Addressing groundwater depletion through community-based management actions in the weathered granitic basement aquifer of drought-prone Andhra Pradesh - India

Abstract

Some 85 percent of the land-area of Andhra Pradesh is underlain by the weathered granitic basement 'hard-rock' aquifer system, which forms extensive but shallow (low-storage and easily depleted) groundwater bodies. Everywhere outside the main irrigation-canal command areas (associated with the Godavari and Krishna rivers) the groundwater resources of this aquifer system have become (or are approaching) a condition of 'overexploitation', with numerous negative consequences for farmers and State Government (SG) alike. Andhra Pradesh has pioneered the promotion of community-based groundwater management (CBGWM) through such projects as APWELL (SG led and Dutch supported), APFAMGS (UN-FAO supported without direct SG intervention), and two follow-up World Bank-financed initiatives (APCBTMP and APDAI). This case profile presents in summary form: (a) the main groundwater typologies which are required to frame soundly based management approaches; (b) an assessment of experience in the four major CBGWM projects and ways to increase their synergy; and (c) some 'institutional adjustments' which could help to address the key challenges of 'post-project´ sustainability, up-scaling, and replication. The major contribution of all those involved with these projects is fully acknowledged including participants in the 'groundwater initiatives - towards a synthesis of strategies' workshop held in Hyderabad during January 2009.