Filter For tightly packed colonial settlements, where more than 50 families live without having access to drinking water, are supported with Chamber Filter. The filter ensures double purification of water and continuous supply every day. 1.4. Ground Water Recharging Methods Ground water recharging is a widely accepted strategy to overcome the issue of depletion of ground water. Different methods can be adopted for ground water recharging. Back washing and Recharging Pits were the two methods used by Bodhana in water logged area. 1.5. Filter Well Filter well allows treatment within the source itself Open well Model and pipe well model are two major models successfully adopted

1.5.1. Back Washing The twin aspects of ground water recharging and well water treatment are made possible through this method. Rain water falling on the roof top is directed to wells. As the water level in the well rises, the excess water starts to back flow through the spring heads. This in fact will clean up the ground water surrounding the well. After a few hours of rain the well water will be seen clear. If this process is allowed to continue clear water can be made available in the well for a longer period. The system of back washing was developed from the observation of the Kuttanadu People that, during Manson season the water in almost all open water source becomes clear.

93 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 10.3. Plastic Barrel System to Safeguard the Ground Water -Jeevana, Calicut Used plastic barrels method [low cost and simple option to effectively recharge ground water around a house]: Rainwater from the roof of a building may be allowed to flow through a “Pop Up Filter” to recharge ever dwindling ground water. The filter will remove floating elements and the silt present in the roof top rainwater. Relatively cleaner water comes out of the filter and is allowed to flow into groundwater recharge gallery (consist of used barrels). The groundwater recharge gallery is created by using used plastic oil/chemical barrels (blue colored drums sold on the road side for construction activities etc.).Rainwater flowing from the Pop Up filter flows into these barrel system of infiltration gallery and recharges groundwater. These empty barrels are buried without filling anything into them. The top of the barrel, which is intact, should be two feet below the ground level. These barrels are placed one beside other and they are connected to each other at the top by a pipe. Rainwater flowing from the filter flows into the first barrel, which is underground and its bottom cut open. Since the ground below the barrel is porous, water flowing into it infiltrates into the ground. During heavy rainfall, more water stores temporarily in the first barrel and over flows in to the next and later to subsequent barrels Depending on the total roof area connected to this infiltration gallery, more number of barrels are used for ground water recharge. Many open wells and bore wells or tube wells have got a new lease of life after adopting the barrel system of infiltration. We have implemented plastic barrel system method for ground recharging in one of our projects i.e. Muthappankundu watershed project in 2013-14. 10.4. Gravity water supply scheme in Mappady, Wayanad- Jeevana Kozhikode The community managed Gravity water supply scheme in Meppady Grama Panchayath in Wayanad Dist. was initiated 75 years ago by late Fr. Antony Machado, the parish priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Diocese of Calicut, is still functioning and exists as a model project for the community managed water supply schemes in similar locations. Even though, gravity scheme of water supply is a traditional knowledge of the people, its community management, institutional ownership and the sustainable maintenance by the Grama Panchayath are the uniqueness to this scheme. Before independence Wayanad was part of Madras state. Fr. Antony Machado, the first President of Meppady Panchayath under Panchayath scheme of Madras Govt. who is also known as the architecture of Meppady. During his tenure as the President, various innovative development initiatives were implemented in Meppady like electricity supply, bus transportation, English education etc. The Gravity water supply scheme started seven decades ago is supplying water to Meppady town and 2000 families in Kambankolly, Muppanad and Mappilathottam villages. There is no other water supply scheme in Meppady till today. A small check dam was built across the Elampleri River in the foothills of Elampleri hills adjacent to the famous Chempra peek in Wayanad. Water from the dam is collected in a tank constructed in the old Church premises through a 6 kms long pipe line and is supplied to the town and nearby villages. The eco friendly nature of this project gives due relevance to a state like Kerala which paves way for similar Govt. projects. The development activities initiated by late Fr. Antony Machado are continued by the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in collaboration with JEEVANA, Calicut Social Service Society. 10.5. Water Harvesting Structure- MSSS, Trivandrum St. Mary’s Cathedral Church, Pattom-Trivandrum was built in 1954 by late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, who was the Patron of MSSS and the first Chairman of Kerala Social Service Forum. Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 94 DhaariN Under the initiative of social service department of archdiocese of Trivandrum, a roof water harvesting structure was constructed in the church premises during its construction in 1954. The capacity of the underground water tank is more than 100,000 liters. This water tank is still utilized for all the institutions in St. Mary’s campus, Pattom-Trivandrum including the St. Mary’s, LP, UP, High and Higher Secondary School with a capacity of 12,000 students one of the biggest schools in Asia. 10.6. Chlorine Dozer for water purification – Shreyas Bathery Chlorine dozer unit help to purify the water before pumping to the household connections. The model is implemented in Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts 10.7. Pressure regulator for distribution of water in hilly areas used by Shreyas Bathery Pressure regulator ensures the availability of water to all families in equal pressure and quantity in a pumping main. It regulates the flow of water to the houses situating in the hilly areas and the valley.

