Coastal Salinity Ingress Prevention and Mitigation:
Experiences and Challenges
Conference Report
November 26-27, 2010, Diu
An Ambuja Cements Limited Initiative
In Collaboration With
Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar Department, Government of
Gujarat, Gandhinagar
Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh
& Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell, Ahmedabad
Ambuja Cement Foundation
November 2010
Index
1. Background of the Conference
2. Inaugural Session
3. Plenary-1: Water Resources Development for Prevention of Salinity Ingress
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Water Resources Development for Coastal Salinity Ingress Prevention
Innovative and Futuristic Mining: Rehabilitation & Water Management in
Action
Studies on Understanding of Salinity Pattern and establishment of
Monitoring Network in Villages of Netravati Watershed
4. Plenary-2: Salinity Ingress Prevention and Mitigation: Field Experiences
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River Basin Management: A Case Study of Meghal River Basin
Management
Integrated Water Resources Development and Management: The ACF
Experience
Ground Water Management in Coastal Areas of Gujarat
Ground Water Management in Coastal Areas
Artificial Recharge Measures and Impact on Salinity Ingression around
various Limestone Mines of Ambuja Cements Ltd. Dist. Junagadh, Gujarat
Intervention by TCSRD for Mitigation on Salinity Ingress
5. Plenary-3: Regaining Agriculture Dynamism for Livelihoods Security in Coastal
Areas
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Agricultural Interventions for Improving Livelihoods in Coastal Districts of
Gujarat
Regaining Agriculture Dynamism for Livelihood Security in Coastal Areas
Agriculture-Based Livelihood Enhancement in Coastal Areas of Junagadh
District
Crop Production in Salinity-Affected Soils Using Poor Quality Irrigation
Water
6. Plenary-4 : Initiatives and Measures for Prevention and Mitigation of Impact of
Salinity
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Ground Water Augmentation and Remediation of Water Quality Issues in
Gujarat
Water Resource Management in Saurashtra: Some Locally Viable Strategies
Kharash Vistarotthan Yojana (KVY): An Initiative Of Sir Ratan Tata Trust
Overview & Experiences of Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell
7. Valedictory Session
 Learning Lessons, Issues Emerged and Way Forward
8.
Annexure
Ambuja Cements Ltd has been working for community development in and around the
company’s manufacturing locations through its CSR arm, Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF).
Today, ACF works in 20 locations in 11 states, including Gujarat, on various issues including
agro-based livelihoods, health and education.
In Gujarat, water resource management is one of the key areas of focus, with interventions in
infrastructure development, water conservation, agriculture and livelihoods. Salinity ingress is a
major issue facing local communities in this region. While a coastline of more than 1600 kms
offers enormous opportunities for industrial and port-driven economic development, it also poses
a serious challenge to the quality of natural resources in the region. And ACF has been working
in partnership on several projects with the Government of Gujarat (GoG) and donor agencies like
Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) on this theme.
The two-day conference on Coastal Salinity Ingress Prevention and Mitigation: Experiences and
Challenges, was held on November 26 - 27, 2010 at Diu (UT) to look at various alternatives
towards salinity ingress prevention. The conference aimed at synergizing efforts of various
stakeholders including corporate agencies working in the coastal regions.
The Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar Department of Government of
Gujarat collaborated with ACF to bring about this event. The Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell
(CSPC), Ahmedabad and the Junagadh Agriculture University (JAU) supported the event as
knowledge partners. The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Kanubhai Bhalala, Minister of State
for Agriculture and Water Resources, Government of Gujarat. The conference was well attended
by 128 delegates from various Government agencies, the corporate sector, NGOs, institutions and
the media.
Coastal Salinity Ingress Prevention and Mitigation
For more than 10 million people living along the coastline of Gujarat, growing salinity in water
and land resources constitute a very real threat to their livelihoods. The region abounds in
biodiversity with extensive mangrove vegetation, fisheries, aquaculture, coral reefs, as well as
land and water resources.
