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Water parliament (Alwar , Rajasthan) A case study on participatory water management

Background:
Alwar, located in a semi-arid region of Rajasthan, faces water scarcity issues due to erratic rainfall and over-extraction of groundwater. Recognizing the need for sustainable water management, the Water Parliament was established as a community-driven initiative.

Key Features:

1. Participatory Decision-Making:
   - Community Involvement: The Water Parliament engages local communities, including farmers, villagers, and stakeholders, in decision-making processes related to water management.
   - Democratic Approach: It operates on a democratic model, allowing participants to discuss and decide on water-related issues, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

2. Water Harvesting and Conservation:
   - Traditional Knowledge: The initiative incorporates traditional water harvesting techniques aligned with local knowledge and practices.
   - Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting: Implementation of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems is promoted, reducing dependence on conventional water sources.

3. Conflict Resolution:
   - Addressing Water Conflicts: The Water Parliament serves as a platform to address conflicts related to water use and allocation. Mediation and consensus-building are key components of the process.

4. Community-Led Initiatives:
   - Farm Ponds and Check Dams: Local communities are encouraged to construct small-scale water harvesting structures like farm ponds and check dams to capture and store rainwater.
   - Afforestation: Initiatives promoting afforestation play a role in maintaining watershed health, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing water retention.

5. Capacity Building:
   - Educational Programs: The Water Parliament conducts educational programs to enhance the understanding of water management practices, sustainable agriculture, and conservation techniques among the community.

Outcomes:

1. Improved Water Availability:
   - Through participatory efforts, there is an improvement in water availability for both agricultural and domestic purposes.

2. Community Empowerment:
   - Local communities are empowered through active involvement in decision-making, fostering a sense of responsibility and sustainability.

3. Enhanced Resilience:
   - Implementation of diverse water management practices contributes to increased resilience against droughts and water scarcity.

4. Replicability:
   - The success of the Water Parliament model in Alwar showcases its potential replicability in similar regions facing water challenges.

The Water Parliament in Alwar stands as a testament to the positive impacts of participatory water management, emphasizing community engagement, sustainable practices, and the integration of traditional wisdom in addressing water scarcity issues.




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