Evaluation of Farm Ponds (Dobhas) and its Impact on Livelihoods

Aims & Objectives: The State Government had taken up the construction of over one lakh Dobhas in Jharkhand in mission mode. In the wake of such target and an extensive and intensified scale of construction, with a little pre-existing research on the assets created under MGNREGA, the purpose of the study was to understand the impact of the construction of these dobhas on the livelihood of the people who are also the beneficiaries of this scheme.

Methodology: This study undertook an impact assessment of construction of farm ponds or dobhas on the livelihood of the direct and indirect beneficiaries of the asset constructed under the MGNREGA. A primary survey conducted by the IHD team specifically for this purpose formed the basis of the analysis. Mixed method approach was applied and the respondents were the direct beneficiaries of the Dobhas.

Findings:

• Most of the on-going, as well as completed projects, lacked the basic minimum on-site facilities which are assured by the MGNREGA for the labourers.
• The productivity value of the MGNREGA assets was greatly reduced due to siltation and damaged stairs of the Dobhas which was reported to be a recurring problem and demanded a periodic restructuring of the Dobhas.
• Cases of delayed construction of Dobhas were reported mainly due to the lack of timely payment of wages because of incorrect bank account numbers which resulted in further delay in payment of wages to the workers.