Stories
Nagaur's Ponds Dry Up in September After 24 Years, Rain Scarcity Raises Water Crisis Fears
- •Nagaur's ponds are drying up in September, a situation last seen 24 years ago during the 2002-03 drought, despite 81% of average rainfall.
- •The district received 324 mm of rain, but scattered and intermittent showers failed to generate sufficient flow into ponds and reservoirs.
- •The 81% rainfall figure is misleading due to uneven distribution and long dry spells, impacting soil moisture and water retention.
- •Monsoon withdrawal is expected after September 20, with concerns growing over drinking water for livestock and overall supply.
- •Current canal water supply (74 MLD) is significantly less than the demand (125 MLD), intensifying future drinking water challenges.
Key Questions Answered
Although Nagaur received about 81 percent of its average rainfall, the precipitation was intermittent and scattered rather than continuous. This pattern failed to generate adequate water flow from the surrounding catchment areas to fill local ponds and reservoirs.
Local experts note that a similar situation occurred about 24 years ago during the severe drought of 2002-03, when ponds dried up even before November. While current rainfall figures do not indicate a total drought, the rapid depletion of water sources in September has raised serious concerns.
The district currently receives about 74 MLD of water from the canal, while the estimated requirement is around 125 MLD. Because local ponds are emptying and supply falls short of demand, pressure on the drinking water system is expected to intensify.
