Ground Water Management Expert, Former Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resource Government of India
Recent water crises is affecting about one forth of Indian population. The situation is becoming more and worse as the summer is advancing. People are dying and even committing suicide. We are blaming the drought which is partially correct but we knew by the end of August that the rainfall is less but failed take measures till it has become critical. I am not sure whom to blame. Is it political or administrative or technical fault due to which common men is suffering? Why timely measures were not taken to ensure at least domestic water needs and now additional funds are being asked just to transport water. When we will change our mind set from construction to management mode. This can be done with the close cooperation of politicians, administrators, technologist, scientists and last but not the least with community participation.
Drought is very common in our country and some parts states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra are regularly suffering. In Maharashtra sugarcane is grown in Rain shadow zone which not suitable as per agro-climatic zones. In Vidherbha every year suicides are being committed by framers due non payment of loan only. In this context I wish to high light some issues as follows:
- Basin/watershed/micro watershed wise water resources planning: This will help in future planning of water resources. The study will identify the areas having surplus/deficit water; both surface and GW. The net result will be how to cater the deficit areas and how to conserve surplus water, if any. Presently numerous water harvesting and TW are being constructed/drilled without assessing their impact. It might be possible that that due construction of new water harvesting structures , the existing structure are not filling to their capacity. Such situations can be avoided. This will also help in inter basin links and diversion of water for irrigation or drinking purposes for deficit areas.
- Bench Marking of Rural water and Urban water supply Schemes: This is one of the most impotent aspects which is neglected so far. Rajasthan was the first state in the country to do this and by doing this realistic picture emerged for various issues. This will provide all the information about the sources of water for water supply, quality of water being supplied, details about the users, efficiency of water supply, O& M cost, suggestions of improvement etc. Presently this information is not available at one place and CHQ is always dependent on field units. By doing this at one click all the issues can be collected and remedial measures can be taken without delay.
- Bench marking of Irrigation Schemes: This required for improving the irrigation efficiency. Presently the irrigation efficiency is very poor and it is about 25-30%. Further the O&M cost is increasing day by day but why it is not worked out. This will help addressing all such issues. If the surface water irrigation efficiency is increased by 10 percent, we will have sufficient water for irrigating the present irrigable areas. However the ground water irrigation efficiency which is about 70 percent can also be increased. To do this we have to stop flood irrigation shift to drip as the evaporation is also very high in sprinkler irrigation.
- Computerization of water supply TW data: Basically the Rural water supply is dependent on TW. The data of these tube wells is not available at one place and only either field units will have in their records or individual pump operator’s keep in their memory. It is observed that most of time the Pumps are lowered either of higher capacity or lower. If all the data such as depth, diameter, safe yield water level, quality, pump details etc are computerized it will help in maintenance and assured supply.
- Aquifer Mapping: In the most of states there is no separate organisation dealing with GW. Even the states which are rich in GW resources but over the years GW withdrawal will increase. Considering this fact that it is right time to prepare following based on available data and to be updated regularly:
- Preparation of State Hydro-geological Atlas on GIS Platform
- Preparation district Hydro-geological Atlas on GIS Platform
- Preparation Basin wise Hydro-geological Atlas on GIS Platform
- Developing the soft ware for community to asses GW resources by just feeding the water levels for better community participation. This has already done first time India by Rajasthan and for which National Geospatial Award was given. This soft ware can be put up on web site so that there is community participation for water management
- Optimisation of GW monitoring stations: In order to asses GW resources, water levels are monitored in Key wells. Presently these are distributed without much scientific background. Statistical methods are available for optimisation along with the location so that resources can be better assed.
- Water Laws: I have personally observed that huge volume of water daily wasted for car washing. Further there are no law for roof top rain water harvesting for big plots in urban areas. In most of states now such law is made. Further there may be other prevailing water laws which in the light of present scenario to be harmonised
- Conversion abandoned mine pits as RWH structures: The states which are rich in minerals and mining activity are also having numerous abandoned mine pits in which water fills and evaporates. These abandoned mine pits can be converted as RWH and Artificial recharge structures.
- RWH of storm water runoff from Roads: Huge volume of runoff is generated during the rainy season from NH and state highways. This water can be harvested and either stored and/or recharged to GW.
- Evaporation suppression: Evaporation from the surface water bodies in the state ranges from 1.5-2.5 m per annum out which about 80% is during summer which is huge loss. Techniques are available, which are echo friendly and the evaporation can reduced by 50-60%. This aspect to be taken care for better water management especially areas having less resource.
In order to avoid loan losses to farmers it is suggested that government with help of IMD and other water related departments should issue advisory to all banks about the water availability and with guidance of Reserve Bank Of India, the loan should be given. It will not only help the banks but also to farmers who commit suicide.
Last but not the least each state should prepare “Water Centric Policy” for proper management water resources. I hope politician and administration will rise now and try to shift from construction mode to management mode with community participation.
