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| Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems in Nepal - Bhanu Bahara Irrigation System |
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Reference |
| Pradhan, Prachanda (----), "Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems in Nepal", (Prachanda Pradhan is Head, Nepal Field Operations of International Irrigation Management Institute (IIMI), Khatmandu, Nepal) |
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Introduction to the Institution |
| The local people associate Bhanu Bharah with Bhanu Bahkta Acharya, a classical Nepalese poet, for his contribution to construction of the irrigation canal that feeds the plains of Chundi river valley in Tanahau district. Over time, the Bhanu Bharah area under irrigation expanded.
Until 1961, the system was managed by the family of Bhanu Bhakta. From 1961, this system has effectively made the transition from a family-managed system to farmer-managed system. Bhanu Bharah has only one source of water to irrigate 120 ha and strict discipline is imposed to distribute and maintain the system. |
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Coverage of the Institution |
| The plains of Chundi river in Tanahau district. Currently the command area is estimated to be about 120 ha. |
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Rules for Management
of the Institution |
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(a) Boundary Rules |
| Spatial: The command area of Chundi river in Tanahau district extending to 120 ha.
Social: There are currently 92 farmers who participate in the system. Understandably, the system serves the farmers in teh command area mentioned. |
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(b) Governance
rules |
| A committee of seven memembers are elected from among the farmers of the system in 1961. These members have terms of one year which are subject to renewal based on job performance. The committee consists of a chairman, a vice-chairman, a secretary, a treasurer and three other members. They meet once every fortnight.
The written regulations of Bhanu Bharah irrigation system mention the work division of the memebrs, facilities for the committee members, resource mobilization, water distribution in normal times, water distribution during stress times, and punishment and fines.
Maintenance is divided into dam construction and main canal repair. The farmers have to contribute to both activities separately. Those who fail to participate are fined. The fine is fixed at 50 percent more than the current wage rate in the area. Committee members are exempt from contributing labor for their land up to 20 mato muri (0.25 ha). In addition to maintenance, labor is mobilized during crises (i.e. if a bund breaches or the brush dam washes out).
The main canal is cleaned at least once a year. The main canal is cleaned first, and then the farmers on the separate field channels clean those channels. The irrigation committee supervises the maintenance on the main system.
Each year, the canal is strengthened and enlarged to bring more area under irrigation. Bringing more are under irrigation means increasing labor mobilizing for repair and maintenance. Landowners are not compensated for the land used to realign the canal.
Maintenance during the wheat or early paddy season is not considered a group activity. The farmers who grow crops during these seasons are responsible for system. |
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(c) Resource Allocation |
| During the paddy season, the water in the river is sufficient to supply a continuous flow of water throughout the system. The farmers make outlets on the main canal to get water, and during the monsoon season, farmers take water as they need it. Water is not allocated in proportion to cropped land.
However, if there is shortage of water during the paddy season (or during the wheat and early paddy season), a rotation system is introduced throughout the system. The irrigation committee meets at these times and edecides the rotation schedule. During times of water stress, each outlet has only a specified amount of water flow in proportion to the land to be irrigated. Therefore, the type of water allocation system depends onthe availability of water. |
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Conflict Resolution Mechanism |
| When conflict arises during the alignment of the canal, the committee settles such issues with the landowner. To avoid conflict over water distribution during early paddy season, a rotation system is followed. While the committee is responsible for most conflict resolution, at the farm level the farmers settle water conflicts among themselves.
Conflicts in water distribution were reported to occur after, but are usually not serious. Such conflicts are generally started by downstream farmers who need water. Resolution was reported to occur through discussion among the parties involved; often with the help of the region's committee member. |
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Problems Faced by Institution |
| Not reported |
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Changes in the Institution over time |
| Not reported |
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Other Features of Institution |
| - |
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Purpose |
| Management of irrigation system |
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Country |
| Nepal |
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Region |
| Tanahau district |
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Date Of Publication |
| Srinivas: 20/07/96 |
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