But increasing pressure from economic activities has caused considerable depletion and
degradation of environmental resources. Over extraction of groundwater in coastal areas,
encouraged primarily by agricultural growth, has caused sea water intrusion into the water table.
This increase in salinity has brought in issues like paucity of drinking water, reduction in areas
under cultivation, reduced yield per hectare, and health hazards for people and cattle. With falling
quality of farm land, low productivity and less income, the region is at risk of economic
marginalization and forced migration.
The ingress of salinity is characterized by the mixing of sweet rain-fed underground water with
horizontal saline water aquifers. In other words, it is the penetration of saline sea water into
underground water sources like wells, which makes the underground water saline. Salinity ingress
primarily occurs because of excessive withdrawal of groundwater, and the consequent seepage of
sea water into the earth’s substrata. Saline water is unfit for drinking, and for household and
agricultural uses.
Many organizations including ACF have been working in the region on salinity mitigation for a
number of years now. Their experiences show that combating salinity requires a multidimensional approach. Percolation wells, check dams, roof rain-water harvesting systems,
adoption of low water-intensive crop farming, renovation and deepening of ponds and run-off
diversions systems to recharge ground water levels are micro-steps that mitigate salinity ingress.
Involvement of technology, study of geography and geological factors, and capacity building of
farming communities on efficient water management practices are other strategic interventions.
The learnings from these processes, however, need to be shared with the government, institutions
and organizations working in this sector. It is important for us to reflect on the outcomes of these
interventions and develop a comprehensive strategy for the entire coast keeping the core concerns
of livelihood security and resource sustainability at the centre. Such a process is expected to
strengthen the on-going efforts of Government and NGOs. It was with this view that ACL and
ACF organized the State Level conference with a major thematic focus.
Inaugural Session
The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Kanubhai Bhalala, Minister of State for Agriculture
and Water Resources, Government of Gujarat. Various dignitaries from the Government,
Corporate and the NGO sector also graced the occasion.
Dignitaries Present during Inaugural:
 Mr. Kanubhai Bhalala, Minister for State for Agriculture and
Water Resources, Government of Gujarat.
 Mr. Dinubhai Solanki, Member of Parliament, Junagadh.
 Dr. N.C. Patel, Vice Chancellor, Junagadh Agricultural
University.
 Mr. Ajay Kapur, Business Head (West & South), Ambuja
Cements Ltd.
 Mr. C.V. Nadpara, Chief Engineer (Saurashtra) & Additional
Secretary-Narmada, Water Resources, Water supply and Kalpsar
Department, Gandhinagar
 Mr. Apoorva Oza, Chairman, Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell,
Ahmedabad.
 Ms. Pearl Tiwari, Director, Ambuja Cement Foundation,
Mumbai.
The conference began with a welcome address by Mr. Ajay Kapur, Business Head (West &
South), Ambuja Cements Ltd. In his speech, he highlighted the need for such conferences where
experts from various fields came together to share and learn from each others’ experiences.
Ambuja Cement Foundation has been quite active in projects related to water resource
management, he said. “The impact of the work is now seen in the way local economies and the
environment has prospered,” he added.
The Chief Guest and dignitaries were welcomed with saplings as a symbol of sustainability. Mr.
Kanubhai Bhalala, Minister for State Agriculture & Water Resources inaugurated the conference
by lighting the lamp.
Ms. Pearl Tiwari, Director, Ambuja Cement Foundation briefly spoke about the issue of salinity
in the region, and the urgent need to mitigate it. She stressed on the need for a multi-dimensional
approach to address the issue – both at the local and regional level. She invited the participants to
share their experiences, and hoped that the conference would offer sustainable options to prevent
and mitigate salinity, while keeping the economic development of the region in focus.
