Total Project Cost: US$335,000

PEF Financing: US$250,000

Approval Date: 12 April 2005

Main Project Partner: Uttaranchal Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA)

Project Officer: Dan Millison, South Asia Department

Type of Intervention: Pilot Intervention

Status: Completed 

Summary:
The project demonstrated innovative approaches to enhance livelihood opportunities of the poor through sustainable management of watermills in selected project areas. It aimed to develop 10 model watermills in Uttaranchal to generate electricity and to serve as multi-purpose resource center to enhance the living standards of communities and to decrease forest degradation. The approach demands the involvement of beneficiary communities in all stages of project development and implementation to empower them and ensure subproject sustainability.

Poverty-Environment Linkage:
The energy generated through the project can be used to improve the living standard and livelihood options of the beneficiary communities as well as reduce deforestation by not having to depend on forest for fuel wood and fodder. Upgrading of the watermills with metal runners and chutes would also prevent forest degradation because it will not require wood for yearly repair.

Expected Outputs/Outcomes:

• 10 multi-purpose watermills established
• 10 watermills associations established at district level
• 1 watermill federation established at the state level
• 100 para technicians trained for operation and maintenance of watermills
• More than 200 users trained on income generating activities
• A directory of existing watermills in Uttaranchal prepared
• An operational manual developed
• Improved livelihoods and reduced deforestation

Major Components and Activities:

• Conduct of Survey to enlist watermill owners
• Preparation of the directory of existing watermills
• Development of 10 model watermills as multi-purpose centers
• Formation and training of district level watermill and state watermill federation
• Training of 100 para watermill technicians
• Capacity building of watermill association and federation
• Mobilization of resources for environment-friendly economic activities

Related Documents:

• PEP Proposal
• Project in Brief
• Final Report