A check dam is a small, sometimes temporary, dam constructed across a swale, drainage ditch, or waterway to counteract erosion by reducing water flow velocity. In contrast to big dams, check dams are implemented faster, are cost effective, and are smaller in scope. Because of this, their implementation does not typically displace people and communities nor do they destroy natural resources if designed correctly.Moreover, the dams are simple to construct and do not rely on advanced technologies – thereby they can be applied in rural communities with fewer resources or access to technical expertise, as they have been in Tripura's dry lands for some time now.