Rainwater harvesting to augment groundwater levels: a case study

Abstract

For past few years, the inhabitants of Khamnor block of Rajsamand district of Rajasthan are facing problems of declining water table, which has led to a situation that the old shallow wells with average depth of 20-30 m have become inoperative. The study area does not have any perennial source of water. The whole area surrounded by the Aravalli hills, is largely dependent on rainfall, which occurs mainly during the monsoon season, i.e., from June to September. However, the erratic nature of rainfall often create problems not only for drinking purpose but also for agriculture, industry, livestock and other miscellaneous uses. Moreover, very few attempts have been made to highlight the problems related to the management of water resources of the region and their possible solutions. Almost all the dug wells get dry and hand pumps also become inoperative in the years experiencing below average rainfall, thereby culminating the water problem in the study area. Thus, the study area is severely affected by water shortages, which in turn threaten agricultural production as well as health, hygiene and sanitation of the local people. Rainwater harvesting and artificial groundwater recharge are the two most important tools for ensuring enhanced water availability in a region and thereby sustain shallow dug wells and/or tubewells. Groundwater supply is more reliable and provides better control to farmers. Therefore, sustainable groundwater management is a key for sustained crop production and improved economy of the beneficiaries in the area.