11. Significant success stories of DSSS in NRM interventions 11.1. Watershed Development Projects- WSSS, Mananthavady WSSS has undertaken six Watershed Projects with the financial support of NABARD and Western Ghat Development Cell in Wayanand District. The location of Project area is Alattil, Ellumannam, Ayanivayal, Mattilyam, Porlom and Nellery. WSSS Implemented Western Ghat Development Projects with the collaboration of Edavaka and Thavinjal Grama Panchayath since 2002. The projects are implemented in a holistic manner on a cluster basis with the focus on family based livelihood activities in the project areas expected to bring significant relief to farmers. Watershed development

95 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN Project with the support of NABARD implemented with the involvement of village level institutions and Project Facilitating Agencies with the broad objective of unifying the multiple watershed development programs. The Projects are implemented in 02 Phases, viz.. Capacity Building Phase (CBP) and Full Implementation Phase (FIP). All the NABARD supported four Watershed Projects in Thondernadu Grama Panchayath in Mananthavady Block of Wayanad District was started in December 2008. Capacity Building phase of the projects was completed in December 2009 with the treatment of 286.54 ha. The projects entered into the Full Implementation Phase (FIP) in June 2011 with the sanction of grant of Rs. 228.19 Lakh towards treatments measures and Rs. 30.22 Lakh towards Management. The project envisages the treatment of 1642.46 ha of land with a sanctioned duration of 03 years. The major treatment measures are earthen bunds; stone pitched bunds, silt pits, agronomic interventions and livelihood measures. As part of the capacity building programs various training and exposure programs organized by WSSS in the Watershed area. In addition formation of JLGs, initiation of Organic certification program, formation of SHGs and bank linkages were also conducted. As a result of these programme the watershed communities were organized very well for implementing the development programs in the Watershed area. The watershed community has already contributed a sum of Rs 1317500/- towards Maintenance Fund. The Village Watershed Committee (VWC) is actively functioning in the area. WSSS utilized 100% grant before the stipulated time period.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 96 DhaariN 11.2. Rejuvenate the Existing Canals to Avoid Extreme Sea Erosion among Coastal District - CSSS, Cochin The saline intrusion and lack of quantity of water in the water resources have worsened situation in coastal villages. Especially during monsoon season the agony of villagers are more for drinking water because life itself is in dangerous situation where people living close to seashore. Before some years ago these kinds of issues were not heard in costal Panchayath. During the PLA/PRA exercise the local community reveals the core reason for it is frequent sea erosion. 92 % of canals that was linked between sea and river which serves as a medium to transfer water when high tide occurring at sea are abandoned or encroached. Due to it the surrounding fresh water bodies are attacked when sea erosion takes place. The first initiative was identifying target area and getting support from villagers. The existing SHG systems were used and the message was initially communicated to the villagers. After PRA/ PLA exercises conducted with the support of PRI and local leaders, an action plan was prepared. The Action team set up was engaged for mobilizing resources and started rejuvenating canals before next monsoon. There was good result from the collective approach from community and the first monsoon after the intervention was normal and there was no sea attack around the intervention area. These interventions are easily captured among PRI since they were involved in the process. Presently these activities are covering in MGNREGA Program.

97 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 11.3. Water Literacy Campaign Program - PSWS, Palai Water Literacy Campaign started in 2006 is an innovative contribution by PSWS Palai in the environment sector for creating better awareness regarding the conservation of water. Different ways to prevent wastage of water, methods for water storage and conservation etc were part of the program. PSWS, Palai had arranged Water friendly meet through panchayats organized by SHG’s, at the grassroots level. The community was provided with training in water conservation by demonstrating innovative technologies like Silt pits, Rain Water Harvesting (RWH), Silpaulin tanks etc.. Subsidies were also given in various places for constructing those items across the Diocese. Campaigning has been conducted among school and college students and for the public and also conducted essay and quiz competitions related with soil and water conservation. Two Model villages developed through this program are – Variyanickadu at Thidanadu Panchayath & Wagamon at Teekoy Panchayath. Similar project named “Jalgram” Variyanickadu and “Jalatharangu” was successfully executed at Vellikulam in 2006. 11.4. Roof Water Harvesting Unit- TSSS Thalassery One of the methods widely advised in Kerala for collecting rain water is roof water harvesting units for solving the shortage of drinking water. TSSS constructed 112 ferro-cement tanks with a storage capacity of 10000- 11000 generally. The families residing on the hill slopes and ridges will have to climb up and down to fetch water for drinking and other household purposes. TSSS members could tackle the acute storage of drinking water in summer months by using RWH

tanks. The method of roof water harvesting units with ferro-cement technology is an innovation in the villages. The construction cost of the tank is cheaper than any other technology. Since in the villages it is women who fetch water for drinking and cooking, by introducing the RWHT the women could reduce their work load and save time. This saved time they are using for productive

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 98 DhaariN purposes especially for income generation programs. Hence, the program has resulted in reducing the drudgery of poor women in the villages. 11.5. Rainwater Harvesting Tanks and Well Recharging : KSSS, KOTTAYAM The promotion of Rainwater harvesting tanks by KSSS started early in 2000s itself. Here the rooftop water collected during rainfall is collected and safely stored in a ferro cement tank. The very first showers of the season are flushed out as it contains high level of impurities accumulating from the atmosphere and the rooftop.

