Afforestation
DVC has brought around more than 2,00,000 ha of forest and waste land under forest cover through its afforestation programme.
Watershed Management
Watershed management is the activity through which DVC is helping to preserve the delicate ecological balance of nature. Combating soil erosion and decay of soil specifically in the upper valley region and conserving the life of dams are major concerns for DVC.
Different strategies adopted through watershed management have been contributed significantly to the life span of DVC’s reservoirs. There has been a 50% depletion in sediment production in comparison to pre-conservation stage. Sedimentation has been reduced to 3.20 ha mtr./100 sq. km per year from 7.9 ha mtr./100 sq. km per year.
The yearly siltation rate of Panchet dam has come down from 2% to 0.2% and in Maithon from 1.5% to 1.35%.
Research & Training On Soil Conservation
DVC’s 142 ha soil conservation experiment station has created a data bank on climate, erosion, run-off and soil loss. It also conducts research on land use covering agronomy, agrostrology, forestry, and orchard crops. Effective and economic techniques of soil and water conservation are worked out to optimize utilization of land. Soil is tested in DVC’s Soil Testing Laboratory with research oriented approach.
Appreciating the pioneering role and expertise of DVC, Government of India provides subsidy for running a soil conservation centre at Hazaribagh. The centre imparts training to project and field level officers deputed by different government departments and local farmers.