P: ISSN No. 2321-290X RNI No.  UPBIL/2013/55327 VOL.- X , ISSUE- VIII April  - 2023
E: ISSN No. 2349-980X Shrinkhla Ek Shodhparak Vaicharik Patrika
Water Crisis and Conservation in Alwar
Paper Id :  17636   Submission Date :  2023-04-17   Acceptance Date :  2023-04-22   Publication Date :  2023-04-25
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Rajesh Kumar Meena
Research Scholar
Dept. Of Geography
Govt. Lohia College
Churu,Rajasthan, India
Abstract
Life cannot be imagined without water. In the absence of water, mortal beings or any living being cannot survive. Water is an important element of mortal life. Water use varies by time and place. Man is using water coffers in colorful forms. However, there's a huge quantum of water on our earth, which has 71 percent of the total water, If we look at the water coffers encyclopedically. According to Keller, the entire water body on land is 1386 million km. Water coffers are substantially used for drinking water use, irrigation, artificial process, connection and brume power generation and numerous other available uses similar as field, theater and demesne irrigation, road watering and cleaning, fire fighting, boat operation and fishing etc. But in ultramodern society it's also used for purposes other than entertainment. In the future, there are possibilities that other uses of water will continue to develop. inordinate exploitation of water will dry up the water sources. thus, it's necessary that sufficient water should be released in the water distributors for water operation. The further mortal society develops, the further water is demanded, compounding the problems of public water force and use. thus, conserving water becomes as important as it's necessary to save life. In this exploration, the study of water extremity and conservation in Alwar has been done.
Keywords Regional and physical features, Climate and rainfall, Ground water resources, Drinking water supply
Introduction
Alwar city is the main city of Alwar district. Alwar is also the district headquarters. There are several dental legends about the origin of the name Alwar. Cunningham is of the opinion that the city of Alwar derives its name from the Salwa tribe and originally it was Salipur, then Salwar, then Ulwar and finally Alwar. Martyrdom performed during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar suggests that the region was ruled by Maharaja Keel of Amer in the 11th century and the territory ruled by it extended up to the present day Alwar Nagar, AD 1049. in Ulwar Nagar. Later, it was known as Ulwar, but was changed to Alwar during the rule of Jaisingh. Water Crisis: A water crisis refers to a situation in which the availability and accessibility of fresh water resources are insufficient to meet the water needs of a particular region or population. It occurs when there is a severe imbalance between water demand and water supply, leading to water scarcity, water stress, or water-related conflicts. The causes of a water crisis can vary but often include factors such as population growth, climate change, pollution, inadequate water infrastructure, and mismanagement of water resources. Conservation of Water: Water conservation refers to the practice of using water efficiently and responsibly in order to preserve and protect water resources for future generations. It involves adopting strategies and implementing measures to reduce water wastage, promote sustainable water use, and maintain ecological balance. Water conservation encompasses various actions, including: 1. Domestic conservation: Encouraging individuals and households to adopt water-saving habits such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, taking shorter showers, and practicing responsible irrigation in gardens. 2. Agricultural conservation: Implementing efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation or precision farming, to minimize water loss and improve water use efficiency in agricultural practices. 3. Industrial conservation: Employing water-saving technologies and practices in industrial processes, such as recycling and reusing water, optimizing production methods, and minimizing water pollution. 4. Policy and management: Developing and implementing water management policies, regulations, and incentives to encourage water conservation practices, promote water-efficient infrastructure, and raise awareness about the importance of water conservation. 5. Water reuse and recycling: Treating and reusing wastewater for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge, reducing the demand for freshwater sources. 6. Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for later use, either for household purposes or to replenish groundwater sources. Water conservation plays a crucial role in mitigating water crises, ensuring sustainable water availability, protecting ecosystems, and supporting human well-being and economic development.
Objective of study
The present research work is an attempt to bring to light the information related to the available water in Alwar district and the possibilities of its greater use. It has the following objectives - 1. To inform about the possibilities of utilization of available water resources in Alwar district. 2. To conduct a comparative study of water obtained from different sources of surface and ground water in Alwar district. 3. Proper management of water by preventing indiscriminate exploitation of water. To assess the utility of water resource conservation and management approaches adopted in other parts of the country with reference to the study area. Along with this, an effort has also been made that through this research work, farmers and other people can get maximum information about practical useful methods of water.
Review of Literature

In which the author explains the quantitative overview on availability and utilization water resources in the Italian countryside taking into account the existing distinguishing features among many Indian regions. He defines about

renewable water resources that, “The part of water resources is generated from the precipitation and computing on the basis of water balance.”

