Report on the spot study of water situation in drought affected areas of the country (2015-16)
The report of on the Spot Study of Water Situation in Drought Affected Areas of the country (2015-16) has recommended construction of water harvesting structures, mass awareness among citizen for water conservation, construction of new water storage structures, interlinking of rivers, renovation and repair of existing water bodies as some of the important measures to meet the challenges of overall water scarcity scenario in the country. The study was carried out by Central Water Commission under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Various long/short term measures (being taken up and to be taken up) to mitigate water scarcity situation have also been recommended which are region/area/state specific. In some areas like Marathwada of Maharashtra, Bundelkhand of UP and MP interlinking projects have been recommended. Water budgeting and planning the cropping patterns for the oncoming agricultural season(s), the strategy for avoiding water intensive crops to the extent in consultation with the relevant expert departments are also crucial for checking such situation. Micro irrigation (sprinkler and drip) should be adopted to achieve more crops per drop.