Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
On the other hand, some problems of the Brahmani River basin (water rich basin) are
attributable to high river flows and low use of groundwater. Brahmaputra, Godavari,
Mahanadi, Tapi, Narmada and Mahi river basins in India could have similar groundwater-
related problems, and therefore policies to increase groundwater withdrawals in future
may be desirable.
The water resources availability both in respect of surface and groundwater are shown
in Table 3.
An approximate insight for the present conditions in respect of other Indian basins
Grouping of various Indian river basins based on the foregoing criteria and values of
water situation indicators are presented in Table 4.
Estimation of environmental flow needs
Fair and reasonable assessments of the riverine ecosystem needs posed difficulty
throughout the exercise, in the absence of expert study inputs, and were largely based on
consultations with stakeholders with some degree of arbitrariness.
Brahmani River has a considerable lean season flow, and sizeable fish numbers,
particularly in lower reaches, supporting many livelihoods. Although the water
development structures like Jenapur Dam (early 20th century) and Rengali Dam (late
20th century) caused some obstruction to free movement, fish catches and species are so
considerable that an adverse impact situation does not currently appear.
Considerable areas of mangroves cover the mouths of the Brahmani, and other rivers
have a common delta. The mangrove around Bhitarkanika is a well-known area of
interest, especially for ecological interests. Migration of people from within and outside
the basin and new settlements in the mangrove areas were identified as the main reason
for the progressive and apparent reduction of mangrove areas. The mangrove species
prevalent in any area are likely to depend on the tidal range, the salinity levels in the
estuary, and the salinity in the root zone soil and moisture/groundwater. Unfortunately, no
correlation between headwater discharge and estuarial salinity is available, nor could one
be established from the available sparse data.
Of primary importance in the future would be a good response-based objective
analysis, or studies projecting the realistic demand of minimum flows in different
stretches of the rivers, not only for the Sabarmati and Brahmani, but also for all the
riverine eco systems of India.
People sector requirements can be the first charge on fresh water. The study is a
pointer to demonstrate that return flows after withdrawal for agriculture could also help
(if duly treated, even for industrial and other uses) and sustains other aquatic ecosystems.
Such an approach would ensure a win-win situation in both sectors, i.e. water for food
and water for environment. Policy support suggestions are considered valuable if they are
based on basin studies and bring in cross-cutting issues and interests.
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