Scoping study to assess constraints and opportunities for sustaining the tank irrigation ecosystems and smallholder livelihoods in East India and Nepal

In eastern India and Nepal tanks (small reservoirs) are still used for irrigation, livestock and domestic purposes, but fisheries are emerging as their primary usage. Competition between irrigation and fisheries often creates a rift within communities, resulting in management issues that directly contribute to poor tank maintenance.

The primary objective of this 10-month scoping study was to investigate the characteristics of tanks and tank irrigation in East Indian states (West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa) and the terai (plains) of Nepal. The constraints identified and opportunities envisaged assisted in the development of a 3-year ACIAR research proposal.