97

CHAPTER IV

SEVERITY OF FLOODS AND DROUGHTS IN STUDY REGION

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Incidences of natural hazard are increasing day by day in the world.

Flood is a situation when there is flow of water in a river more than its capacity

and the water overflows the levees and spreads in nearby areas (Gujar, 2008).

Since the emergence of civilization, flood is the most frequent natural

hazard. The fact that rapid demographic and economic growth patterns have

disturbed the balance between ecosystems has, in turn, increased the frequency

or severity of some natural disasters, such as floods and droughts (Bose 2007).

Flooding occur along the major rivers and small streams, in coastal areas as

well as along the margins of some lakes in the World (Talwar, 2008). A total of

3.50 per cent area of the world is affected by floods, while it is inhabited by

16.50 per cent population (Gujar 2008). River Ganga , Bramhaputra, Damodar,

Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, and Tapi are some of the flood prone

rivers of the World located in India (Gautam, 2007).

Drought is another disaster due to effect of scarcity of rainfall which

directly affect on agriculture sector. In scientific language, drought is an

abnormal state of season spread over a part of land, where there might be

absence of rain in spite of its probability (Gujar, 2008). To study the natural

disaster like flood in India, there is need of study the historical perceptive at

national level. With the help of past experience future planning becomes very

perfect. In this chapter researcher has studied the causes and effects of both

flood and drought natural hazard in study region considering historical

perceptive.

In India, there are number of floods occurrence due to physical and

climatic setup. Floods have been recurrent phenomenon in India and over 40

million hectares of land is prone to floods (Gautam, 2007). Bangladesh is

highest flooded nation in the World and after Bangladesh; India is placed on

second rank in flood disaster. Flood in India is very old phenomena from very

98

long period. Every year in India minimum one or two state face flood

condition. Recently, unabated population and high rate of development

activities forced on the occupation of flood plains and making the society

highly vulnerable for flood losses (Sharma, 2005). In India, floods affect each

and every year on agricultural losses, economical and human life losses. India

is so vast and physically diverse that it has experienced more floods than any

other parts of the world (Thakur, 2003). Flood prone area in India is distributed

unevenly. Middle and lower Gangetic plains in Utter Pradesh, Bihar, W.

Bengal, Bhrmputra plains in Assam, Mahanadi delta, Godavari, Krishna and

Kaveri etc. are the most common flood prone areas of India.

Maharashtra is one of the states of India, where floods frequently occur.

Due to the physiographic and climatic condition Maharashtra shows

controversy in the respect of floods and droughts. At the same time flood and

drought condition is prevailed in same region. After 1960, there are more than

40 floods are occurred in Maharashtra state. Remarkable floods have been

observed in the basins of Godavari, Tapi and Krishna.

4.2 FLOODS IN UPPER KRISHNA BASIN

In the upper Krishna basin western tahsils are known as flood prone

tahsils. Overall study region 13 tahsils out of 29 tahsils are flood affected and

out of these tahsils some tahsils are affected by Krishna, Koyana, Warana and

Panchganga river. As per record 16.05 per cent of the population lives in flood

prone areas with the major rivers Koyna, Krishna, Venna etc. in which flood

comes at least once in a year during the monsoon.

Table no. 4.1 shows the flooded rivers and its impact on village-wise

population of upper Krishna basin. The river Krishna Koyana, Warana and

Panchaganga affected in study region, the statistical data shows that in 2005,

more than 23.89 lakh populations of 228 villages become a victim. In the same

year Sangli district shows that Krishna and Warana played major role in flood

period. The water volume of these rivers is increased as compare to water

volume of Satara district. Therefore, 81 villages and their population were

99

mostly affected and Satara district it was found that 1.19 lakh population of 16

villages and 131 villages (15.55 lakh population) of Kolhapur district came

under the influence of flood water (table & fig. 4.1).

Flood Affected Villages Along Krishna & It's Tributaries

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Ko

yan

a

Kri

shn

a

Warn

a

Warn

a

Kad

av

i

Kasa

ri

Ku

mb

hi

Bh

og

av

ati

Pan

ch

gan

ga

Du

dh

gan

ga

Ved

gan

ga

Name of Tributaries

Nu

mb

er o

f V

illa

ges

Fig. 4.1

Table 4.1: Flood Affected Villages in Upper Krishna Basin (2005)

Name of the

River District No. of Villages

Affected

Population

Koyana Satara 07 14262

Krishna Satara 09 103665

Krishna Sangli 66 698728

Krishna Kolhapur 25 150243

Warna Kolhapur 16 97637

Warna Sangli 15 72840

Kadavi Kolhapur 02 6888

Kasari Kolhapur 06 6504

Kumbhi Kolhapur 17 24232

Bhogavati Kolhapur 17 50453

Panchganga Kolhapur 29 1073638

Dudhganga Kolhapur 12 52496

Vedganga Kolhapur 07 21125

Total 228 2388711

Source: Based on Krishna River Flood Report, 2005.

Release of excess water from the dams in the major rivers, heavy rainfall

and the villages lying in or close the river course are the causes of flooding

particularly in the Patan, Satara, and Karad tahsils. The Koynanagar dam on the

100

Koyana river has contributed to reducing the vulnerability of many villages in

Karad tahsil to flooding. In Kolhapur district there is a large number of river

along villages (188) which are prone to floods. High floods generally occur due

to heavy rainfall in catchment area of major dams and release of excess water.

Past records show that comparatively high floods occurred in 1989 and 1994.

