THE INPIM E-NEWSLETTER
December 9, 2007; Number 71
http://www.inpim.org
ihussain@inpim.org
Welcome to the INPIM E-Newsletter # 71
NEWS
Ø IndiaNPIM holding " All India WUAs Convention", 17-19 December 2007, Hyderabad, India
Ø CWRDM Organizing a Workshop for Sharing PIM Experiences in Kerala State, India
Ø UNESCO-IHE to Train 2,100 Iranian Water Professionals
Ø Developing and Demonstrating Community-Based Water Resources Management Approaches for Hill and Mountain Ecosystems
Ø African Water Ministers and AfDB organize the First African Water Week
Ø DSC Strives for Greater Equity and Efficiency in State Owned Irrigation Projects Through its PIM Program
Ø Developing Asian Countries must Rethink Water Management to Avoid Crisis
Ø Inter-Basin Water Transfers for Irrigation, Drainage and Flood Management
DONORS’ LENDING AND SUPPORT FOR IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE PROJECTS
Ø Japan, the Netherlands and ADB Fund Water and Sanitation Project Design for Nepal
African Development Bank (AfDB)
Ø AfDB approves US$15 Million for Manombo Irrigation Area Rehabilitation Project in Madagascar
Ø AfDB approves US$18 Million for Sumbe Water and Sanitation Project in Angola
Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)
Ø IADB approves US$12.5 million Grant for Agriculture in Haiti
Ø IADB approves US$50 million loan to support SEDAPAL’s Water For All Program in Peru
Ø IADB approves US$100 million loan for Sanitation Sector Reform Program in Peru
Upcoming Regional and International Meets and Events
Ø International Conference on Water, Environment, Energy and Society (WEES)
18-21 December 2007
Roorkee, India
Ø Water Management 2008, Exhibition and Conference
14-16 January 2008
Mumbai, India
Ø Second African Show of Irrigation and Drainage
5-10 February 2008
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Ø International Symposium on Agrometeorology and Food Security (INSAFS)
12-21 February 2008
Hyderabad, India
Ø International Conference on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): Lessons from Implementation in Developing Countries and the 2nd Africa Regional Meeting of the National Committees of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme
10-12 March 2008
South Africa
Ø 33rd WEDC International Conference “Access to Sanitation and Safe Water: Global Partnerships and Local Actions”
7-11 April 2008
Accra, Ghana
Ø Water Down Under 2008
15-18 April 2008
Adelaide, Australia
Ø Second MEDA Water Regional Event on Local Water Management
28-30 April 2008
Morocco
Ø 7th International Congress on Hydraulic Engineering: ‘Enough Water for Sustainable Development!’
15-18 May 2008
Juventud Island, Cuba
Ø Urbanization of Irrigated Land and Water Transfers: A USCID Water Management Conference
May 28-31, 2008
Scottsdale, Arizona
Ø Conference "Water Resource Systems Management in Extreme Conditions"
4-5 June 2008
Moscow, Russia
Crocus Expo Exhibition Center
Ø Groundwater and Climate in Africa - An International Conference
25-28 June 2008
Kampala, Uganda
Ø 10th International Drainage Workshop of ICID Working Group on Drainage
06-11 July 2008
Helsinki, Finland
Ø 13th World Water Congress
01-04 September 2008
Montpellier, France
Ø Africa Water Resources Management 2008 (AfricaWRM 2008)
8-10 September 2008
Gaborone, Botswana
Ø ICID’s 20th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage
13-19 October 2008
Lahore, Pakistan
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Ø Changes in Water Resources Systems: Methodologies to Maintain Water Security and Ensure Integrated Management
Ø Asian Water Development Outlook 2007
Ø Water Policy for Sustainable Development
Ø Quantification and Reduction of Predictive Uncertainty for Sustainable Water Resources Management
Ø Hydrological Modeling in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas
Fellowship and funding opportunities
Ø University of Groningen PhD Fellowship
Ø Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
Ø Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program
capacity building and trainings
Ø Financial Management of Water Organisations
07-25 April 2008
DELFT, The Netherlands
Ø Groundwater Exploration and Monitoring
07-25 April 2008
DELFT, The Netherlands
Ø Knowledge Management for Decision Makers in the Water Sector
14-25 April 2008
DELFT, The Netherlands
Ø Applied Groundwater Modelling
09-27 June 2008
DELFT, The Netherlands
Ø Public Private Partnerships in the Water Sector
07-25 July 2008
DELFT, The Netherlands
Ø Spate Irrigation and Water Management under Drought and Water Scarcity
10-21 September 2008
UNESCO-IHE
DETAILS
IndiaNPIM holding " All India WUAs Convention", 17-19 December 2007, Hyderabad, India
Introduction
Development of water resources for providing irrigation to large extent is given high priority in all states in the country and huge investments are made each year for construction of new major and medium irrigation projects. It is estimated that around rupees fifty thousand to one lakh and even more are spent for creating irrigation potential for one hectare.