Well-recharging was a rather new concept in which the rainwater falling on the rooftop was channelized to the household well either simply or through a filter chamber. The quality of the well water is found to be improved in this way, besides reducing run-off. Here the well is directly injected with the water and recharged.

11.6. Environment Management: CHASS, Changanacherry CHASS undertook 10 major Watershed Development Projects during 1990 – 2008 periods with the collaboration of Caritas India, Andheri Hilfe, Manos Unidas, Italian Bishop’s Conference, IGSSS and Save A Family Plan. Initiated by these projects, CHASS promoted Water Shed Developments projects in an informal way through all the CHASS units wherever applicable for the promotion of sustainable development. It is still continuing with various Rain Water Harvesting systems. Ferro Cement technology is applied for the Ferro Tanks with the capacity from 5000 ltrs. to 20000 ltrs. Biogas plants also are constructed ranging from 1m3 to 15m3 with this technology. Soil and water conservation are linked with majority of the programs initiated under Sustainable Development Interventions. Organic Farming is promoted as an integrated manner along with soil and water conservation activities like rain water pits, percolation pits, stone bunding, bio-fencing, reforestation etc. Sustainable agriculture is ensured with organic farming, waste land cultivation, protection of bunds, multi cropping, mixed cropping, crop rotation etc. Promotion of value added natural manures and pesticides are promoted among all the 138 village units of CHASS. Farmer’s Clubs, Joint Liability Groups and Agro-based Self Help Groups are the infrastructure promoted as community

99 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN based organizations under this sector. Biogas plants, different vermin composting methods, pipe composting, Ring composting, Teracotta Composting, Pit composting are initiated under this sector. Plastic Management with alternative system, promotion of recycling, reusing, organizing collection center etc. are the steps materialized through various village level CHASS units. 11.7. Soil and Water Conservation through Organic Farming- NIDS Neyyattinkara Neyyattinkara Integral Development Society [NIDS] started the environment management programme along with organic farming ever since the inception of this organization in 1998. Through the formation of farm clubs and the regular trainings imparted to the club members NIDS took the steps to create the awareness regarding environmental issues among the farmers. Initially NIDS advised the farmers to avoid chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides in agriculture. The soil was contaminated and the water and environment were polluted as the result of the indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides. In this backdrop NIDS promoted organic farming with active involvement of farmers. They gave up chemical fertilizers and pesticides and started to use organic compost like vermi compost as manure for the crops. For pest control they used organic preparations which NIDS taught them the preparation and use. The organic farming practices improved the bio mass generation and helped the soil to regain its natural qualities such as fertility and water holding capacity. Along with soil conservation, measures were taken for water conservation as well. Stone and earthen bunds were constructed in the farm fields to prevent soil erosion Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 100 DhaariN and water runoff. Vegetative fencing/live fencing also helped the conservation of soil and water. Now, the soil has regained its fertility. The ground water level has come up considerably. The production and productivity of agriculture crops also has enhanced as a result of soil fertility and the availability of water. 11.9. Waste Management: Sahrudaya [WSE] Ernakulam Sahrudaya is one of the approved Biogas Extension Centres of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy [MNRE], Govt. of India and the Department of Agriculture Kerala for constructing Biogas plants in Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alapuzha, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Kollam, Thrissur and Malappuram Districts and approved by ANERT for the entire state of Kerala and also the approved Service Provider for the Sanitation Mission Kerala. Sahrudaya have a good track record of co-operation with The Kerala Agro Industries Corporation Limited (KAICO) and RAIDCO Ltd. for implementing Biogas, and Vermi composting programs. Sahrudaya conducted two Training Programmes for Masos on the construction of Deenbandhu model biogas plants with the co- operation of Kerala Agricultural Department at Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam District in 1987 and at Moozhikkulam in Ernakulam District in 2015. Sahrudaya has vast experience of treating wastes like cow dung, poultry waste, piggery waste, effluent water from rubber sheet processing, latrine waste, kitchen waste, slaughter waste, market waste and effluent from leather processing etc. The biogas can be used for cooking purposes or it can be used for running generator. WSE team consists of experienced, service minded and well-trained technicians, supervisor and engineers. 11.10. Low Cost Technologies for Natural Resource Management- HDS, Idukki High Rang Development Society [HDS] gives emphases on to protect the natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants and animals which focus for both present and future generations and congruent with the concept of sustainable development and environmental protection. . Now HDS is implementing natural resources conservation project with the support from Umbrella Programme

