Catchment Area Treatment

As part of the forest land transfer proposals pertaining to Hydro-electric power generation in particular, Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plans are another mandatory activities that are required to be implemented as per the approved DPRs of the works. Clean and silt-free water flow is the key requirement of any hydropower project.  Degradation of land and forest in the catchment  of the source river may activate flow of mud, silt, sand particles and other forms of debris with the water flowing towards the turbines that may damage the  wings in the long run loosing smooth movement and costing the replacement charges of turbines to the companies. CAT plans (DPRs) are prepared along with the hydro power projects by the concerned forest divisions to be implemented over a period of seven years.  The idea is to undertake such treatment measures so as to minimise the soil erosion.  Guidelines have been issued by the State Government for preparation of DPRs divided into following four phases:-

a. Preparatory Phase

b. Project Management Phase

c. Watershed Development Phase

d. Consolidation Phase

The Preparatory Phase is basically a micro level planning phase that includes entry point activities (such as minor repairs of community structures like drinking water schemes, water source/spring etc.), training and capacity building of villagers & project staff, publicity, documentation etc. The Project Management is the component for Management Information System (MIS), Monitoring and Evaluation, control system, Baseline/midterm/end term studies, salaries of the project staff/subject experts, allowances, vehicle hiring, communication cost etc. for implementing agencies and the Project Management units.

The main component of CAT plans is the Watershed Development Works which includes plantations of fuel wood & fodder species and establishment of silvi-pastoral plantations; treatment of drainage line with biotic/brushwood check dams, gully plugging, RR checkdams, cratwire structures, sidewalls, spurs, retaining walls etc.; water conservation works such as water collection tank, pacca minor rogationon channels, repair of water sources, percolation pits etc.; community payments for eco-services; wildlife management; livelihood development including poultry, horticulture, cottage industry, local craftmanship, handicrafts, NTFP trainings and support under non farm sector; revolving fund; agricultural development, vermi composting, high density demonstrations, improved agricultural tools; animal husbandry; training and support for micro industries like eco tourism, homestay etc.; The consolidation phase is designed mainly for the implementation of withdrawal plan, closing etc.

CAT PLANS RUNNING UNDER CAMPA