Groundwater Irrigation and Consequent Hazards in East Barddhaman District, West Bengal, India

Abstract

East Barddhaman District in West Bengal has a glorious agricultural past. Its deep alluvial soil, rich water resource with shallow water table and preponderance of both canal and groundwater irrigation altogether have helped to flourish agriculture. Paddy is the main crop here. The objectives of this study are to find out the (i) spatio-temporal changes in different irrigation sources, specially groundwater irrigation, (ii) resultant changes in cropping pattern and (iii) change in groundwater level of the district. Analysis of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon groundwater level in 1990, 2001 and 2011 shows a steady decline in groundwater level. Study of various irrigation sources, crop diversity index and crop combination at block level in 1991, 2001 and 2011 shows that areas rich in groundwater irrigation have diversified crop culture and areas dominated by canal irrigation have mono-crop culture. Further, over-dependence on groundwater leads to decline in water table, non-functioning of shallow pump all over the district and arsenic pollution in groundwater along the Bhagirathi–Hooghly, especially in Purbasthali I and Purbasthali II blocks. So it is necessary to check the fall of water table to combat this environmental hazard and to look for a sustainable agriculture development in this district.