4.3 CAUSES OF FLOODS IN UPPER KRISHNA BASIN

Climatic condition of study region is monsoonal type. Though, more

than 90 per cent rainfall received from south-west monsoon period (June to

September) and other eight months are maximally dry. The flood disaster is a

common phenomenon in rainy season due to the natural and manmade causes,

which are responsible for flood condition. In upper Krishna basin, the major

causes of floods are given below:

i) Morphology of Upstream Catchment Area

Configuration of upstream catchment area is complex in respect of

topographical variance in terms of height and form of channels. Large

catchment area of upper Krishna basin collects water. Vast area extended from

Khambatki ghat (Satara district) in north to Chandgad (Kolhapur district) in

south and west from Sahyadri range to east Yerla and Agrni basin. The large

area of basin collects water from different channels at different rates. When any

area of vast basin gets heavy rainfall it results in flood situation.

ii) Deforestation

Forest in general increases rainfall and evaporation while it absorbs

moisture and lessens runoff (Naik, 2007). In upper catchment area of Krishna

basin the forest cover has been decreasing at Mahableshwar, Jaoli, Patan,

Shirala, Shahuwadi, Bavda, Radhanagari Bhudargad, Ajra and Chandgad

tahsils. Large scale deforestation is effected by man for various purposes,

decreases infiltration capacity of the cut over land and consequently increases

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surface runoff which helps tremendously in increasing the magnitude of flood

(Singh 2003). According to table 4.2 and statistical data field observations of

region area under forest are declining day by day.

Table 4.2: Forest Area in Upper Krishna Basin

Forest Area (%) District

1981 2001

Growth

(%)

Satara 14.23 13.10 - 08.63

Sangli 05.50 04.93 - 11.56

Kolhapur 25.13 23.16 - 08.50

Total 14.95 13.71 - 08.29

Source: Based on Environmental Information Centre Dept. of Environment, Govt. of

Maharashtra, 2009.

Proportion of Forest Area in Upper Krishna Basin

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Sata

ra

San

gli

Ko

lhap

ur

To

tal

Districts

Fo

rest

Area

(%

)

Forest Area (%) 1981 Forest Area (%) 2001 Growth (%)

Fig. 4.2

The forest cover growth shows negative trend in study region and it

revels in Sangli district (-11.56 %) which is highest in upper Krishna basin

followed by Satara district which is - 08.63 per cent and in Kolhapur district

has - 08.50 per cent. The upper Krishna basin it is 14.95 per cent forest land in

1981 and in 2001 it has 13.71 per cent which reflects forest land decreased by -

08.29 per cent. (fig. 4.2) The negative growth is major cause for increase of

runoff and soil erosion in the catchment of Krishna and its tributaries. Soil

102

erosion increased siltation in river beds as well as water reservoirs Dhom,

Kanher, Koyana, Chandoli, Laxmi (Radhanagari), Jangamhatti, and Patgaon.

Siltation also affected on river depth due to such happen over topping of river

banks by enormous volume of water and consequent inundation and submerged

the adjacent area.

iii) Heavy Rainfall in Upstream Catchment Area

Continuous heavy rainfall for long period is the root cause of river floods of

study region. Immense volume of water through high intensity rainfall is the

prerequisite condition for river floods. Heavy rainfall in upper catchment area

is concerned with sudden increase in the water volume of downstream.

Occasional heavy rainfall resulting from strong rainstorms can cause severe

floods. Because of the fact that the rivers maintain very low flow and low

discharge of water during most part of the year and hence sudden torrential

rainfall causes sudden increase in the volume of water which cannot be

disposed off by the rivers immediately and thus the river banks are over topped

by the swelling water and instantaneous floods are caused (Singh, 2011). In

2005 and 2006 year, months of July and August recorded heavy rainfall in

study region which become the root cause of floods.

Table 4.3 Total Rainfall in Upper Krishna Basin Recorded in 2005 and 2006.

Rainfall received

in mm

Name of the

Rain gauge

Station 2005 2006

Koyana 3735 3546

Mahableshwar 3752 3573

Navaja 4018 3406

Dhom 614 785

Kanher 625 893

Warana 2087 2251

Tasgaon 241 360

Sangli 319 386

Miraj 273 387

Islampur 340 495

Shirala 658 638

Vita 259 370

Palus 155 338

Kavtemahankal 152 218

Source: Based on Hydrological Dept Satara, Sangli & Kolhapur.

103

Heavey Rainfall in Upper Krishna Basin (mm)

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

Ko

yan

a

Mah

ab

lesh

war

Nav

aja

Dh

om

Kan

her

Wara

na

Tasg

ao

n

San

gli

Mir

aj

Isla

mp

ur

Sh

irala

Vit

a

Palu

s

Kav

tem

ah

an

kal

Rain Gauge Stations

Ra

infa

ll (

mm

)

2005 2006

Fig. 4.3

The table and fig.4.3 shows exceptional floods were observed in the lower

part of the upper Krishna basin in Maharashtra due to heavy rainfall of July

22nd

to August 13th

, 2005 causative factor of floods. Actual rainfall amount in

study region is more than the average rainfall. Actual rainfall is highest

recorded on 26th

July. Within 23 days upper Krishna basin received more than

262 mm rainfall which is double from average rainfall. Rainfall variation in

this period is high from 26th

to 28th

July 2005 (215.3 to 233.6 %).

iv) Over Irrigation and Ground Water level

Ground water level is very much significant in the flood causes because

ground water level affects on the percolation rate of surface water. In heavy

rainfall period, ground water level is increased and then extra water is not

absorbed by the soil. It affects on the increase in the runoff which generates

flash floods. The ground water table near the river side tahsils Karad, Walwa,

Miraj, Kagal, Karveer, Shirol and Hatkanangale is high due to irrigation so, it

increases the total runoff.

104

v) Construction of Bridges on Rivers and Kolhapur Type Weirs

There is large number of constructed bridges across the rivers and their

streams and Kolhapur type weirs on various rivers and its streams in upper

Krishna basin. KT weirs are constructed on the river Krishna, Warna,

Panchaganga for the purpose of water storage to irrigation. The KT weirs assist

to deposition of sand and silt in the river basin of river Krishna (Khemlapur,

2006).

Table 4.4 Number of ‘KT’ weirs in Flood Affected Tahsils in Upper Krishna

Basin

Tahsil No. of ‘KT’

Weirs

Satara 10

Patan 09

Karad 13

Shirala 05

Walwa 03

Palus 03

Miraj 07

Hatkanangale 08

Shirol 03

Karveer 16

Source: Based on Socio- economic Abstract of Satara, Sangli & Kolhapur 2011.

