Download - COM revised_March 29a MK
HIMACHAL PRADESH MID-HIMALAYAN WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Community Operation Manual
AUTHORED BY MANOJ KUMAR SINHA
SRIJAN, NEW DELHI
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
2
HIMACHAL PRADESH MID-HIMALAYAN WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Community Operation Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 Why is this manual? 5
1.2 Whom is this manual for? 5
1.3 What is there in this manual? 5
1.4 How will we use this manual? 5
2. UNDERSTANDING THE PROJECT 6
2.1 Let us understand our context 6
2.2 What is this project all about? 6
2.3 For whom is this project? 7
2.4 Why is this project? 7
2.5 What is there in this project? 8
2.6 How long is this project? 11
2.7 How will this project be managed? 11
3. PARTICIPATING IN HPMHWDP 12
3.1 How can we participate in HPMHWDP? 12
3.2 What will show that we are participating? 12
3.3 What are we going to benefit if we participate? 13
3.4 What are the guiding principles for participating in the project?
4. WORKING IN A GROUP
4.1 Why we need to work in a group?
4.2 What is a group?
4.3 What are the characteristics of a group?
4.4 What are the basic norms we need to follow as a community group in
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
3
HPMHWDP?
4.5 What are the community groups we can form in HPMHDP?
5. MAKING OUR WARD PLAN
5.1 What is a ward plan?
5.2 Of what duration should we make our ward plan?
5.3 Whom do we need to call the ward planning meeting?
5.4 Who will call and coordinate the ward planning meeting?
5.5 What do we do in ward planning meeting?
6. MAKING OUR GPWDP
6.1 What is GPWDP?
6.2 What does the GPWDP have in it?
6.3 What is the process of preparing GPWDP?
6.4 How is the GPWDP approved in the gram sabha?
6.5 How will the planning and budgeting process of GPWDP flow?
6.6 What problems/needs may we address through GPWDP?
6.7 What data we may require for our GPWDP?
7. PLANNING FOR ENHANCING OUR LIVELIHOOD
7.1 What is livelihood?
7.2 How does the project support our livelihood?
7.3 What services does the MLF provide for enhancing our livelihood?
7.4 How can we get support from MLF to undertake income generation and
livelihood activities?
7.5 What is a sub-project?
7.6 What kind of livelihood activities can we take up under MLF support?
7.7 What are the village processes involved in designing livelihood projects?
7.8 What needs to keep in mind while identifying a livelihood activity for our
village?
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
4
7.9 How can we make a sub-project proposal?
7.10 How does a sub-project proposal look like?
7.11 What is the process of making sub – project agreement?
8. IMPLEMENTATION AND EXECUTION OF THE GPWDP
8.1 What are the basic implementation processes of the GPWDP?
8.2 What are the procurement procedures at community level?
8.3 What are guidelines for community procurement?
8.4 What are the advantages of community procurement?
8.5 Who is accountable and responsible?
8.6 What are the methods and thresholds/upper limit for community
procurement?
8.7 What data we may require for our GPWDP?
8.8 What is the process of control and supervision over execution of works?
8.9 Which are the implementing agencies for works execution?
8.10 How to do construction supervision?
8.11 How to settle disputes?
8.12 What is the process of social audit?
9. MONITORING AND POST- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
9.1 What is monitoring?
9.2 Why we need to monitor our project?
9.3 Who will do monitoring?
9.4 What do we do in monitoring?
9.5 What is a monitoring indicator?
9.6 How shall the community assets created under HPMHWDP be
maintained such that they continue giving benefits year after year?
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
5
HIMACHAL PRADESH MID-HIMALAYAN WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Community Operation Manual
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Why is this manual?
The purpose of the community operation manual is to facilitate our fullest
participation in the Himachal Pradesh Mid-Himalayan Watershed
Development Project (HPMHWDP) by helping us understand the basic
concepts and norms of the project, answering questions we may have, setting
out procedures which we must follow, and telling us guidelines which we will
require now and then during planning and implementing the village
development activities and maintaining the assets created through the project.
1.2 Whom is this manual for?
This manual is primarily for the village community, panchayats and
community groups participating in HPMHWDP in some way or the other.
However, others such as the project staff and the project committees may also
find it useful for their purposes.
1.3 What is there in this manual?
The manual describes various partners in the project, including us, and their
roles and responsibilities, financial and technical arrangements available at the
village, district, and state level, institutional arrangements needed to make our
project a success, skills and capacities we will require to develop, flow of
funds from various sources, including our own contribution, and many more
such things as will help us move ahead and succeed in our own project.
1.4 How will we use this manual?
The Community Operation Manual is primarily a reference book with
information on what and how we will do in our project.
It is a systematic presentation on the concepts, processes, and procedures
related to the project.
In order to make best out of our manual, we need to go step by step. Reading
one topic at a time will always help.
To find our way about the manual, there is a table of contents right in the
beginning of the book which enlists all the chapters and sections in an order.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
6
The book uses symbols drawings, and illustrations to help us understand
things in perspective. However, they are all imaginary and do not represent
any real people, family or place.
2. UNDERSTANDING THE PROJECT
2.1 Let us understand our context
Life in the hills is a challenge, more so for the poor and the disadvantaged! It
is so because of harsh living conditions, rocky and jagged topography, steep
land slopes, erratic rainfall, and poor accessibility.
Problems are of more serious nature in rural areas where people have long
been depending on natural resources such as land, water, and forest for
meeting their day to day requirements of food, fuel, and fodder, which are fast
depleting.
Increased population load and misuse of natural resources have only worsened
the situation.
We therefore need to think of ways to make our village a better living place
and our life less burdened with hardships, without harming the interests of the
most poor and the marginalized.
This is a dream which we all have to fulfill. The Mid Himalayan Watershed
Development Project helps us in fulfilling our dream.
2.2 What is this project all about?
The project is about watershed development in the mid Himalayan region of
Himachal Pradesh. That is why it is named Himachal Pradesh Mid
Himalayan Watershed Development Project (HP MHWDP).
The Mid Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh includes either all or part of
Sirmour, Solan, Bilaspur, Una, Simla, Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, Kangra,
Chamba districts of the state.
2.3 What is a watershed?
A watershed is a catchment area feeding into a single identifiable drainage
system, such as a stream or a river. A watershed consists of a geographical
area, a stream or a system of streams, a common drainage point, human
habitations including villages, towns, and cities, and farms, forests, and
wastelands.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
7
2.4 Why we need to develop a watershed?
Earlier:
There was a lot of greenery in and around our village
We got firewood, grass, and other minor produce from the deep forests
There was ample rain, good agriculture yield
Trees helped to hold the surface soil, livestock were healthy and
productive
There was no problem of employment
People worked for the welfare of the village, they made well, tanks,
ponds collectively, without outside support
Rivers, streams, and wells has enough water in them
Now:
There is lack of grass, fodder, water, firewood, and employment
Male members have to migrate to cities and towns in search of job
Women have to handle greater responsibilities both at the household
and work fronts
There is a gradual decrease in availability of water, forest, and land
Land has become less productive
We have become less tolerant, lack of a feeling of brotherhood
Livestock are not as healthy and productive
We want to work for wages and village development perspective is lost
To check them all from happening and restore our self dependence in all
village development matters we not only need to develop watersheds but also
conserve and maintain it over time.
2.5 How do we develop and conserve a watershed?
We develop and conserve a watershed by adopting a watershed development
program like the HPMHWDP.
In the project we develop, conserve, and manage all resources in a watershed
area, including land, water, vegetative cover, and mineral and animal wealth,
through formulating and carrying out a course of action involving the
treatment of resources in a watershed. This provides goods, services, and
increase in our income without adversely affecting the soil and water base.
It is done through the involvement of community institutions such as
SHGs/CAGs/User Groups or Panchayati Raj Institutions.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
8
2.6 For whom is this project?
The project is for all who are a part of the village gram sabha, be it you, me,
pradhanji, or our neighbors.
It attempts to focus on natural resource-based economic empowerment of poor
rural households including landless, women and other disadvantaged groups.
However, the project is more beneficial for those among us who are thinking
and willing to change the conditions of their life and their village in terms of
better management of village resources and creating better livelihood
opportunities for each one of us.
This has to be done through collective action such as forming self help groups,
common activity groups, or simply user groups and undertaking activities to
improve soil and water conditions, farming practices, animal wealth, and our
livelihood status.
2.7 What is the main objective of the project?
Natural resources such as land, water, forest, etc. play an important role in
supporting our livelihood in the village. Our day to day requirements of food,
fuel, and fodder, are largely met through these resources.
However, these natural resources are gradually depleting due to increased load
of population and their uncontrolled exploitation.
The objective of the proposed project is therefore to check the degradation of
natural resource base of land, water, and forest and improve their productive
potential along with enhancing the income levels of the rural households in the
project.
We have to achieve this objective by developing micro-watersheds through the
GPs and institutions of the poor, and improving the livelihoods of the poorer
among us.
2.8 What is there in this project?
The project helps us to get organized into community groups such as
SHGs, CAGs, or User Groups.
Builds our capacity and that of the local governments to effectively
manage watershed development in a participatory, transparent, and
demand-driven manner.
Finances soil and water conservation activities taken up by our groups,
non-arable land treatments, crop and livestock production, and
development of rural infrastructure such as roads, community water tanks,
etc.
Promotes value addition in agriculture and income-generating activities,
particularly for tribal and vulnerable groups, and
Makes our gram panchayat more responsible for all village development
works.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
9
Including our village, the project covers 545 gram panchayats in 42 blocks
spreading over 10 districts of the state. It benefits more than 40 thousand
families with a total budget outlay of Rs 365 crore, out of which 10 crore is
estimated as our own contribution.