Mr. Apoorva Oza, Chairman, Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell (CSPC) and CEO, Aga Khan Rural
Support Programmes (AKRSP), stated that increasing demand on ground water resources is a key
reason for salinity ingress. He clarified the role of CSPC as an institution working on the issue of
coastal salinity and shared many of their experiences. Steps like recharging ground water through
rain water harvesting, judicious use of ground water, changing the cropping pattern, utilizing less
water-intensive crops and adoption of efficient irrigation methods- drip and sprinkler systems
could go a long way in mitigating salinity. Coastal salinity directly affects agriculture and animal
husbandry. Hence it is essential that there be integrated efforts to build awareness, impart
knowledge and bring in funds to address this specific regional problem, he explained.
Mr. C.V. Nadpara, Chief Engineer (Saurashtra) & Additional Secretary-Narmada, Water
Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar Department highlighted the benefits of bandharas and
‘spreading channels’ constructed by the government in coastal areas. Spreading channels are
designed to contain salinity, with proven impact on mitigating salinity. Mr. Nadpara added that
the building of speeding channels from Harshad to Veraval is almost complete. He acknowledged
the support of Ambuja Cement Foundation in various projects in the coastal areas of Saurashtra
and Kodinar. However, he admitted, that land acquisition for spreading channels from farmers
and the forest department is still difficult, despite the advantages of having such a salinity ingress
prevention system.
Dr. N. C. Patel, Vice Chancellor, Junagadh Agricultural University, delivered the key note
address. He shared some precise data on the effect of salinity on the sea coast of Gujarat and
Saurashtra and the number of villages reeling under its impact. Dr. Patel stressed on the need to
motivate farmers to grow crops that are less water-intensive. He also spoke on the need to
conserve maximum possible soil moisture, and having proper drainage systems to avoid water
logging. He supported the sharing of technologies, and research findings among Agricultural
University, communities and scientists. He also complimented ACF for their dedicated work on
coastal salinity ingress prevention.
Mr. Dinubhai Solanki, Member of Parliament, Junagadh, spoke on the work carried out by ACF
on water harvesting including construction of check dams, deepening ponds, recharging wells,
interlinking rivers, and water harvesting in mined-out pits. He appreciated how ACF’s continued
efforts have managed to bring in change in Kodinar. He urged other industries situated near sea
coast to contribute to the process of salinity mitigation and prevention by working together.
Mr. Kanubhai Bhalala, Minister for State Agriculture and Water Resources, Govt. of Gujarat
admitted that salinity ingress prevention is indeed a huge challenge. He shared how the
government has been working on salinity ingress prevention by constructing 10 Tidal Regulators,
24 bandharas, 12 percolation tanks and 654 check dam in the coastal regions. In Saurashtra, there
are currently 107 irrigation schemes including six major and 57 minor irrigation projects, along
with small check dams for better availability of sweet water, he said. Mr. Bhalala congratulated
Kodinar Taluka for becoming a model for salinity ingress prevention through the joint efforts of
Government and Ambuja Cement Foundation. He expressed his hope that Kodinar would prove
to be an example of development for other coastal areas.
On this occasion a book titled “Reversing the Tide: The Story of Water Management in Kodinar”
on technical aspects of water resources development was released by the Chief Guest. A film
prepared by ACL’s Corporate Communication team was also screened for the guests and
delegates. The session ended with vote of thanks by Mr. Jagdish Jain, Sr. Vice President, Ambuja
Cements Ltd., Kodinar.
The conference then moved on to four plenary sessions, each focusing on different aspects of
coastal salinity ingress prevention. Each session included paper presentations and discussions
facilitated by a moderator.
Plenary 1: Water Resources Development for Prevention of Salinity Ingress
This session focused on the various ways in which water resources could be developed, or
rejuvenated to keep salinity at bay. The session was moderated by Mr. C. V. Nadpara, Chief
Engineer (Saurashtra) & Additional Secretary-Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and
Kalpsar Department.
Paper 1: Water Resources Development for Coastal Salinity Ingress Prevention
Presented by Mr. R.M. Pipalia, Superintending Engineer, Narmada, Water Resources, Water
Supply and Kalpsar Department, Salinity Ingress Prevention Circle, Rajkot
Mr. Pipalia spoke on how management of water resources is one of the most important tasks in
coastal areas. He highlighted the work by the government to prevent and mitigate salinity ingress
in the region. He also shared the various recommendations offered by several task-forces and
added that the Irrigation Department of the GoG had been consistently working to implement
them.