The total KT weirs in flood prone tahsils are 77 out of which 16 KT weirs

are found in Karveer tahsil followed Karad and Satara tahsil respectively 13

and 10. Bridge pillar and banister of railing obstruct natural flow of floods and

it increases flood level of the area. It is observed that bridges at Karad, Rethere,

Takari, Amnapur, Bhilavadi on the Krishna river increased flood level. In road

construction of National Highway – 4, Pune- Bangalore four lane extensions,

there are many over bridges and under bridges, service roads constructed and

to cop up both side road height is increased. Near Kolhapur on the

Panchaganga river at Gandhinagar under bridge service road causes to increase

the flood level.

105

No. of ‘KT’ Weirs in Flood Prone Tahsils

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Sata

ra

Pata

n

Kara

d

Sh

irala

Walw

a

Palu

s

Mir

aj

Hatk

an

an

gale

Sh

iro

l

Karv

eer

Tahsils

Nu

mb

ers

Fig. 4.4

vi) Anthropogenic Encroachment Under Flood Zone

Three districts are included in upper Krishna basin flood region. The study

region has urban centers namely Karad, Satara, Wai, Sangli-Miraj, Shirol and

Kolhapur. All these centers are located on the bank of rivers. These centers are

growing day by day and there is very less space left for their extension. To

overcome on this situation, construction within flood lines and filling up of the

drainages are the most important man made cause. The man made causes may

be immediate or long term (Singh, 2008). So, the peoples constructed their

houses in the flood line and they destroyed the natural drainages. The central

flood observation committee noted that flood of Sangli district occurrence

because of destroying natural drainages for construction and agricultural land

extension (Chandra, 2007). By the observation of researcher at Karnal road

near Sangli, the construction of row houses, bungalows and city pride theater

and big bazaar building are constructed in natural drainage as well as rural

peoples have constructed houses below the flood lines along the river banks for

the agricultural practices of Krishna, Warna and Panchganga.

106

vii) Meandering Course of Rivers

Highly sinuous meandering courses of the rivers obstruct the normal

discharge of water and thus the velocity is reduced which delays the passage of

water resulting into stagnation of water. Consequently, the meandering valleys

are immediately overflow and meander belts and loops are flooded (Singh,

2011). Rivers like Krishna, Warana, Panchganga, Dudhganga and Vedganga

enter in plain region. These rivers form many meanders in their course. The

meanders of Krishna are sharp at Shirgaon, Shirate, Retre Harnaksh, Banewadi,

Bhilawadi and Haripur. Warna river formed meander near Kokrud, Punvat,

Sagaon, Kale, Devarde, Tandulwadi, Shigaon and Samdoli.

viii) Retardation of Flow Due to Back Water Effects

Retardation of flow due to back water effects is also one of the important

causes of flood disaster (Patil, 2009). Such prerequisite happens in the study

region at various places e.g. near Bramnal where Yerala meets to Krishna and

also similar condition is observed at the confluence of Warana and Krishna

river near Haripur. Nrusinghwadi is the one location in study region where

retardation of flow due to back water affects. In this process major river

velocity and volume are high due to that water of tributaries push back. The

flood intensity is frequently occurred in the upper Krishna basin particularly in

Palus tahsil and Miraj tahsil of Sangli district and Shirol, Hatkanangale tahsils

of Kolhapur district.

ix) Backwater Effect of Alamatti Dam

Karnataka state government has constructed Almatti dam on the river

Krishna for irrigation purpose. Almatti dam is one of the major causes behind

flood situation in Sangli district. Because the back water of Alamatti dam

controls the volume of Krishna flow (Daily Sakal, 2007). Hon. R.R. Patil

expressed their view about Alamatti dam that water level of Almatti dam is

more than 509 meters and back push of water comes up to Sangli. It increases

the flood level of Krishna, Warna and Panchganga in Sangli and Kolhapur

districts. It affects in the Shirol, Hatkanangale, Miraj and Palus tahsil (Vedna,

2005). Mr. S.B. Kulkarni Ex. Irrigation engineer concluded that the cause of

flood is the height of Almatti dam and water level. Under the Chairmanship of

107

Dr. Mukand Ghare, Govt. of Maharashtra appointed the committee for the

study of overwhelming flood causes in the year 2005 and 2006. The overall

observations the committee had concluded that height of Almatti dam and

water storage is one of the major cause to this flood condition in upper Krishna

basin. In 2005, the water level of Almatti dam was 519.60 meters and it created

back push 537 to 543 meters in the Krishna river at Sangli. Whereas in the year

2006, the water level at Almatti was kept on 517 to 518 meters at that time

back push created by the dam was 537 to 542 meters in the Sangli (Daily Sakal,

2007). Then the as per direction of coordination committee of Maharashtra and

Karnataka in 2007, Almatti dam authority stored water level up to 509 meters

and it reduced flood situation than 2005 and 2006.

x) Excessive Water Discharge from Upstream Dams

There are numbers of upstream dams in the catchment area of upper

Krishna basin. The upstream dams are namely Dhom, Kanher, Urmodi, Tarli,

Koyana, Warana, Radhanagari and Kallamwadi are major water storage

projects. These projects had excessive discharge due to heavy rainfall period.

In July 27th

, 2005 discharge from Koyana dam is highest recorded and it is

more than 100000 cusecs. Along with Koyana dam, Dhom, Kanher and

Urmodi dams discharge is high in this period and all discharges are collected

near Karad Bridge and near Narsinhvadi were highest recorded. Except of

major dams some medium dam constructed in the western hilly region of upper

Krishna basin and these dams discharge water in high volume during this

period.

Table 4.5 Highest Water Discharge from Some Selected Dams in Upper

Krishna Basin Water Discharge in Cusecs

Koyana Dhom Kanher Warana Date

2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006

30th July N.A. 100000 N.A. 12252 N.A. 8999 N.A. 22125

31st July N.A. 73758 N.A. 9125 N.A. 8964 N.A. 22688

1st August 92237 62765 11209 10459 8717 6966 25958 13021

2nd

August 99358 61347 22400 9089 14087 4999 35517 13658

3rd

August 96978 58808 3240 2925 2781 8710 36772 13374

4th August 62236 46317 5599 2986 5014 620 15136 12581

5th August 20740 N.A. 6046 N.A. 6150 N.A. 15590 N.A.