Following are the examples of some of the activities which the project can
support:
A. Forest Lands
Plantation of desired tree species in areas devoid of tree cover. This
may be divided into 2 parts – (i) normal plantation in forest areas; and
(ii) plantation of fast growing, multipurpose tree species on areas
infested with Lantana.
Introduction of hardy medicinal and aromatic plants in existing and
new areas
Vegetative barriers/live hedges where needed including plantation of
bamboo
Natural regeneration on slopes
Vegetative measures for erosion control like broadcasting of seed,
planting grass tuffs, brush wood check dams
Mechanical measures in series like gully plugging, dry stone masonry
check dams and vegetation supported crate wires, retaining walls and
revetments.
Rainwater disposal structures along roads
Precautions against forest fires
Forest based IGA
B. Community/common/pasturelands
Control of biotic pressure through community participation
Trenching to store rainwater and improve moisture regime
Plantation of broad leaved fodder trees as per need and demand but not
suppressing grass growth and Planting of bamboo in drainage lines
Seeding of suitable grass species and planting of grass tufts, as per site
quality
Dry stone check dams in series in gullies, crate wire structures at
strategic locations
Scientific grass harvesting schedules/sequences to maintain
regeneration
Measures for control of forest fires
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
10
C. Private farm lands
Improvement in production systems and farming systems – demos and
awareness
Rain-fed farming technology adoption – demonstrations
Promotion of organic farming along with introduction of high value
crops
Promotion of farm forestry, fruit and fodder trees and shade loving
crops
Raising of forage crops
Off season vegetable, medicinal, aromatic, spices, and floriculture
crops with marketing arrangements and post harvest management
D. Soil and Water conservation on farm lands
Terrace repair and vegetative reinforcement; vegetative field
boundaries
Dry stone check dams, crate wire and drop structures
Retaining walls
E. Water Harvesting/Management
New ponds and renovation of old village ponds
New water harvesting tanks and renovation/augmentation of old
Roof water harvesting
Small earthen / RCC and masonry dams under supervision of
specialists / experts
Lift and gravity irrigation; tank irrigation including conveyance
Makowal type structures/head walls including conveyance
Strengthening of irrigation channels (khuls) including off take/head
works arrangements
F. Livelihoods Support and Generation
Adding value to our agricultural production
Cultivation of fodder crops
Cultivation of medicinal plants
Afforestation, agro-forestry, and horticultural development
Fodder and livestock development
Creating rural infrastructure including accessibility through better road
network
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
11
Improving the farm and non-farm livelihoods opportunities to the poor
Promoting value added livelihoods/income generating activities,
particularly for tribal and vulnerable groups
Technical support to communities including market information,
linkages, development of websites and other support
Promotion and propagation of non-conventional energy saving devices,
energy conservation measures, bio fuel plantations etc.
Provide Seed money for empowering the newly formed/revamped
SHGs of the left out and marginalized poor women and also building
their credit worthiness
Creating market linkages for emerging opportunities for enhancing the
livelihoods of the poor
G. Institution Building
Promoting/strengthening community groups/institutions, Forming self-
help groups (SHGs) of poor women
Promote and support the federations (of SHGs, CAGs)
Capacity building of PRIs and other local village level institutions
Building capacities of the community and the panchayati raj
institutions
Building the skills and capacities of the poor and their service
providers
Sensitizing line departments and banks to be inclusive of and
responsive to the needs of the poor
Capacity building of PRIs and other local village level institutions to
plan, implement and maintain watershed treatment.
Organize Exposure visits for community leaders and representatives of
the Federations, GP Presidents, GP representatives
The above list is indicative and we may come out with more such activities.
However, what activities we finally take up in our village plan will also
depend upon the existing needs and resources of our village.
2.9 How long is this project?
The project is for six years, beginning in April 2006 and ending in March
2012.
2.10 How will this project be managed?
The Himachal Pradesh Natural Resource Management Society (HPNRMS),
chaired by the Chief Minister, and assisted by an executive committee, is the
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
12
agency at the state level to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the
project.
The whole Mid Himalayan region has been divided into two regions for
administrative purposes. Two regional offices, one at Dharmshala and another
at Bilaspur, headed by a regional director, have been created to provide
administrative and strategic support to the project.
At the village level, the project will be implemented mainly through the gram
panchayat and the involvement of the village people, including community
groups and institutions such as SHGs, CAGs, User Groups, Mahila Mandals,
Nav Yuvak Mangal Dals, etc.
The GP and the community groups will be supported by 11 Watershed Development
Offices (WDOs) at the sub-watershed level, and 46 multi-sectoral Watershed
Development Coordination Offices (WDCOs) at the cluster level.
However, the most important organization in the overall institutional
arrangement is the gram panchayat (GP), representing the gram sabha, and
acting as a critical link between the community and the project.
3. PARTICIPATING IN HPMHWP
3.1 How can we participate in HPMHWDP?
To participate in the project, we must first understand our village and
households needs better and the possibilities that lie in meeting theses needs
through the project.
The HPMHWDP is open to all who are a part of the gram sabha. Therefore, an
important factor enabling our participating in the project is our willingness to
do so. The willingness comes when we come to understand the project and its
objectives by taking part in the initial village meetings organized to inform us
about what the project can and cannot do. The more we know about the
project in such meetings, the better the prospect of our joining the stream.
In subsequent village meetings, when we sit and discuss our problems, and
reflect upon the possible solutions, we may say that the process of
participation has actually begun.
3.2 What will show that we are participating?
The following indicators help us in knowing whether we are participation in
the project or not:
Our interest and active participation in the village meetings
Helping/motivating others, especially the disadvantaged and the
marginalized among us, to participate in the village meetings and the
project processes
Getting organized into need based community groups
Becoming accountable to the group
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
13
Having a say in the group decision making process
Accepting project responsibilities for planning, implementing, and
monitoring project activities
Coming out with demands for work
Taking ownership of what and how we want to achieve in the project and
the results of the project
Helping organize follow-up meetings
Making our contribution to the project in cash or kind
Transparency and truthfulness about whatever we do
3.3 What are we going to benefit if we participate?
The benefits that may flow to us from the project could be at three levels: the
village, the group, and the household.
When the ground water table is recharged or when the vegetative cover
surrounding our village is improved, the whole village is benefited. Likewise,
when the road network is improved, or when a common pastureland is
developed for grazing our cattle, the benefits apply to everyone in the village.
There are so many such benefits from the project which apply to the whole
village and to the larger environment and the ecosystem.
In the project, we may form need based groups such as water user group or a
business group for activities like poultry, piggery, or mushroom cultivation. In
this case, the benefits could be in terms of access to improved inputs such as
high breed animal, high quality seeds, etc., access to timely credit, better
husbandry practices, better marketing linkages, ensuring better prices for our
produce. All such benefits apply to the members of the group.
However, the project allows us to take up activities on our private land as well.
I may already be having a small farm and growing fruits like apples and
oranges which provide support not only to me but also to 10 others who work
on my field. If I set up a juice extraction unit, for example, and sell it
commercially with the help of the project, the benefits certainly flow to my
household, though others working on my field as wage laborers may also
benefit from the increase in my income, perhaps in terms of regular
employment and better wages.
We may think of the benefits in other ways. Suppose I am a small farmer, I
may think of the following benefits coming to me due to my participation in
the project.
Better irrigation facilities
Less dependence on monsoon
Availability of high quality seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural
inputs
Soil treatment and pest management
Viable farming techniques such as cash cropping
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
14
Availability of high breed animals,
Adoption of better rearing practices
Better market linkage for my produce
However, if I do not have land, or if I work on others’ fields, or if I do stray
labor work, I too can seek benefits:
With the increase in the volume of overall work in the village I will have
better chances of getting regular work, which may minimize my needs to
migrate now and then
I may be paid better for my work than previously as there will be
demand for work
I may even think of doing some petty business as the project helps me in
taking up livelihood activities
My skill of work may get better through capacity building training
organized through the project
If however, I am a woman, I too have reasons to participate.
I can be a part of a women’s Self Help Group or Common Activity
Group which will enhance my position in my family and community
I can save as a group and engage in some livelihood activities which may
fetch extra income to my household
My group can get credit from a local bank for various needs and
purposes including consumption needs and income generating activities
I may get opportunities to enhance my productive skills
I will better understand and work for women related issues which can
make me more respectable in my family and village
As an individual also, I can engage in some incoming generating
activities such as running a petty shop, vending vegetables, etc. to help
my household income
There are some general reasons as well which may apply to everyone in the
village.
Our panchayat may become more responsible and sensitive to our needs
We as a community can better manage our village resources
The village infrastructure such as road power, water, etc. is likely to
improve
There will be a reduction in the severity of floods downstream by
retaining water and releasing it during drier periods.
Community’s resources such as land, water, and vegetation will be
judiciously used, leading to their conservation and enhanced productivity
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
15
We may even construct a small dam to harness water resources of my
village
We may turn wastelands lying around our village into a common grazing
land for our cattle
Increased greenery can contribute to the overall bio-diversity of our
village and we may expect better rains
The nomads passing through our village will too have some programs to
help them through their grazing routes. This will save our village from
stray grazing of grasslands by their cattle.
The whole village can turn into a more cohesive group and there may be
fewer disputes and more prosperity
These are some of the benefits to get us going. There may be many more such
benefits which get explored as and when we participate further in the program.
3.4 What are the guiding principles for participating in the project?
As an active participant of the project, we must keep the following
fundamental principles in mind:
Ownership: we must understand that we, the village communities, are the
true owners of the project;
All needs and demands for better information, planning, and
implementation will come from the community; the government,
panchayats, and the NGOs are there to facilitate.
