Development of Groundwater Irrigation in Telangana State: Challenges, Management and Way Forward

Groundwater based irrigation, which was started in India as early “Indus Civilizations” got impetus during 3rd five-year plan. In India, at present 78 m ha of irrigation potential is created and 80 percent utilized. One the World’s highest user groundwater with 63 its dynamic resources. Similarly, Telangana State also utilizing resources up to 65 percent. a reliable source high yields brings equity among users ∼99 % structures are owned by individuals. state, well increased from ∼0.46 lakh 1875 23.35 2017–18 density ∼13 wells/km2 leading decrease under each < 1 ha. As result it many challenges like water logging & salinity canal command areas, over-exploitation de-saturation shallow aquifers, underutilization north eastern part, pollution (both geogenic anthropogenic) sustainability, etc have cropped up. The management steps taken sector transfer through KLIP, providing protected supply Mission Bhagiratha, de-siltation Kakatiya, forest rejuvenation Haritha Haram, construction various ARS, modernization canals, conjunctive use surface groundwater, centred aquifer level management, tank IEC activities brought positive changes availability state more particularly water. order sustain these efforts, formation WUA watershed/village for agricultural planning, change cropping pattern highly intensive paddy ID crops non-command water, warabandhi (on/off) method releasing developing intercepting drains, soil treatment, declaring crop holidays, separate electric grids agriculture domestic supply, legally separating land rights strict implementation regulatory measures. other measures suggested policy interventions that involve mechanisms linking village-based institutions government departments manage etc.