Theme-8-1-An integrated strategy for water conservation and development for drought extremes.

Abstract

In the recent past droughts of exceptional severity have caused major hardship in many areas of the, country. The remedial measures that are being taken so far on an area basis or programme basis to mitigate the effects of drought are not yielding productive results for water conservation and development. To plan and implement the concept of integrated approach to water conservation and provide relief measures under extreme conditions a typical drought prone region of Andhra Pradesh is chosen for thorough and interdisciplinary investigations The total quantum of surface and subsurface water as single integrated system is demonstrated. The available- water potential in the watershed is estimated by different methods for arriving at medium and long term planning for development. These studies resulted in developing a crop calender involving various components of relief and evolving a plan of action for implementation of the integrated concept for drought extreme situations.