Kamta Prasad (2003): “Water and Poverty Alleviation” Source: Indian Journal of Public Administration. The article examines the role of water in influencing health and providing food security with special references to food prices and income of poor households.

Naidu M. Kamal (2003): “Indian Journal of Public Administration.” It explains the role of forests in water resources management. India’s water resources are characterized by uneven distribution over time and space.

Ramaswamy P.R. (2005): He explains in the journal “Indian Journal of Public Administrator”. Management of water as a national resource for sustainable development is the need of the hour in the developed and developing countries because of the current onslaught of globalization.

UN Report (2007): Unlike wars and natural disasters, the global crisis in water does not galvanize concerted international action like hunger; deprivation in access to water is a silent crisis. The water crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns.

Tewari Amitab and Suruchi (2012): search about the “Indian Journal of Public Administration informs is water, resource management in Indian issues and options the authors are of the view that the time has come when ‘Development mode’ of water resources yields to ‘management mode’.

Sadal V.S. (2015): this journal presents “Indian Journal of Public Administration” in Maharashtra had created irrigation potential to the tune of 308 mha.

Satendra, Kaushik A.D. (2015): “Water resources management for Disaster mitigation.” Source: Indian Journal of Public Administration. The natural disasters i.e., floods and droughts in India are the two sides of same coin. Both are the direct consequences of the erratic nature of the monsoon rainfall.

Channabassappa S. J. (2015): “Water Resource Management in Karnataka: Issues and Strategies. Karnataka is the second most arid state of India after Rajasthan where demands for water for various purposes like drinking and domestic use, irrigation and industrial are increasing rapidly.

 Dhar T.N. (2016): “Water resources management: Challenge of the 21st century. Source: Indian Journal of Public administration. This article presents a comprehensive survey of the existing scenario of the water resource management and water related issues facing the country.

V. Jayashankar (2017): “Participatory irrigation Management. This article discusses the steps taken by Bihar Government towards strengthening participatory irrigation management and highlights the achievement of this model.

S.Prakash (2018): “Water resources management: Issues and strategies”. India’s water resources are stressed and depleting while sectoral demands are growing rapidly.

CH. Balaramulu (2018): “Water Resource Management: Reforms in Andhra Pradesh. In this article an attempt is made to analyses the impact of water, resource management reforms initiated by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, recently on various agricultural classes, groups and the rural economy.

Tewari Amitabh, Tewari Suruchi (2019): “Water Resources Management in India: Issues and options. Source: Indian Journal of Public Administration. The authors are of the view that the time has come when ‘Development mode’ of water resources yields to ‘management mode’.

K. Sreedhara Rao (2019): In a thermal power station, water is used for different purposes, as a thermodynamic working media for condensing steam, for cooling equipment and for hydraulic disposal of ash.

Main Text

Map- 1, Alwar in Rajasthan (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alwar_in_Rajasthan_%28India%29.svg)



Map- 2, Alwar District Map (http://connectrajasthan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Alwar-Map.gif) 

Spatial Position

Alwar is a city located in the Alwar district of the state of Rajasthan, India. Geographically, Alwar is situated in the northern part of Rajasthan, near the Aravalli Range. The city's coordinates are approximately 27.5530° N latitude and 76.6346° E longitude. Alwar is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of the national capital, New Delhi.

Hypothesis

Before starting any type of research, some thoughts are made in our mind. This hypothesis can be positive or negative. The following hypotheses have been made in the present research work.

1. The water crisis is on the rise due to decreasing rainfall levels and drying up of traditional water sources.

2. Due to non-compliance of government policies, problems related to water supply are coming to the fore. Water is being over-exploited and the quality of water is changing.

