Depletion of Ground Water and its conservation in Telangana– Mission Kakatiya
The Telangana State, where groundwater availability has always been a challenge, had not seen a worse situation in terms of water levels as early as March 2016, during the past one decade. If Hyderabad is excluded, for which data is available only since 2005, the Average groundwater level of the State in 2016 had plummeted to a 17-year low this year.
Over 140 mandals in the State are severely stressed, with water levels plunging to more than 20 metres below ground level (mbgl) for the past six or seven months, while 90 more are in critical condition, with water availability at 15 to 20 mbgl.
Mission Kakatiya
The objective of Mission Kakatiya is to enhance the development of agriculture based income for small and marginal farmers, by accelerating the development of minor Irrigation Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, strengthening community based irrigation management and adopting a comprehensive programme for restoration of tanks.
Tanks have been the life line of Telangana owing to the state’s geographical positioning. The people of the state are highly dependent on the tanks which are spread across all the 10 districts. The topography and rainfall pattern in Telangana have made Tank Irrigation an ideal type of irrigation by storing and regulating water flow for agricultural use.
Construction of tanks in Telangana has been an age old activity since pre Satavahana era. During the Kakatiya era, the construction of tanks was carried out with utmost technical expertise. Tanks such as Ramappa, Pakhala, Laknavaram, Ghanapuram, Bayyaram which were built by Kakatiyas resemble seas and they greatly helped agriculture and overall development and prosperity of the Kakatiya kingdom.
This vision and legacy of Kakatiyas were carried forward by Qutubshahis and Asafjahis who ruled this region for centuries. Hundreds of big and small tanks were built in Telangana region during their rule. Government desires to uphold the vision of Kakatiyas which envisages revival and restoration of Minor Irrigation Sources in Telangana State.
The Government has prioritized to take the restoration of minor irrigation tanks to restore them to store their original capacity and to effectively utilize 255 TMC of water allocated for Minor irrigation sector under Godavari & Krishna River basins.
The minimum ayacut that can be irrigated with the above allocated water is about 20 lakh acres. But as per the statistics the ayacut now being irrigated is only about 9 to 10 lakh acres under Minor Irrigation tanks. Thus, there is a gap ayacut of about 10 lakh acres.
The reasons for this gap ayacut under Minor Irrigation tanks are due to.
- Loss of water storage capacity of tanks due to accumulation of silt in tank beds over a long period.
- Due to dilapidated sluices, weirs and weak bunds
- Due to defunct of feeder channels.
- Due to dilapidated condition of Irrigation canals.
Identification of tanks
- The District Minister/ local MLA/MLC/Public representatives will be approached to identify priority order for restoration of local tanks.
- Mandal Assistant Executive Engineer will submit the list of tanks under his Jurisdiction (along with their ayacut) to concerned officials / public representatives.
- Identify tanks for which repair works have already been taken up under programme like CBTMP, RRR & Normal State Plan, along with type of the repairs taken up.
- Preference will be given to tanks which have greater ayacut and good source of water.
- Tanks which have not been covered under any programme will be given priority.
- The chain of tanks in Mandal will be identified in the 1stphase. Repairs/ Re-sectioning of Feeder channel and Silt removal in the tanks will be taken up as priority basis.
- One urban tank at constituency Head Quarters will be taken up and developed as Mini Tank Bund.
People’s participation
It is programmed to publicize the importance of Chinna Neeti Vanarula Punaruddharana in the public through wide publicity to make them aware and participate in the massive programme designed by the Government. There is a necessity to motivate and encourage the end users for their participation explaining the Benefits of the tank to the public by various type of media. The respective departments are addressed accordingly to publicize the benefits of the programme and importance of people’s participation.
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Groundwater is a vital resource for human and agricultural use. It is also an important source of drinking water for many people around the world. However, groundwater is being depleted at an alarming rate in many parts of the world, including Telangana.
There are many factors that contribute to groundwater depletion. Some of the most common causes include:
- Over-extraction of groundwater: This is the most common cause of groundwater depletion. When groundwater is extracted at a rate that exceeds the rate at which it is replenished, the water table will eventually drop.
- Deforestation: Trees help to regulate the water cycle by absorbing rainwater and releasing it slowly into the ground. When trees are cut down, this natural process is disrupted and more water is lost to Evaporation.
- Irrigation: Irrigation is a major source of water consumption in many parts of the world. When water is used for irrigation, it is not returned to the ground and can eventually lead to groundwater depletion.
- Climate change: Climate Change is causing changes in rainfall patterns, which can lead to more evaporation and less groundwater recharge.
Groundwater depletion can have a number of negative impacts, including:
- Reduced water availability: When groundwater is depleted, there is less water available for human and agricultural use. This can lead to water shortages, which can have a devastating impact on communities and economies.
- Increased Water Pollution: When groundwater is depleted, the water table drops and exposes contaminated water to the surface. This can lead to the contamination of drinking water supplies and other water bodies.
- Land subsidence: When groundwater is depleted, the land above it can subside. This can damage infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, and can also make it difficult to grow crops.
- Saltwater intrusion: When groundwater is depleted, seawater can intrude into freshwater aquifers. This can contaminate drinking water supplies and make it difficult to grow crops.
There are a number of measures that can be taken to conserve groundwater, including:
- Reducing water consumption: This can be done by using water more efficiently, such as by fixing leaks and taking shorter showers.
- Rainwater harvesting: Rainwater can be collected and stored for use during dry periods.
- Recharging groundwater: This can be done by planting trees, which help to regulate the water cycle, and by using Drip Irrigation, which helps to conserve water.
