5. Drought and Flood Management in Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan, India

Dreams of drought proofing in the arid Rajasthan is only possible through innovative approach of water conservation, regulation, protection and especially augmentation of groundwater resources by artificial recharge techniques, etc.; ensuring its readily availability at any point of time and location (irrespective of quantum and spread of rainfall). Incidence of flood situation in flood plain areas of Ghaggar and other rivers along with waterlogging conditions in canal command areas (IGNP) and emerging scenario of groundwater drought conditions in other parts of the desert calls for judicious management of available water resources. The management strategies should include lifting of surplus canal and monsoon flood water in the northwest India up to water deficit areas of eastern semi-desert districts (adjacent to Aravalli hill ranges) for irrigation and large scale groundwater recharge. This is a scheme of flood and drought management for which there are no other alternatives and the Thar Desert's survival and prosperity is linked to its successful implementation.