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HIMACHAL PRADESH MID-HIMALAYAN
WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Community Operation Manual
AUTHORED BY MANOJ KUMAR SINHA
SRIJAN, NEW DELHI
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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
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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 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
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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
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 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
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 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
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 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.
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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.
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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
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 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
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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.
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 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
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 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.
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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
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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
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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
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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.
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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.
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 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.
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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;
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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
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 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
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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
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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
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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
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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
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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;
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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
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 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.
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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
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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
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HPMHWDP: Community Operation Manual,
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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.
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 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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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 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
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 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?
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 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
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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
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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) ------
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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 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
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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.
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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
COM revised_March 29a MK

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COM revised_March 29a MK

  • 1. HIMACHAL PRADESH MID-HIMALAYAN WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Community Operation Manual AUTHORED BY MANOJ KUMAR SINHA SRIJAN, NEW DELHI
  • 2. _____________________________________ 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
  • 3. _____________________________________ 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?
  • 4. _____________________________________ 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?
  • 5. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 6. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 7. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 8. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 9. _____________________________________ 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
  • 10. _____________________________________ 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
  • 11. _____________________________________ 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
  • 12. _____________________________________ 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
  • 13. _____________________________________ 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
  • 14. _____________________________________ 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
  • 15. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 16. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 17. _____________________________________ 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
  • 18. _____________________________________ 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
  • 19. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 20. _____________________________________ 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
  • 21. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 22. _____________________________________ 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
  • 23. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 24. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 25. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 26. _____________________________________ 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;
  • 27. _____________________________________ 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
  • 28. _____________________________________ 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
  • 29. _____________________________________ 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
  • 30. _____________________________________ 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;
  • 31. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 32. _____________________________________ 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
  • 33. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 34. _____________________________________ 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)
  • 35. _____________________________________ 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
  • 36. _____________________________________ 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)
  • 37. _____________________________________ 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
  • 38. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 39. _____________________________________ 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
  • 40. _____________________________________ 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
  • 41. _____________________________________ 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?
  • 42. _____________________________________ 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
  • 43. _____________________________________ 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
  • 44. _____________________________________ 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) ------
  • 45. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 46. _____________________________________ 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)
  • 47. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 48. _____________________________________ 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
  • 49. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 50. _____________________________________ 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
  • 51. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 52. _____________________________________ 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
  • 53. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 54. _____________________________________ 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
  • 55. _____________________________________ 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.
  • 56. _____________________________________ 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