101 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN for Natural Resource Management (UPNRM) scheme of NABARD. As part of this, activities to protect the natural resources like soil, water and planting of trees have been undertaken. For the proper implementation and distribution of saplings/planting materials, linkages with forest department are ensured. The department is distributing the plants with minimum rate or with transportation costs. Biogas plants also promoted with the collaboration of Khadi & Village Industries Commission [KVIC] for 200 families in the target area. The soil degradation is a unique problem in the farming sector. Erosion of fertile soil and application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has severely affected the soil structure and its productivity. Construction of soil/stone bunds were helped the farmer community to cultivate at large level. The vegetative fencing made for 3000 acres of land in the target area. As part of renewable energy promoted and distributed 3200 solar lamp systems were distributed to make Sampoorna Solar Gramam in 3 villages. Traditional water sources such as open well, small ponds, streams were also promoted under Natural Resource Management Project. 11.11. PALLIVANAM & MAZHANIRAVU: Swanthanam, THRISSUR Pallivanam was a program implemented to give awareness about afforestation. Tree samplings were planted in all Church compounds in Thrissur district. This activity has motivated general public to follow this model in their courtyard and keep the area green.

Mazhaniravu “Mazhaniravu” is an effort to find a lasting solution to the recurring water scarcity in the Thrissur district during summer. The objective of “Mazhaniravu” programme is to contribute towards enhanced health and welfare of the community through improved access to drinking water. Mazhaniravu strives to ensure safe drinking water to the families of Thrissur district.

11.12. Water Conservation, Waste Management & Renewable Energy: ESSS, Ernakulam Ernakulam Social Service Society implemented waste management, water conservation and renewable energy activities as a part of SPED projects of SAFP and Tsunami Rehabilitation Projects funded by Caritas India in Cheranalloor, Mulavukad, Elamkunapuzha and Kadamakuddy panchayaths. Activities were mainly focused for marginalized people in the targeted areas. ESSS promoted low cost replicable models of waste management practices such as Bio gas, Bio bin, Burning bin, Pipe compost, Vermie compost, Plastic collection and Environmental campaigns. Bio Gas: ESSS conducted a detailed study among the community about waste management practices of the people and provided 350 low cost bio gas systems each in three Panchayath for needy people. 500 Burning Bins were provided for creating replicable waste management system in community, in various places of Verapoly Dioceses especially in selected schools, Pakal veed, Anganavadys etc.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 102 DhaariN Pipe compost and Vermie Compost: Sustainable waste management system started with awareness generation through class and road shows. As part of SPED programme ESSS provided 2500Pipe compost and 1500 vermi compost for needy people in targeted areas. Plastic collection: The core issues discussed in participatory learning & action and village planning workshop conducted under CMDRR programme and SPED III programme developed plans to re-use plastic wastes accumulated in the target area. Plastic collection activity was initiated by ESSS and for it each ward was divided into clusters of 50-70 families and engaged two DMC/VAT members responsible for coordination of the programme in each cluster. The agency entrusted by ESSS would collect the waste from each cluster. Toilet filtering system: ESSS identified that the ill built toilets are one of the main source of water pollution in target area. ESSS developed and promoted an indigenous toilet filtering system. It was installed in 214 houses by ESSS. Filter wells: ESSS promoted filter well systems in targeted areas for treating the well waters. Pond Rejuvenation Using Phyto remediation & rain water recharging: Water literacy mission was initiated integrating varied programme like water seminars, Regeneration of local water bodies, Community based water management system and Imparting the local people the technical skills for rain water resource management like rain water wells, pits, spillways etc. As a part of environment and natural resource management, ESSS mainly focused on sustainable and traditional well recharging system. 11.13. Community Managed Drinking Water Project at Urukunnu: PSSS, Punalur Seven families who are residing beside the Kallada Irrigation Canal at Thenmala didn’t have wells as they don’t have sufficient land for digging well. They were collecting water for drinking purpose from a pond on the small mountain situated 300 meters away from their colony and from Kallada canal for other domestic purposes. In a planning workshop conducted by PSSS the families requested for blasting and deepening of the pond from which they are collecting water for drinking purpose. The owner of the pond did not allow for any construction work at the site. Accordingly the watershed committee unanimously decided to purchase a portable water tank and Smt. Annamma, Ajith Bhavan was willing to provide land for establishing the tank. With the support of PSSS the User group purchased

103 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 2000 litters Aquatech water tank, 300 meter two inch hose, taps and other accessories. Water tank was established on a platform and pipe connections were done to 7 houses. At present all 7 families are collecting water from their own house. The users group has formed a committee for monitoring the project to ensure the sustainability of the undertaking. In addition to this they have prepared an agreement explaining the responsibilities of maintenance and other related activities. The project was very success and the participation of the community was excellent. Without any compulsion they could mobilize the social as well as financial capital. The drinking water is available in their houses throughout the year. Moreover drudgery of women decreased to a great extent. They can make use the time for other productive purposes.