Community agrees to share the project implementation and maintenance
costs and contribute in terms of time, energy, and labor required for the
project activities due to sense of ownership.
Accountability: with ownership comes the sense of accountability. In fact,
ownership means accountability in a way.
For our project we understand community as the gram sabha. Decisions
taken in the gram sabha is binding on all individuals, user groups, SHGs,
panchayat committees, and watershed development/livelihood
enhancement committees.
All these groups and committees and even the gram panchayats have been
formed to represent the community.
The whole project at the village level is actually accountable to the gram
sabha as the gram sabha is the actual owner.
Further, we may also say that it will be the responsibility of the GP and all
other committees to keep everyone informed of all the developments and
decisions regarding the project by consulting the community on regular
basis.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
16
This in turn will make each member of the community responsible and
accountable for developments and decisions taken for the project.
Transparency: transparency means straightforwardness and truthfulness
about whatever we do.
In a group situation, every member has a right to know what is happening
and how it is happening. When this happens, we say that the group has a
transparent way of working.
Transparency is a must to ensure trust among the community members and
all those who participate in the project.
To ensure transparency, all proceedings and records of the project should
be made accessible to all. The gram pradhan, the panchayat secretary, the
accounts assistant, and the watershed committees should be jointly
responsible to ensure that this happens.
Recording all transactions immediately and presenting project accounts to
the gram sabha at least on a quarterly basis is a good practice to ensure
transparency.
Cost effectiveness: the project money belongs to the community and
everyone needs to treat it that way.
Savings may be achieved in purchase of goods, in negotiating with
suppliers and contractors, or through better management of
implementation plan.
Any savings that come from project funds remain with the community
which it may use for its own benefit.
However, in doing so, quality does not have to be compromised.
Cost-effectiveness will also lessen the burden on those members of the
community who are poor or less well-off.
Participation of the disadvantaged group: to ensure participation of all,
care needs to be taken that the disadvantaged members of the community,
such as the poor, the landless, marginal farmers, members of scheduled
castes and tribes, and the women have an equal say in all matters of the
project and profit equally from it.
This promotes a sense of social equity among the group members.
4. WORKING IN A GROUP
4.1 Why we need to work in a group?
Developing our village or community resources is a collective issue and
hence, much of our success in the project will depend on how well we can
work as a group.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
17
We as a community know our needs better than anyone else. Working in a
group gives us the opportunity to identify and prioritize our needs, plan our
activities, mobilize resources, implement and monitor our plan, and handle
funds ourselves and to our own benefit.
Hence, any scheme or program planned, managed, and delivered by us will
give better results. Moreover, a concerted effort is often more powerful than
the individual one as it acts with the added force of numerical strength.
4.2 What is a group?
Working together as a group is not new to us. In our village Ramlila, or any
other village function, we often work as a group or a party and chip in our
resources, time, money, and energy to ensure that our function succeeds. This
is an example of how we work in a group.
Whenever two or more people join in for a common cause or purpose and
work together to achieve it, it becomes a group. We all know about Mahila
Mandals and Nay Yuvak Mangal Dals in our village or perhaps neighboring
one. They are the community groups which have been created to work around
women’s and youth elated issues.
4.3 What are the characteristics of a group?
As a group:
We have a similar purpose or goal
We show acceptance of and interdependence on one another as the
members of the group
We are commitment towards the common goal of the group, and
We are governed by the rules of the group, developed by us, for
membership and other activities
4.4 What are the basic norms we need to follow as a community group in
HPMHWDP?
HPMHWDP is a community driven project, which means much of the need
for an activity in the project should come from us. This happens only when we
come together and organize as a group. However, for our group to sustain in
the long run and work in the best possible manner, we need to follow some
basic group norms. They are:
Each one of us in the group must believe that self help is the best help.
Working as a group and for our own development has no better
substitute.
We must have faith in our capacity and potential o learn and deliver
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
18
We must work democratically, allowing others in the group to participate
and have a say in the group meetings and decisions
We must be willing to take responsibilities and contribute our might, in
terms of cash or otherwise, for our growth.
We must be willing to help and encourage women to participate in the
project and take lead roles wherever possible
We must be prepared to think of the poorer among us first as they need
our assistance most
We must understand that the village communities and the groups are the
true owners of the project. Hence, we are also accountable for the
success and failure of our work together with other stakeholders.
We must be transparent and straightforward in all our action and
activities pertaining to the project and the group
We must use our contribution and project fund responsibly and
judiciously as they are meant for us and our own development
4.5 What are the community groups we can form in HPMHDP?
The following table gives us an idea of a possible composition and structure of
various groups to be formed I the project.
Group Size-Membership Function Office Bearers
Women SHG 12-20 members
between the age
group 18-65 years
Savings and Credit
(mandatory)
Two leaders; bank account
operated by the leaders
Animator keeps the books
including meeting minutes
User Group 12-20 members
between the age
group 18-65 years
planning and
implementing the
activities related to micro-
watershed development
and thereafter
Two leaders; bank account
operated by the leaders
Animator keeps the books
including meeting minutes
Economic Activity
Group (EAG)
around the
livelihood activity
Minimum 6+
members – between
18-65 years;
members have to be
members of SHGs
Collective activities
Leverage funds from
SHGs, SHG Federation,
Project financing from
banks and other sources
directly
Two leaders; bank account
operated by the leaders.
Animator keeps the books
including meeting minutes
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
19
5. MAKING OUR WARD PLAN
5.1 What is a ward plan?
A ward plan is a micro plan made at the ward level around natural resource
management (NRM) issues in a particular watershed area. We make our ward
plans at the ward level in order to ensure that our ward level concerns and
issues are mapped and included in the GPWDP (Gram Panchayat Watershed
Development Program).
The plan is made by the village people/community groups of that ward and the
elected ward members collectively in a ward level meeting organized for this
purpose. Generally, such meetings are facilitated by the MHWDP team or its
representatives. The ward plans from different wards are aggregated and
compiled at the panchayat level to formulate the Gram Panchayat Watershed
Development Plan (GPWDP).
The plan will contain NRM related problems affecting the people living in that
ward, possible set of solutions, and the budget required.
What is an NRM related problem?
Any problem or loss occurring to our income level, food security, or the
environment due to improper or misuse of important natural resources such as
soil, water, and vegetation, is an NRM related problem. Common examples
are soil erosion, ground water depletion, decrease in vegetative cover, wastage
of rainwater, etc.
Major watershed problems vary from country to country or village to village,
but the following list identifies some of those most common ones. Most of
these are interrelated and cannot easily be separated for diagnosis. However,
for the sake of presentation they may be grouped as follows:
Socio-economic
a. Rural poverty in the uplands, causing migration to crowded urban
centers and/or destroying watershed resources
b. Improper land use (slopeland farming, shifting cultivation without
proper fallow, overgrazing, etc.) resulting in degradation of land and
other watershed resources.
c. Deforestation, thereby increasing hazards of seasonal flooding and/or
drought downstream.
Technical/Institutional
a. Poorly planned and executed development activities (roads, housing,
mining, recreation, etc.), impairing streams and polluting the natural
environment.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
20
Natural
a. Natural disasters (heavy storms, landslides, wildfire, etc.) damaging
watershed conditions.
b. Natural and accelerated soil erosion, causing heavy deposits of
sediment in storage reservoirs, irrigation channels and other public
installations
5.2 Of what duration should we make our ward plan?
The whole project cycle is for six years which includes preparation and
initiation processes, capacity building processes, GPWLP approval processes;
project implementation processes; monitoring and learning processes; and
consolidation and withdrawal processes. However, when we see the actual
time allocation for the above processes, we find that we have only 57 months
for all the processes to complete. The following timeline gives us an idea of
time allocation for above processes.
According to the above timeline, the implementation processes (shown in
green color) is only for 36 months. Also, the monitoring and learning
processes after the implementation process (shown in light blue color) are for
another 12 months. 36 plus 12 makes 48. Therefore, we may make our ward
plan spanning over the same period, which is 48 months.
This time analysis is supposed to help us in deciding time allocation for
various activities and components in our ward level micro-plan.
Project processes Color
scheme
Approximate allocated
time
Preparation and initiation processes 6 months
Capacity building and GPWLP
approval processes
6 months
Project implementation processes 36 months
Monitoring and learning processes 57 months
Consolidation and withdrawal
processes.
12 months
5.3 Whom do we need to call to the ward planning meeting?
The following members should ideally be called to the ward planning meeting:
All the adult members from that ward who are on the voter list of the
Gram Sabha, especially the women and the old and wise members.
Ward members from that ward
Pradhan, up-pradhan, secretary, and accountant
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
21
Community groups such as SHGs, Mahila Mandals, Nav Yuvak Mangal
Dals, etc.
Watershed Development Coordinator/Project facilitator
5.4 Who will call and coordinate/facilitate the ward planning meeting?
The ward member, with help from the project team and the pradhan, should
take initiative in calling the ward planning meeting. The ward member should
coordinate the meeting while the Pradhan can chair it.
The concerned ward member will mobilize and activate the community to play
a proactive role in this exercise and would also convene meeting/s of the Up
gram sabha to provide a common platform. Members of the Project’s Frontline
Multi Sectoral Team would directly associate with the ward member and the
user groups during the preparation of the ward level micro plans. The ward
member will send the ward plans to the Budget Committee of the GP along
with a letter of recommendation and a copy of the minutes of the proceedings
of the Up Gram Sabha. The ward member may also include his/her comments
in the letter to explain the plan.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
22
5.5 What do we do in the ward planning meeting?
We start our ward planning meeting by greeting and welcoming everyone in
the meeting. Someone from us, the ward member, the pradhan, or the project
representative will tell us about the objective of the meeting and how we will
achieve it.