Source: Based on Surface Water Hydrology Project, 2009, Sangli Subdivision.

108

The discharges of water from different dams vary, Koyana dam recorded

highest discharge during the 2nd

August, 2005 (99358 cusecs) and 30th

July,

2006 it observed 100000 cusecs in the study region. The Warana stands on

second position which discharges water 36772 cusecs on 3rd

August, 2005 and

22688 cusecs on 31st July, 2006. The other dams are Dhom discharged water on

an average 9699 cusecs and 7806 cusecs in 2005 and 2006 respectively; in

2005 and 2006 Kanher dam average discharged water was 7350 cusecs and

6543 cusecs respectively.

xi) Land use Pattern in the Study Region

Western part of the study region is highly irrigated. So, the farmers

destroy the natural vegetation for the intensive agricultural. Satara, Karad,

Walwa, Miraj, Palus, Shirol, Karveer and Kagal tahsils forest area is decreasing

day by day to increase the net sown irrigated area. So in absence of forest

cover, soil erosion rate is highest and it helps to increase runoff. Soil erosion

effects on the siltation in the river bed and water level is increasing in rainy

season.

4.4 EFFECTS OF FLOODS IN UPPER KRISHNA BASIN

Flooding is the most common environment hazard; due to the wide spread

geographical distribution of river valleys and coastal areas and attraction of

human settlements to these areas (Kewalramani, 2006). Almost all the river

valleys are subjected to varying degrees of flood incidents, either creating

minor damages or devastating havocs at times. Such calamities of floods pose a

serious problem to the whole environment setup of the region bringing about

some of the phenomena changes of the physical environment, inrushing in

accelerated erosional, transportational and depositional work of the river with

the consequent effects of the soil. Vegetation and micro reliefs of the area on

the one hand and devastating effects of the human habitat and activities of

agriculture, industry, settlement sometimes causing loss of human and animal

lives and of materials is in most cases much more grave (Sen,1985). Flooding

activities is regularly seasonal activities in plain region of India. Upper Krishna

basins some part has long history of seasonal flood. But in some years flood

situation was very critical. In 2005 and 2006 years flood level was highest and

flood period was also longer recorded in Sangli and Kolhapur districts.

109

Flood has negative as well as positive impacts observed in study region.

But as compared to positive impact with negative impact, negative impacts are

observed causing lot of losses. Western part of the study region availing

maximum drainage density. The months of July and August, of 2005 and 2006

years experienced destructive flood situations.

Adverse Effects of Floods

Flood effects in upper Krishna basin are in both negative and positive

ways. There are awful effects of floods more than beneficial effects. The flood

area and flood duration in 2005 and 2006 are highest. So, the negative impacts

are on very large scale.

i) Impact of Flood on Agriculture

The agriculture land at flood prone area of upper Krishna basin is low

lying area. The flood prone agriculture area in Sangli and Kolhapur district is

submerged more than 10 to 15 days under flood water. Flood prone region

cultivates Sugarcane, Rice, Turmeric, Soybean, Groundnut, Chilli and Grapes.

Over the entire study region flood prone 13 tahsils, their villages and thousands

of farmers were affected by the flood. Agriculture losses are calculated more

than 50 per cent losses.

Table 4.6: Agricultural Losses by Flood in Upper Krishna Basin (2005)

Tahsil Year

Flood

Affected

Villages

Agricultural

Damages (ha)

Loss of

Agricultural

(Rs. lakh)

2005 14 40496.12 4802.80 Patan

2006 10 23714.60 1927.12

2005 29 36892.49 2773.57 Karad

2006 37 40434.00 4783.93

2005 26 9054.09 6705.39 Walwa

2006 27 9081.38 6611.68

2005 37 7047.50 4212.41 Palus

2006 29 5082.83 4073.61

2005 19 6709.71 2663.90 Miraj

2006 19 6746.59 2626.92

2005 19 13750.00 7589.00 Hatkanangale

2006 11 3252.76 1577.44

2005 40 6524.00 8664.37 Shirol

2006 38 8156.61 8664.37

Total 355 216942.70 67676.51

Source: Based on District Hazard Management Department, Collector Office Satara, Sangli

and Kolhapur.

110

The agricultural losses revels from table 4.6, the tahsil Patan has

recorded nearly 40496.12 ha land was damaged which cost was Rs. 4802.80 in

2005.

ii) Physiographical Changes

At the time of flood, volume of water is increased. This flood water is a

cause of the physical changes on river side area. Floods have not only a

temporal effect on the material loss but usher in some changes of the physical

environment and drainage arteries. Physical changes usher in the bank side

erosion, breach of levees, sometimes shifting of the river curses, causing

removal of vegetation and subsequent impacts on the soil and vegetation of the

area (Sen, 1985). In the study region in 2005, 2006 and 2011 after flood

situation researcher observed physical changes in study region.

Physical changes in 2005 and 2006 are less but in 2011 physical changes

are highly observed in Karad, Walwa, Palus and Miraj tahsils. In the entire

study region physical changes data or record in concern with Governmental

departments is not available to provide the appropriate information. As per

field observations landslides are common feature taken place along the river

banks as well as soil washed out. The sand excavation in river Krishna

decreases the base of river banks due to over burden and velocity of water,

upper part of mass is collapsed or washed away. The researcher has also

observed that at different places 50 to 100 meter landslides had taken place.

iii) Impact on Livestock

Flood impact is seen not only on man but also on animal lives in upper

Krishna basin flood prone area. When flood water level suddenly increased;

meanwhile farmers are unable to shift their animals at safety place. The cow

pens (farm houses) as well as houses were surrounded by the water, numbers of

animals were dip downed and some were float down with water. In Karad,

Hatkanangale and Shirol tahsils were recorded for maximum animal

loss.

