From Community Management to Disrepair: A Case Study on the Collapse of Phad Irrigation in Sakri Tehsil of Dhule District (M.S.)

Abstract

The Andhra river basin is famous for the 'Phad' irrigation syste. The total length of the Pazara river is 138 km, and its basin covers approximately 3257 sq. km. It is an important river in Dhule district. The Kan river is its major tributary.The Phad irrigation system is a traditional and community-managed water distribution method predominantly found in the Sakri tehsil of Maharashtra, India. This indigenous system has been in use for centuries, serving as a testament to the creativity of local farmers in managing limited water resources. The Phad system entails the diversion of river water through a network of canals and distributaries to irrigate agricultural fields. This article examines the historical significance, operational dynamics, and socio-economic implications of the Phad irrigation system in Sakri tehsil. It also brings to light the challenges that the system faces in the contemporary era and the urgent need for its preservation and revitalization.