Water Resources Development Action Plan by using Remote Sensing data:
A case study in Dhaulpur block, Dhaulpur district, Rajasthan



Ground water prospect of the block:
In this block there are six categories of Ground water prospect zones. Maximum part of the block has under 'Excellent' prospect which covers 401.021sq. km. the next category is 81.84 sq. km. of good Ground water prospect .in the southern part of the block:

Groundwater Prospect Dhaulpur Block
Sr. No. Category Total area sq. km.
1 Excellent 401.021
2 Very good 0.188
3 Good 81.84
4 Moderate to good 68.243
5 Moderate 8.371
6 Poor 27.171

Water Resources Action Plan:
The water resources available to a community are the most important factors contributing to its economic development to ensure a way of life, consistent with the human dignity. The water resources development plan of Dhaulpur block have been prepared on the basis of hydro-geomorphological characteristics of the different zones, drainage, surface waterbodies, present landuse and current status of surface and groundwater exploitation in the block. The maps show major units indicating their groundwater potentialities, new locales of potential aquifers, besides suggested locations of structure for exploitation both surface as well as groundwater.

The principal recharge of groundwater body in the block is through monsoon precipitation. Additional sources of recharge are through winter rainfall; return flow of irrigation, and water recharge from surface water resources the potential zone of alluvium in the block is under critical to semi-critical stage of groundwater development. This area also forms the arable land area, which needs continuous drawl of water for increasing demand of agricultural products. Therefore, for preventing further depletion of groundwater and its future development the first priority is for recouping it by - i) artificial recharge, ii) change of cropping pattern, iii) adopting better irrigation system (sprinkler and drip irrigation system), and iv) conjunctive use of water. Exploring areas in the hard rock terrain along secondary porosity zones should form the basis for future development. A proper groundwater management strategy including close-watch on the behaviour of water-table and monitoring the changes in the quality of groundwater would require increase in the number of Network Observation Wells.

Tributaries of parbati, especially the smaller ones, are short- lived and exhibit sandy beds. A large number of small and medium sized reservoirs have already been developed, which provide a good source of surface water although their water. Development of new storage reservoirs is rather limited, since most of the sites suitable for the construction of such reservoirs had already been occupied. However, a few water-harvesting structures on a smaller scale, have been suggested. Such structures at suitable sites not only help in improving hydrological behaviour but also help in the reduction of soil load, moderating the normal flood flow, restoration of degraded land for improving its productivity and improving ecological balance between land, water and biota.

Nalabund, recharge-pit, and desilting of tanks, as major part of the block forms a flat terrain consisting of two potential zones; the alluvium and sandstone part of, which is covered under command area. Along Chambal River most of the structures are suggested for recharge of groundwater or enhancing the water holding capacity of the existing waterbodies by desilting.

Surface Water Harvesting Structure in Dhaulpur Block
S. No. Structure Location Hydrogeomor-phology Unit Slope Land Use Remarks
1. Nala Bund (NB-1) 54 F/13 B-3, SW APD -R 0-1% Ravenous Land Recommended for recharge of groundwater and wells
2. Nala Bund (NB-2) 54 F/14 A-1, NW APD -R 0-3 % Kharif Recommended for recharge of groundwater checking, erosion, irrigation purpose.
3. Nala Bund (NB-3) 54 F/9, B-2, NW APD 0-1% Fallow Land Recommended for recharge of wells, irrigation purpose, drinking purpose.
4. Recharge pit (RP) 54 F/13 C-3, NW APD 0-1% Fallow Land Recommended for recharge of wells, irrigation purpose, drinking purpose.
5. Desilting of tank (D1) 54 F/13 B-3, South APD 0-1% Water body Recommended for groundwater recharge.
6. Desilting (D2) 54 F/13 B-3, SE APD 0-1% Water body Recommended for groundwater recharge.
7. Desilting (D3) 54 F/13 C-3, SE APD 0-1% Kharif Recommended for groundwater recharge and well recharge, drinking purpose.
8. Nala Bund (NB-4) 54 F/14 B-1, NW APD 0-1% Water body Recommended for groundwater recharge.
9. Desilting (D7) 54 F/13 C-3, SW 4 0-1% Water body Recommended for groundwater recharge.
10 . Desilting (D4) 54 F/14 A-2, Centre APD 0-1% Water body Recommended for groundwater recharge.
11. Desilting (D5) 54 F/14 A-2, Centre APD 0-1% Water body Recommended for groundwater recharge.
12. Desilting (D6) 54 F/14 A-2, SE UPH 0-1% Water body Recommended for groundwater recharge.

Conclusion
The study revealed the usefulness of remote sensing technology for preparing a water resource development action plan. The study shows that the area being an alluvial plain has very good to good ground water prospects. In this area we have suggested approximately 12 surface water-harvesting structures. Nala Bunds, desiltation are the most required for ground water recharging for irrigation and drinking purpose.

Acknowledgement:
We are grateful to Dr. J. R. Sharma Head and Project Director, RRSSC, Jodhpur for his support and guidance in preparation of this research paper. We are also equally grateful to Prof. H. S. Sharma, Dean faculty of Science, Prof. R. B. Singh Retd. Director GSI, Prof. of Geography, Shri S. B. Sharma for their guidance. I shall fail in my duty if I don't acknowledge the help extended by the Scientists of ISDRS, Jaipur.

Reference:
  1. District Census Handbook, Dhaulpur, 1991, Census of India, Rajasthan.


  2. Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development, Technical Guidelines, NRSA/DOS, Hyderabad.


  3. Monthly and Annual Rainfall and number of rainy days for the period 1901 - 1950 (part - II), IMD, Pune.


  4. Rajasthan District Gazetters, Bharatpur, Gazetter of India, Directorate, District Gazetters, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur.


  5. Water Atlas of India, 1988. all India Soil and Land Use Survey Deptt. of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, New Delhi.


  6. General of the India Society of Remote Sensing vol. 27, 28, No. 1 2 & 3, March 1999, June & September 2002.
Page 3 of 3
| Previous |