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Water Scenario of Rajasthan 105
3.1 SURFACE WATER RESOURCES
Water can be considered as one of the most vital for human existence out
of all the Natural resources. Higher level of crop production can be achieved through
adequate facilities as assured irrigation, imparts confidence to the farmers to adopt
improved agricultural practices. Water enhances the effectiveness of all other
agricultural inputs like fertilizers, improved seeds, etc. The surface water potential
of the state from internal sources comprising 14 Rainfed river basins is estimated at
15.86 million acre feet which is only 1.16 % of the country’s potential.
The only source of annually renewable water supply in the state is precipitation
as most of the rivers are seasonal. The quantity of water flowing in the rivers in the
state totally depends on the quantum of precipitation in the rainy season. This limits
the surface water availability in the state.
The construction of water reservoirs like dams, tanks and ponds becomes a
necessity due to the distinct variability and seasonality of rainfall to store some part
of rainfall water to meet irrigation and drinking water requirement throughout the
year. Besides this, the state gets some water for its use from the inter-state river
basins as a part of Inter-State agreements. Table – 4 depicts the Status of available
surface water and storage created in Rajasthan in the year 2010.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 106
Table - 4: Status of available surface water and storage created in Rajasthan
(2010)
River Basin Available Yield
(in MCM)
Storage created
(in MCM)
Shekhawati 104.7 89.72
Ruparail 179.5 101.64
Banganga 449.2 412.26
Gambhir 353.3 231.56
Parvati 138.1 157.28
Sabi 168.3 107.65
Banas 4039.3 3639.76
Chambal 5203 2906.77
Mahi 3149 2726.59
Sabarmati 799.9 200.09
Luni 451.8 1136.66
West Banas 406.1 79
Sukli 111.7 44.29
Other Nallah of Jalore 31.6 0
Outside Basin 468 9
Source: Irrigation Department, Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Rivers of Rajasthan
Except for Chambal all the other rivers of the state flow only during the rainy
season. Topography and precipitation influence the formation of river catchment
areas are mostly small. The low hills and plateaus and flat, rugged and rolling lands
which are the origin of streams, which form rivers, are highly dissected and rolling.
There are no deep channels to add stream density, so, the catchments are of low
stream density.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 107
Right from the south-west to the north-east direction, the Aravalli ranges
largely influence the drainage system of the State. In the state the drainage streams
either culminate in the Thar Desert or some streams culminate in the Arabian Sea or
in the Bay of Bengal (see Map – 16).
River Chambal: From Vindhyan ranges near Mhow in Indore District of Madhya
Pradesh; Chambal is the only perennial river in Rajasthan. It flows for some 320 km
northerly direction in general before entering into a deep gorge in Rajasthan at
Chourasigarh, around 96 km upstream of Kota. It flows for about 226 km in
Rajasthan in a north-easterly direction. The Chambal and its tributary Banas, rises in
the Aravalli Range, drains south-eastern region of Rajasthan.
At the border of Bhind and Etawah districts, Chambal end a confluence of 5
rivers, including Kwari, Yamuna, Sind, Pahuj, at Pachnada near Bhareh in Uttar
Pradesh state. Major part of drainage discharge of Chambal is collected from Jaipur,
Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Bhilwara, Bundi, Kota, Baran, Jhalawar,
Chittorgarh, Udaipur and Rajsamand districts. Its main tributaries are Banas, Kali
Sindh and Parvati. Chambal waters are utilized for hydropower generation at the
Kota Barrage.
River Banas: River Banas is a tributary of Chambal which flows into the Yamuna.
Originating in the Khamnor hills of the Aravalli Ranges, it flows north-east through
the Mewar region of Rajasthan. It meets the Chambal River near the village of
Rameswar in Sawai Madhopur. Cities of Tonk, Nathdwara and Jahanpur lie on the
banks of Banas. Major tributaries of Banas include the Berach and Minali on the
right and Kothari, Khari, Dai, Dheel, Sohadara, Morael and the Kalisill on the left.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 108
MAP - 16
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 109
The Banas covers a basin of 45,833 sq km which is entirely within Rajasthan.
River Banas drains the east slope of the central portion of the Aravalli range, and the
basin includes part of Udaipur, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Pali,
Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk and Dausa districts. This river usually dries up
during the summer season. The total length of this river is about 480 km.
River Banganga- the River Banganga originates from the low hills of Bairath (Jaipur
District). It flows towards the east through Sawai Madhopur district and then enters
into Bharatpur district where its water spreads over a large area. The total length of
this river is 380 km. the river joins the Yamuna near Fatehabad of Agra district.
