VALUE OF WATER IN ALTERNATIVE USES FOR OPTIMUM ALLOCATION

Abstract

The value of water in alternative uses depends on many factors such as the type of use, extent and type of benefits, social preferences etc. In case of multi-purpose projects, in addition to these it depends on the extent to which the various purposes are complementary to each other. The present study aims at establishing the value of water with special reference to Ramganga Project which is a major mul ti_purpose project in operation in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Outputs from the project are irrigation and hydro-power generation. The planned and actual operation of the reservoir gives high priority for irrigation. The study shows that the value of water used for stabilising existing irrigation is very high when compared to new irrigation.' The study also shows possibility of improvement in the level of benefits over the planned level.'..