In the ward planning meeting, our task is to develop a micro-plan for
watershed development in a participatory way, which means involving
everyone. This we do by identifying and prioritizing our NRM related
problems, needs, and resources collectively and making an action plan which
addresses our needs.
The following flowchart shows the processes of a ward planning meeting:
Deciding the strategy
Ensuring feasibility
Preparing the work plan
Preparing the budget
Deciding community contribution
Role allocation
Identify local needs, particularly of
rural poor families
Collect basic data
Formation of working groups
Formulation of the objectives
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
23
It is very likely that the ward planning meeting does not get over in a single
day and rolls over one or two more days. Hence, we must keep this in mind
while planning a ward meeting for this purpose.
5.5.1 Identifying local needs, particularly of rural poor families
The first step towards formulating a ward micro-watershed plan is to identify
major watershed problems and collect preliminary information.
We may begin by asking the following questions and finding their answers:
is taking place in our village?
What are the main reasons for natural resource degradation?
How are we affected by such degradation?
How are activities like forestry, agricultural production, livestock
development, etc. being affected by resource degradation?
How can we check degradation and make natural resources better?
ould be involved in the project activities?
to be included
in the project?
The problems resulting from degradation are usually not difficult to detect or
identify. Steep slopes, Bad Lands, slide-prone soils, weak geologic formations,
etc. can be easily found by observation or with the assistance of existing maps.
Problems such as heavy and intense rainfall, excessive run-off, torrential flows
and strong winds should be identified from weather and hydrological data or
by gathering information and evidence locally.
Problems such as shifting cultivation, forest destruction, fire, over-grazing,
poor road construction and maintenance and uncontrolled mining should be
identified and, if possible, the causes should be determined. Clear
identification of these problems at the preliminary stage will benefit the
follow-up surveys and planning.
The final effects of watershed degradation - soil erosion, landslides, heavy
sedimentation, water pollution, floods and droughts, etc. - must be identified
as quickly as possible. This can be done partly by observation and spot
checking and partly from data obtained from water resource agencies and local
inhabitants. By reviewing or analyzing existing information, the history,
frequency and extent of these problems can also be determined.
Serious socio-economic problems can be major obstacles in carrying out
watershed work in our village. Any serious problems should be identified at
the beginning of the planning stage. These may include land tenure, poverty,
education, low acceptance of innovations, seasonal shortages of labor, etc.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
24
5.5.2 Collecting basic data
Once our needs are identified, the next step is to collect, with everyone’s
help and participation, basic data about the community, characteristics of
the area, resources situation, socio-economic status and other relevant
facts.
The aim is to get a correct picture of our village/ward and our problems
which helps later in setting goals and measuring changes brought about by
our efforts.
It is helpful at this stage is to associate with local officials and NGO
functionaries in collecting and verifying facts from different sources.
Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is a practical tool for participatory data
collection and analysis.
Process of problem identification and data collection
We start the problem identification process by making a map of our ward
and show all its resources on it such as households, road, hospital, school,
water sources, irrigation sources, drinking water sources, landholdings,
hills, forest, vegetation, etc.
One method of doing this is to get a village/ward map prepared by each
individual participant or by a few small groups from within the larger
group and later on prepare a larger map combining and synthesizing what
is included on all individual/small group maps.
This exercise, which we call resource mapping, helps us to collect data
related to households, social issues, water use for drinking and irrigation,
land use pattern, education infrastructure, human and cattle health, and
community assets.
Next, we take a look of our ward and its surroundings by taking a walk
across the ward. We get divided into two groups and start our walk across
the ward from two apposite ends. This exercise is called transect walk.
A transect walk is a major tool to collect information about the various
resources within the village or the project area and identify problems on
the spot.
During the walk, we collect different information on different assets that
we observe.
Some specific information that can be collected through transect walk are
land type, land use pattern, settlement patterns, biodiversity, physical
infrastructure, etc.
When we come back, we share our findings within the group and list them
out on a chart paper. Transect walk also helps us in making our village
map more accurate by making corrections based on our close physical
observation of the village.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
25
Based on our findings from village resource map and transect walk
exercises, we need to generate ideas in small groups and then in the larger
group through group presentations and cross-group discussions.
Understanding of the ‘Natural Resource Management Pyramid’ presented
below would help the group to know how treating soil and water would
help vegetation, animal wealth, and humans in the long run.
Soil and water are in the base, on which depends vegetation through
cultivation, agriculture, and natural growth. Both man and animal are
benefited from good vegetation as it provides fuel, fodder, and food.
5.5.3 Formation of working groups
It is helpful is to form working groups that include us, PRI members, and
project officials to prepare status reports and develop perspectives.
The aim of the working groups is to analyze and compare data, draw
inferences and identify priority areas for intervention. Importance is to be
given to detailed specification of the roles of participant individuals,
groups and committees in carrying out the tasks.
Conflicts and disagreements may arise in the process, which are not in
themselves a negative factor, but have to be properly resolved and
managed at every stage of decision-making.
5.5.4 Formulation of the objectives
After we have identified major watershed problems in our village we need
to set objectives for our ward level micro plan.
The objectives will vary from village to village and from watershed to
watershed. However, following are some of the most common ones:
To restore the watershed through proper land use and
protection/conservation measures in order to reduce erosion and
simultaneously increase the productivity of the land and the income
of the farmers;
To protect, improve or manage the watershed for the benefit of
water resources development (domestic water supply, irrigation,
hydro-power, etc.);
To manage the watershed in order to minimize natural disasters
such as flood, drought and landslides, etc.;
To develop rural areas in the watershed for the benefit of the
people and the economies of the region;
A combination of the above.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
26
5.5.5 Deciding the strategy
This is an important part of participatory ward planning as it involves
assessing and mobilizing needed resources and choosing the planning
methods.
It is important to specify:
resources that are locally available;
resources that are needed from outside. (people with skills, funds, raw
material inputs, etc.);
when are resources needed; and
who should be approached, who will approach and with whose help to
secure these resources
Consider alternative ward planning methods and approaches such as
whether to contract a job to private individuals or to do it on a
cooperative basis;
whether to focus on several small household-based units or one big
unit; and
whether to train local people as trainers for the jobs or to hire trained
personnel from outside.
Once a course of action is chosen, it should be explained and specified in
clear terms to avoid confusion and misunderstanding among the local
stakeholders.
5.5.6 Ensuring feasibility
The working groups at this point should consider whether the objectives
are realistic. It is important to ensure that:
assumptions and stipulations regarding the availability of resources,
managerial competence and technical expertise are realistic;
proposed activities are economically viable; and
local market can absorb the expected outputs
It is important to identify potential project beneficiaries and check how the
benefits would flow to them.
5.5.7 Preparing the work plan
This is a blueprint for decentralized project management drawn up by the
project implementation committee, specifying the 'what, who, when and
how' of local project implementation.
The work plan should contain the following information in simple tabular
form:
all activities for implementation of the project;
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
27
names(s) of the person(s) responsible for each activity;
starting and completion time for each activity; and
the means to carry out the activities.
It should also define the outputs expected from each activity to measure
performance during implementation or on completion of the project, for
effective monitoring and evaluation.
Project work plan format
Name of the
activity
Name(s) of the persons
responsible
Time schedule Resources required (human, money, material)
Checking for acceptance, availability
When to start
When to complete
5.5.8 Preparing the budget
The material and human resources must be given a monetary cost, which
form the project budget.
The cost is further broken down in terms of each period of time and also in
terms of availability - whether locally available or to be secured from
outside.
External resources can be government grants or loans from financial
institutions, etc.
Budget format
Item Cost Total Sources of funds
1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Community contribution
Outside
Grant Loan
Material
Equipment
Personnel
Travel
Training
Official
Others
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
28
6. MAKING OUR GRAM PANCHAYAT WATERSHED
DEVELOPMENT PLAN (GPWDP)
6.1 What is a Gram Panchayat Watershed Development Plan (GPWDP)?
The watershed development plan at the panchayat level is called Gram
Panchayat Watershed Development Plan (GPWDP).
The GPWDP is a project macro-plan which provides broad details of the
activities, including works, to be undertaken under the project.
It is similar to the plan made at the ward level except for differences in
coverage and scope.
In fact, the GPWDP is the basic project plan for implementing at the village
level. It is also a legal document between the panchayat and the Project for
initiating project activities and ensuring flow and management of project
funds.
Preparation of ward plans was an exercise to contribute towards preparing a
larger plan at the panchayat level in order to include concerns and issues
relevant at the ward level.
It is a document developed co-operatively by the community, panchayat
members, project staff, and other stakeholders to manage the water, land/water
interactions, aquatic life and aquatic resources within a particular watershed,
in order to protect the health of the ecosystem and enhance the livelihood
status of the people.
6.2 What does the GPWDP has in it?
The plan broadly has the following components in it:
Name of the village, panchayat, watershed, and district
Population profile, land type, natural resources, infrastructure, and services
Description of the problems/issues related to natural resources of the
village
Description of people affected
Description of the possible solution
Resources required, such as money, technical knowledge, manpower,
institutional setup, etc.
Implementation plan- who will do what, when, and how
Budget statement- money required sources, schedule, etc.
Our contribution and money required from the project
People or group of people who will benefit
Expected benefit
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
29
Tribal (indigenous people) Action Plan (TAP)
Our state has a high tribal population which constitutes the poorest and the
most vulnerable of the social groups. The total population of the scheduled
tribes constitutes 1% of the State’s general population.