11.14. Junction box- Outlet for twin pit latrines by Shreyas, Bathery The junction box- outlet was specially designed for two pit latrines constructed in areas where the population density is high. This valve is easy to handle while changing the pit- controls the flow of human excreta to the tanks from the closet unit. The model is implemented in Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.

11.15. Micro vermi compost tanks by Shreyas, Bathery The micro vermi compost tanks are constructed using ferro cement technology. There is a valve at the bottom of the cylinder shaped tank to collect vermi wash separately. These types of tanks are portable and very easy to handle. This model is implemented in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargod and Malappuram districts of Kerala and Nilgiri district of Tamilnadu.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 104 DhaariN 11.16. Zink- Aluminum tank by Shreyas, Bathery Zink aluminium tank is another innovation to collect water from a water source like well or stream. Instead of constructing concrete tanks we can use such type of portable tanks. The model is implemented in Malappuram district.

11.17. Low cost model of sanitary latrines by Shreyas, Bathery Low cost models of sanitary latrines were constructed under open defecation free (ODF) scheme in Jalanidhi projects. The super structure is made-up of Aluminium sheets which is cost effective. This model can be constructed at a cost of Rs. 15000/. The model is implemented in Wayanad district.

105 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 11.18. Construction of earthen check dam - Shreyas, Bathery Earthen check dam in Vellakkett near Vadakkanad in Nulpuzha Panchayath was constructed as part of NABARD supported Noolpuzha watershed project. The dam with 46 mtrs length & 9 mtrs hight and 4 mts width has the water holding capacity of 5057500 lakhs of ltrs. (5.5 mld). This

Earthen check dam is at the boarder of reserve forest and agriculture land which is benefited to 100 families. 15 Acer area at the down portion of the dam has become agriculture land and wells nearby are recharged due to the construction of the dam. It serves as a drinking water source for the wild animals in the forest and the greenery of the area is maintained.

11. 19. Thumboormuzhi Model Aerobic Composting Technique by MSSS Thumboormuzhy model aerobic composting is implemented at Kompetty watershed of Malayinkil panchayath in Thiruvananthapuramfor waste management. The structure is made out of Ferro cement technology; 4x4x4 size. Salient features of this model are eco-friendly, odor less, low budget, less space requirement, no flies, no insects and high temperature. It produces best organic manure consists of 17- to 19 g. nitrogen, 70-80 g calcium and 6-8 g. phosphorus. It takes only 40 to 90 days for maturing the compost. Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 106 DhaariN 11.20. Vermi compost units at Mulloor, Trivandrum by MSSS MSSS promoted 100 vermi compost units at Mulloor (Vizhinjam), Trivandrum District with the technical and financial support of spices board of India. The size of one unit is 2 m x 1 m x 1 m (LBH). The expert from Spice Board imparted the training on

vermi compost manufacturing to 100 dairy farmers. Financial support was given to the farmers for constructing the pits and inputs like worms etc.

11.21. Bio Clean Technology by QSSS, Kollam Bio Clean Technology is a new method used for waste management in sea coast, especially for fish waste management. This new technology is introduced in Kollam by QSSS with the support of scientist Dr. Joshy V Cherian. With the support of Foundation for Organic Resources Enrichment & Management, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu QSSS is producing organic manure by using Aerobic Composting process out of fish waste.

107 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 11.22. Varshadood by VSSS, Vijayapuram ‘Sustainable Drinking Water Programme’ with an intention to develop appropriate and replicable watershed management programme for different physiographic zones of the operational area of the Society was undertaken for addressing drinking water scarcity issues through propagating viable technologies and by ensuring community participation. VSSS promoted the use of rain water during the scarce period by harvesting the rain water falling on the roof of the buildings. A campaign (Road Show) was conducted in the name of “VARSHA DOOTH” for one month to promulgate the idea. A team was constituted for the campaigning with a troop of street players and a vehicle with still model of roof water harvesting. This team went around the area of 80 parishes and the innovative idea was propagated in the gathering of people after Sunday Mass. Society helped interested parties to construct ferro-cement tanks of 5000 and 10000 litre capacity at a subsidized rate. 60 beneficiaries made use of the opportunity. As a pioneer in this innovation VSSS was acclaimed for its effort in the ministerial level.

