The main objectives of the check dam projects were to recharge ground water reserves and increase the availability of water for agricultural purposes. As most of the check dams were not constructed as part of any comprehensive development plan but were stand-alone activities, they were not preceded by detailed community mobilization activities. In addition, the goals and objectives of the projects were not clearly defined during the planning phase and strategies for maintaining the check dams, as well as monitoring and evaluating the projects, were not outlined. With respect to selecting villages to participate in the projects, methods varied. In some cases, district and/or block level government officials chose the villages. In other cases, Development Alternatives recruited villages for involvement in the projects or the villagers themselves requested assistance from Development Alternatives.