Research method

Primary data has also been obtained by dividing the study area at unit level by questionnaire, schedule an interview. The selection of the respondents was done by objective sampling method. The data obtained from primary survey was first tabulated and arranged, secondary data were obtained from government and non-government institutions which are published and unpublished.

Data of rainfall, temperature, relative humidity have been obtained from Meteorological Department, Alwar, Jaipur Land Records Office, Alwar and various offices of Irrigation Department. The data related to the distribution and quantity of different water resources in Alwar district has been obtained from different offices of Irrigation Department. Data of discharge of water by rivers from various river water measurement stations established by Central Water Board Jaipur and Divisional Office Jaipur. The data of area irrigated by canals, tube wells, ponds and wells has been obtained from Land Records Office, Rajasthan.

Ground water information in different areas of the district has been obtained by inspection of wells and tube wells and geophysical survey with the help of employees of different departments. Based on this information and area, density of wells, tube wells, sources and wells, quantity of water available, depth of water table, water fluctuations and various factors, groundwater resource constraints are determined. 

Regional and Physical features: Alwar is a city located in the Alwar district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. 

Regional and physical features:

Location: Alwar is situated in the north-eastern part of Rajasthan, close to the borders of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. It lies approximately 150 kilometres south of Delhi, the capital of India.

Topography: The region around Alwar is characterized by a diverse topography. It is surrounded by the Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The city itself is nestled between two hills, known as the Aravalli hills, which provide a picturesque backdrop.

Climate: Alwar experiences a hot semi-arid climate. Summers (April to June) are extremely hot, with temperatures reaching as high as 45°C (113°F). Winters (December to February) are mild, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 22°C (45°F to 72°F). Monsoon season (July to September) brings moderate rainfall to the region.

Flora and Fauna: The region around Alwar is known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to various species of plants and animals. The Sariska Tiger Reserve, located near Alwar, is one of the prominent tiger reserves in India and provides habitat to several endangered species, including tigers, leopards, and various bird species.
Lakes and Water Bodies: Alwar has several lakes and water bodies that add to its natural beauty. The Siliserh Lake, located around 15 kilometres from the city, is a popular tourist attraction. It offers boating facilities and a palace, which has been converted into a heritage hotel.Historical Heritage: Alwar has a rich historical heritage and is dotted with numerous forts, palaces, and ancient structures. The Alwar Fort, also known as Bala Qila, is a prominent landmark in the city. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Other notable attractions include the City Palace, Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, and the Vinay Vilas Palace.Industrial Hub: Alwar is also an industrial hub and is known for its manufacturing industries. It has a significant presence in the automobile, chemical, and engineering sectors. The Bhiwadi Industrial Area, located near Alwar, is one of the largest industrial areas in Rajasthan.

Ground water resources in the district

Water in the district was normally available at a depth of 50 m, but due to lack of rainfall in the last 10 years, the ground water level has reached to a greater depth (150 m) and the amount of water in the ponds is also decreasing. The water level has further gone down due to depletion of ground water due to less rainfall for 5 consecutive years. Similarly, we are facing water shortage year after year. becoming a big problem for mankind and creatures. This problem can be solved only if the rainy season receives very good rains for three to four consecutive years, so that the underground water level rises.

Drinking water supply

Countryside- As per 2011 census in Alwar district, the villages which are all benefited from various drinking water schemes in 2022, 1360 villages have benefited from hand pump scheme, 526 villages from pump and tank scheme, 39 villages from TSS scheme, 304 villages from pipe scheme and 92 villages from regional scheme. Out of the above schemes, 264 departmental drinking water schemes are being operated on the Janata Jal Yojana pattern. Around 14841 hand pumps are working in rural areas.

Urban Area- There are 09 urban water schemes under Alwar district, out of which Bhiwadi city's drinking water supply is done by UIT, RIICO and Housing Board. Drinking water is being supplied at an interval of 12 hours in town Tijara, 24 hours in Khairthal, Behror, Alwar, Govindgarh, Khedli and 48 hours in town Rajgarh.

