A simple method using farmers’ measurements applied to estimate check dam recharge in Rajasthan, India

摘要: Since the 1960s more than 200,000 check dams have been constructed on ephemeral streams in India to enhance groundwater recharge and help sustain irrigation supplies. While many farmers, non-government- government organizations attest dam effectiveness, very few (<30) quantitatively evaluated results variable. The paper describes application of a simple daily water balance calculation four near Udaipur southern Rajasthan where farmers took measurements levels rainfall for 2 years. farmer were proven be highly reliable. They revealed that augmented by 33 mm 2014, an “average” year, 17 mm 2015, “dry” year (where is expressed as depth over combined catchment area dams). This corresponded 2.0 1.0 times capacity these those years, average annual volume, 743,000 m3, supports 16% agricultural production rabi (winter) season from surrounding villages. Total was estimated 37% 70% runoff 2014 respectively. Mean dry weather infiltration rates averaged sites both years 5–8 evaporation rate dams. Hence, based measurements, it conclusive studied are effective efficient recharging local aquifer. demonstrates method can used with basic training determine need desilting following provide essential data allow quantification opens possibility scaling up orders magnitude number evaluated. With monitored longer periods, quantitative would become available inform sizing placement relation benefits, capital maintenance costs downstream impacts, thereby future investment