31-Over-Exploitation of Aquifer - Need for Proper Planning, Management Tactics, Awarenessand Logislation (Examples from West Bengal and Orissa)

Abstract

West Bengal and Orissa are two such states in India having vast alluvial aquifers deposited in the deltas along the coastal plains and in the doabs of the inland river valleys. In comparison to West Bengal, extensive areas in Orissa are underlain by hard crystalline rock formations with limited groundwater potential. Non-availability of potential shallow aquifers in hard rock areas causes low utilization of ground water for irrigation in Orissa. However, shallow aquifers are ubiquitous in the coastal Orissa as also in deltaic West Bengal. Although the quantitative utilization is in-the low key, the irrigation pattern and its trend in the coastal Orissa has keen resemblance with that of West Bengal. Redundant and unscientific draw from the shallow aquifers has caused problem in the shallow tube well 'urigation in the states along with the possibilities of environmental menace. Ignorance, lack of awareness on groundwater overuse and management, non-availability of specific data on crop water requirement and cropping pattern, poor agricultural extension, absence of groundwater legislation are responsible for aggravating the problems. Government of West Bengal has already taken some action on tube well energisation to check unscientific withdrawal. In Orissa such steps are yet to be taken by the state government. In this paper the groundwater irrigation, various causes of misuse and overuse of ground water in the states, their possible effects on environment, needful remedial measures and scientific planning are critically discussed.