Paper 2: Innovative and Futuristic Mining: Rehabilitation & Water Management in Action
Presented by Mr. N.K. Nuwal, Vice President (Mines), Ambuja Cements Ltd, Kodinar
Mr. Nuwal shared ACL’s positive experience of converting mined-out areas into water reservoirs
and how it had created a significant impact on water availability in the project area. It had
recharged the ground water table, and with increased availability, farmers were able to take a
second and third crop. This change was possible only through the sustained efforts of both ACF
and the local community.
Paper 3: Studies on Understanding of Salinity Pattern and Establishment of Monitoring
Network in Villages of Netravati Watershed, Taluka -Mangrol, Junagadh
District
Presented by Dr. Yogesh Jadeja, Director, Arid Communities Technology, Bhuj, Kutch.
Dr. Jadeja presented a study taken up by Arid Communities Technology in the Netravati river
basin in Mangrol block of Junagadh district. The study highlighted the importance of
understanding geology while planning water harvesting interventions in coastal areas. In this
context, he recommended that interventions should be planned after careful study since behavior
of water in underlying earth varies significantly with different types of rock formations.
The session was then summed up by the moderator, Mr.C.V. Nadpara. He highlighted the
importance of geology in management of salinity. He also hoped that the experiences shared by
experts would serve as a learning tool when replicating these processes elsewhere.
Plenary 2: Salinity Ingress Prevention and Mitigation: Field Experiences
This session focused on the sharing of field experiences by various organizations working on
coastal salinity. The session was chaired by Mr. Apoorva Oza, Chairman, CSPC, Ahmedabad.
Paper-1: River Basin Management: A Case Study of Meghal River Basin Management
Presented by Mr. Umesh Desai, Director (Water Resources), Aga Khan Rural Support
Programme (AKRSP), Ahmedabad
Mr. Desai shared a complete account of an AKRSP project implemented at the Meghal river
basin. In their experience, water harvesting projects needed strong institutional backing to ensure
sustainability. Intervention strategies in water management should also address demand issues, he
added.
Paper-2: Integrated Water Resources Development and Management: The ACF Experience
Presented by Mr. Chandrakant Kumbhani, Area Program Manager, Ambuja Cement Foundation,
Kodinar
Mr. Kumbhani shared some key points about integrated plans for river basins, conversion of
mined out areas into reservoirs and interlinking of reservoirs/rivers through spreading channels.
He also focused on the need to work proactively on water management, especially promotion of
water efficient technologies to manage the demand in agriculture. One of the key learnings of
ACF has been that a combination of strategies and effective partnerships with like-minded
organizations can address salinity ingress.
Paper-3: Ground Water Management in Coastal Areas of Gujarat
Presented by Mr. Shamjibhai Antala, Water Activist & Columnist, Rajkot
Mr. Antala spoke on how the issue of salinity ingress has compounded over the years, and how
much work remains yet to be done. He appreciated the work being done by ACF and advised
corporate players in the coast to be more proactive on water resource management issues for the
well being of the coastal community.
Paper-4: Groundwater Management in Coastal Areas
Presented by Dr. H.D. Rank, Associate Professor, College of Agricultural Engineering and
Technology, Junagadh
Dr. Rank shared various techniques utilized to enhance ground water recharge in coastal areas.
He pointed out the need for a multi-dimensional approach with sound strategies to in water
management. He also touched upon water efficient technologies to be promoted among farmers
for efficient usage of water.
Paper-5: Artificial Recharge Measures and Impact on Salinity Ingression around various
Limestone Mines of Ambuja Cements Ltd., District Junagadh,
Paper presented by Dr. S. K Jain, President, Institute for Water Conservation, Jaipur.
