Environmental deterioration: Water conservation management in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The Anantapur district is located in the Rayalaseema region in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh. It receives rains during the South-West monsoon from June to September, and during the North-East monsoons from May to November. However, being far from the coastal belt, Anantapur receives meager rainfall. The high Western Ghats also reduce the rainfall from South-West monsoon. The rainfall during the later part of the North-East monsoon reason is erratic in this tract, as it is much influenced by the depressions in the Bay of Bengal. Even though the total rainfall may appear adequate, it’s poor distribution results in partial or complete failure of crops during many years. Based on the pattern of monsoon rainfall, the pre-rainy, rainy and post-rainy season periods are recognized.The over utilization of groundwater has led to grim situation in 21Mandals/ Blocks out of 63 Mandals/ Blocks that have been categorized as Over Exploited Blocks and Critical Mandals/blocks respectively. Table 4 gives the list of such Mandals/blocks. This paper makes an analysis of the impact of water conservation techniques on various components society in general and individual farmer in particular.