River Luni- River Luni originates from the western slopes of the Aravalli range. It
flows for about 495 km in a South-westerly direction in Rajasthan and finally
disappears in the marshy land on the Runn of Kutch in Gujarat. The total catchment
area of Luni river basin in Rajasthan is 37,363 km2, covering parts of the districts of
Pali, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Ajmer, Barmer, Sirohi and Jalore. Luni, a seasonal river,
flows only during the rainy season. At many places, it is chocked with the advancing
at sands. Even in the monsoon months when the water flow rate is at its peak, the
flowing water is not able to cut these sand deposits on the river bed. As a result of
sand deposits the runoff spreads to the adjoining fields on both the banks of the river,
braiding it. Many streams and tributaries like Mithri, Sukri, Bandi, Jawai, Sagi,
Jhojri, Guhiya, Lilri, etc. flow on the western side of the Aravalli range and drain the
run-off of some parts of Pali, Jalore, Sirohi and Barmer District Areas.
River Mahi- The River Mahi originates from the Mhou ranges of Madhya Pradesh
and after flowing towards north enters Rajasthan state near Khandu Village of
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 110
Banswara District. Its catchment area in Rajasthan spread over the districts of
Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, covering a total geographical area of
about 16,030 sq km. The important tributaries of this river are Jakham, Som, Moran,
Anas and Chap.
River Sabarmati- The Sabarmati originates from the low hills of Gogunda (Udaipur
district). It is called Wakal in its initial course. It covers a catchment area of 4300 sq.
km. in the State and drains part of its water from Udaipur and Sirohi districts before
finally traverse across Gujarat to meet the Gulf of Cambay. It is approximately 371
km in length.
Some of the other drainage in the State is as follows:-
RIVER SOM originates in the hills of the village Som in Kherwara of Udaipur
district. It flows south-east through a hilly region. It joins river Mahi near the village
Beneswar. The catchment of Som lies in Udaipur and Dungarpur districts. Its
tributaries include Tidi, Gomti and Jakham.
RIVER JAKHAM originates south – west of the hills of Chhoti Sadri in Chittorgarh
district. It flows through the hilly region of the Udaipur district in the southwestern
direction. It joins river Som near Bilara village. The sub basin is situated in
Chittorgarh and Udaipur districts. Its tributaries are Karmail and Sukli.
RIVER MORAN originates in the southern hills of Dungarpur town. It flows
through Dungarpur district and joins river Mahi near Galiakot village. Entire
catchment of the river falls in Dungarpur district.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 111
RIVER ANAS originates in the northern areas of the Vindhyan ranges near Amber
village in Madhya Pradesh. It flows in the north-western direction. It enters
Rajasthan near Meledikhera village and joins Mahi River about 15 km downstream
of Galiakot village. Its sub-basin is situated in Banswara district in Rajasthan.
RIVER BHARAD, origination of Bharad is in the hills south of Kanguwa village in
Dungarpur District. It flows from the north to south and enters Gujarat near
Kokhakra village in Dungarpur District where it joins the mahi near Karanta village
in Gujarat. Its catchment area is situated in Dungarpur District.
RIVER BERACH originates in the northeast hills of Udaipur city. It flows north-
east for about 157 km in Udaipur, Bhilwara and Chittorgarh Districts and finally
joins the Banas near Bigod village in Bhilwara District. It flows in a hilly region up
to Badgaon reservoir and then through plains.
RIVER KOTHARI originates in the Aravalli range near Horera village in Bhilwara
district. The river flows through Rajsamand and Bhailwara Districts for about 51 km
in a hilly region, and 100 km through the plains, before joining the Banas near
Nandrai village in Bhilwara District.
RIVER KHARI originates in the hills near Deogarh in Rajsmand District. It flows
northeast for about 192 km through Udaipur, Bhilwara and Ajmer Districts before
joining the Banas River near Chosala village in Ajmer District.
RIVER DAI originates in the south eastern slopes of the Aravalli range, near
Nasirabad of Ajmer District. It flows southeast for about 40 km and in the east for
nearly 56 km in Ajmer District and for a short distance through Tonk District, before
joining Banas near Bisalpur village in Tonk District.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 112
RIVER MASHI originates in the hills near Kishangarh in Ajmer District. It flows
in the east and then in south for about 96 km in the areas of Ajmer and Tonk
Districts before joining Banas River near Tonk.
LAKES OF RAJASTHAN
Lake Pichhola is situated in Udaipur city. Pichhola is an artificial fresh water
lake. It was created in the year 1362 AD, and named after the nearby Pichholi village.
It extends to three miles in length, two miles in width and has a depth of 30 feet.
Pichhola lake is enveloped by palaces, temples, bathing ghats and hills on all sides.