Dr. Jain spoke on the way salinity ingression takes place in coastal aquifers, wherein salt water
from the ocean is pulled into the fresh water aquifer. The district of Junagadh is one of the areas
affected by salinity. However, Ambuja Cement had taken up various steps for prevention and
mitigation of salinity ingress in and around its plants, he said. Activities included construction of
check dams, sub-surface dykes, rain water harvesting, creation of surface water bodies and
linking of canals. Over years, these water management systems have had a positive impact on an
area of more than 200 sq. kms. The impact is seen through the increase in ground water levels,
reduction in salinity and increase in irrigated area, Dr. Jain added.
Paper 6: Intervention by Tata Chemical Society for Rural Development for Mitigation on
Salinity Ingress in the Area
Presented by Mr. Harsukh Kamani, Asst. Manager, Tata Chemical Society for Rural
Development (TCSRD), Mithapur.
Mr. Kamani shared the experiences of TCSRD on community-based programmes for prevention
and mitigation of salinity ingress in the area of Okhamandal block of Jamnagar district. He spoke
on the various interventions adopted by TCSRD in water harvesting, and drinking water projects
for combating salinity. Mr. Kamani also spoke on the traditional ‘boribandhs’ and the risk of its
damage in early monsoons. He stressed on the need to learn and integrate new techniques from
other countries facing similar conditions.
***
The Q&A session following the paper presentation generated a lot of discussion among the
participants. Participants had questions related to studies done on drought and its impact on
salinity, to which Dr. Jain responded saying that were many studies and models to understand the
issue. One question pertained to the multilayer recharge system prevalent in southern India. Dr.
Jain replied that Gujarat had the recharge shaft technique, well-deepening technique, and the
pressure-recharging technique. Local conditions, geology and economics usually dictate which
technique would be adopted, he added.
TO a question on the safe-pumping rate from tube wells to be followed by end users, Dr. Jain said
that studies conducted by the Central Ground Water Board sets the mark for optimum discharge
of water depending on various parameters. These studies may be sourced from the Board. He also
agreed that more micro level work in this regard is required.
A discussion also ensued on the need for a greater Public-Private-Partnership for better
coordination and early resolution of inter-department issues.
The session was then summed up by Mr. Apoorva Oza who said that more partnerships were
needed between NGO’s, the government and the corporate sector. Given the geography of the
region, a high rate of evaporation combined with bad rainfall, salinity ingress had the potential to
become a huge issue. However, planned interventions could make a difference. He remarked that
industries should come forward and contribute to the process to change in Saurashtra. Mr. Oza
also proposed that CSPC would organize a meeting with corporate companies and senior
government officials to discuss efforts on coastal area development, and explore public-private
partnerships.
Plenary 3: Regaining Agriculture Dynamism for Livelihoods Security in Coastal Areas
Plenary: III Regaining Agriculture Dynamism for Livelihoods Security in Coastal Areas
This session focused on how agriculture production and related activities could be rejuvenated to
ensure livelihoods security among communities in the coastal region. The session was chaired by
Dr. A. M. Parakhiya, Director Extension Education, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh
Paper-1: Agricultural Interventions for Improving Livelihoods in Coastal Districts of
Gujarat
Presented by Dr. S. Raman, Advisor, Gujarat Green Revolution Company, Vadodara
Dr. Raman gave an overview of the status of salinity-affected soil in India. In Gujarat, he said, the
soil salinity problem has been reported to be of the order of 12 lakhs hectares which included
both coastal and inland areas. He pointed out that appropriate water management practices are
among the important agro-techniques for management of coastal soils. Micro-irrigation, he said,
had tremendous potential for reducing water usage. He also spoke on mulching technology which
though promising, is still in its infancy. Dr. Raman also stressed on the need to educate farmers in
better scientific utilization of systems through appropriate trainings and human resource
development activities.
Paper-2: Regaining Agriculture Dynamism for Livelihoods Security in Coastal Areas.