Senior Ground Water Scientist (Survey & Research)

During the year 2017-18, ground water survey work was carried out by this office in the districts of Alwar, Bharatpur, and Dholpur, in which the office surveyed the basic wells of three districts after pre-rainy season and after irrigation with orders Was.

During the survey, water level measurement, collection of water samples and other field related information were collected, which were analyzed at the chemical laboratory in Jaipur. Through geophysical survey in three districts, the work of locating ground water in untouched and difficult areas was done in depth. To provide technical inputs of ongoing work under MJSA in three districts during the year. This office provided information about the availability of ground water to the Public Health Department, Abhi Vibhag and other departments and general public through tube wells/hand pumps. Technical inputs for artificial recharge to ground water have also been provided by this office during the year. The department provided information about the ground water status to all the panchayat committees as per the requirement.

Water Resources of Alwar District

One hundred and fifty dams are lying in the hope of rain in Alwar district. Last year, due to below average rainfall, the dams could not get full water. As a result of this, at present there is water left in only four dams in the district. If it rains well this time, the dams will be filled with water.

There are total 129 small and big dams in Alwar district. Out of which 22 big dams are with the Water Resources Department while 107 dams are under Gram Panchayats. Last year, the district received only 455.45 mm of rain against an average of 555 mm. Due to which most of the dams could not get water as per their capacity and most of the dams dried up before the next rains. Alwar district is expected to get good rains this time. 

How much water in which dam (in feet)

Silisedh - 24

Mangalsar - 14.8

Bagherikhurd - 6.9

Mansarovar - 03

Dry Dams- Out of 22 dams of the Water Resources Department, 18 dams are lying dry. Among these, Jaisamand, Rampur, Jaisagar, Devati, Dhamred, Laxmangarh, Jhiroli, Khanpur, Harsaura, Jaitpur, Bawariya, Seeliberi, Ataria, Bighota, Tusari, Nimahedi, Saharankhurd and Samar Sarovar dams are lying dry. Apart from this, there is no water in 107 dams under gram panchayats.


Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project for drinking water and irrigation in Alwar

The surplus water of rivers originating in the southern part of the state will be used to address the problem of drinking water and irrigation in 13 districts of the state, including Jaipur and Alwar. The state government has prepared a project named Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) as part of the ongoing concept of inter-linking of rivers. Its Central Water Commission has given in-principle hydrological approval for the project. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for this has been submitted to the Central Water Commission. Rs 37,247.12 crore is expected to be spent on this. 

Districts benefited from the scheme

Water Resources Minister Dr. Rampratap said that there is scarcity of water in the eastern and southern parts of the state. Keeping this in mind, this project is being prepared. This will benefit 13 districts of Jaipur, Alwar, Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Dausa, Karauli, Bharatpur and Dhaulpur. It is proposed for irrigation of drinking water and about 2.0 lakh ha of new irrigated area and 0.8 lakh ha of existing irrigated area. It is noteworthy that in the recent assembly session, this intention has been given in response to a starred question put by Ramhet Singh Yadav, MLA from Alwar's Kishangarhbas. Accordingly, there is no proposal to bring Chambal river water to Alwar. 

How to get Water

Water Resources Minister Dr. Rampratap said that during monsoon the surplus water of Parvati, Kalisindh and Major rivers would be brought to Banas, Morel, Banganga, Gambhir and Parvati rivers. For this, open canals will be made at many places and tunnels will also have to be made at some places. In some areas, there is a plan to take water through Chambal river. In this episode, water will be brought to the Jaisamand dam in Alwar district.

Central Water Commission-  The in-principle approval of hydrology was given by the Central Water Commission on 08 Feb 16. The hydrology report was also approved by the Central Water Commission on 2 May 2017. Further, the Commission has given in-principle approval to the feasibility report on 6 October.

Project of national importance

In a recent meeting chaired by the Union Minister for River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, a demand has been made by the state government to declare the project as a project of national importance. On this issue, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje held a meeting with the Minister of River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to discuss its importance and utility.

future action plan: To address the water crisis and promote water conservation in Alwar, the following future action plan can be implemented: 

Water Resource Management: Develop a comprehensive water resource management plan that includes efficient water allocation, storage, and distribution systems. This involves assessing the available water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, and implementing measures to ensure their sustainable use. 

