₹9.84 Lakh Check Dam Transforms Darbhanga’s Harsinghpur, Boosts Irrigation and Rural Livelihoods

Harsinghpur, a village with a population of four thousand, in the Alinagar block of Darbhanga district, was filled with joy when a check dam was constructed here at a cost of lakhs of rupees under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan. This newly constructed check dam for rainwater harvesting has not only alleviated the drinking water crisis but also permanently resolved the problem of irrigation of crops in the agricultural sector. Villagers believe that the construction of the check dam has opened a new door to progress for the village.

Until a few years ago, Harsinghpur village in Darbhanga had no permanent source for rainwater harvesting. During the rainy season, water would quickly flow out through rivers and streams. During the summer, the groundwater level would drop drastically, causing wells, hand pumps, and other water sources to dry up. Agriculture in the village was entirely dependent on rainfall, which allowed for the cultivation of only one crop. Farmers say that the lack of irrigation resulted in low crop production. This not only reduced farmers' income, but also created difficulties for animal husbandry and domestic water use. The situation in the village worsened to the point where, due to lack of employment, young people were forced to migrate to cities.

Taking this severe water crisis seriously, the Rural Development Department decided a few days ago to construct a check dam for water conservation. In accordance with this decision, the dam was constructed at a cost of ₹984,000 under MNREGA. Now, with the construction of the check dam for rainwater harvesting in the village, farmers have been assured of irrigation access to 250 acres of agricultural land. Additionally, approximately 500 livestock have access to water for bathing, cleaning, and drinking. So far, 670 people have directly benefited from this check dam. Villagers say that with the availability of water for irrigation, they have also begun cultivating vegetables, oilseeds, and pulses. The creation of a water source within the village has brought many prosperity. Primarily, it has significantly improved the greenery and environmental balance in the area.

Major benefits of the check dam construction in Harsinghpur

1. Permanent increase in groundwater levels
2. Conservation and recharge of rainwater
3. Increased irrigation capacity
4. Increased agricultural production and farmer income
5. Improved animal husbandry and livelihoods
6. Environmental protection and increased green cover
7. Reduction in rural migration

The check dam constructed under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan has resolved the water problem in our village. Now, agriculture, animal husbandry, and employment have improved significantly. Shankar Yadav, Farmer, Harsinghpur

The construction of check dams under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan has proven to be extremely successful in water conservation and rural development. This scheme is playing a vital role in sustainable water management, agricultural development, and improving rural living standards. Umesh Yadav, Farmer, Harsinghpur