However, many large irrigation systems has shown that actual irrigation utilization has been much below the irrigation potential created. The overall irrigation efficiency under most of the irrigation systems is reported to be around 30 to 35 per cent. The productivity levels have also been much below the potential.
Experience has shown that active involvement of water users particularly farmers along with irrigation project authorities can improve the situation and ensure irrigation to all the farmers within a chak under each minor. It also helps in better maintenance of the distribution system and improve productivity.
Promotion of participatory irrigation management (PIM) under various irrigation systems through creation of water users associations (WUAs) is now actively pursued in various states, for taking over management of the irrigation system within its operational area, maintain and operate the system, so that the irrigation waters are provided to all the farmers in its area in a dependable and equitable way and the overall irrigation use efficiency is improved, productivity is increased and social justice is achieved. For facilitating the working of WUA state governments have enacted suitable legislation. Capacity building of the WUAs to make them competent enough to manage and operate the system is also taken up. Financial support also is made available to WUAs by way of providing specific grants, sharing of water taxes, etc.
It is almost one decade since the programs for propagating PIM are initiated where each state has been promoting PIM suited to local conditions and requirements. The main question that looms large is sustainability of the WUAs.
For this, the only way is to continuously learn from the field experience and improve the functioning in overcoming the various bottlenecks.
There is considerable scope to learn and improve the operational process of PIM and in the functioning of the WUA. Different states have different experience in the implementation of PIM activities. Interaction between the farmers, WUAs, and field officers from different states can be an effective tool in this direction.
Convention Plan
To provide a platform for such mutual consultation and exchange of experiences, a National Level Convention of WUAs is planned to be organized at Hyderabad, the second in series. The first one was held in 2002 at Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh.
The IndiaNPIM, a National level organization, in collaboration with Institute of Resource Development and Social Management (IRDAS), and others is organizing a 3-day, “All India WUAs Convention” on 17, 18, & 19th December 2007 at Hyderabad.
The topics for discussions are planned on five (5) themes as follows:
1. Legislation and legal support
2. Water management – water distribution including volumetric supplies
3. Maintenance of the system and raising of finances including water tax collection and sharing it with government
4. Improving productivity; and
5. Sustainability of WUAs and PIM
Delegates for Convention
From each state about 6 WUA Presidents / Farmers will be invited as delegates. Officers of the concerned departments are also welcome to attend the convention.
Program
The program will consist of presentations of experiences by different WUA Presidents or their representatives, which will be open for discussions. Field visits for one day to a project area will be organized. The following will be the tentative schedule:
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Day One |
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Forenoon |
Inaugural Session Main Aspects of the Convention – Introduction |
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Afternoon |
Presentation of state-wise experiences by delegates |
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Day Two |
|
|
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Field Visits (SRSP) |
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Day Three |
|
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Forenoon |
Group discussions for about two hours Presentation of group findings/ recommendations |
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Afternoon |
Overview of all recommendations – suggestions Valedictory Session |
Indian Network on Participatory Irrigation Management (IndiaNPIM)
Room No.318, (Old Building), Central Soil and Material Research Station,
Olof Palme Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110 016
CWRDM Organizing a Workshop for Sharing PIM Experiences in Kerala State, India
Centre for Water Resources Development & Management (CWRDM) is organizing a national workshop on sharing of experiences of the implementation of participatory irrigation management in India from 11-12 December, 2007 in Kerala State, India.
Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM), which results in the transfer of authority and responsibilities of irrigation management from governments, either in full or in part, to farmer organizations, is being considered worldwide as a strategic intervention to improve the irrigation sector and mitigate the existing problems of farmers, water managers and government. It is expected to reduce the cost to the government of operating and maintaining irrigation systems, and enhance the sustainability of the system and its services. As a result of the efforts of the National Government, most of the States have taken serious steps to implement PIM in the major/medium irrigation projects. Many states have enacted laws and have advanced in the implementation of PIM. But many states are lagging behind.
Due to diversities, the experiences of the implementation of PIM are different in different states. According to reports from various States, many Water User Associations (WUAs) are found not capable of carrying out PIM activities; and many of them seize functioning after their formation/initial functioning. On the other hand, some of them are functioning successfully, and they take up the tasks and challenges of PIM. Similarly, the performance of the irrigation agencies also varies.
In Kerala, two pilot projects on PIM have been implemented at two branch canal commands of Malampuzha and Neyyar Irrigation Projects. There have been rich experiences now to share with and learn from others.
It is in this background a forum is created to discuss on the pros and cons of implementation of PIM in various states and to come out with solutions to many of the issues that hinder implementation of PIM.
The Programme will be held at Banquet Hall of the Government Guest House, Thiruvananthapuram, Capital of Kerala State, during 11 – 12 December 2007.
The minimum and maximum temperature at Thiruvananthapuram during December will normally be 20º C and 30º C.
Around 60 - 75 participants are expected to attend this workshop.
Contact:
Dr. George Chackacherry
Coordinator, National Workshop on Sharing of Experience of PIM
CWRDM Sub Centre, Neyyattinkara
Thiruvananthapuram – 695121, Kerala
Phone & Fax : 0471 2222319
Mobile: 094464 04780
Email: g_chakkacherry@eth.net
UNESCO-IHE to train 2,100 Iranian Water Professionals
UNESCO-IHE has signed an agreement to train 2,100 Iranian professionals in water and wastewater technologies, planning and management. The training consists of 59 courses to take place in 2008 and beginning of 2009.
The training will be carried out in Iran together with the Power and Water University of Technology of Tehran and consist of 59 one-week courses in the fields of water supply and wastewater technology, operation and maintenance, management and finance. In addition, 20 study tours to European water and wastewater companies for senior managerial and technical staff will be organized.
The project, financed by the Iranian Government, aims to ensure that professionals working for the water and wastewater companies will be better prepared to face increasing challenges. The training will specifically focus on topics such as water demand management, design of innovative water and sanitation systems, integrated water management, emergency planning and response, environmental assessment, operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, among others.
The assignment will conclude with an Expert Group Meeting, which will draft the agenda for a continuous Human Resources Development in the Iranian water and wastewater sector beyond this project.
(Source: http://www.unesco-he.org/about/news)
Developing and Demonstrating Community-Based Water Resources Management Approaches for Hill and Mountain Ecosystems
In Nepal, poor land management has led to increasing water problems. Soil erosion, soil degradation, and declining soil fertility caused by massive deforestation, have increased surface runoff and contributed to the decrease of groundwater resources. For most people in Nepal, water has become a scarce commodity, and improved water management practices have become critical to ensure availability of drinking water, better agricultural production, and improved living conditions.
ADB’s ongoing Community Managed Irrigated Agriculture Sector Project (CMIASP), which began in 2006, implements farmer-managed irrigation system improvements and micro-irrigation. Under this loan, water user associations (WUA) are being supported to take over ownership of irrigation systems and undertake operations and maintenance trainings.
This Pilot and Demonstration Activity (PDA) will introduce water resources management approaches to complement irrigation systems being developed under CMIASP. These approaches will include WUA-driven activities within selected CMIASP areas for improving sloping agriculture, watershed management, and soil stabilization. Partnering for this PDA are the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Developments and ECARDS-Nepal, an environmental nongovernmental organization.