FATEH SAGAR LAKE is located in the north of Lake Pichhola. It was built by
Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 as a medium size perennial storage reservoir. The lake
has three small island .The largest of these is the island called the Nehru park (4 sq.
km area), which is a garden with a restaurant and a zoo. The second island (0.06 sq.
km area) houses a public park with a water jet fountain and the third island (1.2 sq.
km area) is the Udaipur solar Observatory. The run off emerging from surrounding
hills drains into this lake. The lake is pear-shaped and is surrounded by the Aravalli
hills on three sides with a straight gravity stone masonry dam on the eastern side,
which has a spillway to discharge flood waters during the monsoon season,
UDAI SAGAR LAKE is another lake that falls under the category of the five lakes
of Udaipur. Udaisagar Lake is located at a distance of about 13 km in the east of
Udaipur. The construction of this lake was started by Maharana Udai Singh. Udai
sagar Lake extends to 4 km in length, 2.5 km in width and deep up to 9 meters at the
maximum. The Ahar River terminates in this lake and the surplus water falls from
the waste weir forming the source of river Berach. The present setup to use the lake
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 113
water includes irrigation, fishing, and industrial and drinking water purposes. It
serves as the intake source of the gigantic industries like Hindustan Zinc and
Udaipur Cement. In fact, the domestic waste water and industrial effluent are main
threatening to the existence of this lake.
MAN SAGAR LAKE is a 300 acre lake, surrounded by the Nahargarh hills of
Jaipur city. Today it is the only significant water body in the city of Jaipur. The lake
is approximately 130 hectare in its full spread. The lake has been a natural habitat
for more than 150 species of local and migratory birds. Its water provides sustainable
living to countless species like fish, birds, insects, micro-organisms and aquatic
vegetation.
RAMGARH LAKE is a huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund
amidst tree covered hills. The lake is located at a distance of 25 km from the city of
Jaipur. Ramgarh Lake is around 4 km in length and 2 km in width. A beautiful
landscape attracts tourists from far off places, especially during monsoons. The lake
consists of 90 feet high sand dam situated 20 miles north-east of Jaipur in the gorge
through which the Banganga river passes before emerging into the plains.
KEOLADEO JHEEL the Keoladeo Jheel is part of the Keoladeo National Park
(Bharatpur sanctuary). Before the development of this sanctuary, it was a part of the
arid scrub woodland and was a natural depression which filled up with rainwater
during the monsoon and attracted wildfowl in the season. Basically, it is a natural
depression (Jheel). It receives water in the monsoon period (from June to September)
through artificial dams and bunds, notable the Ajan Dam or Ajan Bundh, a 3,270
hectare impoundment, about a kilometer from Keoladeo is a fine system of freshwater
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 114
marshes attracts large populations of migratory birds of several species in 16 square
miles of marsh known as the Ghana Jheel (Ghana means dense and Jheel means
Lake). Dependent on the monsoons the lake is facing a shortage of water due to
diversions upstream. The Government of Rajasthan has started a series of remedial
measures, involving both repairing the existing hydraulic systems and designing
new structures to provide fresh sources of water and protect the park from future
failures of the monsoon. Hydraulic structures have been repaired and a new water
control structure around Ajan dam and drains linking the dam to the park's wetland
areas (the Chiksana Canal), are now fully operational.
GAIBSAGAR LAKE set amidst the strikingly picturesque location of Dungarpur,
is the famous Gaib Sagar Lake, which was built by Maharaj Gopinath (Gaipa Rawal)
in 1428 .Like Keoladeo, it also provides the tourists with an opportunity to witness a
variety of bird species.
The woods and the waters of the lake provide habitat to thousands of ducks
of a dozen species, several thousand gray and purple herons, egrets, purple
moorhens, white breasted water hens, bee- eaters and green pigeons.
PUSHKAR LAKE- The Puskhar Lake is located in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer
district. The lake is irregular to elliptical in shape, surrounded by hills except on the
eastern side, where the sands have drifted over the marshland from the plains of
Marwar. The lake has a water stretch of 5 km. with a depth varying from 18-32 feet.
Beliefs of sacredness and divinity are attributed to the lake. It is encircled by some
500 odd temples and the lake has 52 ghats which connect the temples to the water.
The location of the Puskhar Lake in the middle of hills makes it very picturesque. It
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 115
is also one of the major tourist attractions in Rajasthan. Of late, the lake has become
vulnerable to pollution due to the heavy influx of construction around the lake,
tourist pressure, cattle fairs, submergence of ashes, performance of rituals and
undefined sewer system.
NAKKI LAKE- Situated at Mount Abu, Nakki Lake is known in mythology for
having being dug by the nails or 'nakh' of the Gods. Nakki Lake is also the only
Indian artificial take situated at a height of 1200 meters above the mean sea level.
The lake is about half a mile long, a quarter mile broad and 20 to 30 ft. deep towards
the dam on the west. Flora and fauna is varied and wild flowers, shrubs, palms,
bamboo grow here in abundance.
