Water management in arid areas: Case study of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Gopinath, Deepak

Abstract

The focus of this study is to understand what importance is given to the aspect of managing water in arid areas (where the average annual rainfall is less than 375mm – Indian Meteorological Department). The city of Jodhpur in western Rajasthan, India, was taken up for the research work. It has an altitude of about 241 meters (789 feet) above the mean sea level at the main railway station. It lies at 26018l north latitude and 73001l east longitude.

Firstly, the effort was to study what have been the traditional methods of managing water in Jodhpur and also to carry out their status assessment. Studies also have been carried out to understand what are the implications of people’s perceptions and practices towards the sustainability of these traditional methods. Secondly, to analyse what importance has been attached in preparing a comprehensive water supply plan for a fast growing urban area to meet the present and future demands.

The outcome of this study zeroes down to three major conclusions. Firstly, amidst changing urban functions, the people have failed to imbibe lessons from the past. The traditional methods of managing water, which were worshipped, respected and faithfully looked after, by the past generations, lie lost in time and in purpose. Secondly, by depending entirely on the state machinery for the delivery of water, people, are losing their ability to sustain their own self as well as are subduing their natural instincts for survival. And this very instinct can create chaos during times of water scarcity. Thirdly, the quantity of water available should, undoubtedly, be the guiding factor in fostering urban development.

Citation

Gopinath, D. Water management in arid areas: Case study of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. (Dissertation). School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, India. Retrieved from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1092319

• Thesis Type: Dissertation
• Journal: School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, India
• Keywords: water management, arid areas, case study, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1092319
• Award Date: Dec 1, 2000