- Using alternative water sources: In some cases, it may be possible to use alternative water sources, such as surface water or desalinated seawater.
Mission Kakatiya is a government initiative in Telangana to address the issue of groundwater depletion. The mission aims to improve groundwater recharge and management through a number of measures, including:
- Rejuvenation of traditional water bodies: This includes desilting and repairing tanks, lakes, and other water bodies.
- Construction of new water bodies: This includes building new tanks, lakes, and other water bodies.
- Afforestation: This involves planting trees to help regulate the water cycle.
- Water conservation measures: This includes promoting water-efficient practices, such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation.
Mission Kakatiya is a good example of a government initiative that is working to address the issue of groundwater depletion. The mission has been successful in rejuvenating a number of traditional water bodies and in constructing new water bodies. The mission has also been successful in promoting water conservation measures. However, there is still much work to be done to address the issue of groundwater depletion in Telangana.
In conclusion, groundwater depletion is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. There are a number of measures that can be taken to conserve groundwater, and Mission Kakatiya is a good example of a government initiative that is working to address this issue.
What is groundwater depletion?
Groundwater depletion is the process of using up groundwater faster than it can be replenished. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
* Increased pumping for irrigation and other uses
* Decreased rainfall
* Increased evaporation
* Sea level rise
What are the causes of groundwater depletion in Telangana?
The main causes of groundwater depletion in Telangana are:
* Increased pumping for irrigation: Telangana is a major agricultural state, and groundwater is used to irrigate a large portion of the state’s crops. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of groundwater that is being pumped for irrigation. This has led to a decline in the water table in many parts of the state.
* Decreased rainfall: Telangana has experienced a decline in rainfall in recent years. This has led to a decrease in the amount of groundwater that is being replenished naturally.
* Increased evaporation: The rate of evaporation is higher in Telangana than in many other parts of India. This is due to the state’s hot climate and dry weather conditions. Evaporation can lead to a decline in the water table.
* Sea level rise: Sea level rise is a global phenomenon that is also affecting Telangana. As sea levels rise, the water table in coastal areas can be affected. This can lead to a decline in the availability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation.
What are the effects of groundwater depletion in Telangana?
Groundwater depletion can have a number of negative effects on Telangana, including:
* Reduced agricultural production: Groundwater depletion can lead to a decline in agricultural production. This is because farmers may not be able to irrigate their crops if there is not enough groundwater available.
* Reduced water supply for drinking and other uses: Groundwater depletion can also lead to a decline in the water supply for drinking and other uses. This is because groundwater is a major source of water for many people in Telangana.
* Increased water pollution: Groundwater depletion can also lead to increased water pollution. This is because when groundwater levels decline, the water that is left behind can become more polluted.
* Increased Soil erosion: Groundwater depletion can also lead to increased soil erosion. This is because when groundwater levels decline, the soil becomes less stable and is more likely to be eroded by wind and rain.
What are the solutions to groundwater depletion in Telangana?
There are a number of solutions to groundwater depletion in Telangana, including:
* Increasing water conservation: One of the most important solutions to groundwater depletion is to increase water conservation. This can be done by using water more efficiently, such as by fixing leaks and using drip irrigation.
* Reducing groundwater pumping: Another important solution is to reduce groundwater pumping. This can be done by using alternative sources of water, such as surface water or rainwater.
* Recharging groundwater: Recharging groundwater is another important solution. This can be done by artificial recharge, such as through bore wells, or by natural recharge, such as through rainwater harvesting.
* Protecting groundwater Resources: It is also important to protect groundwater resources from pollution. This can be done by regulating the use of pesticides and Fertilizers, and by preventing the contamination of groundwater from landfills and other sources.
What is Mission Kakatiya?
Mission Kakatiya is a government initiative in Telangana that aims to improve the management of groundwater resources. The mission was launched in 2015 and aims to recharge groundwater aquifers, improve water supply infrastructure, and promote water conservation.
What are the objectives of Mission Kakatiya?
The objectives of Mission Kakatiya are to:
* Recharge groundwater aquifers
* Improve water supply infrastructure
* Promote water conservation
What are the activities of Mission Kakatiya?
The activities of Mission Kakatiya include:
* Drilling bore wells
* Building check Dams
* Promoting rainwater harvesting
* Educating people about water conservation
What are the achievements of Mission Kakatiya?
Mission Kakatiya has achieved a number of successes, including:
* Drilling over 1.5 lakh bore wells
* Building over 10,000 check dams
* Promoting rainwater harvesting in over 10 lakh households
* Educating over 10 crore people about water conservation
What are the challenges faced by Mission Kakatiya?
The challenges faced by Mission Kakatiya include:
* Lack of awareness about water conservation
* Poor water management practices
* Climate change
* Increasing Population
Which of the following is not a reason for the depletion of groundwater in Telangana?
(A) Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation
(B) Industrialization
(C) Urbanization
(D) DeforestationWhich of the following is the most effective way to conserve groundwater in Telangana?
(A) Rainwater harvesting
(B) Artificial recharge of groundwater
(C) Water conservation measures in agriculture
(D) All of the aboveMission Kakatiya is a government initiative to conserve groundwater in Telangana. Which of the following is not a component of Mission Kakatiya?
(A) Construction of new tanks
(B) Repair and renovation of existing tanks
(C) Artificial recharge of groundwater
(D) AfforestationWhich of the following is the impact of groundwater depletion in Telangana?
(A) Water scarcity
(B) Land subsidence
(C) Salt water intrusion
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is the most important step to prevent groundwater depletion in Telangana?
(A) Raise awareness about the issue
(B) Implement water conservation measures
(C) Support government initiatives
(D) All of the above