111

The table 4.7 shows that highest live stock loss found in Karad tahsil,

there were 137 live stocks and 17 live stocks were dead in 2005 and

2006 and their cost were Rs. 1370000 and Rs. 170000 in 2005 and 2006

respectively. The loss of animals in Patan tahsil observed 09 (2005) and

05 (2006) and its cost Rs. 90000 and 50000 in 2005 and 2006

respectively. Shirala tahsil of upper Krishna basin revels less animal

loss which is 2 (2005) and 01 (2006), Rs. 16000 and 5000 in 2005 and

2006 respectively. The other tahsils shows moderate loss in the respect

of live stocks as well as their cost.

Table 4.7: Loss of Live Stocks and Its Cost - 2005 and 2006 No. of Dead Live Stocks Cost (Rs. 000) Tahsil

2005 2006 2005 2006

Patan 09 05 90 50

Karad 137 17 1370 170

Miraj 04 04 50 40

Palus 03 02 30 16

Walwa 03 04 56 56

Shirala 02 01 16 05

Hatkangale 04 02 50 30

Shirol 06 04 60 40

Source: Based on Govt. Flood Report, 2005 and 2006.

iv) Loss of Houses

Loss of houses in the flood period of 2005 is more than 2006. In these years

flood remained more than 10 to 15 days due to this condition houses were in

water so, the walls as well as luxurious goods and house furniture was damaged

by the flood water. Losses of houses are maximum in Palus, Karad, Shirol and

Hatkanangale. In Shirala tahsil maximum houses are built in clay and stone or

brick.

Table 4.8 belongs to the loss of houses, whether these are totally

collapsed or partly collapsed. In these eight tahsils, Shirol recorded highest loss

of houses in which the loss of fully and partly damaged houses in Rs.

12096000 and Rs. 14725000 respectively. In Patan tahsil 11 villages are

affected, out of these villages only 12 houses were totally collapsed (Rs.

189000) and 2146 houses were partly collapsed (Rs. 19591000), Miraj tahsil of

Sangli district recorded very less houses (237) partly collapsed whose cost is

Rs. 5690000 in the flood years 2005 and 2006.

112

Table 4.8: Loss of Houses - 2005 and 2006 (Rs.000)

Totally Collapsed

Houses

Partly Collapsed Houses

Tahsil

No. of

Villages

Affected No Loss in Rs. No Loss in Rs.

Patan 11 12 189 2146 19591

Karad 14 14 210 3667 23394

Miraj 12 41 497 237 569

Palus 19 128 1602 1807 6632

Walwa 27 40 433 516 2256

Shirala 77 04 304 575 1705

Hatkanangale 15 37 583 256 2337

Shirol 47 768 12096 1613 14725

Source: Based on District Hazard Management Department, Collector Office Satara, Sangli

and Kolhapur 2007.

v) Loss of Human Lives

The intensity of flood is recognizing on the basis of loss of human lives.

Before the flood of 2005 and 2006 the human lives loss is insignificant. But in

2005 and 2006 flood took more than 30 human lives. The loss of human lives is

highest in Shirol tahsil, due to accident of boat at Rajapur 09 peoples sunk in

the boat accident. Another cause of human lives loss is drain into flood water at

the time of crossing the flood channel to reach safety place. Some peoples were

dead due to frightening and heart attack.

vi) Outbreak of Diseases

At the time of flood and after flood period, it generates many problems

in different ways. Flood is cumulative hazard which brings many other hazards

with it (Samant, 2006). In the study region at the time of flood condition, the

power supply is disconnected and the, unavailability of power supply affects

the supply of drinking water. Therefore people use untreated water. In the flood

affected villages sanitation system becomes very poor, time being no. of ponds

have been formed. These ponds contain different types of organic and

inorganic material, the organic material is decomposed. In the processes of

decomposition of organic material several diseases and epidemic diseases like

cholera, jaundices, dehydration due to dysentery etc. In the flood affected

study region, out of total patients 73 per cent peoples were suffered by the

fever and 23 per cent peoples were suffered by diarrhea.

113

vii) Impact on Basic Needs and Facilities

Basic facilities are important for better human life. These basic facilities

are food, clothing, shelter besides that electricity, transportation and

communication etc. In 2005 and 2006 years flood water level increased beyond

imagination. So, when people left their houses they did not take precaution to

store food grains at safe place. When they came back after releasing flood

situation, all food grains were in unusable condition. Drainage lines are totally

blocked in urban and rural area siltation was fully deposited in drainage.

Drinking water facility, filtration system, and electricity and fuel shortage these

problems occur in number of rural and urban areas.

viii) Destruction of Commercial Establishments

The western part of upper Krishna basin is frequently suffered by the

flood disaster. Due to the frequent occurrences of flood, shops and kiosk are

damaged. The damages of such things mostly occurred on higher proportion in

urban centers (Satara, Karad, Sangli, Miraj, Kolhapur, Shirol, Ichalkaraji,

Jaysingpur) than in the rural areas.

Table 4.9: Losses of Shops and Kiosks (2005)

Sr. No. Tahsil No. of

Shops In %

No. of

Small

Shops

In %

Loss

(Rs

Lakh)

1 Patan 20 00.65 59 06.03 12.90

2 Karad 117 03.78 140 14.31 49.40

3 Miraj 1531 49.48 232 23.72 159.47

4 Palus 559 18.07 194 19.84 72.10

5 Walwa 484 15.64 120 12.27 82.14

6 Shirala 04 00.13 N.A. 00.00 05.80

7 Hatkanangale 31 01.00 98 10.02 39.34

8 Shirol 348 11.25 135 13.80 87.10

Total 3094 100.00 978 100.00 508.25

Source: Based on Collector Office, Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur Districts, 2005.

Therefore, in that damages molls, big bazaar, furniture, electronic goods,

food grains, warehouses, and stationary marts are severely affected. The small

shops like kiosks were mostly affected in rural areas as well as religious places

114

like Nursinhwadi, and Audumbar. In the flood affected areas such losses are in

million rupees.

