Improved Agriculture with Springshade Development

Introduction The Mahabari Deopani area in Dooars region of West Bengal has perennial springs which are the only source of water for drinking and domestic consumption. In the last 3 years, these springs had started drying up and turned seasonal. Consequently, the homemakers had to trek upstream for about 500–700 m through sloped terrain to fetch water. Recharging of groundwater by checking run-off was found to be the only solution to rejuvenate the spring. Hence, a project to develop the upstream area for containment and slow release of run-off was undertaken by Gram Panchayat in Matiali Batabari of Matiali Development Block in Jalpaiguri District.