Water Crisis Impacting Rajasthan’s Agriculture Sector

The ongoing water crisis in Himachal Pradesh has led to severe repercussions for farmers in Rajasthan. Water levels in key dams are critically low. This has resulted in a restricted supply of irrigation water, jeopardising crops across several districts. The Bhakra Beas Management Board has prioritised drinking water over irrigation, leaving farmers in distress.

Current Water Supply Situation

The Indira Gandhi Canal has been supplying water solely for drinking purposes since February 1. The Bhakra Project has allocated only 850 cusecs of water. Farmers argue that at least 1,200 cusecs from Bhakra and 5,000 to 6,000 cusecs from the Indira Gandhi Canal are essential for adequate irrigation.

Impact on Agriculture

Farmers in Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, and Bikaner are facing dire conditions. Wheat crops are wilting due to insufficient irrigation. Farmers have voiced their concerns through protests and sit-ins. The lack of water threatens their livelihoods and food security.

Dam Water Levels

The Bhakra Dam and Pong Dam are currently below their full capacity. The Bhakra Dam reached only 1,648 feet compared to its full capacity of 1,680 feet. Similarly, the Pong Dam recorded a level of 1,374 feet against a maximum of 1,390 feet. This decline is attributed to below-average rainfall in catchment areas.

Seasonal Water Distribution

Water distribution for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi is determined annually based on rainfall data. The critical period for water inflow is during the monsoon season, from May 21 to September 20. The inadequate rainfall in 2024 has led to reduction in water availability.

Expert

Agricultural experts highlight the urgent need for irrigation in the wheat-growing season. Typically, crops require irrigation six times until March for optimal growth. The current water shortage has made this impossible, risking a substantial loss in agricultural output.

Farmers’ Response

Farmers have organised protests in various locations, including Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar. They demand immediate action to restore irrigation water supply. The rising temperatures further exacerbate the situation, increasing the risk of crop damage.

Long-term Implications

The ongoing crisis raises concerns about the sustainability of agriculture in Rajasthan. Continuous water shortages could lead to long-term economic impacts and threaten food security in the region.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Estimate the impact of water scarcity on agricultural productivity in Rajasthan.
2. Critically discuss the role of monsoon patterns in water resource management in northern India.
3. Examine the relationship between dam water levels and agricultural sustainability in Rajasthan.
4. Analyse the socio-economic consequences of prolonged water shortages on rural communities in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Estimate the impact of water scarcity on agricultural productivity in Rajasthan.

1. Water scarcity directly affects crop yields, leading to wilting and reduced harvests.
2. Farmers in affected districts report losses, threatening their livelihoods.
3. Insufficient irrigation disrupts the growth cycle of crops, especially wheat, which requires regular watering.
4. Protests indicate widespread distress among farmers, denoting the economic implications of crop failures.
5. Long-term water shortages may lead to decreased agricultural output and food insecurity in the region.

2. Critically discuss the role of monsoon patterns in water resource management in northern India.

1. Monsoon rains are crucial for refilling dams and ensuring water supply for irrigation.
2. Water distribution is heavily reliant on monsoon performance, determining annual allocations for states.
3. Below-average rainfall leads to reduced water levels in dams, impacting downstream states like Rajasthan.
4. Effective water resource management requires understanding and predicting monsoon variability.
5. Adaptation strategies are necessary to mitigate the effects of changing monsoon patterns on agriculture.

3. Examine the relationship between dam water levels and agricultural sustainability in Rajasthan.

1. Dam water levels directly influence irrigation capacity for surrounding agricultural areas.
2. Low water levels in Bhakra and Pong dams have led to restricted water supply for crops.
3. A sustainable agricultural system requires consistent and adequate water supply from these dams.
4. Farmers’ reliance on dam water marks the vulnerability of agriculture to water resource fluctuations.
5. Long-term sustainability is threatened if dam levels do not recover, leading to ongoing irrigation challenges.

4. Analyse the socio-economic consequences of prolonged water shortages on rural communities in India.

1. Water shortages lead to crop failures, resulting in loss of income for farmers and rural households.
2. Increased unemployment and migration from rural areas may occur as livelihoods are compromised.
3. Protests indicate rising tensions and dissatisfaction among communities reliant on agriculture.
4. Food insecurity may increase, affecting nutrition and health in rural populations.
5. Long-term water scarcity can lead to social unrest and economic instability in rural regions.