Watershed Management Project at Ranje

Project Name: - Watershed Management Project – De-seating of Cement Nala Bandh


Village Details	Village Name – Ranje Tal- Bhor; Dist – Pune Pin code – 412205
Project details	Ranje village, located in Bhor Tehsil of Pune district, lies about 35 km from Bhor and 60 km from Pune city. Known for its fertile land, the village relies heavily on agriculture. However, heavy monsoons cause severe soil erosion and sedimentation in the Shiv Ganga River, increasing the risk of floods and degrading water quality. Post-monsoon, water scarcity becomes a critical issue, with wells and borewells drying up by January. In response, the community approached Deepastambha Charitable Trust (DCT), which identified the Shiv Ganga watershed for intervention. With financial support from R. M. Tulpule Charitable Trust, a comprehensive desilting project was implemented with objectives including increasing dam capacity, preventing erosion, conserving water, and building farm roads using the removed silt of two cement nala bandh.
Impact	The desilting project in Ranje village, carried out in June, 2024, resulted in significant environmental and agricultural benefits. approximately 30,800 cubic meters of silt were removed from the Shiv Ganga watershed, effectively increasing the water-holding and recharge capacity by 30.8 million litres. This has greatly improved groundwater recharge, addressing the village’s recurring water scarcity during the dry months. The removed silt was efficiently reused—one farm road was constructed, ten farmers enriched their fields, and two companies utilized it for landfilling. Additionally, the stone pitching of the dam area helped manage water flow and prevent erosion, while disturbed farmlands were levelled, tilled, and secured with boundary structures. These efforts not only enhanced irrigation potential and water availability for agriculture but also contributed to flood prevention, soil conservation, and long-term water security for the village, setting a replicable example of community-driven watershed management.
Beneficiaries	2500+ Villagers, farmers
Sponsored By	Deepastambha Charitable Trust (DCT), Pune
Project Executed By	R. M. Tulpule Charitable Trust, Pune
Execution Period	May – June 2024

Case study on desilting in Ranje village, Bhor Taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra.

Background

Maharashtra’s Drought History

Maharashtra, a state in India, faces recurring droughts, particularly in certain regions. Here are the key points based on long-term rainfall data analysis:

1. Rain Shadow Zone: Approximately 50% of Pune district falls within the rain shadow zone of Maharashtra. This geographical feature exacerbates water scarcity in the area.
2. Drought-Prone Areas: The eastern, southern, south-eastern, central, and north-central parts of the district—around Indapur, Baramati, Jujuri, Daund, Talegaon, Dhamdhare, Alandi, Shirur, and Bhor—are classified as drought-prone. These regions grapple with irregular rainfall patterns and water stress.
3. Water Level Trends: Decadal pre-monsoon water level trends reveal significant declines:
4. Pre-Monsoon: In 30% of the Ground Water Monitoring Wells (GWMW) in the district, water levels fall up to 0.56 meters per year.
5. Post-Monsoon: After the monsoon season, 37% of GWMWs experience a decline of up to 0.27 meters per year.

Ranje Village: A Beacon of Hope

Ranje village, nestled in Bhor Tehsil of Pune district, exemplifies resilience. Despite facing water scarcity, the community took proactive steps. The desilting project in Ranje serves as a model for other villages, showcasing how local action can contribute to sustainable water management.

LOCATION AND CONTEXT

Located approximately 35 km from Bhor Taluka and 60 km from Pune city, Ranje relies heavily on agriculture due to its fertile soil. Despite its agricultural potential, Ranje faces over six months of rainfall, leading to soil erosion and sedimentation in the Shiv Ganga River. This sedimentation poses flood risks and degrades water quality.

WATER SCARCITY ISSUES

After the monsoon season, groundwater levels decrease significantly, affecting both drinking water supply and agriculture. By January, well and borewell water becomes severely insufficient.

COMMUNITY ACTION

In response to these challenges, the Ranje village community sought assistance from DCT. DCT identified the Shiv Ganga watershed as the focus area for desilting efforts. DCT also requested funding from RMT for the project.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Increase Dam Capacity: Enhance the water retention capacity of the dam.
Erosion Prevention: Stabilize and construct riverbanks to prevent erosion.
Water Conservation: Improve water quality, recharge groundwater, and conserve soil.
Stone Pitching: Construct stone pitching around fields near the riverbed to filter water flow.
Farm Roads: Create farm roads from the silt.
Floodplain Enhancement: Develop floodplain areas to absorb excess runoff water.
Long-Term Water Security: Ensure cleaner river water and long-lasting water security.

IMPACT

The project ran from May 1, 2024, to June 4, 2024, spanning 35 days.
A total of 385 hours were dedicated to the project, involving 1 Poclain, 3 Heiwa trucks, and 1 small truck.
A whopping 30,800 cubic meters of silt were removed, equivalent to 800 Heiwa dumper loads and 180 small truck loads.
The dam area’s water percolation capacity increased significantly—30,800 cubic meters translate to 30,800,000 Liters.
Silt Utilization:
One road was constructed using the removed silt.
Ten farmers used the silt for topping their farms.
Two companies utilized it for land filling.
Dam Area Enhancement:
Both sides of the dam area were pitched.
Stone pitching was implemented to manage water flow from adjoining farms.
Disturbed farmlands were levelled, tilled, and had boundary structures established.
Tree plantation in the area is scheduled to begin with the onset of the monsoon