JAISAMAND LAKE- Jaisamand Lake was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 17th
century and created by damming the Gomti River, today, it measures 14 km long
and 9 km wide. The lake features a variety of bird life and the nearby Jaisamand
Sanctuary is home to panthers, Leopards, deer, wild boars and crocodiles.
IRRIGATION NETWORK
Irrigation is an important input by itself for agriculture like fertilizers,
improved seeds etc which imparts confidence to the farmers to adopt improved
agricultural practices. The State government has given high priority to the
development of surface water resources during the last four decades of planned
development. A large number of irrigation projects have been planned and executed
in different parts of the State. Five major irrigation projects in Rajasthan, each with a
cultivable command area of about 10,000 hectares are as follows:
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 116
INDIRA GANDHI NAHAR PARIYOJANA - Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana
(IGNP) started in 1958 and the irrigation facility started in 1961. The area of the
project spans over four districts of Rajasthan, namely - Ganganagar, Bikaner,
Hanumangarh and Jaisalmer. Its main aim is to assist in agricultural activities and
provide drinking water, but it also envisages regional development and ecological
improvement by arresting desertification.
COMMAND AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - Command Area Development
Authorities (CADA) was established for Chambal and Indira Gandhi Nagar
Pariyojana (INGP) in 1974. Its work included the construction of water courses from
the canal to the fields, drainage system to prevent water-logging, reservoirs for
drinking water, agriculture research, fisheries, protective forestry for canal,
forestation, and pasture development, supply of inputs and services to the farmers
and development of marketing facilities.
MAHI BAJAJ SAGAR PROJECT - The project is a joint multipurpose venture of
the States of Rajasthan and Gujarat for harnessing the waters of Mahi River for
development of irrigation and power, for which an agreement was reached in the
year 1966 between the two States. This agreement further provides that after the
development of Narmada Dam in Gujarat, the entire water stored in Mahi Bajaj
Sagar Dam and part storage of Kadana dam would be released for use in western
arid districts of Rajasthan i.e. Jalore and Barmer.
BISALPUR PROJECT - The Project envisages construction of a dam across the
Banas River for drinking water supply to the towns to Beawar and Nasirabad (Ajmer
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 117
district) and Jaipur district and the villages lying in between them. The project also
provides irrigation facilities in Tonk and Sawai Madhopur districts.
GURGAON CANAL PROJECT - To utilize 500 cusecs of Yamuna Waters
through Agra Canal during the rainy season for irrigation Gurgaon Canal Project is
being constructed. This will facilitate the irrigation of Kharif crops in 185 villages of
Deeg and Kaman tehsils of Bharatpur district. The States of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana,
Rajasthan and Delhi have signed an agreement regarding the sharing of Yamuna
waters.
JAKHAM IRRIGATION PROJECT - The Jakham irrigation project comprises a
storage dam on the river Jakham near village Anuppura in Dhariawad tehsil of
district Udaipur. It also consists of a weir located near village Naglia, about 11 km
from Mahi dam.
CHAMBAL VALLEY PROJECT - The Chambal Valley Project is a major
multipurpose project, constructed across the river Chambal by the State of Rajasthan
and Madhya Pradesh for irrigation and hydro - power generation. Kota Barrage was
constructed to raise the water level of the river flow by about 30m to feed two canals
for commanding areas. Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Jawahar Sagar dam are also
constructed under the same project.
SIDHMUKH NOHAR PROJECT - Sidhmukh Nohar Project is for providing
irrigation facilities to Sidhmukh Nohar areas in northern part of the state. The
project is undertaken with the assistance of European Economic Community.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 118
3.2 GROUND WATER RESOURCES OF RAJASTHAN
Dependency on ground water resources is very high in Rajasthan due to the
scarcity of surface water resources in the state. An assessment of available ground
water resources in the state was initially carried out in mid-seventies.
For the assessment of ground water resources Block (Panchayat Samiti) have
been considered as assessment unit. The blocks have been further divided into
formation potential zones. There are a total of 239 blocks and 899 formation
potential zones in 33 districts of the state, as on March 31st 2009 (Report on
Dynamic Groundwater Resources of Rajasthan, 2009). The categorization of blocks
in Rajasthan considering level of ground water development and ground water level
trend is in to following: 1. Safe; 2. Semi-Critical; 3. Critical; 4. Over-Exploited; 5.
Saline block. The Groundwater potential zones and aquifer of Rajasthan state have
been depicted in Map – 17.
The eastern part of Rajasthan has significantly high Ground water development
as compared to the western part. This is due to low annual ground water recharge in
western Rajasthan due to low and erratic rainfall along with the absence of surface
water resources and high evapotranspiration. However, sustained pumping-out of
ground water can be achieved even during dry spell in some of the thick aquifers,
without causing adverse effects as the storage is many times the annual recharge.
