Sustainable Water Resource Management

Abstract

Kurseong sub-division consists of numerous smaller streams but they hardly have any water during non-monsoon period, hence local people suffer from acute shortage of water during dry period. To counter this situation, successful implementation of big scale rainwater harvesting system and simultaneously capturing excess surface water through various micro irrigation arrangements can be done. Sustainable water resource management can be done through Water harvesting Tanks, Check Dams etc. Micro irrigation structures are being constructed for capturing surface run-off as well as fruitful utilisation of reserved water for irrigation and other purpose. Reduction in the quality and quantity of tea production is very much influenced by rainfall pattern, so, increase in water holding capacities in various water bodies will help in supplementary irrigation during dry season. But during monsoon, the river Mahanadi and jhoras receive huge quantity of rainwater, but the basin is unable to hold back water due to steep slope and excessive deforestation most of the rainwater is wasted. Availability of water throughout the year through sustainable water resource management will help the local habitats for their required activities. Total rainfall of Kurseong during Nov’18 to Oct’19 was around 10200 mm. Population density of Kurseong is around 5646 per Sq. Km. Through study it has been observed that by the implementation of roof-top rainwater harvesting system in the study area around 35% of required water can be harvested. Sustainable water resource management is very much essential for growth and development of Kurseong hill area.