Description

Over the past four decades groundwater development in India has grown exponentially. Diesel and electric pumpsets numbered over 12.5 million in 1990 and have increased at a continuous growth rate of over 128 since 1950 (Dadlani, 1990). It is estimated that thirty five million hectares, roughly 42% of India's irrigation potential, can be served by groundwater (Saksena, 1989; Dhawan, 1990). Although official estimates of groundwater availability for future uses remain optimistic, problems such as long-term declines. in water levels, high well failure rates, saline intrusion and other water quality concerns are already emerging in numerous areas (Moench, 1991 & 1992, Bandyopadhyay, J.. 1989, Ghosh, G. & Phadatare 1990a, GOG, 1992, Goldman, M.R. 1989, Reddy, S., 1989).

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