Impact Analysis of Water Supply and Demand on Groundwater Behaviours- A Case Study

Abstract

Improper utilization of surface and groundwater resources has caused water logging problem in some cases and depletion of groundwater resources in other. Scientific exploitation of groundwater meets irrigation water need and controls rising water table. However, if tubewells are drilled indiscriminately and without proper assessment of exploitable groundwater, it results in an adverse impact on the groundwater regime. The research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi has witnessed varied groundwater situation in past 60 years. This paper describes over the how the excess use of canal water during the forties and fifties and indiscriminate drilling of tubewelIs after that resulted in waterlogging till mid sixties and depletion of groundwater resources thereafter. Analysis of long term data of water table fluctuations at JARI farm revealed that it has been rising till 1964, reaching to ground surface at several places. Subsequent drilling of a large number of tubewells and reduced canal water supply caused decline of the groundwater table. At present, groundwater table is 14 m deep at some places. This paper also stresses the need for comprehensive water balance study before undertaking any water resources development and utilization project in an area.