Jodhpur: In the desert area of western Rajasthan called the Dark Zone, wells that had dried up decades ago are being recharged this monsoon. In fact, this year’s monsoon has seen the highest rainfall in Rajasthan in 50 years. Due to lack of rain, many rivers of the state have dried up in the last 10-15 years. Hundreds of ponds, wells and lakes have been destroyed. For the first time in 50 years, water has reached the Pichiyak Dam of Bilara, 320 km from Ajmer, in the Luni River, called Maruganga in Rajasthan. This time the monsoon has broken the record of rainfall of 49 years.
Experts say that the effect of 58 percent more rain till now will be visible for many years to come. Due to this the ground water level is getting recharged up to 15% and the ground water level is increasing rapidly. It has rained heavily especially in the desert areas. Due to this, a year’s worth of water has accumulated in the entire area. Ground water level is increasing rapidly. In such a situation, the wells have started getting recharged.
Young farmers have increased interest in farming
In the approximately 500 years old and 100 feet deep well of Baliyawas located in Bilara, Jodhpur, the well has started getting recharged to a depth of 90 feet. The water level of this well, which has been dry for 21 years, has reached 10 feet. Even now the water in it is recharging rapidly. Farmers said that the water level in more than 300 wells in more than 20 villages has increased due to Luni river. After irrigation, water is coming into the well again. The nearby wells are full. Due to availability of water, the interest of young farmers towards farming has increased.
Wells are recharged not from the bottom, but from the walls.
According to Dr. RK Goyal, Principal Scientist of Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, wells are recharged not from the bottom but from the walls. The water in the well does not come from the bottom but from the sides of its walls. The effect of bumper rains will be visible for many years to come. This is likely to recharge the ground water level by 15%.
FIRST PUBLISHED: October 8, 2024, 21:23 IST