In these flood prone districts of study region, the table 4.9 shows the

losses of shops is nearly Rs. 508.25 lakhs, it holds total 3094 shops and 978

small shops in 2005 flood year. Miraj tahsil of Sangli district recorded

maximum loss of these categories are 1531 (49.48 %) shops and 232 (23.72 %)

small shops and very less loss revels from Shirala tahsil which observed 00.13

per cent of shops and its valuation was only Rs. 05.80 lakh.

ix) Loss of Government Buildings

Flood water affected on public houses as well as government buildings in

study region. Government buildings are classified into residential, offices,

educational institutes and health centers. The losses of government residential

observed in Miraj, Karad, Sangli, Ichalkaranji, and Kolhapur urban centers.

Primary school buildings, its educational material and books were damaged.

x) Impact on Transportation

Transportation is important aspect for socio-economical development.

Disaster management is depending upon many things but transportation route

and means of transportation are the main assets for flood rescue and over come

on flood condition. But in the flood period of 2005 and 2006, many roads,

railway routes/ tracks, bridges are under flood water and some of them were

damaged. Such types of losses were more than Rs. 714 lakh recorded by the

Govt. agencies.

Transportation loss is in both ways that the damages of roads and

another blocked roads due to road submerged, causes transportation block. In

upper Krishna basin State Transport Corporation authority as well other private

agencies cancelled many buses trips and loss of ST is more than Rs 3.5 to 4

Crore. Karad, Kolhapur and Sangli, Ichalkaranji cities local auto rickshaw and

other private transportation business is totally blocked within flood period.

115

Positive Impacts

Flood is a natural disaster, and due to flood maximum adverse effects

are seen on the human life. Each incidence has merits and demerits, in above

discussion researcher has elaborated demerits of floods but floods are having

some merits, which supports for the human development. Flood water is spread

in thousands of hectares to both sides of the river course and this water deposits

layer of siltation, which is very rich in humus. Such fertile land grows different

types of crops which helpful for high yielding. Researcher has observed

siltation of fertile soil along the river Krishna, Warna and Panchganga in

average more than 5 to 30 cm.

Near Kurundwad in Shirol tahsil saline land is laying under the flood

water more than 21 days. The peoples give their opinion that the saline land

comes under agricultural utilization after 2005 flood. Flood water is spared

long time surrounded the Krishna river main channel and it increased ground

water table at flood prone area. Flood is the natural hazard and it creates many

problems but at the time of flood condition integrity and unity is mostly

common observed among the flood affected peoples and combine they are

facing the flood problems.

4.5 DROUGHTS IN UPPER KRISHNA BASIN

Drought is not only natural phenomena as well as deficit imbalance

between demands and supply of water. Drought disaster occurs in low as well

as high rainfall region. Farmers are mostly and directly related to drought

disaster. So farmer identified drought when rainfall is deficient, lack of

moisture, dry spell resulting low crop productivity and crop failures due to

absence of rainfall. The American Heritage dictionary (1976) defined drought

as a long period with no rain especially during planting season. The Random

House dictionary (1969) defined it as an extended period of dry weather,

especially one injurious to crops. Drought is a condition relative to some long-

term average condition of balance between rainfall and evapotranspiration in a

particular area, a condition often perceived as normal. Yet average rainfall does

116

not provide an adequate statistical measure of rainfall characteristics in a given

region, especially in the drier areas (Singh, 2003). Metrological department of

India defined drought means deficit of rainfall. All definitions are related to the

impact of low rainfall and agricultural, social and economic activities. In India

1976, National Commission on Agriculture has divided drought into three

types.

i) Metrological Drought

In India, the definition of "meteorological drought" adopted by the

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is a situation when the deficiency of

rainfall at a meteorological sub-division level is 25 per cent or more of the

long-term average (LTA) of that sub-division for a given period. The drought is

considered "moderate", if the deficiency is between 26 and 50 per cent, and

severe" if it is more than 50 per cent (NRS, 2011).

ii) Hydrological drought

There are three forms of water located different place. For crop growing

water availability is needful in soil and atmosphere. But soil moisture and

rainfall are inadequate during crop growing period it adverse affect on

agricultural scenario. It is defined as a period of four consecutive weeks (of

severe meteorological drought) with a rainfall deficiency of more than 50 per

cent of the LTA or with a weekly rainfall of 5 cm or less during the period

from mid-May to mid- October (the Kharif season) when 80 per cent of the

country’s total crop is planted, or six such consecutive weeks during the rest of

the year. Prolonged meteorological drought resulting in depletion of surface

water from reservoirs, lakes, streams, rivers, cessation of spring flow and fall in

groundwater levels causing severe shortage of water for livestock and human

needs (NRS, 2011).

iii) Agricultural drought

When soil moisture and rainfall are inadequate during the crop growing

season to support healthy crop growth to maturity, which situation causes

117

extreme crop stress and wilting. It is defined as a period of four consecutive

weeks (of severe meteorological drought) with a rainfall deficiency of more

than 50 per cent of the LTA or with a weekly rainfall of 5 cm or less during the

period from mid-May to mid- October (the Kharif season) when 80 per cent of

the country’s total crop is planted, or six such consecutive weeks during the

rest of the year (NRS, 2011).

Droughts in India have very long history 18th

, 19th

and 20th

centuries

millions of death occurs by drought. Ancient and medieval period drought

references are found in Veda, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Indian agriculture

depends upon monsoon rainfall but every year some part of India, some states

face failure of monsoon consequence in water shortages, below average crop

yields. Present situation observed in southern and western Maharashtra,

northern Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Maharashtra is one of the drought prone states in India. In 941 first

historical references is found. The years 1396 to 1408, period of 12 years were

known as the Durgadevi drought in Maharashtra. That time peoples from

Deccan plateau migrated to Gujarat and other parts of the country. The drought

scenario of Maharashtra state in which the drought (1940 - 1942 and 1972)

occupied all parts of the state beside that other droughts were observed

exacting parts of the state or in particular districts or eastern and western areas

of the Maharashtra state.

