Watershed Restoration

Watershed Restoration

Watershed restoration is a crucial component of the ECRICC Project, falling under the broader ecosystem restoration framework outlined in Output-1. The project has initiated several watershed restoration activities, including the construction of Loose Boulder Check Dams (LBCDs), Water Harvesting Structures, Check Dams, Sunken Pits, Earthen Bunds, and Urban Plantations. These interventions aim to enhance water conservation, improve soil stability, and support local biodiversity.

Among the various landscapes covered under the ECRICC Project, the Chilika Ganjam landscape has been identified as the most suitable for comprehensive watershed restoration activities. This preference is due to the region's unique combination of coastal plains and hilly terrain, which provides the necessary slope and geological conditions for the effective construction of LBCDs and Check Dams. Other landscapes within the project were deemed unsuitable due to feasibility constraints, making Chilika Ganjam the focal area for these restoration efforts.

As of 2024, a total of 30 hectares of watershed restoration work has been successfully completed in the Chilika Ganjam landscape. Looking ahead, an additional 807 hectares are planned for restoration starting in 2025. The selection and finalization of suitable sites are currently underway to ensure the efficient and sustainable implementation of these activities. This long-term commitment to watershed restoration under the ECRICC Project will contribute significantly to ecological balance, water security, and community resilience in the region.