II-6-Integrated Water Resource Management - A Hydrogeological Perspective.

Abstract

Water is a prime need of developing society. More than two billion people in the 40 countries live in water stress. Water withdrawal globally increased seven fold with three times increased in population during 20th century. According to ground water estimation only 30 water blocks out of 237 in the Rajasthan state are left in safe category, while 164 are under over- exploited category and 34 are in critical state. With all affords in last decade, fragmented approach with limited coordination in the lined departments, the ground water resource is on rapidly depleting trend. Towards achieving Village Water Security in light of recently declared State Water Policy, the integrated water resource planning is a better and effective management tool for both surface and ground water resource management. The state government of Rajasthan is now focusing on people participation based water management solutions instead of predominantly engineering-based ones, under the umbrella process of Integrated Water Resources Management. To begin with both district and Garm Panchayat level planning is being exercise in coordination with NGO's and all water related departments. Different water utilization practices in the village for various domestic, industrial and agricultural needs have also been computed for the demand side practices in the village. The paper underlines various tools for data analysis towards water security and better management of both the water resource surface and ground water for each village.