Check Dams in India

"Check-dams" are small barriers built across the direction of water flow on shallow rivers and streams for the purpose of water harvesting. The small dams retain excess water flow during monsoon rains in a small catchment area behind the structure. Pressure created in the catchment area helps force the impounded water into the ground. The major environmental benefit is the replenishment of nearby groundwater reserves and wells. The water entrapped by the dam, surface and subsurface, is primarily intended for use in irrigation during the monsoon and later during the dry season, but can also be used for livestock and domestic needs.

In the 2008-2009 Rotary Year The Rotary club of Sharpstown teamed up with The Rotary Club of Mumbai Borivali East, India, to build "check dams" in some poor and remote areas of India.

Our District 5890 contributed to the project as did Rotary District 3140 in India...and then the Rotary Foundation put in funds too in support of the project. The end result...the Sharpstown club contributed $2,000 and we were a part of a project that had $24,000 to build 4 check dams.

Sharpstown Club member Chuni Vyas visited two of the dams in late 2009 with members of the Rotary Club of Mumbai Borivali East. She reported that prior to the construction of the dams most of the able bodied men in the area would leave during the dry season to get jobs elsewhere to support their families. With the dams in place many of these men will remain ar home and raise crops with the water from the dams and feed their families in that way - rather than have to leave home.

It is estimated that each dam can impact the quality of life for 300 to 400 people