Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Nov 23: The technique of conserving water, which was invented by agriculturist of Kodapadavu near Vittal, Nitile Mahabaleshwara Bhat ten years ago has become a government programme in Kerala. It is also in the process of getting implemented in Karnataka.
Bhat's technology is multipurpose. It can be used for conserving water as well as allow the commuting of light vehicles and as permanent bridge also. According to Bhat, the role of water expert Shreepadre is very important in making this technology popular.
The technology is very simple. By using concrete rings across small rivulets, two wheelers and auto-rickshaws can pass over it during the rainy season. Once the monsoon is over, if the asbestos sheet is lowered into the mouth of the cement ring, the water level gets increased to a great distance.
Special officer of Kasargod Development Package (KDP) E P Rajmohan said, "In the district of Kasargod, there is a plan to construct 3,000 ring check dams within a period of three years. As many as 600 will be completed this year and 384 projects are in progress."
At the same time, a proposal to construct a check dam under Udyoga Kathari scheme is sent to the state government from the Kadoor gram panchayat near Brahmavar in the district of Udupi.
Kadoor gram panchayat development officer Mahesh says, "If the check ring dam scheme gets approval at state level, it will be implemented throughout the state with required changes. It will be more useful for people of coastal and Malnad regions of the state. Farmers of Brahmavar and Kadoor are already aware of this technology. Some farmers have already started constructing ring check dams on their land."
The inventor of this technology, Nitile Mahabaleshwara Bhat says, "This thought came to my mind when I wanted to put up some system to cross the rivulet in my land to come to the verandah of my house. Engineers said that they need at least Rs 1.5 lac to build a small bridge. When I searched for alternatives, this idea struck my mind. I had spent Rs 36,000 at that time."