Wakel River Basin Project

Question 1

where is Rajasthan

Answer 1

a landlocked state in NW India bordering Pakistan
covered by the thar desert
around 25 N

Question 2

Aims of Wakel river basin project

from The Global Water for Sustainability Program (2004-14) (NGO)

Answer 2

1. increase water supply + storage using local solutions
2. raise awareness in local communities of need for effective water management

Question 3

issues with water supply

Answer 3

over-use of water 4 irrigation -> waterlogging + salinisation
over-abstraction from unregulated pumps -> falling water tables in aquifers + some wells hv dried up
access to wells controlled by villages or households - little co-ordination / water management

Question 4

physical factors causing water insecurity

Answer 4

driest part of India - covered by Thar desert
Summer temp.s can reach 53 C
Rainfall < 250mm / yr w/96% btwn Jun-Sep

Question 5

taankas

Answer 5

underground storage systems
~3m diameter, 3-4m deep
they collect surface water from roofs

Question 6

Johad

Answer 6

small earth dams to capture rainwater - the water collected is then absorbed by soil
These have helped raise water tables by up to 6m
5 rivers that used to dry up following the monsoon now flow throughout the yr

Question 7

pats

Answer 7

irrigation channels that transfer water to the fields

a small dam called a bund diverts water from the stream towards the fields.
bunds are made of stones and lined w/leaves to make them waterproof

villagers take turns maintaining irrigation channels to avoid them breaking/silting up.

Question 8

how does increasing public awareness help

Answer 8

education - more awareness 4 communities working together to conserve water.
by conserving water - increased water security - less problems of soil erosion, desertification, groundwater pollution