Abstract:
The evaluation of meteorological and hydrological
drought characteristics including the dry spell
analysis for planning of supplemental irrigation has been
carried out for Bearma basin in Bundelkhand region of
Central India. The Bundelkhand region has been under a
spell of recurrent droughts. In the last decade, widespread
droughts were felt during 2002–2003 and 2007–2008. The
drought frequency varies between 1 in 3 years in Rehli and
Deori and 1 in 5 years in Hatta. Rehli and Deori blocks
falling in Sagar district have been identified to be drought
prone. The meteorological drought characteristics evaluated
by standardized precipitation index (SPI) indicated
that drought severity has increased greatly with the drought
intensity varying between -1.22 in Deori and -0.97 in
Rehli. The streamflow drought characteristics have been
evaluated using streamflow drought index (SDI), whereas
the groundwater drought characteristics evaluated by
groundwater drought index (GDI). The maximum
groundwater drought intensity is observed in Rehli
(-0.44). Two critical dry spells (CDS) of 14–18 days
invariably occur during the principal rainy months of July
and August, for which provision of life-saving supplementary
irrigation is essential for the rain-fed agriculture.
A drought management plan (DMP) has been developed,
based on basin relevant drought indicators and drought
triggers, designed and fined tuned to actual drought conditions
in the basin. Based on the supply and demand
scenario during droughts, an appropriate drought response
plan linked to prevailing drought levels has been developed,
to effectively manage the scarce water resources
during persistent drought scenario. Results of the study are
quite promising and the concept of DMP can be replicated
to other basins in the region taking into account the basin
relevant indicators as necessary.