11.23. Point recharge of wells by VSSS, Vijayapuram One of the methods proposed to be introduced for recharging of the wells is the point recharge. In this method, PVC conduits collect rainwater from the roof of the house. A pit of 3 m is dug on the upper side of the well. The conduit is connected to the pit. This allows efficient flow of the roof water into the pit. In this method the soil around the pit gets saturated and the well gets recharged.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 108 DhaariN 11.24. Innovations made in rejuvenation of old wells VSSS, Vijayapuram The following innovations were experimented for the rejuvenation of old wells:  Providing dry rubble packing at the bottom periphery of the well up to 5 ft. height. This would protect the side of the bottom portion and would allow ground water seepage to the wells  Block cement brick is used for the parapet wall of the wells, instead of RCC or country burnt brick masonry. This is to reduce the cost and improve workmanship  Propose to provide point recharge to augment supply of water in summer  An innovative water drawing mechanism is introduced instead of traditional pulley and bucket.  Cleaning and deepening the existing wells  Blasting wherever needed  Desalting the wells  Provide side protection wherever necessary  Provide point recharge of rainwater  Provide parapet  Provide water drawing mechanism 11. 25. Traditional medicinal plants gardens VSSS, Vijayapuram VSSS took initiative to form gardens of traditional medicinal plants in the premises of various parishes and houses under the Community Health Programme – Sukhino Bhavandhu. Aadalodakam,Aanachuvadi, Margosa, Uzhinja, Erukku, Orila, Kacholam, Karinkurinji, Payyanipathy, mrithasanjeevani, Karinkoovalam, Karinochi, Kattarvazha, Chandanam, Brahmmy, VallipalaShankupushpam etc. were some of the medicinal herbs promoted by us. Besides this VSSS distributed seedlings of Anonaand Lakshmitharu. 12. Traditional Environmental practices protected/ preserved 12.1. Spring Development by WSSS, MANATHAVADY WSSS developed 46 springs in the WADI project area (Tribal hamlets) for providing safe drinking water to the tribal community. Traditionally the tribal communities used to collect water from the springs. The quality of water from shallow and deep wells as well as springs in the district is

109 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN good for domestic and irrigation purposes. In all tribal hamlets in Wayanad a number of springs had disappeared. 100s of springs in Thavinjal Grama Panchayath itself disappeared. For Conserving the Springs WSSS introduced a special project with the support of NABARD. In 2016 WSSS developed 46 springs in Thavinjal Grama Panchayath.

12.2. Stone Pitched Bund, Earthen Bund, Vegetative Measures by NIDS, Neyyattinkara The traditional practices of environmental promotion measures of Neyyattinkara area was stone bund, mud bund, contour bund and grass bund. In order to protect the top soil from run off during the rain farmers used to make stone bunds to protect the soil as well as to prevent rain water from flowing down with the soil. This has also

facilitated to the percolation of rain water down the earth and recharged the ground water which helped to maintain the ground water level. Where stone is not available, the farmers used to make mud bunds. Where the slope is more contour bunds are made to protect the soil and water

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 110 DhaariN from runoff. In order to prevent the soil and water from flowing off, some farmers made grass bunds. Certain varieties of grass can hold the soil with its roots tightly so that the soil erosion is prevented as well as the water. Since, we found these systems very effective we have taken the steps to preserve these practices of our old generation for the new generation famers to practice and take the benefit for agriculture and environment.

12. 3. PSSP, Palakkad PSSP introduced activities like Water percolation pits, Earthen and stone pitched bunds, paddy bund strengthening, renovation of existing ponds and wells, stream and river side protection, bio fencing, coconut basin preparation, fodder cultivation and afforestation as part of Natural Resource Management to protect soil, water and bio mass. These are determining natural components that make up the quality of an area. In Environmental set up, the importance of these three components cannot be over estimated. The prosperity depends on the conservation, maintenance and the efficient utilization of the natural resources. The improper conservation, maintains of these will adversely affect the ecological equilibrium. So the above traditional activities for essential for land. PSSP is motivating and practicing these in our fields. 12.4. Well Recharging by CHASS, Changanacherry The eastern region of CHSSS comprises of hilly regions where the only sources of safe drinking water are wells with a depth of 5 mtrs to 15 mtrs. Majority of the wells provided drinking water only for 6 to 9 months a year. During summer these wells are kept dry. To overcome this situation CHASS promoted the rain water harvesting through recharging system. The recharging system is designed with 1 m3 pits and

constructed at three to five meters away at the elevated part of the well to facilitate collecting rain water from the roof as well as courtyard to these pits. Generally these pits are filled at least 100 times a year during monsoon collecting one lakh liters of water of which 10-15% will be saved and collected in the well during summer. It is traditionally practiced in the rural water scarce villages to regenerate the wells. The pits near the houses are protected by keeping local laterite stones in the pit to

