Large-scale water transfer projects to support agriculture need careful planning, says UK expert

With another monsoon in the offing, what should authorities seek to do to secure the river basin? 

Focus needs to be trained on accurate weather predictions and proactive planning. The monsoon cycle is complex and challenging to forecast, but efforts by scientists have improved modelling and predictions. Once accurate forecasts are available, authorities should communicate them to the farmers so they can prepare themselves for wetter cycles.

What is the specific challenge that climate change poses to Ganga River Basin? 

Climate change presents challenges to water availability. The water cycle is heavily influenced by precipitation patterns, which are becoming more unpredictable due to climate change. Planning is based on expected availability, so prolonged droughts make it difficult to manage supplies, while repeated flood events challenge existing infrastructure, including flood defences. 

Water cycle is largely dependent on monsoon that brings intense rainfall in June-September, followed by a largely dry season. Water resource management, including agricultural and urban water supply, is designed around this pattern. If climate change disrupts the monsoon cycle, it could have significant consequences, because there are fewer options for people to adjust. 

What are unsustainable agricultural practices that farmers need to avoid? 

Agriculture is a large source of income for farmers. However, they often use up all available water sources, including surface water and groundwater, which can lead to depletion and unsustainable practices. 
 
Groundwater pumping is partially regulated but can require significant energy, making it both environmentally and economically costly. Additionally, fertilisers contribute to water pollution which negatively impacts water quality. 

Agricultural practices can also lead to conflicts with sectors such as urban development and ecological conservation. In our research project, we looked at Gandak River Basin where water is diverted for irrigation, affecting local wildlife, such as gharial crocodiles. This creates friction between water use for agriculture and impact on ecology.  

We try to bring shared expertise/experience of Imperial and Indian research partners into the Imperial Global India initiative that is working towards a healthier, more climate-resilient world.

What are the options left for farmers?

Some of the options are: shift to drip irrigation/precise irrigation techniques; use short-term weather forecasts to adjust irrigation schedules; and choose crops requiring less water and fewer fertilisers to maintain yields while reducing environmental impact.