Presented by Dr. A M Parakhiya, Director Extension Education, Junagadh Agricultural
University, Junagadh
Dr. Parakhiya focused on the need to regain agriculture dynamism for livelihood security in
coastal areas. Crops represent the bulk of agricultural output at more than 70% of the total
production. A slow reallocation between commodities has been taking place since 2001. The
share of crops in value of output is gradually declining, mainly reflecting a decline in the share of
grains. Agricultural growth that is sustained and widespread is a precondition to rural prosperity.
However, it is possible only if the reform process makes crop production profitable, he said. The
process of regaining agriculture dynamism should consider related sectors like animal husbandry,
trees, land, water development policies and non-agriculture based livelihoods in rural areas.
These have to be the paradigms for a broad based growth, he added.
Paper 3: Agriculture-Based Livelihood Enhancement in Coastal Areas of Junagadh district
Presented by Mr. Dalsukh Vaghasia, Program Manager, Ambuja Cement Foundation, Kodinar
Mr. Vaghasia shared the experiences of ACF in areas of agro-based livelihoods. He primarily
focused on salinity-tolerant cropping combination, salinity-tolerant high value horticulture
plantation, water management, and crop protection from blue bull menace in coastal areas. He
also spoke of fodder security in animal husbandry. ACF has been promoting salinity tolerant
nutritive fodder crop in coastal villages, and it has been found to be extremely useful for farmers
for fodder security, he added.
Paper 4: Crop Production in Salinity-Affected Soils Using Poor Quality Irrigation Water
Presented by Dr. J.V. Polara, Associate Professor, Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU),
Junagadh
Dr. Polara shared the research experiences of JAU on managing problematic soil through various
techniques. He shared the results of experiments on different crops conducted by JAU, wherein
they had tried different crop combinations and its growth patterns in different soil and water
situations.
***
In the Q&A session that followed, one of the participants asked why adoption of micro-irrigation
is a constraint to farmers, to which Dr Raman explained how micro-irrigation is viewed as both
costly and high-maintenance by farmers. He also informed that while drip irrigation costs around
Rs.60,000/-, sprinklers were much cheaper. The Chairperson added that the government provides
a 50% subsidy to farmers and a 45% loan to lessen the burden on farmers.
Questions also pertained to the reasons behind some districts showing less salinity. Dr Raman
explained that since these regions were hilly salinity was comparatively less in the soil.
One of the participants asked for the reasons of increase in soil nitrate, to which Dr. Polara
replied that this increase was due to the use of urea in low land paddy cultivation. To a question
on market considerations and its impact on the types of research done at Agriculture Universities,
Dr. Parakhiya replied that research programs were devised on the basis of suggestions and
feedback received from farmers, villagers and NGOs. He admitted that markets are also
considered while designing research projects.
The session ended with a summarization of key points by Dr. A. M. Parakhiya
Plenary 4: Initiatives and Measures for Prevention and Mitigation of Impact of Salinity
The second day of the conference began with the plenary focusing on the various methods for
salinity prevention and mitigation. The session was chaired by Ms. Pearl Tiwari, Director,
Ambuja Cement Foundation, Mumbai.
Paper-1: Ground Water Augmentation and Remediation of Water Quality Issues in Gujarat
Presented by Mr. I. K Chhabra, State Project Director (Swajaldhara), Water & Sanitation
Management Organization, Gandhinagar.
Mr. Chhabra spoke on the experiences of ground water augmentation and remediation of water
quality in Gujarat. Development of groundwater holds special significance in Gujarat, where
frequent occurrences of droughts impacts water availability. The long-term objective is to evolve
methods to meet the demands for drinking water supply by developing local sources duly
supplemented by import of water.
He mentioned about few paradigm shifts in approaches like the introduction of inter-basin bulk
water transmission, catch-the- water-where-it-falls, effective water resource management and
recharge; community participation, and conservation through more-crop-per-drop. He also
mentioned the various initiatives at macro level like statewide drinking water grid, sujalamsuphalam yojana, spreading channels, construction of check dams, among others. He stressed on
a multi-pronged approach that included both macro and micro level initiatives.
