The operational logistics of the PIM mechanism

Farmers' participation is elicited at each step of water distribution and its management. From each reservoir/dam there is a head regulator that opens and shuts the gate which leaves water in the “major” (main) canal. A number of “minors” are dug on this major which serve to take water closer to the villages. These too are lined and are concretised. The maintenance and upkeep of the major is the state's responsibility while that of the minor is the responsibility of the farmers' organisation/water users association as the case may be. Regular maintenance of a minor involves desilting, weeding etc. Each farmer thereafter builds field channels to take water to his field and is responsible for digging and maintaining it as such.

PIM involves creating people's institutions to manage the resource. So usually there is a Canal Irrigation Society comprising of all the beneficiaries of the entire command area which could range from two villages to twelve. From this society 2-3 persons from each minor are elected to be part of the Executive Committee that takes the responsibility for water distribution and management and the daily upkeep and maintenance of the system. This committee is elected at the annual general body meeting of the Canal Irrigation Society. Usually each minor also has its own society with a minor leader.