WATER FOR PEOPLE INDIA
Terms of Reference (ToR)
Terms of Reference (TOR) for Conducting GIS based study to identify suitable location for plantation work and rejuvenation of existing water bodies in Bhojpur District of Bihar.
A. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Water For People India initiated its operations in West Bengal in 1996 in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Consistent with the global vision and mission, we exist to promote the development of safe drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses, and governments. Our organizational values are Accountability, Courage, Empowerment, Partnership and Transparency.
Water For People India programs have been implemented in 28 districts in West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. In all, nearly 1.2 million people have been reached through community drinking water and sanitation, WASH in public institutions and market-led approaches to sanitation. By 2023, Water For People India programs aim to directly benefit 2.7 million people. We aim to build capacities at the district level which will contribute to organizational commitments, thereby indirectly benefitting 14.8 million people. Water For People India implements programs directly and also through locally registered non-government organizations.
B. ABOUT THE PROJECT
As part of the Technical Support Unit (TSU), Water For People India and the Bhojpur district administration have planned to address water scarcity and waterlogging challenges in the district by adopting plantation work and waterbody rejuvenation work. Bhojpur, characterized by diverse topography and significant agricultural potential, faces issues with water management, deforestation, and environmental degradation. Comprehensive catchment area planning, focusing on the rejuvenation of dry rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals, is essential for sustainable development. The study aims to implement innovative irrigation systems, waterbody rejuvenation and plantation work using best practices and technologies.
Bhojpur, covering 3,395 square kilometers, is surrounded by the Sone River to the east, the Dharmavati-Gangi rivers to the west, the Vindhyan hills to the south, and the Ganga River to the north. The district’s population is 2,720,155, with 2,331,450 in urban areas and 3,88,705 in rural areas (2011 census). It comprises three subdivisions: Ara Sadar, Jagdishpur, and Piro, and fourteen CD blocks. Positioned in the central Ganga basin, Bhojpur features the Ganga on its northern boundary and the Sone on its eastern boundary. The Dharmavati and Gangi rivers also play significant roles in the district’s drainage system. Bhojpur has a net cropped area of 1,910 sq km and a gross cropped area of 2,200 sq km, with no forest cover. The agricultural calendar runs from July to June, divided into four seasons: Bhadai, Aghani, Rabi, and Garma. Agriculture is the primary livelihood for over 80% of the population.
C. PURPOSE OF ENGAGEMENT
The consultant/firm will undertake the following tasks:
Data Collection and Review:
Collect and review existing data and reports on the catchment area of Bhojpur district.
Conduct field surveys to gather primary data where necessary, including hydrological, topographical, and environmental data.
Engage with local stakeholders to understand their needs and incorporate indigenous knowledge.
GIS Mapping:
Develop detailed GIS maps of the catchment area, highlighting existing natural resources, infrastructure, and land use patterns.
Identify and map dried up rivers, lakes, ponds and canals and other critical water bodies that require rejuvenation.
Map current and potential plantation areas suitable for reforestation and afforestation activities in no forest area.
Analysis and Planning:
Conduct spatial analysis to assess the catchment area’s potential for sustainable development planning.
Propose innovative technologies, best practices, and strategic locations for rejuvenation of dry rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals, based on historic hydrogeological data and field observations.
Implementation Plan:
Develop a phased implementation plan, outlining key activities, timelines, and resource requirements.
Recommend best practices and innovative technologies for catchment area planning.
Prepare detailed cost estimates and a budget for the district’s proposed plans.
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement:
Organize workshops and meetings to present findings, gather feedback, and build consensus on the proposed plans.
Develop informational materials and manuals to support ongoing capacity building and knowledge transfer.
D. LOCATION
Bhojpur, Bihar.
E. DELIVERABLES
Objectives of the Assignment:
Identify the old track for rejuvenation of dry rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals in the district based on detailed study and GIS based mapping.
Identify the suitable pockets for plantation and support in planning and implementation of plantation work in the district.
Promotion of sustainable development of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) systems in data-poor regions.
Deliverables:
Inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, and timeline.
Comprehensive time specific GIS maps of the catchment area in Bhojpur district.
Detailed analytical report on the current state and potential for sustainable development.
Strategic plan for the re-establishment of dry rivers and canals and potential area for afforestation.
Final report incorporating feedback from stakeholders and presenting a consolidated plan for sustainable catchment area development planning.
F. TIMEFRAME
The assignment is expected to be completed within 45 days, starting from the date of contract signing.
G. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
The following experience and qualifications should be held by the agency/consultant:
Proven expertise in GIS mapping and spatial analysis of more than 5 years.
Experience in hydrogeological and environmental studies.
Knowledge of statistical analysis.
Knowledge of sustainable development practices and technologies.
Experience in working with local communities and stakeholders.
Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
H. REPORTING AND DELIVERABLES
The following deliverables must be submitted by the agency/consultant:
Within a week of the study starting, provide an inception report outlining the methodology, data collection tools, and work plan.
Draft report for feedback and review highlighting the study’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
A final report that incorporates feedback and presents a comprehensive analysis of the study, challenges encountered, and recommendations for future planning.
I. Submission of the Proposal.
Interested consultants/firms are invited to submit a detailed proposal, including:
Technical approach and methodology.
Work plan and timeline.
Team composition and CVs of key personnel.
Relevant experience and past projects.
Financial proposal.
Proposal send to “indiacareers@waterforpeople.org within 03rd Oct,24
J. Data Rights
All information, reports and data, both print and electronic that may have been designed specifically for this document, in whatever format, will belong to Water For People India. The consultant may not use the data for their own research purposes, nor license the data to be used by others, without the written consent from Water For People.
Job Email ID: indiacareers(at)waterforpeople.org
