Utilization conservation and management of water resources in Suketi river basin Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state having enormous water in the form of rivers, glaciers, lakes but groundwater sources are limited. Agriculture is a major economic activity of the state and irrigation sector is largest area of water utilization. The perennial rivers i.e. Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Yamuna fulfil the water demand in different sectors. Besides these rivers, the tributaries of these rivers also play a great role in the supply of water for all uses in the state. The Suketi River (which is a major tributary of the river Beas) is a small basin in the district Mandi of Himachal Pradesh. This basin is the study area for the present work. The study of this basin in the context of water resources availability, utilization, conservation and management becomes an important task, because water plays a significant role in the irrigation, dairy farming, horticulture and also for industrial development of the area. But in past few years, the small streams discharge has reduced significantly and springs sources are drying up at a rapid rate. The activities regarding water conservation and management in Suketi river basin are also discussed in this study. The study is focused on a small river basin therefore its study will help the policy makers and rural planners to prepare and implement proper village plans. Water is abundantly available in the basin but it is unevenly distributed. Since it has been observed that many villagers suffer from water shortage and water scarcity specifically in summer season, hence the recommendations mentioned in this thesis can improve the availability and distribution of water in the basin. The problems like drought like conditions, flooding, decreasing groundwater level, water scarcity, silt problem in the river, problem of water pollution in the river etc. could be solved to some extent by implementing the suggestions of the study. newline