In many developing countries, including India, a concerning picture is emerging: there are no suitable locations to build new dams, old dams are getting silted up, and due to poor management of canal water, fertile lands along rivers and streams are becoming saline. As a result, the benefits expected from dam construction are falling far short of what was anticipated. This reflects a broader problem: the water from rivers and streams that is supplied through government-planned dam projects is not managed properly by the authorities, and groundwater—traditionally considered the property of landowners, mainly farmers—is difficult for the government to manage. This has created a complex challenge.
Groundwater management involves multiple aspects. One part is increasing groundwater reserves, while the complementary part includes controlling over-extraction, using withdrawn water judiciously, cultivating crops that require less water, and treating and reusing industrial water. Additionally, replenishing groundwater naturally or artificially during the rainy season is also crucial. However, if efforts to conserve and recharge groundwater reduce the flow of water in rivers and streams, the reservoirs of large dam projects may receive less water, leading to potential conflicts. This is because reservoir water belongs to the government, i.e., the public, while most groundwater is privately owned. Consequently, disputes arise over the transfer of water ownership rights.
Looking ahead, climate change and monsoon rainfall are expected to become more erratic and extreme globally. Even if the total rainfall remains the same, its pattern may change—there could be intense rainfall causing floods followed by prolonged dry spells. Such shocks will reduce the natural recharge of groundwater. The connection between rainfall, groundwater formation, and river/stream flow is defined by a watershed. If watersheds are not left degraded but are instead strengthened and secured through structures like embankments, afforestation, and small-scale water conservation measures, the watershed—and thereby water resources—will be better equipped to withstand erratic rainfall and extreme events.