111 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN avoid children falling in it. Annually the pits are cleaned and protected excavating the silt & soil, to keep enough space for water harvesting. 12.5. Renovation of Ponds / water bodies by CSSS, Cochin Major traditional practices like renovation of ponds and water bodies around the CSSS operational area was the key activities during the SAFP/ CBDP projects. The area was identified in terms of water scarcity and water resources in the area were badly affected by tidal attacks. The saline intrusion is slowly catching the pure water. Thus the fresh water of the resource of the area are slowly become saline water. Traditional water sources like ponds, canals and wells are plenty in the area; most of them are abandoned due to the saline intrusion and other factors like excess nutrients in soil and water, domestic pollution and latrine outlets. The models created to rejuvenate the ponds are an eco-friendly process that includes growing of different plants with different characteristics around the ponds. Plants absorb nutrients from soil and these nutrients are present in soil as contaminants. However, most indigenous wetland plants can absorb these contaminants and purify water (Phytoremediation). Increasing presence of plant roots Phyto remediation-Planting of mangroves, mangrove associates, fruit bearing trees, herbs and aquatic plants in and around the water sources in order to absorb excess nutrients and contaminants thereby improving water quality. Simultaneously ‘Back Washing’ process used which is simple technique that involves feeding rainwater, collected from rooftops using a gutter and feeding directly to the open wells located within the household premises. Back washing does not involve any additional storage structures as that of conventional rainwater harvesting units. This process enables a speedier measure for replacing existing contaminated ground water with soft fresh water. Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 112 DhaariN The model creation was starting in that context. The people have shown remarkable interest for initiatives since it have positive results. The results are captured and circulated through SHG / Credit Union. During PRI interfaces these initiatives are highlighted and that was attracted to get support of Local Self Government. Presently most of coastal panchayath are earmarked a renovation pond / well renovation activities. 12.6. Reclamation of abandoned paddy fields and developing alternative livelihood generation by CSSS, Cochin The program has assumed new dimensions and scientific attributes with selection of a pilot village named Arthumkal for comprehensive organic farming – NRM project. The major components of the projects are ground water recharging by using appropriate technologies, soil conservation, solid waste management– enriched organic manure production, organic vegetable cultivation, kandal [mangroves] planting as bio protection measure for the water bodies, cleaning and reconditioning existing surface water sources, etc apart from intensive community/public awareness generation program on environmental protection/natural resource management. Obviously, the coastal community, which stood alienated from any kind of agro farming activities, has since come in terms with a local food production culture with women in the fore front. The participants/user groups in the program who are mostly landless have ventured for taking wasted land on lease and demonstrated successful results than can be replicated in general in addition to its visible and invisible environments impacts on the area and the people.

113 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 12.7. Natural Fiber Craft by KIDS, Kottapuram The aim of the natural fiber craft is the promotion of the craft so as to serve hundreds of artisans with a sustainable income. The protection of the environment is another important mission of natural fiber department. Development of screw pine and water hyacinth is an alternative to many plastic products. The innovative interventions in the natural fiber craft sector are carried out focusing following objectives Eco – restoration of the water bodies of the area through plantation of screw pine Ensuring raw material security and its constant supply by large – scale planting of screw pine. Management of wetlands by conversion of water hyacinth into natural fiber for making eco friendly items of general utility Achievement of qualitative improvement in production through skill up – gradation of artisans Lifting of artisans to a level of effectively making new and value added products through design development Development of non polluting industry using a locally available resource Provision of jobs for thousands of people without any huge infrastructure Striving to achieve higher exports for the country Working for the preservation of the cultural heritage of mat weaving by uplifting the declining craft KIDS have been awarded a Resource centre for natural fibre craft as part of the 11th Five year plan of the country. The Objectives of the Resource centre are: To create an institutional mechanism and to provide single window solution in natural fiber craft for comprehensive hand holding in the following aspects  Technical and Technological information  Market intelligence  Enterprise development  Micro finance activity  Reporting, Monitoring, Evaluation / Experience sharing  Product Information  Raw material Information  Cluster product information The Resource centre will undertake the following activities  Inflow and outflow of information regarding natural fiber craft  Documentation and dissemination of best practices  Training and demonstration of best practices available  Craft data base building and skill mapping of the craft  Networking with similar organizations

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 114 DhaariN  Creation of technology bank through expert and institutions  Handhold technology production and marketing issues  Reporting and evaluation of programme being implemented

12.8. Traditional Soil fertility and erosion control practices by Jeevana, Calicut Over the past years Jeevana has promoted environmental protection practices such as soil fertility management practices and soil erosion control practices among its farmers. Soil fertility management  Crop residue mulching  Crop rotation  Growing trees on filed bund and growing vegetative barriers  Promotion of Panchagavya. Soil erosion control and related practices  Stone pitched contour bunds  Centripetal terracing  Live fencing the low cost soil conservation  Planting cover crops on uncultivated land, Planting of trees and construction of earthen bunds 115 Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS DhaariN 12.9. Shreyas Bathery Perennial Water Resources - (Keni): Protected perennial water resources in the operational area using wooden rings. Shreyas have identified such sources in Noolpuzha and Nenmeni GPs of Wayanad district and with the participation of the local people they are renovated and are used by people. Traditional water collection methods and practices using cloths and small wooden posts. Most of the tribal communities in Wayanad are practicing this in their hamlet.

12.10. Tree basins by MSSS, TVM The conventional method of opening of tree basins (coconut, Arecanut etc.) is a very effective in preservation of surface runoff water especially during monsoon. It is also helps to prevent the soil erosion to a great extent. Awareness classes were organized for need for conservation of rain water.

