Water Resource Management In Manipur: An Emerging Problem In The River Basin Environment And Related Issues

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Water Resource Management In Manipur: An Emerging Problem In The River Basin Environment And Related Issues

Journal Title: International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 8

Abstract

Water resources in Manipur are from both the surface water & ground water. As per land use data, total water bodies of the state is about 1.65% of the total land coverage. Surface water in Manipur sources from wetlands, lakes, ponds & rivers has been an alarming position as they can't fulfil the requirement to the state in sustainable development.. Moreover, springs in the surrounding barrel hills and mountains has been tremendously declined with same as only remains for evidence due to deforestation and shifting cultivation in the catchment areas. These water sources are the key drivers of economic, social development and basic function in maintaining the integrity of the natural environment of the state. As a result, some areas are now in a perpetual state of demand is outstripping and at critical times of the year of low water availability. As the state enjoys summer monsoon, there having wide variation in water spread during premonsoons and post-monsoons, showing distinctive hydro feature except for Loktak Lake in which water level is kept constant to run the existing hydro-electric project. The valley districts of the state are prone of floods every years and damaged properties and lives. On the contrary, dry seasons are encountering with scarcity of water in both the valley and hilly areas. Ground water table of the state is reported at 2-4 meter bgl (below ground level), whereas, for the hill & foothill areas reported as 4-5 meter bgl. Owing to clayey nature of formation in the top aquifer, development of ground water resource is not considered promising on a large scale in irrigation of water supply either for domestic or agricultural purposes. However, it can be exploited for local water supplied through open wells dug-cum-bore wells and tube wells. Unfortunately, ground water in some districts has reported the presence of arsenic. Manipur lies in the catchment area of two-river systems, namely Ganga - Brahamaputra and Chindwin-Irrawaddy river systems and rivers are having deep narrow "V" shaped valley. However, the state enjoys sufficient rainwater during rainy seasons and there is ever increasing demand of water in the lean season from demographic, economic and climatic pressures. Wastewater treatment, water recycling and watershed management measures by rain water harvesting, management of water for sustainable to meet the requirement of regular supply can only solve the challenges of inadequate water supply in the state.

Authors and Affiliations

Dr. Kh. Jugindro Singh

Keywords

EP ID EP399347
DOI -
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