Citizens Demonstrate Solutions: Rainbow Drive Layout and its Water Reforms

Chemical quality of surface and groundwater of an area is influenced by the climate, hydrological conditions, soil characteristics and geological formation. Irrespective of their source, all natural waters contain some chemical constituents and their quality changes progressively as they traverse over the land surface or infiltrate downward due to various hydro-geochemical processes. Anthropogenic factors also contribute substantially towards quality change of both surface water and ground water. In the present study an attempt has been made to understand the aquifer vulnerability to pollution, at the regional scale (Goa State), which takes into account the intrinsic hydraulic and hydrogeological parameters and environmental impacts. It is noticed that a variety of activities, such as agricultural, industrial and urban land uses, are carried out in the area, thus exposing the aquifers to a wide range of contaminants. Groundwater quality data of Goa state for the pre-monsoon seasons of 2014 and 2018 were obtained from CGWB (Bengaluru) and analysed statistically. A regional scale approach was developed which is known as ABHESHT (Aquifer type, Boundary conditions, Hydraulic Head representing static water level, Environmental impact, Solute concentration, Head variation (Water Table Fluctuation) during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons and Transmissivity). The method has been applied to Goa State, west coast of India and compared with the observed groundwater quality parameters. It is found that the model has successfully delineated the wells which are prone to pollution. Using GALDIT model, seawater intrusion impact was also assessed. The study revealed that the groundwater of Goa State did not show any significant pollution indicator, however, seasonal variations in water quality parameters were observed. It is also found that the North Goa coast as well as the other tourist spots spread over the entire state show signs of pollution at various locations (Anjuna. Baga, Mapusa. Concona etc). This calls for immediate attention from the concerned authorities.

The Chhattisgarh state covers a total geographical area of about 135192 Sq. Km with subtropical climate, characterized by extreme summer and moderate winter having average rainfall of about 1300 mm. Physiographically, the area is characterized by three distinct landforms namely Bastar plateau in the South, the plain of Mahanadi river and its tributaries in the central part and the hills of Chhotanagpur plateau in the northern region. The major river basins in the state are Brahmani, Godavari, Ganga, Mahanadi and Narmada . The total catchment of these river basins is about 13559 kilometers. The Mahanadi Basin is the largest basin covering an area of about 76150 square kilometers out of 141589 square kilometers, nearly 4.3 percent of total geographical area of the country. Chhattisgarh has 2 percent population and 3.2 percent of total surface water resources of the country. The utilizable surface potential in the state if properly harnessed can irrigate about 4.3 million hectares area against the existing potential of 1.38 million hectare. Due to various anthropogenic activities, urbanization, industrialization etc, the quality and quantity of water have been adversely affected. The rivers Hasdeo, Indravati, Kharun, Apra etc. are polluted due to industrialization and urbanization in various parts of the Chhattisgarh. To check the pollution, proper management of solid/liquid waste of various industries is needed. Beside these, use of biofertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc should be promoted. Effective water management strategies combined with watershed treatments like soil conservation, afforestation, desilting of rivers, rainwater harvesting etc are needed to maintain the health of the river basins of Chhattisgarh. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan started by the Government of India is a highly welcome move in this direction.

Gujarat Alluvial plains are well known for prolific aquifer system but due to overexploitation of groundwater in North Gujarat districts, the ground water levels have shown a declining trend, which entails higher water lifting cost in addition to the increasing investment in deepening of wells. As natural recharge of groundwater is not commensurate with groundwater extraction, the groundwater levels have dipped more than 190 m below ground level at some places of North Gujarat. In such areas, it is felt that artificial recharge of groundwater has much scope in water conservation and augmentation. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has given a new dimension to the groundwater sustainability in North Gujarat through harvesting of the surplus runoff and storing the same in the sub-surface reservoir adopting artificial recharge techniques.The present paper deals with the various activities undertaken by the Central and State Governments to arrest the groundwater level from further decline and also maintain the quality of groundwater. Based on the Pilot studies in the UNDP assisted project during the years 1980-85 in the Gujarat State, CGWB has advocated for artificial recharge of groundwater by spreading channel and injection methods to counteract the impact of overexploitation in the North Gujarat. In the Central Sector Scheme (CSS) of Ministry of Water Resources (now Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation), Government of India, demonstrative artificial recharge structures have been constructed by the State Government in the Saraswati river bed at Madhu Pavdi check Dam in Sidhpur, Patan district, Due to non availability of surplus water in the North Gujarat Region, Government of Gujarat launched an ambitious inter basin water transfer program known as Sujalam Sufalam Yojana. In this Sujlam Suphalam Yojana one major unlined recharge canal named as Sujlam Suphalam spreding canal has been constructed with a length of 332 km from Mahi to Banas River which diverts of surplus flood waters of Kadana Reservoir and the Narmada to the water deficit areas. In the Lift Irrigation scheme, nine reservoirs of North Gujarat region are planned to be filled by laying pipelines utilising surplus flood water of Narmada.

Surface water resources in Rajasthan are scarce and scanty owing to hot arid climatic conditions. Major parts of western Rajasthan are devoid of any major drainage system and are reeled under spells of chronic droughts. Average annual rainfall in the state is of the tune of 540mm, decreases westward and is even less than 150mm in the western most parts of Jaisalmer district. Annual Potential evapo-transpiration is also as high as 2060mm in parts of Jaisalmer district. There are 15 river basins in the state. There are also numerous natural as well as artificial freshwater lakes including Pushkar, Rajsamand, Nakki, Ana Sagar, Kayalana, Ramgarh, Foy Sagar etc. mainly in the southern and eastern parts of the state. Salt lakes include Sambhar, Kuchaman, Pachpadra, Didwana, Phalodi, Lunkaransar etc. Indira Gandhi Nahar (IGNP), Bhakara and Gang canals have been constructed to bring Himalayan water to the desert areas of western Rajasthan in addition to other major commands of Chambal, Mahi and Narmada canals etc. In Rajasthan, irrigation projects completed include 22 Major projects, 77 Medium projects, 660 Minor projects and 3139 Tanks have been transferred to Panchyat Raj Department. Usable water is of the magnitude of 16.05 BCM and the Gross Storage Capacity created is of the order of 14.547 BCM. The Live Storage Capacity created is about 11.99 BCM. Out of the total allocated share of 17.88 BCM under interstate water agreement, average annual water availability remains 12.66 BCM due to various climatic, political, institutional or hydrological reasons. In addition to various Central Government Schemes, Watershed schemes and Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan are also implemented in the state.