Author(s):

Mangal Yadav

Abstract: Rajasthan is the largest state in India covering an area of 34.22 million hectare i.e. 10.5 % of the country‘s geographical area but sharing only 1.15 % of its water resources. The estimated per capita water availability in the state during 2001 was 840 m³ and is expected to be 439 m³ by the year 2050 against the national average of 1140 m³ by 2050 ^[1]. More than 70% of its people depend upon agricultural activities. The occurrence of drought leads to reduction in reservoir and tank levels and depletion of soil moisture and groundwater. There is a need to develop suitable criteria for planning drought adaption to crops for increasing and stabilizing crop yields during non-drought conditions, and minimizing crop damages during drought. District is frequently facing monsoon failure from last one decade. Monsoon failure resulting in widespread drought implies a deepening of the already severe water crisis. The monsoons recharge the groundwater and surface-water systems. In past, Dholpur District has over-exploited her groundwater without recharging, creating a water famine. The food and water security of the Dholpur district solely rely on the intensity of monsoon and ground water. The present paper attempts to bring a detailed study of degree of drought and possible feasible approaches of drinking water supply for Dholpur district. The study is based on rainfall data collected by WRD Department Dholpur on their different stations. It is suggested that the recharging of wells using latest water conservation techniques, rehabilitation of traditional water bodies systems, better planning of water use. We conclude that if significant improvements are not made with respect to adaptation to drought, it is difficult to adapt to future regional climates which are expected to be marked by on average longer drier conditions than present.

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