The Scheduled Tribes inhabiting Himachal Pradesh are the Gaddis, Gujjars,
Lambas, Khampas, Bodhs or Budhs, Kinnauras or Kinners, Lahaulas,
Pangwalas and Swanglas.
The whole of the districts of Kinnaur & Lahaul Spiti, and Pangi and Bharmaur
tehsils of Chamba district constitute the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Due to small landholdings and inclement weather, agricultural production is
not sufficient to meet the needs of the family. Therefore, animal husbandry is
the main occupation of the tribal people. Some sections of the local tribals
leave their homes during the period of severe cold along with their flocks of
sheep and goats in search of pastures and to avoid the extreme of winter.
Hence in the areas where the tribal population inhabits or which fall in their
migratory route, the GPWDP will essentially include possible development
measures aimed at benefiting these populations.
Provision of veterinary kits, veterinary camps, mobile vet units, shearing
machines, creating temporary shelters and water sources (for people and
cattle), breed improvement (exposure visit to Jammu etc., & procurement of
sheep/goat), tents/tarpaulin, health camps (with local medical practitioners),
are some of the services which will figure in our gram panchayat watershed
development plan.
6.3 What is the process of preparing GPWDP?
The GPWDP is prepared in a gram sabha meeting called for the purpose.
However, processes like problem identification, data collection, and
compilation may be undertaken outside the meeting environment.
Nevertheless, the final preparation and approval of the plan will take place
within the gram sabha meeting itself.
The process of preparing the GPWDP is same as we did while preparing the
ward plain, which means doing the following:
Identifying local needs, particularly of rural poor families;
Collecting basic data; formation of working groups;
Formulation of the objectives;
Deciding the strategy; ensuring feasibility;
Preparing the work plan;
Preparing the budget;
Deciding community contribution;
Role allocation
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
30
The difference is of location, as one takes place in a ward meeting whereas the
other in a gram sabha, and also of stakeholders, which in the GPWDP are
more in number than in ward plan.
The GPWDP also has a specific task of prioritizing activities across the wards,
which means deciding which activity to take, which not to take, based on
needs and fund availability.
The Budget Committee of the GP will receive the ward micro plans from the
wards, consolidate and aggregate them and prepare the overall GPWDP in
accordance with the project guidelines. The Committee may also take the help
of any person, including the panchayat secretary or the Frontline Multi
Sectoral Team in preparing the plan. The Budget Committee will submit the
plan so prepared to the secretary along with a Letter of Recommendation and
may include in the letter its comments. The Chairperson and all the members
of the Committee will sign the letter.
On receipt of the GPWDP, the Secretary will present it in a meeting of the GP
who will consider the same and accord its approval, with or without
modifications.
In brief, the process of watershed development plan will follow the following
course:
Presentation and debate on ward level micro plans prepared in different
wards
Identification of problems/activities to be included in the GPWDP. This
will involve further probing the issues through information gathering and
data collection as mentioned in the ward level planning process.
Prioritizing activities as per the actual needs, available budget and
resources also becomes important at this stage as there will be more than
one ward level micro plans.
Deciding on possible solution and course of action
Deciding who will participate and be benefited
Preparing an action and time plan
Preparing budget including beneficiary contribution
Deciding institutional arrangements- how the plan will be implemented,
managed, monitored, and looked after
Assuming roles and responsibilities for implementation and success of
the plan
Completing formalities such as preparing a written proposal, attaching
documents required, and authorizing by the gram sabha and the gram
panchayat (see FMM)
6.4 How is the GPWDP approved in the gram sabha?
The GP will convene a meeting of the Gram Sabha with the following agenda.
Discuss and consider the GPWDP;
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
31
Decide the priority according to which the various activities will be
implemented/works will be executed;
Decide in principle, the agency through whom the works will be
executed;
Finalize the list of Beneficiaries under the plan; and
Approve the plan.
The agenda can be placed in one of the general meetings of the Gram Sabha.
Alternately, if the general meeting is not likely to be convened shortly and
considering the urgency of the matter, the GP can convene a special meeting.
An official authorized by the WDC will attend the meeting.
The Secretary will record the minutes of the meeting in the Proceedings Book
of the GP (Form 17 of the General Rules, 1997) in the manner prescribed in
the Act, 1994. An extract of the proceedings of the meeting will be prepared
which will be signed by the Pradhan (or authorized Chairperson) and the
Secretary. (see FMM)
For the effective implementation of the activities under the approved GPWDP,
annual work plans will be prepared by the budget committee of the GP to
provide micro details of the project activities and a budget giving financial
details. An accompanying document will be the annual procurement plan
providing details of procurement of goods, materials and services.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
32
6.5 How will the planning and budgeting process of GPWDP flow?
The following diagram illustrates the planning and budgeting process of
GPWDP:
FLOW CHART FOR PLANNING AND BUDGETING
Obtain
consensus of
the gram sabha
for
participation in
the Project
Micro Plans
Wards to
prepare Micro
Plans, with
assistance of
User Groups/
Frontline Team
Ward Member
to place the
Plans in Up
gram sabha
meeting and
send them to
the Budget
Committee
GPWDP
Committee to
consider/aggreg
ate the Micro
Plans to form
the GPWDP
and submit to
secretary
Secretary to
place the
GPWDP in a
meeting of the
GP for
consideration
and approval
Place the
GPWDP before
the gram sabha
meeting for
approval
Send the
GPWDP to
WDC for
consideration
and approval
Approved
GPWDP
Budget
Committee to
prepare an
Annual
Plans/Budget
and submit to
secretary
Secretary to
place the
Annual Plans/
Budget in a
meeting of the
GP for
consideration
and approval
GP to consider
and approve the
GPWDP and
convene a
meeting of the
gram sabha
GP to consider
and approve the
Annual
Plans/Budget
and convene a
meeting of the
gram sabha
Place the
Annual
Plans/Budget
before the gram
sabha for
approval
Approved
Annual Work
Plan, Budget,
and
Procurement
Plan
Send the
Annual
Plans/Budget to
WDC for
consideration
and approval
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
33
6.6 What problems/needs may we address through the GPWDP?
In a watershed development program, we need to focus on the needs of the
natural resources on one hand and the people on the other, though wellbeing
of both are interrelated. The following illustration shows how they are
interrelated and depend on each other.
With regard to natural resources, we focus on sustainability, whereas with
regard to people we focus on livelihoods promotion.
Sustainability means judicious use and preservation leading to long term
productivity. A simple example will make it clear. If we have 100 Rs., we
may spend it in one day or over 30 days. In the later case, the use is more
sustained. However, if we use that money to generate another 100 Rs, it
becomes sustainable. Land and water, if used and conserved in such a way that
their productive quality remains intact for a much longer time, we call it
sustainable.
This becomes possible only if we start developing concerns for them and
initiate appropriate measures such as checking soil erosion through runoff
water by creating water traps or growing plantations to increase vegetative
cover.
If we have to do these, what will be our needs? We may perhaps need the
following:
Development of vegetation cover in deep ravine areas
Contour bunding across the slope to conserve the rainwater in-situ and
stop soil erosion in medium ravines;
Developing grass cover for protecting the bunds;
Creating gully control using earthen bunds/plugs with vegetation cover
on them;
Creating masonry and composite check-dams for water harvesting and
recharge;
Construction of new water harvesting structures near the land / recharged
wells including drinking water wells owned by resource poor;
Improved agriculture and use of locally produced organic fertilizers; and
so on
Improving natural resource base will have positive bearing on our livelihood
prospects as well. If our forests are thick, we will have more of fuel wood,
more of fodder and more of rains. Similarly, if we have good amount of water
available to us, we will have better agricultural yields, which we may even
sell.
However, in our project, we can identify other livelihood related needs as
well. They may be related to organizing ourselves into self help groups,
creating ways and channels to market our products, learning new skills,
acquiring machines, tools, etc. we may also require to ensure:
Equal employment opportunities and wage rates for implementation of
watershed works.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
34
Due emphasis on livelihood support systems for landless households;
Utilizing the services of the landless poor and women in the post-project;
Management of common property resources;
Preferential allocation of usufruct rights over produce from the
developed common land to landless households / women groups;
Groundwater to be treated as a common property resource;
Equitable right to all households in any new water resource developed
under the project; and so on
6.7 What data we may require for our micro watershed plan? Availability of wide-ranging and relevant data, including certain maps, related
to socio-economic and environmental conditions of the village, is of utmost
importance for sound planning and decision making.
We may quite likely require maps and information detailing…
Boundaries
Terrain
Water bodies
Soil types
Roads
Land uses
Recreational uses
Fish and game surveys
Development trends
Employment trends
Education trends
Having an inventory of what data and maps we may require will help us plan
our tools to collect them.
The following table familiarizes us with a list of data which we may require
while making our GPWDP.