Some of the micro level initiatives included revival of traditional structures like step wells, desilting and deepening of ponds/ percolation tanks , bore wells, nala-plugging, roof-top rain water
harvesting, linking of ponds and diversion channels, hydro-fracturing of sick bore wells, boreblasting to develop secondary porosity, and bori bandhs. He also pointed out some key issues in
community initiatives and participation though dual water supply systems, protection of water
sources and ground/surface water regulation. Mr. Chhabra also presented various technologies
suitable for water harvesting.
Paper 2: Water Resource Management in Saurashtra: Some Locally Viable Strategies
Presented by Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Director, Institute for Resource Analysis and Policy, Hyderabad
Dr. Dinesh Kumar gave an overview of rainfall patterns in Gujarat and spoke on some key
concepts like spatial variations in rainfall and inter-annual variability. He stressed on the high
evaporation rate in the region which caused significant loss of water.
In terms of hydrology, the numbers of rivers are quite high, he said, but surface water generation
potential is very low. Groundwater flow pattern is complex in the region. Dr. Kumar also touched
upon a few ground water management challenges including high inter-annual variability in
runoff. Major spatial variation in runoff makes interlinking of streams and rivers crucial for
regional water resource management, he added. Rain water is a valuable resource, and surface
reservoirs have to be designed to store and recharge water. They should be able to capture the
runoff that occurs during the high rainfall years. He stressed that water demand management in
agriculture through water productivity improvements should receive high priority in overall
WRM strategy for Saurashtra, particularly during drought years.
Paper 3:
“Kharash Vistarotthan Yojana (KVY) - an Initiative of Sir Ratan Tata Trust”
Presented by Mr. Divyang Waghela, Team Leader - Kharash Vistarotthan Yojana, Sir Ratan Tata
Trust, Mumbai
Mr. Waghela gave a presentation on Kharash Vistarotthan Yojana (KVY) which is working with
Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) in the coastal areas of Gujarat, mainly in Saurashtra & Kutch. The
key drivers for this program included regaining agricultural dynamism and inclusive growth. The
activities addressed the local needs of livelihoods affecting coastal communities. Mr. Waghela
added that over the years, SRTT had invested about Rs. 400 million towards salinity mitigation
efforts.
The key thrust areas were soil and water conservation, drinking water and water use efficiency
measures. Some innovative approaches like RO technology for drinking water security had also
been piloted, he added. He also spoke about the key challenges like reaching out to critical
masses, addressing need of small and marginalized sections of society, the need for a shift from
NRM to regaining agricultural dynamism, linkages with markets and, expansions in other part of
country. Mr. Waghela also provided a few strategic points for future activities including intersectoral and institutional collaboration, and building partnership with communities and the other
stakeholders.
Paper 4: Overview & Experiences of Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell (CSPC)
Presented by Mr. Pramod Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell,
Ahmedabad.
Mr. Sahu spoke about the current salinity scenario in Gujarat and the need for a separate
organization like CSPC working on the issue. Their work included knowledge banks, network
and linkages, piloting innovations, nodal agency for KVY. He also spoke briefly on the various
pilot projects being undertaken by CSPC, its impact and results. One of the key learnings of
CSPC was that the issue of salinity demanded an intervention on large scale. “It requires an
intervention that mixes of traditional and out of box thinking, and includes community
participation and ownership”, he added.
Community participation through appropriate institutional structure provides strength to the
program intervention beyond project duration. And the scale of the problem demands emphasis
on linking the solutions with immediate economic gains, he said. The key challenges included
addressing community behavior in water usage, accounting for agricultural growth in changing
climatic conditions and long term sustainability.
***
In the Q&A session that followed there was a discussion on the need to build more check dams if
ground water table was low. Dr. Dinesh Kumar responded that in drought years check dams
would get dry. When water is released from main dam, water would not be able to the actual
location due to obstruction and evaporation.
The session was then summed by Ms. Pearl Tiwari, who highlighted the key points from the
various papers presented.