Rainwater Harvesting: Promote and incentivize the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in residential, commercial, and public buildings. Encourage individuals and institutions to collect and store rainwater for various purposes, such as irrigation and groundwater recharge. 

Groundwater Management: Implement measures to monitor and regulate groundwater extraction to prevent overexploitation. Encourage the use of recharge structures, such as check dams and percolation tanks, to replenish groundwater levels. 

Water Conservation Practices: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the community about the importance of water conservation and promote water-saving practices. Encourage the adoption of water-efficient technologies, such as low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient irrigation methods in agriculture. 

Wastewater Management: Develop and implement wastewater treatment and recycling systems to minimize water wastage. Promote the use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes, such as agriculture, gardening, and industrial processes. 

Water Pricing and Regulation: Establish a fair and transparent water pricing mechanism that encourages responsible water use. Implement regulations and penalties for water wastage and unauthorized extraction to enforce conservation practices. 

Community Participation: Encourage community involvement in water conservation initiatives through the formation of local committees or organizations. Foster partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, and community groups to collectively work towards sustainable water management. 

Research and Innovation: Invest in research and development of innovative technologies and practices for water conservation and management. Support local institutions and organizations engaged in water-related research to find sustainable solutions for the water crisis. 

Collaboration and Networking: Collaborate with neighbouring regions, government agencies, and international organizations to share best practices, experiences, and expertise in water conservation. Participate in regional and national water management forums to stay updated on the latest advancements in the field. 

Policy and Legislation: Formulate and enforce comprehensive water conservation policies and legislation that prioritize sustainable water management. Ensure that water conservation is integrated into urban planning and development processes.

The DPR prepared by WESCOM Ltd., a Central Government Undertaking, was presented to the Central Water Commission on 19 Nov 17. A presentation in this regard has also been made on 12 Jan 18. Thereafter, observations are being maintained from various aspects. The minister said that the officials of the department have just gone to Delhi on this subject and are trying to implement the project soon.

Conclusion
In view of the current water crisis, water conservation is being discussed at every level in the country and abroad. For this, work is also being done in a planned manner by various governments. But this is a worldwide problem, a social crisis, it needs to be solved as soon as possible. The time has come to make this work a social campaign. People-to-people cooperation is expected in this. Water conservation is the only option to solve the problem of water crisis, so as to ensure continuity of water availability. Although the above mentioned measures are not sufficient , yet they can take an important initiative towards water conservation. If every individual in the society starts fulfilling his responsibility, water conservation will be promoted. Therefore , as a conscious part of the society , it is the duty of all of us to encourage water conservation at all levels to solve the problem of present water crisis.There is a strong correlation between water availability and water demand. As the global population grows and the demand for water increases, water stress and the risk of water scarcity become more prevalent. Many cities face challenges in meeting future urban water provision due to a high number of new residents per GDP per capita, and some cities struggle with water quality issues, particularly in major river basins. Additionally, some countries and regions experience a water deficit, also known as water stress or water scarcity, when the water demand exceeds the available supply. The largest share of freshwater use is by BRICS countries at 45 percent, followed by ROW at 30-33 percent and 20-25 percent by OECD nations. India had the largest freshwater withdrawals in 2014 followed by China and the United States.
References
1. Water Resources in Rajasthan, Dr. Mohan Lal Gupta, Shubhda Prakashan, Jodhpur 2. Water Crisis Problems and Solutions, Aviskar Publications, Jaipur, Dr. Vijay Kumar Verma 3. Groundwater Study of Alwar District A Research Work, Dr. Vijay Kumar Verma 4. Department of Public Health Engineering and Ground Water, District Alwar, Rajasthan. 5. Water Resources Geography, Professor Ramkumar Gurjar and Dr B C Jat, Rawat Publications, Jaipur and New Delhi. 6. Information and Public Relations Office, Alwar. 7. UN Report