Staff Reporter, Guwahati: In a major push to revive traditional water management systems and bolster climate resilience, biodiversity NGO Aaranyak, with support from LIC Housing Finance Ltd (CSR initiative), has rejuvenated two vital irrigation canals—locally known as Dongs—in Assam’s Udalguri district. The restored Bhawani Dong in Uttor Garuajhar and Orang Dong in No. 2 Sonajuli village are part of a centuries-old water distribution system practiced by the indigenous Bodo community. These earthen canals divert river water to irrigate farmland and fill household ponds, especially crucial during the dry season near the Indo-Bhutan border. Over time, neglect and climate-induced changes rendered many Dongs defunct. The Bhawani Dong, serving over 10,000 people across multiple villages, had seen severe water shortages in recent years. Post-restoration, it now ensures steady irrigation and improved water access. In Sonajuli, the Orang Dong supports nearly 500 bighas of farmland and over 650 residents. Its repair has revived agricultural activity and reduced water stress during critical cropping periods. Crucially, the initiative involved strong community participation and reactivated traditional water committees to maintain the canals and oversee fair distribution—reviving not just water flow but grassroots water governance.
0 Comments