Maharashtra Must Prioritize Water Recharge to Combat Drought, Says Rajendra Singh
Maharashtra will have to focus on water recharge with a missionary zeal to tackle drought: Rajendra Singh
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Rajendra Singh, a renowned water conservationist, emphasizes the urgent need for Maharashtra to adopt effective water recharge strategies to address recurring droughts exacerbated by El Niño. He advocates for regulatory reforms in agriculture and a shift away from water-intensive crops to ensure sustainable water management.
- 01El Niño is expected to severely impact Maharashtra's agriculture due to predicted rainfall deficits.
- 02Unregulated extraction of groundwater is leading to alarming depletion of water tables in the state.
- 03Rajendra Singh calls for a ban on water-intensive crops like sugarcane in drought-prone areas.
- 04The Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan project has potential but needs sincere implementation to succeed.
- 05Awareness and education on water conservation practices are essential for sustainable farming.
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Rajendra Singh, a prominent water conservationist and the Magsaysay award-winning 'Waterman of India,' warns that Maharashtra must take decisive action to combat the severe impacts of El Niño on its agriculture. He highlights the critical issue of groundwater depletion due to unregulated extraction, which threatens the state's agricultural sustainability. Singh advocates for a ban on water-intensive crops, particularly sugarcane, in drought-prone regions like Marathwada, arguing that alternatives such as pulses and oilseeds could provide better economic prospects for farmers. He also emphasizes the importance of sincere implementation of the Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, a flagship water conservation initiative, which has faced challenges due to commercialization. Moreover, Singh stresses the need for a water literacy program to educate the public on efficient water use and conservation practices. Without these measures, he warns that efforts to mitigate drought will be in vain.
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The proposed reforms could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring better water management and potentially improving the livelihoods of farmers in drought-prone areas.
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