SN Data required Details 1. Location of watershed
Acquisition of toposheets
Demarcation of watersheds
Number and names of the human settlements in the watershed
Location with regard to block and district headquarters
Longitudinal and latitudinal positions
2. Land use
Area of watershed
Land availability (ratio wise)
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
35
SN Data required Details
Reserved
Protected
Community
Private
Agriculture land
Rainfed
Irrigated
Areas under different crop
Orchards and gardens
Wastelands and pastures
3. Topography and physiography
Geomorphic structure
Altitudinal range
Drainage
Slope
4. Climate
Hot or cold
Dry or moist
Microclimatic zones (boundaries with the watershed)
5. Forest assessment Flora and fauna (diversity)
Density
Distribution
Availability compared with requirement of biomass (for budgeting)
Listing and quantification of minor forest produce (for optimization of resources)
Activities in the forest area like construction, mining, and felling
Water and soil conservation related efforts (run-off, soil loss ratio)
Scope for afforestaion/eco restoration
Sapling species and their availability in the nurseries within reach
6. Natural disasters Earthquakes
Susceptibility and frequency
Is the area earthquake prone or safe
Landslides
Susceptibility and frequency
Is the area landslide prone or safe
Reasons
Man made or natural
Possibilities or options to control (for action plan preparation)
Others
Forest fires
Drought
Flash floods
Cloud bursts
Famine
7. Hydrology Water sources (Natural springs, river, stream, tap water)
Perennial and seasonal
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
36
SN Data required Details
Distance from the settlement
Discharge during summer and monsoon
Watermills/microhydel plants
Water requirement and availability
Potability (quality of water)
Present use
Possibilities of better use/enhanced availibility
Rainfall cycle
Seasonability
Total precipitation
Total run-off
8. Agriculture analysis
Farming practices
Traditional
Modern
Scope for further improvement
Farming implements
Traditional
Improved
Scope for further improvement
9. Soil Fertility
Characteristics
Distribution
10. Manure Requirements
Availability
Possibilities
11. Crops Varieties
Rotation
Yield
requirements
Self consumption
Cash income
Priorities of the people
Possibilities of further improvement
12. Market Type
Access
Possible areas of intervention
Suitable activities/agencies
13. Animal husbandry Livestock
Species
Breed
Health
Productivity
Purpose of keeping (cash income, labor, domestic use)
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
37
SN Data required Details
Fodder
Source (agricultural fields, forests, grazing lands)
Type
Agro-forestry
Type
Requirements (quantification)
Ration between fodder and the number of animals
Carrying capacity of land
Possibilities of change
14. Agroforestry & horticulture Status of agroforestry and horticulture
Types of species
Main use
People’s attitude (interest)
Scope of expansion
15. Human resource Population profile
Sex ratio
Birth rate
Mortality rats
work force ratio
Literacy rate
Skilled manpower
Socio-economic status
Social structure
Ethnic background
Institutions and customs
Different castes and classes
Living conditions
Level of awareness
Livelihood sources
Sources of income
work distribution
Health care (level of nutrition and hygiene)
Availability of basic amenities
Education
Traditional skill
Daily routine (gender wise)
Employment pattern
Migration pattern
Implementation status of governmental and non governmental schemes
Status of resource utilization
Status of landless inhabitants
Nature of accessibility to market
Conventional and non-conventional Energy needs
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
38
For our project, we may not require all the data types described in the
inventory which is extensive.
Depending upon the project requirement and local needs, we may make a
selection of required data types from the above list.
Moreover, collection of certain data types such as finding soil and rock types
or calculating total water run-off, would require use of specific technical
skills. Help of the project staff and experts will be required in all such
situations.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
39
7. PLANNING FOR ENHANCING OUR LIVELIHOOD
7.1 What is livelihood?
Enhancing livelihood prospects of the community members within the project
villages is one of the major components of the project.
By livelihood we mean occupation or work we do to support our life and
manage our day to day necessities including food, shelter, and clothes.
Whatever we do to secure a means of living is part of our livelihood, be it
working on our own farm or that of others,
rearing livestock and selling milk and meat,
running a kirana shop,
selling our labor (like a construction worker), or
using our knowledge and skill to fetch money (like a mason or a
teacher).
7.2 What are the arrangements within HPMHWDP to support our
livelihood?
A separate ‘Mountain Livelihoods Enhancement Fund for the poor (MLF)’
worth 10% of the total budget outlay has been created within the HPMHWDP
to support specific business proposals from the groups of the poor such as
poor women, the landless, marginal farmers, tribals and the most vulnerable to
improve their livelihoods.
This is aimed to be done by financing productive and demand driven
investments for economic activities in the following broad areas:
Common Activity Groups (in Agriculture and Allied Sectors)
Common Activity Groups (in value-addition, non-farm livelihoods and
for micro-enterprises)
Skill development for Gainful Employment
7.3 What support is available for livelihoods development within the
‘Mountain Livelihoods Enhancement Fund’ (MLF)?
We may get the following support from MLF:
Institutional support- formation of SHGs and CAGs, and federations
Technical support- business plan development, skill development and
technological know-how
Backward and forward linkages- procurement of inputs for our business
activity, product design and development, market linkage, linkage with
credit institutions
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
40
Financial support- grant up to 50% of the total cost of the project for the
CAG of the poor and up to 90% for most Vulnerable and Tribals
7.4 How can we get support from MLF to undertake income generation and
livelihood activities?
To get support we need to organize ourselves in common activity groups or
self help group, initially around savings and credit activity.
After six months of this activity, and satisfactory rating to indicate a certain
quality and cohesiveness of the groups, the members can access the MLF. In
case of additional fund requirements, credit linkages with banks will be
encouraged and facilitated by the project.
However, before that, the group will be required to develop a sub-project,
based on its choice of activity and submit it to the HPMHWDP officials.
CAGs have to put in at least 10% of the total cost and the entire operations and
maintenance cost for implementing the business plans.
7.5 What is a sub-project?
A sub-project is a project, however smaller in scope and nature as compared to
GPWDP, which is a comprehensive village development plan. In
HPMHWDP, a subproject refers to a business plan of an SHG or a CAG
around a livelihood activity.
7.6 What kind of livelihood activities can we take up under MLF support?
Some examples are:
Arable land development
Crop demonstrations
Organic farming
Processing of fibers
Horticulture
Floriculture
Medicinal plant cultivation
Mining and quarrying
Food processing
Dairy, poultry, piggery, fishery
Promoting social enterprises with the purpose of providing social goods
and services within the community
Promoting farmers’ markets where local farmers once again sell directly
to local; customers
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
41
Promoting community land trust where land is held in trust for the
community to prevent the price of land rising too high and too fast
(which drives the poorer community members off it)
Enterprise that recycles waste within the community
Producing our own energy through micro-generators powered by the
Sun, water, or wind and reducing consumption and cost
7.7 What are the village processes involved?
Following are the processes required to design livelihood activities in the
village:
Identification of existing groups, if any
People interested in starting a particular activity would get together to
form CAGs. Self help groups (SHG) are a kind of CAG
Starting participatory assessment of the village situation by adopting
participatory methods such as resource mapping (PRA), wealth ranking,
problem analysis, transact walks, meeting leaders and opinion makers
and having discussions separately with women and dalits.
Identification of socio-economic groups,
Identification of gaps in resources, skills and linkages in existing
livelihoods and practices,
Developing a vision for the village and developing an Action Plan for
the village.
CAGs would come forward with sub-project proposals
7.8 What needs to keep in mind while identifying a livelihood activity fir our
village?
While thinking about a particular livelihood activity for a community we need
to consider:
How will the proposed livelihood opportunities meet the needs of the
household, especially those of the poor?
How well does it match the resources and skills available to the
household and in the village?
How will it fit into the daily and seasonal rhythms of the household?
Will it increase the household’s income or assets?
Will it reduce or enhance the risks faced by the household?
What assurances can be put in place to mitigate risk?
Will the activity require organizing poor households in groups?
How capable is the household to participate in such organization?
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
42
What inputs will it require from us?
Besides, we should also ensure that:
Local resources are used to meet local needs as far as possible
Diversity within the local economy is maintained to reduce risks
Money is circulated within the local economy to the extent possible
Community’s control over the local economy is enhanced
Greater sustainability is achieved through our livelihood activities
7.9 How can we make a sub-project proposal?
Designing a sub-project would include considering the following:
Beneficiary details- Profile of the group, who exactly have to participate,
their current livelihood status
Resource analysis- what reassures (physical, material, financial, human,
etc.) are locally available, what would be required from outside)
Financial analysis- expenditure, cash flow management, break even
analysis, etc
Market analysis- kind of market (local haat, city or upcountry market),
size, trends, price consideration, competition, raw material availability,
etc.
Operations Plan- Site and facilities- equipment and/or machines,
timetable and schedules, monitoring and maintenance
Outcomes and benefit
Doing all theses will require certain professional competence in information
and data collection through appropriate tools and procedures. Help of the
project staff will be required in all theses activities besides participation of the
group proposing the plan.
7.10 How does a sub-project proposal look like?
Given below is a standard design for a sub-project/business proposal:
Sub- project Proposal Format
1. Identification
Ward
Village
Panchayat
Block
District
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
43
2. Details of the Group
Name of the group
Number of member in the group
Name of the group leader/president
Father’s name
Name of group secretary
Father’s name
Name of the group account signatory (1)
Father’s name
Name of the group account signatory (2)
Father’s name
Name and address of bank
Bank account number
3. Details of Beneficiaries
S.N. Name of the
beneficiary
Father’s/
husband’s
name
Village Sex Caste Age
1.
2.
3.
4. Village wise details of Beneficiaries if they are from more than one village
(To be prepared for each participating village separately)
S.N Mohalla/ward Total number of
beneficiary family
Castes
1.
2.
3.
