18-Hurdles in Framing Groundwater Management Strategies in A&N Islands in the Aftermath of Tsunami.

Abstract

In spite of copious rainfall, complex geology and hydrogeology are mainly responsible for the formation of un-ubiquitous potential groundwater reservoirs in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Dearth of good catchment is causing non-availability of surfacewater projects. 'finis, development of ground water and its management in island situation has been a perennial problem in the archipelago. The research and development work have revealed good prospect of development of ground water through artificial recharge and conservation, watershed development through conjunctive water use and rainwater harvesting. There was stupendous impact of the 26.12.2004 killer tsunami and devastating earthquake (Magnitude of 9.3 in ritcher scale) on groundwater resources in the islands. Currently the groundwater availability, its assessment, development and management in post-tsunami is more tricky in the changed environment. To combat with this situation, a regular monitoring of hydro-geological environment would be highly necessary for successful construction of groundwater augmentation structures during the rebuilding period and to adopt right and site/ island specific recommendation keeping in view the harmony with ecology and forestry for environmental sustainability. In this regard the detailed knowledge on the pre-tsunami situation and the recent changes in hydro-geoenvironment would be imperative to arrive at successful implementation of the projects.