Groundwater Crisis in Southern Rural India : Understanding Farmers’ Perspectives and Local Participatory Mitigation Strategies

Abstract: India is the largest user of groundwater in the world with an estimated utilization of 230 cubic kilometers per year which is over a quarter of the global total. More than 60% of irrigated agriculture is dependent on groundwater and when there is no adequate recharge of groundwater due to over exploitation and lesser rainfall, water scarcity and thus drought occurs. This study aims at proposing water conservation and management methods that are economically viable, socially acceptable, and practically possible in rural Indian farming landscapes which requires understanding the socio-economic and hydrogeological context of the region. The case of the village Pullalacheruvu is studied using surveys, focus group interviews, expert interviews, and field visits to understand the farmers’ perspectives and the local conditions. These results are then inferred to propose suitable water conservation and management methods. Based on the local context, ideas are proposed on how to implement these measures. It is noted that bringing awareness, community mobilization and building farm level infrastructure are important to achieve stable water availability in this region. Thus, this study acts as a reference for regions with similar hydrogeological and socio-economic contexts and also aids policy makers to understand the region.