26-Groundwater Resource Management in the State of Rajasthan.

Abstract

Groundwater condition in the state is deteriorating speedily. The stage of groundwater development increased from 35.73% (1984) to 125.13% and number of over-exploited blocks from 12 (1984) to 140 (2004). Water level depletion has been reported in 212 blocks out of 237 blocks in the state. The state government's water management policies are based on periodical assessment of the groundwater resources. Some of the salient supply side as well as demand side groundwater management options being used in the state include mandatory provision of RTRWHS in urban areas having specific roof area, construction of model designs of RTRWHS, pilot area studies for evolving community driven management options, notifying critically over-exploited areas by Central Ground Water Authority for regulating groundwater withdrawal through District Collectors and carrying out IEC activities pertaining to groundwater management. Besides this, regulation of ground water development activities through legislation is also under consideration.