To the east of Aravallis, the depth of water generally varies between less
than 10 to 25 meters whereas in the western part it ranges between 20 to 80 meters.
The water level slopes towards the east and south-east on the eastern side, whereas
to the west of Aravallis, it slopes towards the west and in the north-west.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 119
MAP - 17
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 120
In the canal command area of Ganganagar, Banswara, Kota and Bundi
districts Shallow water levels have been noticed whereas in the western districts of
Rajasthan particularly Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur higher value of depth to water
has been noticed.
In the areas covered by sandstones or limestone of Marwar Super Group,
Lathi formation in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts and Tertiaries in parts of Bikaner,
Nagaur, Churu, Barmer and Jaisalmer districts and localized pockets in Quaternaries
potable water is found. The general chemical quality of ground water is fresh in the
eastern part except in the localized area of Bharatpur district, particularly in Kumher
and Deeg where the ground water is brackish to saline.
The nature of rocks and their water bearing characteristics are the main
determinants of availability of ground water in any region. The hard rock consisting
of Archaean crystallines, Aravalli super- group and Delhi super- group, the Erinpura
Granites, Malani suite of igneous rocks, their equivalents the Vindhyas and the
Deccan Traps cover approximately 40% area of Rajasthan. Negligible primary
porosity is demonstrated by the crystallines - igneous and metamorphic rocks,
ranging in age from Archaen to Upper Proterozoic. But, due to weathering and
fracturing, locally, significant secondary porosity is introduced to them.
Promising aquifers with moderate to high discharge is demonstrated by
Vindhyan sandstone and limestone due to their porous and permeable nature. These
occupy parts of Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Bundi, Chittorgarh and those of Marwar
super group in Jodhpur and Nagaur districts.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 121
The Deccan Trap shows variation from place to place, having low to medium
permeability on the primary and secondary porosities. In the hard rock terrains, the
valley fills often contain highly productive aquifers due to the deposits laid by river
and stream deposits. But these have limited groundwater resources.
The alluvium and the blown sand which occupy the major part of the state are
the soft rocks along with the semi-consolidated formation comprising the Tertiary
and the Mesozoic era rocks. The most productive aquifers in the region are under the
alluvium covers but the quality of ground water in the region is saline. In western
Rajasthan moderate potential aquifers are formed by the blown sand as well.
The Lathi sandstones among the semi-consolidated formations are found to
contain moderate to higher productive aquifers. From wells tapping sandstones,
limestone and fractured crystallines, higher yields are obtained.
As per estimates, Rajasthan has Net Ground Water availability of 1079185
hectare meter while existing Gross Ground Water Draft for all purposes is of
1451924 hectare meter. Stage of Ground Water Development in the state is 134.54%.
Allocation for domestic and Industrial purposes is 183738 hectare meter and that for
irrigation requirement is 75103 hectare meter (Central Ground Water Board, 2009).
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 122
3.3 WATER USE
One of the most vital natural resource for the existence of humans is water.
However, Rajasthan is not very well endowed with this resource and is the driest
state in India with scarce water resources. It depends entirely on the rainfall to feed
its rivers, whether seasonal or perennial in nature. None of these rivers originate
from snow-fed glaciers.
Surface water accounts for mere 1% of the total surface water in the country.
Internally, 16.05 billion cubic meter of surface water are economically utilizable in
the state. However, rainfall and temperature conditions make the availability of
surface water a serious problem. In all, about 72% of economically utilizable portion
has been harnessed by the state. In addition to it, 17.89 billion cubic meters is
allocated through Inter-State agreements.
In most of the districts of the state, surface water is not used for drinking.
However, parts of Ajmer district draw water from Bisalpur Dam and other surface
sources. Parts of Bikaner, Hanumangarh and Ganganagar draw water from Indira
Gandhi Canal Project, Bhakra Canal and Gang Canal. Parts of Udaipur, Rajsamand,
Pali, Kota, Baran, Bundi and Jhalawar too draw water from the nearby surface
sources. About 1200 villages of Ganganagar depend on the Indira Gandhi Canal
Project for water, while few other villages depend on Gang Canal too. The arid and
semi-arid region of the state is increasingly relying on the irrigation water to meet
the needs of the growing agrarian sector, but such region is merely about 20% of the
cultivable land in the state.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 123
The industrial requirement of water is mainly drawn from river Kalisindh
and Chambal in Kota district; from Udaisagar Lake in Udaipur district; from Zawai
Dam in Sirohi district; from Gosunda dam on Berach River in Chittorgarh district;
from Lakhotiya Pond in Pali district.