Objectives
This PDA aims to develop and demonstrate approaches for community-based water resources management that will respond to specific conditions of hill and mountain ecosystems. In particular, it will develop approaches for appropriate water harvesting and utilization and soil management techniques and systems.
Expected Results
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Replicable approaches for community-based water resources management for hill and mountain ecosystems
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Informed and empowered communities that are more involved in water resources management
Indictors
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Enhanced health status of beneficiaries
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Improved soil fertility
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Improved water management and decreased soil erosion
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Decreased landslide situations
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Improved crops and livestock productivity
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Increased income of participating households
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Enhanced social status of participating farmers
(Source: http://www.adb.org/Water/PDA/NEP/pda-nep-200701.asp)
African Water Ministers and AfDB Organize the First African Water Week
The first African Water Week (AWW-1) will be held in Tunis from 26-28 March, 2008. The event, to be hosted by the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), will take place under the theme “Accelerating the Water Security for Socio-Economic Development of Africa”.
The main objective of the First African Water Week (AWW-1) is to create a forum for African water sector professionals, stakeholders and partners to discuss the opportunities and challenges of achieving water security for the socio-economic development of Africa; and to formulate concrete policies, strategies and actions to accelerate water resources development and provision of services taking into consideration the challenges and impacts of climate change and variability.
This theme is in line with the Heads of States and Governments of Africa Sirte Declaration of 27th February 2004, which identified achieving water security as a priority deserving significant investments in infrastructure such as storage dams, water harvesting, irrigation and hydropower structures.
More specifically, the main deliberations of the AWW-1 will focus on:
Ø Lessons of world experiences on achieving water security;
Ø Water security challenges and the sanitation gap;
Ø Infrastructure investment requirements to achieve desired water security;
Ø Investing in water information and knowledge in Africa;
Ø The challenges of environmental and social impacts for water infrastructure;
Ø The roles of main stakeholders and the development of appropriate partnerships.
AMCOW is composed of all African Ministers in charge of water. It provides political leadership, policy direction and advocacy in the provision, use and management of water resources for sustainable socio-economic development and maintenance of African ecosystems in Africa.
In its Sixth Ordinary Session held in Congo Brazzaville, from
28th to 31st May 2007, AMCOW decided to institutionalize the
African Water Week, with the first event to be held in Tunis and
hosted by ADB.
For more details please contact: Yvan Cliche (y.cliche@afdb.org) Tel.: +216 71 10 23 87
(Source:http://www.afdb.org/portal/page?_pageid=293,174339&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&press_item=26204390&press_lang=us)
Development Support Centre (DSC) Strives for Greater Equity and Efficiency in State owned Irrigation Projects through its PIM Program in India
An estimated 70% of agricultural production of India comes from irrigated land. As such, the role of irrigation in strengthening and sustaining the agricultural economy is crucial. Unfortunately, the state of irrigation infrastructure across the country is very poor. Design flaws, poor upkeep of physical system, unviable water pricing and bad irrigation management practices have contributed to substantial underutilization which is a colossal waste of investment. Since independence, more than rupees one thousand billion was spent on creating physical infrastructures such as dams and canals in India, yet in many states as little as 25% of potential irrigation is used.
Pilot projects in Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) have demonstrated that many of these problems, if not all, can be reduced if active participation of farmers is encouraged in all aspects of the development and management of irrigation. Under PIM, some of the important irrigation management responsibilities in government owned irrigation projects are transferred to farmers' water users associations.
The support service of Development Support Centre (DSC) in PIM
focuses on building farmers' organizations at village as well as
project levels and enhancing their capacity through various
means such as training and community organizing. Moreover, DSC
helps sensitize the staff of Irrigation Department to
participatory processes.
DSC is involved in direct implementation of the PIM programme in
56800 hectare of 1 major and 2 medium irrigation projects of
North Gujarat. DSC is also in process of implementing PIM in
5000 hectare of Sardar Sarovar Project (Narmada Project) to
serve as pilot project in implementing PIM its 18 lac hectare.
DSC is probably the biggest NGO in India working in irrigation
sector.