Riverbank Protection
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2015-08-13 11:34 Updated: 2019-06-04 15:32
Compilers: Shreedip Sigdel
Reviewers: David Streiff, Alexandra Gavilano
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Nepal
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Gobardiha-9, Madhabpur, Dang District,
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
Local materials and knowledge can be used to construct low-cost structural measures that help to prevent the erosion of riverbanks and the loss of agricultural and residential land.
Detailed description of the Technology
Riverbank cutting occurs naturally along the rivers that run along the foothills of the Chure (Siwalik) range in Nepal when the stream collides with the river bank or the bank is eroded by water coming from agricultural land above the affected area. When riverbank cutting occurs, it leaves behind an eroded area shaped like a small cliff. This erosion takes place naturally and is difficult to stop because the site is devoid of natural vegetation. It is important to undertake conservation measures because when the riverbank is eroded it damages agricultural land and decreases soil fertility. When the productivity of the land is decreased it affects the lives and livelihoods of nearby communities most of whom are subsistence farmers.
Purpose of the Technology: Communities have developed local measures to help protect the riverbanks and to prevent further erosion and cutting. This technology uses both structural and vegetative measures to help control the erosion and protect both agricultural land and settlement areas from flooding. Check dams are placed at intervals to divert water, additional support is provided by spurs. Bamboo rhizomes are planted between them and Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is planted at the back of the structures so that as the plants grow their roots help to anchor the structure. The washed out areas can be used to generate some income by planting them with greenery and fruit trees. The site needs to be monitored annually and where necessary the structures either need to be repaired or supplemented by building additional structures.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: This technology is a blend of local skills and expertise with some external technical input. The key features of the technology are as follow:
• It uses locally available construction materials, tools, equipment, and vegetation.
• It is easy to replicate.
• It is affordable for local people.
• It is environmentally friendly.
A demonstration plot was established by the District Soil Conservation Office (DSCO) in Dang, but the technology needs to be replicated in other areas with action research and experience
Photos of the Technology
- 📷 Udhaw Ghimire
- 📷 Udhaw Ghimire