Due this paucity of surface water resources the dependency of the state on
the ground water resources increases. This results in non-judicious exploitation of
the resource. This is evident as both the quality and quantity if the groundwater is
degrading all over the state. The Table – 5 shows category-wise steady decline in the
number of safe blocks and rise in the number of blocks having over- exploitation of
groundwater.
Table - 5 Category-wise status of groundwater blocks in Rajasthan
S. No. Category of Blocks 2001 2004 2009
1. Safe 49 32 31
2. Semi-Critical 21 14 16
3. Critical 80 50 25
4. Over-Exploited 86 140 166
5. Saline 1 1 1
TOTAL 237 237 239
Source: Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, 1994; Central Ground Water Board, Western
Region Jaipur.
Agro-Climatic Region Wise Water usage-demand scenario
Total demand for water in the state according to the 2010 statistics is 31333.74
million cubic meter (MCM). Out of which 26722.24 million cubic meters (MCM) is
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 124
required for agriculture, 434.76 MCM for industrial usage, 2883.71 MCM for
domestic sectors and 999.45 MCM for livestock. 293.59 MCM is demanded for
other miscellaneous purposes like recreation, beautification and construction works
etc. The maximum demand for water is in the Jaisalmer district, i.e. 3112.63 MCM
and least demand is posed by Dungarpur district i.e. 334.45 MCM. The district-wise
demand and water usage is depicted in Figure – 2.
Figure - 2
The following chapter studies the trend of water usage in the various agro-
climatic regions of the state and the Figure – 3 depicts the Agro Climatic Region
wise water demand in the state.
Average Annual Water Usage and Demand District-wise-2010
Dungarpur
Jhunjhunu
Dausa
Banswara
Dholpur
Sikar
Sirohi
Rajsamand
Jalore
Bharatpur
Alwar
Ajmer
Pali
Tonk
Hanumangarh
Sri Ganganagar
Kota
Bundi
Jaipur
Udaipur
Jhalawar
Bhilwara
Baran
Nagaur
Chittorgarh
Churu
Sawai Madhopur+ Karauli
Jodhpur
Barmer
Bikaner
Jaisalmer
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 125
Figure - 3
1. Arid North Western Sandy Plain
The total demand for water in this zone is 2117.67 MCM. The demand for
water is for Agriculture is 1837.64 MCM, which is the major usage sector in this
zone. Here the demand in for Industrial, Domestic and Livestock purposes is 51.61
MCM, 163.14 MCM and 65.28 MCM respectively.
2. Irrigated North Western Plain
Total demand for water in the zone was 1662.73 MCM i.e. 5.1% of the total
share of water. Here, the demand in agriculture sector is highest i.e. 1461.25 MCM
followed by utilization in Domestic, Industrial and Livestock sectors i.e. 111.93
MCM, 49.62 MCM and 39.91 MCM respectively. The Irrigated North Western
Plain occupies 2nd position in the terms of demand and use of water resources.
Agro-Climatic Region wise Average Annual Water Usage and
Demand-2010
Humid Southern Plain
Irrigated North Western
Plain
Arid North Western Sandy
Plain
Flood Prone Eastern Plain
Semi Arid Eastern Plain
Transitional Plain of Inland
Drainage
Alluvial Plain of Luni Basin
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 126
3. Hyper Arid Partial Irrigated Zone
The Hyper Arid Partial Irrigated Zone used 4652.62 MCM of water for
agricultural sector and 356.40 MCM, 127.10 MCM and 158.00 MCM for domestic,
livestock and industrial sectors respectively. Total usage of the district is 5294.13
MCM and it ranks 9th.
4. Transitional Plain of Inland Drainage
The Transitional Plain of Inland Drainage zone ranks 6th in the state. The
total demand is of 3388.66 MCM, out of which 2863.32 MCM is used in agriculture
sector, 321.31 MCM for domestic usage and 111.9 MCM for livestock. Whereas
92.04 MCM is required for industrial purposes.
5. Alluvial Plain of Luni Basin
This zone has a total requirement of 3541.54 MCM which ranks 7th
in the
state. The usage in agriculture, domestic, livestock and industrial sectors are 3024.08
MCM, 319.47 MCM, 150.54 MCM and 47.44 MCM respectively. The industrial
usage is the least in this zone in terms of water quantity.
6. Semi Arid Eastern Plain
The district demands 2995.35 MCM to meet its need of 2360.80 MCM,
447.44 MCM, 125.53 MCM and 11.33 MCM for agricultural, domestic, livestock and
industrial usage respectively; along with 50.23 MCM for other miscellaneous uses.
7. Flood Prone Eastern Plain
The zone ranks 4th in terms of total demand for water, with a total
requirement of 2501.55 MCM. The highest demand is for agriculture and domestic
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 127
purposes. Its demand for water in sectors of Agriculture, Domestic, Livestock and
Industry is 2070.88 MCM, 315.23 MCM, 82.44 MCM and 7.87 MCM respectively.
