53-Hydrological investigations on lake Pichhola, Udaipur (Rajasthan) for its conservation and management

Abstract

Lake Pichhola in Udaipur (Rajasthan) is a very significantfand valuable manmade lake of the region. For the last few centuries, it has acted as a catalyst in the development of the region by serving variety of domestic and developmental purposes such as civil water supply, irrigation, fish-culture, recreation, industrial and other commercial activities. As a matter of fact, it has become the lifeline of Udaipur by being the backbone of the economy of the region due to tourism. However, due to excessive interference in the lake catchment and unscientific use of the lake water over the years, the lake is engulfed with various problems. The condition of the lake is precarious and calls for an urgent remedial action. So, hydrological investigations are being undertaken with the objective of identifying the various problems of the lake, their causes and possible remedial measures to rejuvenate the lake. This paper presents the results of the investigations carried out so far based on the available data. Based on this, certain preliminary suggestions to for proper conservation and management of the lake have been suggested.