As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change and increasing water scarcity, the need for effective water storage and irrigation systems has never been more pressing. In light of depleting water resources, it is imperative to adopt measures aimed at enhancing the judicious use of water in agricultural practices. Firstly, investing in modernizing and expanding water storage infrastructure is paramount. This includes the construction of reservoirs, dams, and aquifer recharge systems to capture and store rainfall during wet seasons for use during dry spells. Additionally, implementing smart irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems can significantly reduce water wastage by delivering precise amounts of water directly to plant roots. Furthermore, promoting the use of water-efficient crops and drought-resistant varieties can help optimize water usage in agriculture. Farmer education programs on sustainable water management practices should also be prioritized to ensure widespread adoption of efficient irrigation methods. Moreover, employing remote sensing and data analytics technologies can aid in monitoring water levels and crop water requirements, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation scheduling. Lastly, fostering collaboration between government agencies, researchers, farmers, and local communities is essential for developing holistic water management strategies tailored to specific regional needs. By implementing these measures, we can work towards ensuring the sustainable utilization of water resources in agriculture, even in the face of depleting scenarios.
Tag: Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country -different types of irrigation system storage, transport and marketing of agriculture produce and issues and related constraints, e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to give a brief description about depleting sources of water.
- In Body, discuss measures to improve water storage and irrigation for making judicious use of available water resources.
- In Conclusion, try to Conclude with SDG goals.
Answer:
India is home to 17% of the world’s population, but only holds 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. Not only is water scarce in India, but the extraction of groundwater has been on the rise for decades. India is facing one of its major and most serious water crisis. According to the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) report, major cities in the country will reach to zero groundwater levels by 2020, affecting access for 100 million people.
Measures to improve water storage and irrigation for making judicious use of available resources:
- Reclaiming traditional water bodies: Government schemes like Mission Kakatiya by Telangana government aimed at restoring minor irrigation sources of water are examples for reclaiming water bodies using traditional ways and means.
- SWAR technology: Technologies like System of Water for Agriculture Rejuvenation (SWAR) can prove beneficial for restoring water storage and conservation. SWAR shifts irrigation from the surface to measure moisture at the plant root zone. The root zone also serves as an ecosystem to foster soil micro-organisms besides rationing plant water requirements.
- River Catchment Management: Creation of green corridors, mapping of channels for potential recharge zones to store floodwater and artificial groundwater recharge structures in the urban areas (where groundwater is five-six metres below the surface), will subsequently contribute to reducing groundwater depletion.The use of dysfunctional bore wells for recharging groundwater with clean rainwater will also be a good option.
- Rejuvenating ground water: ‘Bhungroo’ is a water management system that injects and stores excess rainfall water underground. This water is then used for irrigation during summers. This kind of practice can be adopted in urban areas where water shortages are serious.
- Wastewater Management: Dual sewage system for grey water and black water and promoting reuse of the recycled water in agriculture and horticulture should be promoted. Industries should also be encouraged to increase water use efficiency, effluent treatment and zero liquid discharge.
- Reengineering roles of grassroot level institutions: Increased role of urban local bodies and Panchayati raj institutions will help in increasing people’s participation and creating public movement for generating awareness among people regarding water storage and efficient use of irrigation methods.
- Social Regulation of Groundwater: A Participatory groundwater management approach should be followed to empower communities in a defined aquifer area by providing governance rights, community awareness, capacity development, and knowledge and motivation for social regulation of ground water and the implementation of coordinated actions.
For Improvement In Irrigation System:
- Modernization and efficient operation of the irrigation system as well as of drainage systems beyond the outlet serving 40ha blocks.
- Construction and lining of field channels and water courses.
- Land levelling and shaping.
- Construction of field drains.
- Conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater.
- Adoption and enforcement of a suitable cropping pattern according to the agro-climatic zones.
The changing climate and irregularity in monsoon are creating newer challenges depleting above and below ground water resources, decreasing soil moisture etc. For achieving sustainable development goals and objectives of “Jal Jeevan Mission” it is necessary to secure and conserve available water resources.
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