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 116 DhaariN 13. Awards and Recognitions to DSSS The contributions of Diocesan Social Service Societies who are the partners of KSSF for the protection and conservation of environment was acknowledged and recognized both by Govt. and other agencies. Few of them are stated below: CHASS Changanacherry won the Best Performance Award in 3 years for Agro-based SHGs promotion by NABARD. CHASS is the Nodal Agency, Suchithua Mission and Nodal Agency, Rain Centre, Govt. of Kerala. KSSS, Kottayam won the National Award for Best NGO in the field of Promotion of Coconut Farming in 2012 and Green Partner Award conferred by the State Government of Kerala. KSSS is the Turnkey Agent of Suchitwa Mission for promotion of Biogas Plants WSSS, Manathavady  Best State nodal agency in India for Vikaspedia, 2016, Best overall performance in 2015.  Model Enterprise Award ( Medium scale) State Pollution Control Board in 2016  Karshik Sevak Puraskar: Sree Maha Genapathy Bhakthajana Sevak in 2013  Best Entrepreneur Award (Wayanad District) of State Industries Department Kerala in 2012 Chethana Mavalikkara won Award ‘Thilakam 2014’ for best Environmental and Charity activities from Alappuzha District Panchayath and was awarded by Kayamkulam Municipality in 2015 for best Medicinal plants promotion and Environmental Initiatives. PSWS, Palai was recognized as the Best Supporting Organization in execution of Jalanidhi project at Mutholy Panchayathu in 2012. Shreyas, Bathery won the Palathulli award from Malayala Manorama in 2007 Paristhithi Mithra Award by St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor was received by:  Sahrudaya [WSE], Ernakulam in 2016  WSSS, Manathavady in 2015  KSSS, Kottayam for exemplary coordination and massive implementation of Environmental and Agricultural activities in Kerala in 2015  SAFI, Irijalakkuda for Social Forestry in 2015  Bodhana Thiruvalla for Heralding Protection and Preservation of Nature in 2012  Shreyas, Bathery for Environment Education and Rural Development in 2010-11 & Special Appreciation in 2015-16  Chethana Mavalikkara received Certificate of Appreciation for the Environmental Education and Rural Development.

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Conclusion There has been a rapid increase in the exploitation pressure on the environment and the natural resources of Kerala over the years. The alarming consequences of this is becoming increasingly evident. Hence, care has to be taken to see that the environment does not deteriorate. For the sake of the present as well as future generations, measures have to be taken to see that the carrying capacity of the system is not exceeded. Kerala Catholic Church and its social ministries are ever committed to safeguard the environment which is the gift God. The interventions of Diocesan Social Service Societies in natural resources management has facilitated the people of Kerala to fight against the threat of environmental degradation. This document reveals the interventions of our Diocesan Social Service Societies in environment sector for the last 10 years and its impacts. Follwing points are the significant results of the study such as; emergence of community based organizations, enhanced ground water level, especially through recharging of wells, rainwater harvesting, shift from chemical farming to organic and zero budget farming, utilization of non- conventional energy, promotion and protection of bio-diversity, promotion of social and agro forestry, sustainable management of land water and biomass, replicable models in water harvesting and waste management, adaptation of environment friendly life style by the people, etc. It is noteworthy to state here that the Diocesan Social Service Societies in Kerala are well experienced and capable enough to undertake community led natural resource management programs. This booklet is an attempt to make the society aware of the enormous contributions of the diocesan social service societies for the protection and promotion of environment and natural resources in Kerala. It was a tiresome task to showcase the varied interventions of our Diocesan social service societies in a booklet and hence this document contains only selected interventions. This would be a good reference book for the development aspirants in environment sector. Once again we thank all the helping hands behind this noble venture with particular mention to Government line departments, funding partners and the local people.

“May the relationship between man and nature not be driven by greed, to manipulate and exploit, but may the divine harmony between beings and creation be conserved in the logic of respect and care.” - Pope Francis

Consolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 118 DhaariN

Kerala Social Service Forum

Kerala Social Service Forum (KSSF), the state level network of Social Service Societies of the Catholic Diocesen in Kerala, is the official organ of Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) for social apostolate under the Commission for Justice Peace & Development (JPD).

Vision Growing in to a vibrant resource centre of excellence for the establishment of a just society.

Mission Capacitating partner organizations through animation, training, knowledge dissemination, consultancy, networking, advocacy, lobbying and research.

Thrust Areas of Intervention Sustainable Agriculture Natural Resource Management Women & Children Good Governance Livelihood & MFI People Centered Health Fisheries Dalits & Tribal Development Informal Education Documentation Voluntarism Local Resource Mobilization

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Kerala Social Service Forum Amos Centre, Adichira, Thellakom P.O., Kottayam - 686630 Tel: +91 9447417590 E-mail: [email protected] www.kssfktm.comConsolidated Report on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 120