Water
Resource Management
Crop
production in Bundelkhand is characterised by low yield and rain fed
agriculture. In the absence of proper water resource planning and
management, most of the natural ponds and lakes are getting dried up.
Delay in pre monsoon showers and slow onset of monsoon causes great
damage to the crops. Excessive precipitation causes rapid runoff on
slopes resulting in heavy soil loss as well as siltation of the river
bed. The inclined topography of the area, less water absorption capacity
of the soil, unscientific cultivation practices, lack of proper soil and
water conservation measures and people’s participation, non-transparent
developmental schemes and programmes are the major cause for water
stress in the region.
Efficient
use and management of available rainwater through storage options along
with ground water recharge is the practical solution if cropping
intensity and production is to be enhanced. The practice of rainwater
harvesting in ponds, drainage and reusing the stored water for life
saving irrigation of crops and also for domestic purposes is prevalent
in the region. Implementation of community water management schemes with
maximum people’s participation is the suitable option to mitigate all
the ill effects of drought and soil erosion prevalent in the region.
Harvesting of rainwater through micro irrigation has the potential to
revolutionise the agriculture sector by enhancing productivity and
quality of agricultural production in the region.
Water
harvesting is best done by catching the water where it falls. Rainwater
harvesting, irrespective of the technology used, essentially means
storing water in the days of abundance for use in the lean days.
Rainwater harvesting helps to meet the increasing demand for water,
reduce the runoff and soil erosion which is choking the drains and
increase ground water recharge. The total amount of rainwater harvested
in the year 2019-20 by the Development Alternatives team is 612 TCM
which was captured through tank and water body rejuvenation in the area.
■
Rishab Singh
rsingh@devalt.org
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