SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN TIKAMGARH DISTRICT, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

Water impacts numerous aspects of development. It is crucial for life itself, supports robust ecosystems, and generates economic development. The study is conducted in the context of Water and its associated variables to understand the interaction among the sub-systems for sustainable development. The Water and its associated variables have a complex interaction with each other. To minimize the shortages and maximize human-environment security, optimization of water and its associated variables is required. The demands for water are estimated to increase by 40 percent by the year 2030. Explicit interactions need to be established between water and its associated variables. Tikamgarh district is one of the most backward districts in India and has been selected as a study area in this present investigation. Frequent drought in this area has made it water-scarce and poverty-stricken. This has led to out-migration, starvation, decline in agriculture production, drinking water shortages, and indebtedness. It has subsequently impacted the social, economic, and environmental aspects of development. In the accentuated water stress situation, people are struck in a vicious cycle of low income, low output, negligible saving, and poverty. The primary survey was conducted using Multistage Stratified Random Sampling, and 509 household survey samples were collected from all the development blocks of the study area. Based on primary and secondary data, dependent and independent variables are identified, and analysis is done. The control parameters have been identified using statistical techniques like correlation and multiple regression, these control parameters are used for fixing the sub-models boundary. Based on this, causal loop diagrams (CLD) are being developed. Further, these CLD are used for sub-models development. The developed model is validated, and then forecasted for the year 2041 A.D. Subsequently, forecasted year model is used for simulations. Various scenarios are developed and tested in the model to understand the function of the system under various alternative conditions in different 5-year plan. The best optimised scenario is then chosen for developing plausible policy guidelines as recommendations. Furthermore, specific recommendations have also been given keeping in mind the need of the study area. The study is a stepping-stone and can be used as a framework for conducting policy planning research on Water and its associated variables.