GROUND WATER DEPARTMENT

Objectives of Ground Water Department

I. Systematic and Scientific development of groundwater

II. Assessment and Management in different Agro-climatic Zones and Hydrogeological formations for sustainability

Main Activities towards achieving objectivites

a) Periodical estimation of basin (watershed) wise groundwater resources.

b) Delineation of potential groundwater zones.

c) Investigation and identification of feasible sites for wells, artificial recharge structures etc.,.

d) Groundwater levels and water quality monitoring through observation wells network (more than 3000 Observation wells, including Piezometers fixed with Digital Water Level Recorders with Telemetry system.

e) Exploratory and Production wells drilling.

f) Environmental clearances for Industries and Sand mining.

g) Special Groundwater studies using Remote Sensing, GIS etc., tools.

h) Studies for Conjunctive use in Major Command Areas (TBP HLC, LLC, KC Canal, SRBC, NSRC, NSLC etc.,

Department Vision for Next 5 Years

1. Improve groundwater use efficiency for more production for unit of water

2. More recharge to groundwater for sustainability

3. Identification of sites for Artificial Recharge

4. Promote conjunctive use of surface and groundwater in command areas to overcome uncertainties in water availability and to increase the irrigated area.

5. Identification and Implementation of area specific recharge projects. Ex: Recharge project in Sandstone area of East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna Districts and in hard rock areas by constructing injection wells, hydro-fracturing etc.,

6. Aquifer Mapping and Management (National Programme) under 12th and 13th Five Year Plans

7. Realistic Estimation of Groundwater through scientific studies

8. Model for Groundwater levels prediction for monsoon rainfall to take up advance measures during summer months.

9. Groundwater development under SCSP and TSP to bring more area under groundwater irrigation.

10. Creating awareness for groundwater sharing as community resource and optimum use for different stake holders.

11. Promoting recycling, reuse, micro-irrigation, artificial recharge etc., in a big way

Externally aided projects

Neeru Chettu Mission under Ground Water Department

The main objectives of the Neeru Chettu Mission are:

Water Conservation to drought proof the state taking into account the total rainfall, surface flow and groundwater resources by preparing a time bound plan for ridge to valley treatment of basin. The Rural Development, Forest, Development, Irrigation and Ground Water Departments to play major roles in implementing this plan.

Water Management to use the conserved water in the most efficient manner by the various development sectors of the State’s economy. Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries, Rural and Urban Water Supply Departments will play major roles in implementation.

Important activities to be undertaken by the Neeru-ChettuMission

a) Inventory of existing water harvesting structures and repairs needed

b) Construct new water harvesting structures using remote sensing technology

c) Construction of targeted recharge structures (roof water harvesting, artificial recharge of aquifers and defunct wells)

d) Restoration of major, medium and minor irrigation systems (repair of breach to structures and supply channels, desilting of tanks)

e) Participatory Hydrological Monitoring (surface and groundwater) for community water audit and crop water budgeting

f) Promote sustainable water use by improved Irrigation and Agricultural practices

Expected Outcomes of Neeru-Chettu Mission

a) Improvement & enhancement of surface water, soil moisture and groundwater

b) Decrease in soil erosion and improvement in soil health

c) Contributing to the overall goal achievement of the Primary Sector Mission through increase in the productivity of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry & fisheries sectors

d) Reduce the gap between Irrigation Potential created and area irrigated

e) Increase area under irrigation per unit of water used

f) Protective irrigation provided to rain fed crops nearby

g) Reduce stream outflow from basin into the sea

The outcomes have to be measured at the end of the five years, evaluated along with the gap analysis for future guidance and improvement of the programme.

Role of Ground Water Department in Neeru-Chettu Mission

1. Technical Support

I . Village wise GroundWater budgeting

II. Identification of sites for harvesting structures and clearances for execution

a) Impart training to partner departments on recharge structures, sites identification, monitoring and evaluation

III. Preparation of Conjunctive use plans for each district

a) Preparation of Conjunctive use plans for each district

2. Impact Assessment of WCM activities

a) Continuous monitoring of groundwater regime

b) Estimation of groundwater recharge

c) Estimation of groundwater draft

d) Assessment of Net recharge

e) Estimation of increase in area under groundwater irrigation and productivity

With the help of existing monitoring network and by establishing new Observation wells wherever required.