Valedictory Session
In the valedictory session, at the end of day two, Mr. R. M Pipalia summed up some of the salient
outcomes of the conference. He spoke on how the conference was a huge learning opportunity for
the government and other organizations. He appreciated the work done by Ambuja Cements, and
called for evolving a Coastal Industries Federation for sustainable development of coastal areas.
Learning Lessons, Issues Emerged and Way Forward
Mr. Sandeep Shrivastava, Head, Environment, Ambuja Cements Ltd., began by saying how water
is increasingly becoming a globally critical issue. Water related disputes were becoming common
among nations, states and neighborhoods in cities and villages. The other challenge was climatic
change affecting rainfall patterns, seasons, and creating droughts and floods. He referred to the
presentation made by Dr. S.K Jain who spoke how remote sensing data has showed the evidence
of increased fresh water availability and water bodies due to salinity mitigation processes in
Kodinar, due to conservation efforts by ACF. This is something that we should all be proud of, he
added.
Mr. Shrivastava appreciated the collaborative efforts of the government, NGOs, corporate, cooperative societies and the civil society to address salinity issues in the region. Having
demonstrated change in a credible manner, Kodinar Taluka, has the potential to be a learning
model for the rest of the country. He urged participants to explore ways to replicate this model in
other parts of the country facing similar issues. At the same time, we should also look at policies,
government interventions or community participation required to replicate it, he added.
He then summarized the key learning and issues that emerged from the conference.
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While many projects like check dams, bandharas, interlinking of rivers, and deepening of
ponds are being implemented, there is scope for more, though coordination with forest
departments for creating spreading channels.
In 64 villages of Kodinar Taluka, there are plenty of open wells currently being used for
irrigation. These could be integrated in groundwater recharge processes.
Water harvesting structures need to be planned constructions, taking into consideration
the rainfall and the catchments areas of the region.
There should be a balance between power pricing, and water extraction. Populist
measures like free electricity and water undermine the struggle to conserve and replenish
ground water.
The conversion of mined-out pits into water bodies has raised the ground water levels in
the region, thus proving that it is a sound idea.
Promotion of low water-intensive crop farming can have an impact on the agricultural
usage of water. Usage of more water in the coastal areas also depletes the quality of the
soil.
There is scope for more collaborations and partnerships among the various agencies
working in the region. Apart from project implementation, sharing of experiences can be
quite enriching.
NRM programs could include a 50% grant base and a 50% loan base instead of the
current method of providing grants to facilitate loans.
Recycled rejected water by the RO plants could be used for domestic purposes, while
recycled waste water could be used for agricultural purposes.
Integration of scientific methods of water budgeting for water resource development.
Mr. P. K. Laheri, Former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Gujarat, Director ACF was the Chief Guest
for this session, and gave the valedictory address. Mr. Laheri appreciated the way the conference
highlighted the challenges faced in the field. He was also impressed by the way different agencies
were working hard on the issue of salinity mitigation and prevention.
He agreed that the way to combat salinity was by increasing storage capacity of water,
incorporating technological improvements, reducing evaporation in canals, recycling water and
using water judiciously. He shared how entire Saurashtra did not have storage capacity for water
to last even 90 days, way back in 1996. Since then, the situation has undergone a drastic change
due to the efforts of various organizations working in the region. He particularly appreciated the
way ACF had been pioneering water resource management in Kodinar taluka and the difference
those efforts had made to the region. Mr. Laheri pointed out that judicious usage of water, equity
of water management and conservation of each precious drop is the only way forward. He
concluded by saying that water is life itself, and we have a duty to protect, preserve and conserve
it.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Pearl Tiwari. She thanked the dignitaries,
experts and delegates for sharing their experiences in the field of salinity mitigation. The
conference had been able to take stock of the work done so far by different organizations. It had
also revealed that industries in the region have a major role to play in water conservation, and
salinity mitigation. She hoped that the conference would pave the way for future collaborations
and sharing of information and resources for greater impact.
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