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Pippalkhoti conquers drought
People of Pippalkhoti village in Tamsi mandal have proved that rainwater harvesting is the key to prosperity. The village reeled under acute drought for one and half decades and the village tank dried up completely.
Adilabad: People of Pippalkhoti village in Tamsi mandal have proved that rainwater harvesting is the key to prosperity. The village reeled under acute drought for one and half decades and the village tank dried up completely. The groundwater table hit the rock bottom. Agriculture was affected due to lack of proper irrigation facility. People faced severe drinking water crisis.
With this, agricultural workers migrated to nearby towns in search of livelihood. Prospective bridegrooms found it tough to get married as people of surrounding villages refused to reach matrimonial alliances with the villagers of drought-hit Pippalkhoti keeping in view the future of their beloved daughters. The acute drought motivated the villagers to find a permanent solution to the perennial water problem.
The villagers led by village sarpanch Prameela made collective efforts to drive away the drought. They took up desiltation of the tank in the village by making voluntary contributions and with the government funds. The mud removed from the tank spread over 15 acres was used in the agricultural fields to enhance the fertility of soil. Inlet channels were dug to ensure that all the rainwater that falls in the village reaches the tank. Thus they harvested rainwater.
The tank which was empty once is full now ushering in all-round prosperity of Pippalkhoti. The village witnessed no signs of drought even if there was a prolonged dry spell in all over the district. Pisciculture was also taken up in the tank due to availability of water throughout the year. About 500 acres are being irrigated under the tank now. Farmers of the village are raising three crops a year.
The groundwater table also got recharged in the process. The drinking water problem of the village was a thing of the past. Agricultural workers are getting adequate work. Speaking to The Hans India, villager Ganganna said: “Rainwater harvesting and water conservation have totally transformed our village. It is witnessing rapid growth.
Pippalkhoti which proved that drought could be conquered with rainwater harvesting, has become a model for other villages in the district.” Single Window Director Ushanna said: “The prices of our lands have increased to Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per acre now as we are harvesting three crops a year. Pippalkhoti is now fondly called Bangaru Kota for the tremendous economic growth achieved by it.”
By T Anjaiah