5. Objectives the Sub-project
a) ----------
b) ----------
c) ----------
6. Nature of the proposed sub-project activity
a) On-farm
b) Non-farm
c) Production related
d) Processing related
e) Services related
f) Trade related
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
44
7. Measure sub-project activities
a)
b)
c)
8. Market description
a) Which market will be targeted
b) Size and location of the market
c) Raw material procurement
d) Price considerations
e) Promotion strategy
9. Operation strategy
a) Site and facilities available
b) Equipment and/or machines available and required
c) Transportation and storage
d) Timetable and schedules
e) Monitoring and maintenance system
10. Inputs and resources required
a) Physical
b) Material
c) Financial
d) Human
e) Technical
11. Expected Benefits
a) ------
b) ------
c) ------
d) ------
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
45
12. Expenditure details
Expenditure head Details Amount in Rs
Non recurring expenses Land
Building
Machinery
Instruments and
equipments
Erection charges
Office furniture
Working capital
Subtotal (A)
Recurring expenses Raw Material
Administrative and
supervision cost
Labor
Rent
Electricity
Water
Business Promotion
Telephone and postage
Stationery
Miscellaneous
Subtotal (B)
Total sub-project cost (A+B)
13. Sources of finance
a) Group/own contribution Rs.
b) Project grant Rs.
c) Loan/credit from financial institutions Rs.
14. Cost of production (per month)
a) Monthly Recurring expenses Rs.
b) Depreciation on machine and building, etc. Rs.
c) Interest on loan Rs.
15. Income (per month)
a) Sale of product Rs.
b) Bank interest Rs.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
46
16. Profit (per month)
Income in Rs. - Cost of production in Rs. = Profit in Rs.
17. Resolution of the group
Decision to undertake the above sub-project by the group was taken in the
group’s general meeting held on (date) ______________, at
_______________.
Signature of the group secretary Signature of the group
president/leader
7.11 What is the process of making sub – project agreement?
In case where the works are awarded either to the user groups/Beneficiaries or
to a contractor, the GP will enter into separate agreements with each such
agency. This agreement will form the basis of legal relationship between the
GP and the executing agency. Works to be executed will be governed by the
agreement and the works committee will ensure that the works are executed in
accordance with terms and conditions agreed. In case works is allotted to a
line department, the existing government procedures in this respect will be
followed. (see FMM)
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
47
8. IMPLEMENTATION AND EXECUTION OF THE GPWDP
8.1 What are the basic implementation processes of the GPWDP?
The implementation of our GPWDP involves the following broad steps, many
of which may overlap in terms of occurrence:
8.1.1 GPWLP Approval
After the evolution of participatory GPWLP, it is technically appraised at the
field and desk, and presented at the GS for approval and launching of
implementing GPWLP will be announced.
8.1.2 Launching of GPWLP Implementation
After the preparation of the GPWDP and its approval by the gram sabha and
the Project, the GP and the Project will enter into an agreement for
implementation of the project in the GP. The agreement would form the basis
of the legal relationship and inter se responsibilities between the two parties
and includes the following aspects:
The scope of activities to be carried out by the GP;
Roles and responsibilities of the parties to the contract;
Cost of the contract;
Disbursement of funds, maintenance, and operation of bank account;
Collection and utilization of beneficiary contribution;
Planning and budgeting;
Financial management including maintenance of accounts, execution
of works and payments, procurement, reporting, and audit of accounts;
and
Dispute settlement/conflict resolution;
The agreement will be in the TOR - 1 format and will be signed by an
authorized representative on behalf of the Project, and the pradhan or a
member of the GP, authorized for this purpose, on behalf of the GP. Both the
parties will affix their seals on the agreement.
8.1.3 Opening of a project bank account
The GP will open a separate account in a scheduled bank or a cooperative
bank that would bear the nomenclature “HP Mid Hills Watershed
Development Project Account – Gram Panchayat (name of the gram
panchayat)” (the project bank account). The project bank account can be a
saving or current account and should preferably be with a bank operating in
the panchayat area itself. In case appropriate banking facilities are not
available in the panchayat area, the bank account can be opened with a bank
operating in a nearby area.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
48
The project bank account opened will be a “No – Lien Account” implying that
the funds kept therein cannot be attached to any proceedings against the GP.
The Project will have the right to direct the bank to freeze the bank account on
written instructions given to the bank.
The project bank account will be operated under the joint signatures of the
pradhan and the secretary. In case of casual vacancy in the office of the
pradhan, the co - signatory will be the Up Gram pradhan and in case of a
vacancy in this office also, one of the GP members will be the co – signatory,
authorized by the GP in this behalf.
8.1.4 Formation of various groups
At this stage the concerned GP along with designated project staff will start
formation of user groups, SHGs, EAGs and other necessary groups.
8.1.5 Community contribution mobilization
Cost sharing starts immediately GPWDP approval as per the project norms
decided during the planning process. This is collected from the community for
meeting capital cost or/and for operation and maintenance (O & M) of the
assets created under the project.
8.1.6 Disbursement of HP Mid Himalayan Watershed implementation fund to the
GP
The GPs will receive funds from two sources, namely -
Grant provided by the Project
The “HP Mid Himalayan Watershed Project Implementation Fund”,
which will be in the form of a grant for implementation of the project
activities including works and remuneration of project personnel and
overheads employed exclusively for the project under component two -
Watershed Development and Management.
Beneficiary Contribution
This is collected from the community for meeting capital cost or/and for
operation and maintenance (O & M) of the assets created under the
project.
The implementation fund will be made available to the GPs under two broad
heads:
For works included in the approved annual action plan/budget for the
relevant year; and
For meeting the remuneration of the para accountant and the motivator
appointed specifically for the project and overheads such as office
expenditure, travel, stationery etc.
The first installment will be an initial, on account payment equivalent to 10%
of the value of the annual work plan/budget (excluding expenditure covered
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
49
under stream two) and will be released by the Project on signing of the
agreement, approval of the annual work plan/budget, opening of Project bank
account, appointment of para accountant and facilitator and on a request made
by the GP to the WDC.
The next three installments will be of 25% each, calculated on the value of the
annual work plan/budget (excluding expenditure covered under stream two).
For each further reimbursement desired by the GP, it will submit a request to
the WDC in the prescribed format (see FMM)
The last installment of 15% will be disbursed on a request being made by the
GP to the WDC giving the summary of sources and uses of funds and
accompanied with a status report.
Disbursement under this stream will be made in two installments: a) 50% of
the estimated annual expenditure will be disbursed on signing of the
agreement and appointment of the para accountant and the facilitator on a
request by the GP, b) The second and final installment of balance 50% will be
released on utilization of the first installment in full and the GP submitting
details of utilization of the funds along with a request for disbursement. (see
FMM).
8.1.7 Identification of Jankars
Community-based Resource Persons (Jankars) identified by the GP and
confirmed by the Gram Sabha to undergo training to support and assist in
implementation of the project activities.
8.1.8 Capacity building of community groups
This is required to strengthen community’s participation in the project in an
effective way. Measures like exposure visits and structured training programs
will be initiated by the GP and the project staff for the development of the
community groups’ capacity in terms of group action, leadership, technical
know-how, and financial and participatory management of the project.
8.1.9 Execution of works
All said and done, execution of the decided activities is what we have been so
far trying to arriving at. This is the most important stage through the
implementation process and requires our highest involvement and
participation.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
50
What activities will be implemented will depend on our village needs and
people’s livelihoods requirement and hence, will vary from village to village.
However, below is given a general design to show how execution of GPWDP
activities can take place:
Watershed Treatment (ridge to valley approach)
Set up demonstrations
Raise plantations
Undertake non-arable land treatment
Initiate arable land treatment
Introduce high value crops where possible
Enhance fodder resources
Introduce composting
Introduce IPM for crops
Start Income Generating Activities
Facilitate infrastructure support
Implement Tribal Strategy
Initiate CB inputs as required
Start livestock development program
Introduce IPM for livestock development
Develop linkages of Panchayats with markets, financial institutions, research
organizations, universities etc
Prepare guidelines for revolving funds and make it operational
Start preparing federations
Implement exit strategy
Consolidate gains made and lessons learnt
Start exploring funding from central, state and other sources
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
51
8.1.10 Participatory Monitoring & Learning
With the implementation and execution of the project works comes the
responsibility to ensure quality and standard in our work and see that
everything is going as per the decided schedule. This is done in a participatory
way in which all the project stakeholders participate including the community.
8.1.11 Sustainability of various community groups/institutions
Creation of community groups and institutions will bear fruit only when they
work and deliver on a long-term basis. This we may do by building self-reliant
mechanisms and creating appropriate capacity, facilitating backward and
forward linkages, and creating fruitful interface with both public and private
sector.
8.1.12 Operation & Maintenance
We as user Groups are supposed to take over the operation and maintenance
function of the project; the process for preparing the groups for O&M will be
initiated at the preparation phase and during planning and will be strengthened
along the implementation process.
8.2 What are the procurement procedures at community level?
One of the most important activities in implementing a business plan is
procuring goods, works, materials and other support services required for
implementation of the business plan.
Depending upon the nature of business plans, in most cases, 60%-80% of the
cost of business plans is constituted by cost towards various goods, materials
and services. Therefore, procurement methods should be selected considering
economy and efficiency, and appropriate procurement procedures followed.
Inefficient procurement can result in:
Increased cost of business plan.
Decreased quality of facilities and services
Implementation delays
8.3 What are guidelines for community procurement?
Under the HPMHWDP program, communities are empowered to follow the
following principles to carry out procurement of works, goods, materials and
services:
All procurement procedures must be carried in an open and transparent
manner and displaying all details of procurement at prominent places
in the village.
Transparency mechanisms for procurement need to be there from the
beginning and not only when the procurement has taken place.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
52
The procurement process should be known and informed to all. Every
body should have access to know the process; parties involved, prices
offered by them, method to select the party and details of selected
parties and product.
Purchase materials and hire services locally where ever it is possible.
For direct purchase of non-comparable goods such as cattle, seeds and
plants - no quotation is required
Equal opportunity must be given to all suppliers interested in supplying
items to the GP and uniform evaluation procedures must be adopted.
Services of experts should be utilized wherever possible.