Especially, after formation of Maharashtra state peoples desired

that drought problem can be solved. But after 60 years till many drought prone

villages face this problem. After independence 1952-53, 1956-1966, 1970-

1973, 1985-1987, 2001-2004 and 2011-12 these six major droughts observed in

Maharashtra. Averagely after seven to ten years drought comes and local

drought period is after 2 to 3 years. Last 55 years there is no single year

without drought in Maharashtra state.

The 21st century begins with drought in Maharashtra. In June 2001,

20000 villages had been suffered by water sacristy. Four lakh people engaged

118

in the different employment guarantee schemes. In 2003-2004, 11 districts 75

tahsils suffered from drought condition.

Table 4.10: Drought Prone Tahsils in Upper Krishna Basin

Drought Prone

Tahsil

Geog.

Area

(sq km)

Total

Villages

Drought

Prone

Villages

Drought

Prone Area

(sq km)

% to

Tahsil

Area

Koregaon 948 138 65 563 59.38

Khatav 1325 110 110 1325 100.00

Khanapur &

Kadegaon 1367.81 90 63 760.35 57.33

Kavtemanhkal 735.63 40 40 706.76 100.00

Tasgaon 1100.56 71 51 565.60 51.39

Miraj 926.16 55 29 533.25 57.57

Jath 2245.38 97 97 2245.38 100.00

Source: Irrigation Department Annual Report of Satara and Sangli

Tahsil-wise Drought Prone Villages

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Ko

reg

ao

n

Kh

ata

v

Kh

an

ap

ur

&

Kad

eg

ao

n

Kav

tem

an

hk

al

Tasg

ao

n

Mir

aj

Jath

Tahsils

Vil

lag

es

(%)

Fig. 4.6

According to 1960 committee, Government of Maharashtra should

decide drought prone region before, rainfall and anevari (Net Sown Area) of

that area. But unavailability of measuring rain gauge stations government

referred only anevari and paisevari. Chitale commission suggested that rainfall,

frequency of droughts, irrigation facility and revenue these criteria are

important.

According to central government, the tahsils which have less than 112.5

mm rainfall, irrigated area is less than 30 per cent can be supposed drought

prone tahsil. If we consider this criterion, 30 per cent region is under irrigation

119

remaining 70 per cent region having not sufficient rainfall, government not

declared drought situation.

According to Government of Maharashtra norms about drought in upper

Krishna basin eastern part of study region includes maximum portion in

drought prone area. In Satara district, eastern part of Koregaon tahsil is partly

affected by drought. 100 per cent Khatav tahsil comes under drought prone

area. In Sangli district, eastern and northern tahsils namely Khanapur and

Kadegaon (57.33%), Tasgaon (51.39%), Miraj (57.57%), Kavathemahankal

and Jath (100 %) area is drought prone area (fig. 4.6). All drought prone areas

come under rainfall shadow region of western Maharashtra.

4.6 CAUSES OF DROUGHTS IN UPPER KRISHNA BASIN

Drought is natural calamity, which is directly interconnected to the

metrological conditions of any geographical area (Gurjar, 2008). Besides this

natural cause, man is also responsible for drought condition. The nature of

drought hazard is complicated phenomena which create due to many

metrological and other causes. Rainfall distribution is the main cause of the

drought. There are many causes for drought hazard but some important and

applicable causes of drought in upper Krishna basin are as follows:

i) Delay in Monsoon

Each and every year monsoon comes in Maharashtra at the end of May

or first week of June. But from last ten years monsoon arrival is delayed year

by year. Agricultural work and seasons depend on the arrival of the monsoon.

In eastern part of the study region arrival of monsoon is delayed every year. In

2001 to 2004, in that four year due to delay of monsoon, farmers could not

cultivate their farms on time.

ii) Scanty Rainfall

Rainfall in the upper Krishna basin is very scanty. The south-west

monsoon gives highest rainfall in western part of upper Krishna basin. When

these monsoon winds cross the Sahyadri due to low humidity this zone

received low rainfall, which is known as ‘Rainfall Shadow Region’. The last 11

years, more than 3 to 4 years rainfall is scanty in the all drought prone area of

120

the study region. With delay of the monsoon and insufficient and uneven

distribution rainfall has been observed in the eastern tahsil of study region. The

scarcity of rainfall has occurred in Khatav, Khanapur, Kavathemahankal, Jath,

Tasgaon etc. tahsils. Besides that some tahsils in upper Krishna basin namely

Miraj, Palus, Kadegaon and Koregaon don’t have sufficient rainfall. So, these

tahsils are known as partly affected drought prone tahsils.

At the district level rainfall distribution is greater than normal but tahsil

level eastern tahsils have less rainfall than the normal. In Satara district,

western part includes Jaoli, Patan, and Mahabaleshvar received more rainfall

than the average rainfall but eastern Khatav tahsil facing drought condition due

to less rainfall.

Table 4.11: Normal and Actual Rainfall in Drought Prone Region (2003-04)

Period Normal Rainfall(mm) Actual Rainfall (mm)

June 109.11 67.83

June to July 236.12 147.36

June to August 341.95 231.71

June to September 498.95 310.21

June to October 565.47 329.06

Source: Based on Maharashtra Drought Report, 2003-2004.

Normal and Actual Rainfall in Drought Prone Region (mm)

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

June June to July June to August June to

September

June to October

Period

Ra

infa

ll (

mm

)

Normal Rainfall(mm) Actual Rainfall (mm)

Fig. 4.7

121

The table 4.11 and fig. 4.7 shows the wide gap between normal and

actual rainfall in eastern drought prone region of upper Krishna basin. From

June to October, in these five months range between normal and actual rainfall

was 238.41 mm itself indicate the severity of drought.

iii) Long Dry Spell

Rainy days in drought prone region are about 100 days from 2001 to

2010. Jath, Kavtemanhkal and Khatav tahsils have very less rainy days. More

than 90 per cent rainy days are in between June to October and only 10 per cent

rainy days are included in remaining seven months. Therefore, dry period is

longer than the rainy period in drought prone area.

