Q14. Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios.

Model Answer:

Introduction

Water scarcity is a critical issue in India, exacerbated by rapid population growth, urbanisation, and climate change. The diverse issues related to water in India include uneven distribution, over-extraction, contamination, and inefficient irrigation practices. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach to improve water storage and irrigation systems. This analysis will explore measures to enhance water management, drawing insights from successful case studies in India.

Body

Issues Related to Water in India

1. Uneven Distribution: Water resources are unevenly distributed across regions, with some areas experiencing chronic shortages while others face flooding. The disparity between the availability of water in different states and regions complicates management efforts.
2. Over-Extraction: The over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture, industrial use, and domestic purposes has led to declining water tables, affecting long-term water availability.
3. Contamination: Water contamination from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate sanitation facilities poses significant health risks and affects water quality.
4. Inefficient Irrigation: Traditional irrigation methods are often wasteful. Many farmers rely on flood irrigation, which consumes more water than necessary and leads to waterlogging and soil degradation.

Measures to Improve Water Storage and Irrigation Systems

1. Enhancing Water Storage:
   • Rainwater Harvesting: Promoting rainwater harvesting at both individual and community levels can increase water availability. Systems like rooftop rainwater harvesting can capture and store rainwater for later use.
   • Recharge Pits: Constructing recharge pits and check dams can help replenish groundwater levels and improve water availability in arid regions.
   • Multipurpose Dams: Building dams that serve multiple purposes, such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control, can optimise water storage and usage.
2. Improving Irrigation Practices:
   • Drip Irrigation: Implementing drip irrigation systems allows for targeted water delivery directly to plant roots, significantly reducing water wastage and improving crop yields.
   • Sprinkler Systems: Efficient sprinkler systems can cover large areas with minimal water wastage, making them suitable for diverse crop types and terrains.
   • Soil Moisture Management: Using soil moisture sensors and smart irrigation technologies can optimise water use based on real-time soil conditions and weather forecasts.

Best Case Studies in India

1. Rajasthan’s Water Harvesting Initiatives:
   • Historical Stepwells and Johads: Rajasthan has a rich tradition of water harvesting through stepwells and johads (traditional ponds). Modern initiatives have revitalised these systems, incorporating traditional knowledge with contemporary techniques to enhance groundwater recharge and water availability.
2. Sikkim’s Drip Irrigation Success:
   • Sikkim’s Organic Farming Model: Sikkim has successfully integrated drip irrigation into its organic farming model. This approach has improved water use efficiency and boosted agricultural productivity while conserving water resources.
3. Tamil Nadu’s Participatory Irrigation Management:
   • Water Users’ Associations: Tamil Nadu has implemented a model of participatory irrigation management where water users’ associations (WUAs) are actively involved in managing irrigation systems. This has led to improved water distribution, reduced conflicts, and better maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.

Conclusion

Addressing water-related issues in India requires a combination of improved storage solutions and efficient irrigation practices. By adopting measures such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and participatory management models, India can enhance its water management strategies. The success of case studies from Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu demonstrates that integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques can lead to sustainable solutions. Moving forward, scaling these best practices and encouraging innovative approaches will be crucial in managing India's water resources judiciously amidst growing challenges.

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