Diminishing natural water resources: A threat to hill agriculture

Abstract

The study has been conducted in the mid Himalayas of Uttarakhand for the availability of water resources for domestic and irrigation usage. The study was conducted in four villages namely Deu, Dhoira, Jutaya and Nichiya of Kalsi block of Dehradun district. From each village, 25 respondents were interviewed for asking details about water resources. The respondents were asked about number of springs which have been dried for last 5 years, the causes for drying of natural resources, impact of spring drying on the livelihood of people and the means of overcoming water shortage, and Govt. Role in Village upliftment. From the results, it was found out that for last 5 years; about 4-5 springs have been dried up. The major causes of drying of natural water resources were reduced rainfall, hot weather and reduction in number of forest trees. The impacts of drying of natural resources were: more time is involved in water collection activity and unavailability of water for irrigation purposes. The means of overcoming water shortages were naula recharge and afforestation etc. The facilities provided by the Govt. Official as reported by the respondents were imparting training, agricultural related activities, loan related facilities and participation in self help group activities etc.