Design and Estimation of a Composite Earthen Dam at Gokuldham, Chikhale, Belagavi

To meet the water requirements of the habitants of Gokuldham Vedic village, composite earthen dam is proposed across a stream flowing through the area. Surveying of the catchment area and the dam site was done to arrive at various quantities necessary to plan and design the proposed dam. The main aim of this project is to construct the dam using naturally available materials by excluding man-made materials such as cement and machineries without affecting the local ecology of the region. Soil from different sources within the property was tested for suitability to construct different parts of the dam. These test results are presented in this article. A detailed report including estimated quantities and cost of construction is submitted to the village panchayat for the approval of budget. The construction will begin after its approval. This article briefly describes the entire process of planning, designing, and quantity estimation for the proposed earthen dam.