Water accounting in irrigation system of Maharashtra

The explosion of human population along with the development has resulted into the increase in competing demands of natural but limited water resource for various purposes like domestic, industrial and irrigation. The present paper is based on theme of the event that is water for all and focuses on water accounting in irrigation systems with special reference to practices followed in Maharashtra in the view of efficient use of water resources. As the term efficiency is related to the availability of water and its use, the water accounting has to be monitored from availability of water in reservoir and its allocation for various purposes. Of all the water demands, water demand for irrigation is maximum to the tune of 75% of its availability. The precise account of this precious commodity helps in accessing its efficient use. In the paper an attempt has been made to compute water availability based on area capacity curve and records. The water use calculations are based on water measurement with the help of existing structures & measuring devices at various locations in the system. In doing so a due care has been taken of the government policy, provisions in MWRRA act, MMISF act and present practices adopted in PIM.