干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

A study was carried out to understand the effects of rainfall on water table fluctuation (represented by the thickness of water column in a dug well) in a degraded environment for over eight years (1991-1998). The investigated area falls in the semi-arid tract of Aravalli hill range near Anangpur village, Faridabad, Haryana. During summer months, the water table in the area declines considerably and at times, the dug wells become dry. As expected, the thickness of water column increases with the onset of monsoon. However, the rate of increase is gradual in the beginning and is more during the later two monsoon months (August-September), A time lag of about a month was observed between the rainfall and corresponding thickness of water column. Analyses of the data yielded two sets, each comprising three types of regression equations, between the rainfall and thickness of water column, with and without the lag period. The characteristics of the equations are discussed. It is envisaged that such studies may help to identify the period of excess water utilization and/or otherwise. Knowledge on these aspects is of paramount importance for water resources development and management.