Water-shed Development and Management in Tamil Nadu: The Past, Present and Future - A Policy Analysis

Chirasmita Bhattacherjyya

Volume : VIII, Issue : I, January - 2019

Water-shed Development and Management in Tamil Nadu: The Past, Present and Future - A Policy Analysis

Chirasmita Bhattacherjyya

Abstract :

The Tamil Nadu government recently declared all districts of the state drought–hit, following a deficit in the North east Monsoon last year. In some districts like Coimbatore, Namakkal and Salem water is not available even after digging 1000 feet. A drought like situation adds to the misery of a water starved state like Tamil Nadu. To counter this type of situation across India, Drought prone area program (DPAP) was launched by government of India in 1973–74 to address drought prone areas. Under DPAP Program, Tamil Nadu covers 17 districts and 80 blocks covering approximately 29416 sq. kms. Based on the recommendations of Hanumantharao committee, the program has been under implementation on watershed basis since 1995. The allocation for the program is shared in the ratio of 75:25 between the centre and state, 80% of the cost is devoted towards watershed development activities and 20% for community organisation, training and administrative jobs. The objective behind watershed approach is to enhance soil moisture conservation, crop production, and alternative land use systems in rain fed areas through efficient use of soil water resources. This study attempts to analyse the policy of Tamil Nadu to assess how successful has DPAP been in establishing financial sustainability, efficient water delivery infrastructure, water quality assessment, timely and equitable distribution of water. Also what role does NGOs and Civil Societies have to play towards spreading greater awareness and create a knowledge network within the effected population to overcome the drought–hit areas in near future