Seva Sankalp Abhiyan: Water conservation gives farmers in Sarwani a dual benefit
Janjgir-Champa, September 2026: A check dam constructed across the Lakhali Daha stream in Sarwani Gram Panchayat of Bamhni Dih development block has emerged as a useful asset for water conservation and agricultural support, changing the situation for villagers.
Earlier, water from the stream would flow away rapidly during the monsoon, resulting in limited water availability during the summer months. With the construction of the check dam, water is now retained for a longer period. The increased moisture in agricultural land along the stream has provided farmers with greater support for cultivation.
The check dam was constructed by Sarwani Gram Panchayat during the financial year 2025-26 under the employment guarantee scheme. The project was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 19.90 lakh, including Rs 3.775 lakh for wages and Rs 16.125 lakh for materials.
The construction generated approximately 1,444 person-days of employment, providing local employment opportunities to rural workers while simultaneously creating a permanent water-conservation asset for the village.
Following the construction of the check dam, water retention in the stream has increased. The moisture retained in nearby agricultural fields has enabled farmers to cultivate not only paddy but also vegetables.
The gradual percolation of stored water into the ground is expected to support groundwater recharge. The structure can also help reduce soil erosion and ensure the availability of water for livestock.
Employment assistant Dhaneshwar Shrivas said the check dam had proved beneficial for villagers. According to him, it has provided support to farmers for cultivation while also generating employment for local workers during its construction.
Farmer Devkumar Karsh said his agricultural land is located alongside the stream. With the check dam helping retain water, moisture remained in his fields and supported paddy cultivation.
Other farmers, including Babulal and Resham Kashyap, also shared their experiences and described the benefits they had received from the check dam.
The Sarwani check dam is an example of rural development in which employment generation has been combined with water conservation and agricultural support. Featured as a ‘Seva Ki Kahani’ during the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, the initiative demonstrates how rainwater that previously flowed away quickly is now being retained and put to productive use for the benefit of the rural community.
