Dear  Subrata Singh, ...

Dear  Subrata Singh,

Groundwater plays an essential and increasing role in global drinking water supply and food security. The early stages of the groundwater revolution saw little conflict. there are many potential sources of conflict now emerging due to over-abstraction, pollution, or changes in land use. Owners are often also in conflict with public agencies (for example, over regulation). India’s groundwater dependence and the crises of depletion and contamination of groundwater resources require the development of a robust groundwater dependence framework. Understanding the challenges of developing a groundwater governance framework for regions of extensive groundwater development versus relatively less-developed areas of groundwater development is important. The groundwater typology is a function of both, the hydrogeological aspects of groundwater and the socio-economic milieu that defines dependency on the groundwater resource, which is significant across users and uses in India. An interdisciplinary perspective is important while managing groundwater resources in India and helping establish groundwater governance.

The various steps include:

Strengthen local institutions at the habitation and hydrologic unit level to bring on center stage discussions on emerging water crisis especially on groundwater Demystify the science of hydrology through Farmer Water Schools (FWS) and train the farmers to take over all data collection leading to proper understanding of local water resource availability Change perception of groundwater from private property to that of a “common good” ( individual farmers take decisions for collective good) Articulate and share information across hydrological units through Crop Water Budgeting Workshops for evolving common strategies that limit damage to the groundwater system without sacrificing individual interest. Establish new relationship between farmers and groundwater by reducing stress on the aquifer Adopt numerous steps at the farm level in improving crop water efficiency, implement water saving techniques and reduce chemical pollution Implement local groundwater governance transgressing beyond individual holdings and habitations, without being coercive Enable farmers voluntarily take painful decisions (reduce pumping, prevent construction of new wells, crop diversification, reduced application of chemical fertilizer/pesticides)

1. ENHANCING FARMERS KNOWLEDGE,INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE & COMMUNICATION
2. PARTICIPATORY HYDROLOGIC MONITORING (PHM).
3. FARMER WATER SCHOOLS.
4. CROPWATER BUDGETING .
5. REDUCTION IN GROUNDWATER PUMPING.
6. CROPDIVERSIFICATION.
7. FOOD SECURITYAND NUTRITION.
8. USE OF WATER SAVING DEVICES.
9. EMERGENCE OF LOCAL GROUNDWATER GOVERNANC.
10. CREATION OF TRAINED MANPOWER.
11. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS.).
12. DATABASE

IMPACT OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION (HRIS)

1. Integrated scientific technology with social transformation and general change issues (non  technology)
2. Change in perception of groundwater as private property to that of a “common good ( individual farmers take decisions for collective good)
3. Farmers have internalized all learning's to apply in decision making
4. Risks associated with crop failures have been fully eliminated.
5. Increased profits from diversified cropping
6. Farmers ownership of technical data and information
7. Reduced migration
8. Opportunities for emerging leadership among women
9. Government agencies, Funding agencies acknowledge the project impact and new proposals incorporate the project concept

Regards,

Prem Baboo