For other sectors it requires 25.11 MCM as well.
8. Sub Humid Southern Plain and Aravallis
The water demand in the Sub Humid Southern Plain and Aravallis region
was 3323.76 MCM for agricultural usage. For domestic, livestock and industrial
usage it requires 477.57 MCM, 162.05 MCM and 11.12 MCM respectively. Total
demand of district is 4042.72MCM.
9. Humid Southern Plain
The total demand of the Humid Southern Plain region to meet its usage
demand is 788.82 MCM and being the region of lowest water demand in the state. Its
demand for agricultural usage is 679.51 MCM, for domestic purpose is 69.88 MCM,
for livestock purposes is 39.03 MCM and for industrial purposes it is 0.38 MCM.
10. Humid South Eastern Plain
The agro-climatic zone of Humid South Eastern Plain has the highest demand
for water in the state i.e. 5686.03 MCM. Its demand for agriculture, domestic and
livestock usage is 5034.63 MCM, 369.19 MCM and 114.70 MCM respectively. For
industrial purposes 6.66 MCM is required and 160.82 MCM for other purposes is
demanded.
It can be seen that the highest demand for water in the state is in the
agricultural sector followed by domestic and livestock sector. The demand from the
industrial sector is the least in the state. The region wise sectoral demand is depicted
in the Graph – 4.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 128
Graph - 4
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Un
it i
n M
CM
Agro-Climatic Region Wise Sectoral Water Use-Demand- 2010
Agriculture Industrial Domestic Live Stock Others
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 129
3.4 WATER MANAGEMENT
Rajasthan is predominantly rain-fed agrarian state, with its two-thirds
population depending on agriculture and related activities. The state shares only 1.15
percent of the total water resources of India. Hence the State suffers from a
disproportionately poor availability of water when compared to its potential large
users, people, animals and agriculture. Western Rajasthan is arid to semi-arid with a
negative water balance and acute water deficit. The eastern part of the state is semi-
arid to sub-humid with relatively better water availability. The ecological, social and
economic system will be affected by climate change as it is predicted to cause
changes in the water cycle.
This scenario makes exploration of the potential for water harvesting, its
conservation and efficient utilization the need of the hour. Improving water
management systems in the state must include integrating possible impacts of
climate change on freshwater systems and their management, including seasonal
shifts in streams flow, salinisation and flooding and drought risks.
For proper water management in any region professionals with expertise in
water resources management, engineers, scientists, technicians along with locals
must co-operate together to achieve the goal of water management in the state.
Groundwater recharge is a natural process; still with the assistance of
artificial recharge techniques this process can be rapid. Groundwater is popularly the
only source of drinking water in many regions of the state. This need promoted the
need of efficient water harvesting techniques in Rajasthan since a long time. The
most prevalent water harvesting structures include bawari and jhalara which depend
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 130
on groundwater for recharge and talab, nadi, tanka, kund and khadin which are
based on harnessing surface runoff. The following chapter discusses the traditional
and modern methods of rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan.
TRADITIONAL METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING IN RAJASTHAN
The traditional sources of water in Rajasthan include Nadi, Tanka, Johad,
Bandha, Sagar, Samund and Sarovar. The large public wells known as Kohar,
Jhalra, Baori, Beri, Saagar were owned by the community.
1. Lakes
Maximum conservation of water is in the form of lakes in Rajasthan. World
famous lakes like Lalsagar (1800), Kailana (1872), Takhatsagar (1932), and
Ummedasagar (1931) Balsamand lake of Jodhpur; Jaisamand, Udai Sagar, Fateh
Sagar, Rajsamand and Pichhola of Udaipur; Anasagar lake, Pushkar lake of Ajmer;
Mansagar lake of Jaipur exist here. These lakes conserved large quantities of water
which is used for drinking, religious and recreational purposes.
2. Bawari
Step wells are locally known as Bawari and jhalara. These are sweet water
aquifers getting a regular and heavy recharge mainly set up in cities and big towns to
provide a water supply to the community. They were mainly constructed to conserve
rain water. Bawaris and Sarovar have remained important sources of drinking water
and irrigation respectively since ancient times.
3. Naadi
The oldest and still prevalent storage structure for rainwater harvesting is
naadi or dug-out village pond or tank (Pokhar). Their Agor (catchment area) is also
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 131
large. The water stored in a naadi acts as a source of groundwater recharge through
seepage and deep percolation and is generally used for drinking by livestock and
human beings. Naadi construction is more prevalent in the western Rajasthan.
4. Tanka
The tanka is circular or rectangular shape pond with a life span of 3-4 years,
normally on bare ground to which surface runoff can be diverted. The area around it is
a clean catchment. The traditional tanka is constructed with lime plaster and thatched
with bushes. Ranisar and Padamsar tanks of Jodhpur, forest tanks of Ranthambore,
Sukhsagar Tank and Kalasagar tank and Padmini tank are few famous ones.
