Ghurari Checkdam
In the spotlight

   

High atop the hill flanking the Ghurari Checkdam, an incredible view unfolds: green fields neatly tilled and planted line a wide tree-lined river that snakes across the semi-arid landscape of the Bundelkhand. The view is incredible not only for the sheer beauty of the landscape, but for the perspective it affords of the checkdam and the effect it has had on the surrounding environment.

The narrow concrete wall of the checkdam spans the 68m length of the river. Only 2m high, the checkdam walls retain enough water to continue overflowing six months after the monsoon rains have ended. Indeed, for 3 to 4 days at the height of the monsoon season, the checkdam can not be seen at all as the rainwater floods the river floors. Even during the dry season, the 4km long recharge zone is the largest of all our checkdams, distributing the benefits of the impounded water to an even larger number of farmers.

Construction of the checkdam was challenging. Due to the normally robust flow in the river, it was not possible to wait until the flow diminished or even disappeared to begin building the structure. Since it was necessary to dig and lay the concrete foundation on a dry riverbed, a system had to be devised to divert the river in sections to allow for construction to begin. Using sandbags and a diesel pump, we blocked off the river in sections and allowed the bed to dry as much as possible before commencing the digging.

Over the course of nine months in 1995-96, the foundation and checkdam walls were built. A special quick-setting cement was needed for the foundation, as seepage from the ground and rainfall from the monsoon prevented normal cement from drying adequately. This also meant that the wall had to be built in layers, to allow for the cement to set before moving to the next section. A series of 18 pipes were also added to the structure to allow for overflow and drainage during high flow events.

The distinctive look of the Ghurari Checkdam, combined with its scenic setting, has made it one of our most photographed checkdams. However, the Ghurari checkdam has also made a remarkable difference in the lives of the local farmers. Fields are full, harvests have improved and farmers over an area of 130,000 m² have benefited from the 250,000 m³ of water it provides. The checkdam has even had an influence in terms of regenerating the riparian zone and providing habitat to fish, birds, insects and wildlife that live along its banks.