Items procured should meet the required technical specifications and
the quality standards, and the “best price” including comparing with
Govt. rates.
Service area, guarantee period must be ensured for the materials to be
purchased.
8.4 What are the advantages of community procurement?
There are many advantages of community procurement:
Communities are able to get the best price from the suppliers and
procure items at optimum cost which will ensure savings and quality
Community is accountable and takes responsibility for the decision
which is advantageous to the community members
Communities can use local labor, local materials, and indigenous
knowledge
Communities will improve skills and gain confidence in implementing
participatory development sub-projects
Communities will display information related to procurement actions
for the information of communities thus ensuring transparency of their
transactions
Helps in procuring the best things and services within the budget on
time.
Helps in protecting our interest and judiciously use the money.
Helps in avoiding undue pressure from political parties or leaders or
others.
8.5 Who is accountable and responsible?
GP is accountable for all procurement undertaken at the village level
User Group/EAG/SHG members are responsible for all procurement
made by User Group/EAG/SHG
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
53
8.6 What are the methods and thresholds/upper limit for community
procurement
Wherever we have to make community procurement we have to go by the
following Rules:
S.No. Items to be
Procured
Upper limit value Procurement method
1 Works Rs.50000 per work Community to execute themselves- Directly
contract with local organizations-SHGs/SHG
Federation/GP or carry out the works
themselves, but take the technical or managerial
assistance from WDO or WDCO and pay for the
services of individual experts hired with the help
of WDO or WDCO
Rs.200000 per work Procurement by written quotation inviting at
least 3 quotations from qualified domestic
contractors.
Rs.500000 per work Open tender by inviting bids through
advertisement in local newspaper.
2 Goods Rs.2500 per bill Direct Purchase
Rs.5000 per bill Direct purchase from local market (following
quality & specification standard)
Rs.10000 per bill Procurement by shopping procedures. Written
quotation-at least 3 quotations (following
quality, quantity and other specification
standards)
Rs.100000 per bill Open tender by inviting bids through
advertisement in local newspaper.
3 Services No limit Selection by a committee based on merit from
among the community members.
Services
(Individuals
and Firms)
Rs.1000 per month Single source/comparing of CVs of at least 3
individuals/firms.
Services
(Individuals
and Firms)
Rs.10000 per task/per
month
Invite 3 or more proposals and select based on
consultant qualifications, cost and experience
Services
(Individuals
and Firms)
Rs.50000 per task/per
month
By advertising in local newspaper and selection
based on quality and competence
NOTE: The thresholds in the above tables must be discussed in the Gram Sabha. The Gram
Sabha, if it so wishes, can decide on lower thresholds than those mentioned in the tables but it
CANNOT raise the thresholds beyond the limits given in the tables. Forestry Works will also be
done using community contracting for works.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
54
8.7 What is the process of control and supervision over execution of works?
The works under the project will be executed under the overall control and
supervision of the works committee of the GP. Proposals pertaining to
execution of works, such as appointment of implementing agencies,
finalization/revision of estimates, passing of bills etc., can be concluded only
when the recommendations of the works committee have been obtained. The
technical personnel of the GP will assist the works committee. These
personnel are the Takniki Sahayaks on the panel of the GP and the Junior
Engineer, Assistant Engineer and Executive Engineer of the Department of
Rural Development, Government of HP.
8.8 Which are the implementing agencies for works execution?
The GP can execute the works through one or more of the following modes:
Through the User Groups or the Beneficiaries operating in the area
where the work is to be implemented
Through Contractors
Through the Government Line Departments
First preference will be given to agencies mentioned in (a) above. However, if
these agencies express their inability to execute the works, the GP can engage
a contractor or allot the work to a line department. In such a situation, the GP
will obtain, in writing, from the village level agencies, a letter stating their
inability to execute the works proposed to be allotted to them.
8.9 How to do construction supervision?
The GP and the executing agencies will take technical guidance and execute
the works under the overall supervision of the Takniki Sahayak and/or the
Junior Engineer. Advice of the frontline multi sectoral team of the WDC can
also be taken. The stages of inspection and test checks as given in Rule 105 of
the Finance Rules, 2002 will be followed.
8.10 How to settle disputes?
In case of any dispute relating to execution of works, the matter will first be
referred to the works committee and efforts will be made to resolve the issue
at this forum. The works committee will forward its recommendations to the
GP. In case the matter is not resolved at this level, it would be taken up at a
meeting of the GP, who will decide upon it, considering the recommendations
of the works committee. If the parties are still aggrieved, the matter will be
referred to the WDC whose decision will be final and binding on all the parties
concerned.
8.11 What is the process of social audit?
The GP will exercise social audit in letter and spirit. The responsibility for
facilitating social audit will rest upon the pradhan and s/he will ensure that the
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
55
following mechanisms of social audit are carried out. This is not an exhaustive
list and the GP can follow other methods also with the primary aim of
informing the gram sabha about the various facets of the project both during
planning and implementation stages.
The GPWDP and the annual work plans/budgets will be placed before
the gram sabha and their approval obtained.
The annual work plan/budget will be posted on the Notice Board in the
Panchayat Bhawan and at other conspicuous places such as schools or
community centers.
The Audit Reports and compliance will be placed before the meeting of
the gram sabha and discussed.
The gram sabha will be apprised of the physical and financial progress of
the Project at each of their meeting and the Status Report of works will
be placed in the meeting.
All Utilization Certificates will be got approved by the gram sabha.
The list of Beneficiaries will be posted on the Notice Board and other
conspicuous places.
The GP will also use the mechanism of wall writing to disseminate the
facts of the Projects such as the value of budget approved, the major
works to be undertaken, funds actually received etc. Such information
should be updated periodically, say once every quarter.
An Information Board will be placed at the location of all works giving
details of the nature of the works, the value thereof, the name of the
executing agency, schedule of implementation, expected man days etc.
The GP will also provide the information desired by any member of the
gram sabha and provide copy of any Project document.
For the success of social audit, it is essential that the meetings of the gram
sabha and the Up gram sabhas are held regularly with due quorum. The
pradhan, secretary and the respective ward members should specifically see
that such meetings are organized and held and constructive discussions take
place, so as to ensure the involvement of the community.
9. MONITORING AND POST- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
9.1 What is monitoring?
Monitoring is the regular observation, recording, analyzing and reporting of
activities and their results in a project.
It is a process to facilitate continuous review of the project activities to
achieve project goals in an efficient and effective manner.
As HPMHWDP is community demand driven, where much emphasis is put on
community’s direct involvement in planning and implementation roles,
monitoring process needs to be participatory.
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
56
In participatory monitoring, the community itself evaluates the project
outcome from time to time and takes decisions for further change in its action
plan, whenever required.
9.2 Why we need to monitor our project?
We need to monitor our project because we want to ensure that:
Action is taken as agreed and decided
Inputs and resources are utilized optimally and to the overall project
goal
Time schedule is adhered to for all action points, and
Our efforts get translated into desired outputs
9.3 Who will do monitoring?
The CAGs, the SHGs, the user groups, the panchayat members, and the
project staff have all an equal responsibility towards monitoring the project
activities on a continuous basis. However, the local community, in whose
interest is the project undertaken, has the primary role to play in all monitoring
activities. This is in the interest of the community itself.
9.4 What do we do in monitoring?
In monitoring we do the following:
Provide continuous feedback to the project management and other
stakeholders on the quality of project implementation;
Institutionalize learning mechanisms within the project;
Facilitate appropriate and timely decisions; and to assess the outcomes
and impact of the project vis-à-vis the objectives.
Monitoring is always done against certain monitoring indicators.
Some examples of monitoring activity are:
Preparing a baseline of the project- for assessing the pre-project
conditions and making comparison with what and how things have
changed due to project interventions
Performance tracking- tracking the progress and performance on a
periodic basis
Monthly review and planning meetings
Monthly reporting
Annual report
Mid-term review and impact assessment
_____________________________________
HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
57
9.5 What is a monitoring indicator?
A monitoring indicator is a qualitative and quantitative measure (signs) for
measuring or assessing the achievements of project activities, objectives and
outputs.
For example, if we decide that we have to get back our home before dark, we
will ensure that we do not miss the last bus to our village which reaches there
by five. One of the indicators to monitor the success of our plan here will be to
reach the bus stop in time.
Some examples of success indicators for our village could be:
10 Self-Help Groups established with at least Rs. 5000 in accounts
5 User Groups evolved and taking care of the resources they use in a
sustainable manner
60% of available treatable areas of non-arable land is treated
60% of available treatable areas of arable land is treated
20% increase in fodder availability over baseline
20% farmers have upgraded livestock
50% of farmers have access to improved veterinary care either through
public facility or through community-managed veterinary care
20% increase over baseline in area under high-value crops
30% of farmers adopting new technologies
At least 60% of the eligible households have benefited by the MLF
through business plans.
At least 25% of the funds for livelihood business plans are mobilized
through banks or other financial resources
At least 50% of target group have accessed the services of Livelihood
Resource Organizations.
At least 50% of CAGs working in partnership with private sector
organizations or other institutions
9.6 How shall the community assets created under HPMHWDP be
maintained such that they continue giving benefits year after year?
Project-financed assets, such as bridle paths, water harvesting structures,
tanks, etc. will be owned by user groups, who will be responsible for covering
operations and maintenance costs indefinitely.
‘Empowerment plans’ will be created for each participating GP, whereby, for
each asset, the costs of O&M are calculated along with the corresponding
beneficiary contribution required to cover these costs. These empowerment
plans will be developed by the GPs, with buy-in from line departments where
necessary, and made public to ensure transparency.