5. Khadeen
It was first developed in the 15th century in the Jaisalmer district, Khadeen is
a most multi-purpose method of water conservation. The run-off from upland and
rocky surfaces is collected in a khadeen from the adjoining valley against an
embankment having a masonry water barrier for outflow of runoff excess. The
standing water in a khadeen assists continuous groundwater recharge. On the Khadeen
bed at least one crop is cultivated even in the arid region as it retains moisture and
contains fine and fertile soil. In the immediate vicinity downstream the sub-surface
water is extracted through bore wells.
6. Kui
To minimize the wastage of water, small well known as Kui or Beri is
constructed near a water leaking and oozing tank. At Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur
'Kui' are found in a large number. Its opening is covered by strips of wood and
mostly they remain kaccha.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 132
7. Jhalras
The water of Jhalras was used in religious ceremonies, community bath and
such other functions. Jhalras in Man Mandir at Jodhpur are well known. They do not
have their own catchment area rather, the water reservoirs receive water from
soakage of tanks or lakes situated at a higher level.
8. Roof-Water Harvesting
The houses in western Rajasthan during ancient times were constructed with
stone and lime and the roof water was diverted to Tankas. The housing complexes and
institutional buildings in urban areas have large roofs and the roof-top rainwater can
be conserved and used for recharge of groundwater. Here an outlet pipe from the roof
top to divert the water to the existing wells or special recharge wells in urban areas.
MODERN METHODS OF WATER CONSERVATION IN RAJASTHAN
With the advancement of technology and increasing need for water new
methods are adopted to conserve water using scientific techniques.
1. Water Harvesting Dams or Nalla bunds
In ravine lands, a series of small barriers are constructed across selected
Nalla sections of second order streams so as to obstruct the flow of surface water in
the stream channel and water is retained on the surface for a longer period. These
check dams act as a mini percolation tank which helps retention of the silt load,
supplement irrigation, contributes groundwater recharge and enhances the overall
biomass production of the system. These Water harvesting dams are promoted under
the Watershed Management Program in Rajasthan.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 133
2. Ditch and Furrow Method
In areas with irregular topography, flat bottomed, shallow and closely-spaced
ditches or furrows there is maximum water contact area to recharge water from
source stream or canal. This technique is less sensitive to silting.
3. Anicuts
A small water harvesting masonry dam constructed across a stream to hold
sufficient water and submerge the upstream area during the rainy season is known as
an Anicut. The stored water is used for drinking and recharging groundwater in
adjacent wells. Lift irrigation is also practiced. Like in a khadin, if the submerged
area is large then bed cultivation is practiced using the stored soil profile moisture.
4. Percolation Tanks
Percolation tanks are recharge structures for impounding surface runoff
constructed on small streams with adequate catchment. These tanks are more feasible
in hard rock regions which are highly fractured and weathered to quickly recharge
the groundwater due to low evaporation losses. They can be dug in alluvial rock
formations as well.
5. Sub-Surface Barriers
In the sandy bed of an ephemeral desert streams the sub-surface barrier is a
suitable artificial recharge structure. It is constructed below the river bed on
impermeable sub-surface strata and so the structure is secure from flooding and does
not require periodic de-silting and has limited evaporation.
Water Scenario of Rajasthan 134
6. Harvesting and Conservation of Flash Floods
Flash floods occur in response to very high rainfall or a cloudburst of short
duration. Over-topping of defined courses of streams and spreading into flood plains
causing immense damage are their characteristic features. These waters can be
allowed to percolate inside the already existing aquifers of the water is diverted
towards the run- off storage tanks. The water can be later put to agricultural or
domestic purposes after basic purification.
7. In-situ Water Harvesting and Moisture Conservation
In-situ water harvesting and moisture conservation is very useful in drought
mitigation and in enhancing land productivity, which are field based, cost effective,
location-specific soil and water conservation technology. Under this technique,
Contour furrowing is practiced on mild slopes. Also, a large numbers of mini-
storages are created across the slope which alleviate drought. Contour bunding is
recommended in the semiarid region of the state for soil and water conservation in
rain-fed farming regions. Locally adapted, native, fast-growing perennial grasses
with extensive root systems are planted against the slopes to act as Contour vegetative
barrier. These grasses and shrubs form a dense hedge and conserve soil and water.
This cheap and environmental friendly measure improves land productivity.
8. Recharge Shaft
In the areas where source of water is only seasonally available the recharge
shaft allows water to stand in it for longer time and allowing it to percolate to
recharge a nearby well or other water body. The recharge shaft is efficient and cost
effective structure to recharge the aquifers directly.