Water resources management in hot arid zone of India

Abstract

Water is one of the most important natural resource for the existence and survival of any living being on the earth. It has been man's endeavor from time immemorial to utilize the available water resources. The surface and groundwater resource of the hot arid region is very poor. Rainfall is the principal source of water, which augments soil moisture, groundwater and surface flows. Agriculture and several of the other economic activities in arid areas depend on rain. During the twentieth century, the region experienced agricultural drought once in three years to every alternate year in one or the other part of the region. The overall probability of drought for the state is 47%. Every alternate year is drought year for the state. The weather condition, even in average years, for most part of the year remains too dry and inhospitable for successful growth of crops. The above scenario leads to question of risk in arid agriculture. Under such circumstances every drop of water becomes very precious and technological options like rainwater harvesting through rooftops, runoff harvesting in tanka, nadis, ponds and khadin can play a crucial role for efficient utilization of available water and drought proofing. Beside these technological options flash flood management for groundwater recharge is the need of hour and crop planning should be based regional rainfall and soil condition instead of individual farmer’s need