CS(AR)-2/2013 : Water resources management study for drought affected Bundelkhand region

Abstract

Drought is recognized as one of the most hazardous causes of human misery which also annually claims most of the victims and arises whenever the links in the hydrological cycle are destabilized. Water resources management under drought scenario is a challenging task for the decision makers and planners. It is not possible to avoid droughts but drought impacts can be managed, the success of which depends on proper quantification of drought characteristics.The drought frequency in Bundelkhand which used to bet in 16 years in 18th andl 9th centurieshas increased several times with the last decade witnessing continuous droughts resulting in livelihood issues and depletion of natural resources. The drought frequency varies between 1 in 3 years at Lalitpur and 1 in 7 years at Manikpur in Banda district. Drought prone blocks have been identified and all subsequent analysis has been limited to theseblocks. Drought indices including the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), Streamflow Drought Index (SDI), Groundwater Drought Index (GDI) and Effective Drought Index (EDI) have been developed to study the drought characteristics. The hydrological drought analysis and thespatio-temporal assessment of droughts have also been carried out. Generally, two critical dry spell (CDS) are invariablyexperienced for which supplemental irrigation has been planned.MIKE BASIN simulation based water resources management planning for Bearma basin have been carried out considering various scenarios and the approach adopted helps to effectively reduce water scarcity to a great extent during droughts. The integrated drought vulnerability assessment based on several spatial and temporal characteristicshelped in the identification of vulnerable areas for drought mitigation. An action linked drought management plan has been developed and five stages of drought levels suggested based on drought triggers.The comprehensive analysis covering various aspects of drought along withthe appropriate recommendations will help tosignificantly reduce the vulnerability of the region.The report can be used as a useful tool by administrators, planners and decision makers for planning and management of water resources and drought management,to alleviate the sufferings and bring prosperity in Bundelkhand.