Wakel River Basin Project, India

Wakel River Basin Project, India

Location and background

The Wakel River Basin is in north west India in the south of Rajasthan – the driest and poorest part of India.

In many parts of the state of Rajasthan, the annual rainfall is very low (between 450 and 600 mm) with monsoon rainfall occurring in July and August. 44% of the people work as farmers, so having water is a significant issue. The average income is $1600 per person.

Problems

·         Water management in the region has been poor

·         Over-use of water for irrigation has led to waterlogging and salinisation

·         Over-abstraction from unregulated pumps has resulted in failing…