No. of Rainy Days in Drought Prone Tahsils

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

200

1

200

2

200

3

200

4

200

5

200

6

200

7

200

8

200

9

201

0

201

1

Year

No

. o

f D

ay

s

Koregaon

Khatav

M iraj

Jat

Khanapur

Tasgaon

K.manhkal

Palus

Kadegaon

Fig.4.8

iv) Depletion of Ground Water

Ground water is source of safe water deposit for utilizations. But low

water conservation practices ground water level decreasing day by day in

drought prone area. When surface water sources become dry people turn to

ground water sources. Development of technology numbers of bore wells

122

increased every year and depth of bore well increased up to 450 feet. Average

depth of ground water in Kavathemanhkal, Khanapur and Khatav and Tasgaon

tahsils are more than 400 feet. In this area depth of boar wells are increasing

day to day and it is observed from temporal changes in depth of bore wells and

open wells.

v) Scarcity of Water in Surface Water Sources

Surface water is low-priced water resource for utilization. But due to

physiography, geology and climatic conditions surface water resources are

deflecting from their past positions in the eastern part of study region. In the

drought prone region Yerala and Agrani are the major river sources. Apart

from the river surface water, storage project is important water source but due

to low rainfall these project are not stored with full capacity. Major projects are

situated in the western part of the study region namely Koyana, Warna, Dhom,

Kanher and Radhanagari. There is no any major project constructed in eastern

part. In eastern part of study region medium projects namely Ner, Yerlwadi and

Siddhewadi, projects are constructed but from long period water projects are

not filled up to optimum level. Other minor irrigation projects are constructed

in the drought prone region but their storage capacity is very low and they

become dry after rainy season.

The table 4.12 reveals that the major projects having water nearly 35 per

cent in 2002 but in the next year 2003 it is recorded up to 30 per cent. Same

thing is happened with medium and minor projects in 2002 and 2003. The

medium projects are availing 44 per cent and 22 per cent water in 2002 and

2003 respectively. In the years 2002 and 2003, 29 per cent and 13 per cent

respectively water available in minor projects. The water shade area of both

Yerala and Agrni belongs into very low rainfall zone ultimately population

pressure is increasing on available water resources. Therefore, demand of water

is increasing rapidly on one side but on the other side supply of water from

limited sources generates scarcity of water in study region.

123

Table 4.12: Water Availability in Water Projects in Pune Region 2003

Category

Of Project

Capacity

(Mm³)

Storage

(Mm³)

In

% 2003

In

% 2002

In

%

Major 14727 3611 25 4413 30 5130 35

Medium 1041 173 17 234 22 459 44

Minor 908 90 10 122 13 261 29

Source: Maharashtra Drought Report, 2003.

iv) Absence of Rain Water Management

In drought prone area rainfall and ground water are the only sources of

water. There is no major water storage project available in this area. The rainy

days in this area are about 80 to 100 days every year and annual rainfall is

about 500 to 600 mm. So, there is need of proper management of rain water

harvesting in rainy season. But rain water conservation program is not properly

implemented in the eastern study region. So, maximum rain water drains by

drainage and ground water level is not increased. Many surface water sources

become dryer after rainy days. In drought prone region some percolation tanks

are constructed at unfavorable site. So, they are not filled up every year. Some

projects are constructed and presently its storage area is utilized for agriculture

and another purposes.

4.7 EFFECTS OF DROUGHTS IN UPPER KRISHNA BASIN

Drought affects the whole biotic world because plants as well as living

organisms both are dependent on water (Gurjar, 2008). Long duration of the

drought affects on the ecological, agricultural, and socio-economical scenario

of any geographical area. Drought is a dry phenomenon which manifests in dry

wells, tanks and rivers, parched fields, burnt up pasturage, starved animals,

large scale rural unemployment, shortage of food grains, fodder and drinking

water, a general price rises, diseases and cough in between the helpless millions

of people (Mustafa, 1979).

i) Insufficient and irregular supply of fodder

In drought period there is shortage of green and dry fodders due to

insufficiency of water for crops. So, the fodder shortage for animals creates

124

various physical problems among the animals and their yielding capability

beside that feature generation. It is found that in 2003-04 and 2012 drought

prone area having shortage of fodder; Govt. of Maharashtra started ‘Chara

Chavani’ (Fodder Camp) in drought tahsils of Satara and Sangli districts. But

in these Chara Chavani and Chara depot only sugarcane fodder is available and

that’s why there are many animal health problems are created. Government has

spent millions of rupees on the fodder supply to animal live stock.

Table 4.13: Fodder Depot for Animal in Shortage Period 2012.

Tahsil No. of

Depot

Fodder

(Metric Tones)

Expenditure

Rs. Lakh

No. of

Animal

Koregaon 07 5160.67 42.35 40445

Khatav 14 42477.95 612.21 46402

Jath 18 13881.65 271.19 150827

Kadegaon 03 1442.65 27.03 7968

K.Manhkal 09 12740.08 200.58 85133

Khanapur 08 3648.92 57.93 59271

Miraj 04 1997.93 39.63 79846

Total 63 81349.85 1250.92 469892

Source: Based on data collected from Collector Office Satara and Sangli 2012.

There is an acute scarcity of fodder in drought-affected areas. The

Government set up a large number of cattle camps in many districts for

providing fodder to cattle population. These cattle camps are being run by

cooperatives, NGOs, and local organizations. The number of cattle camps has

also gone up significantly. As against 400 cattle camps in mid-November

which admitted 3.8 lakh cattle, there are at present 700 camps, admitting more

than 7 lakh cattle.

According to the CRF guidelines, an assistance of Rs. 12 and Rs. 6 are

given for big and small animals respectively in cattle camps. The Government

has started fodder depots in many districts, where fodder is provided at a

subsidized rate of Rs. 1.5 per kilogram to individual families, subject to a

maximum of 5 kilogram per cattle and 5 cattle heads per family. Since the

Government procures fodder at the rate of Rs. 3,000 per tones, which includes

the transport subsidy, the total subsidy for one family is Rs. 37.50 per day.

125

ii) Loss of Agriculture Crops

Agriculture is prime activity of study region. But due to inadequate

rainfall net sown area under various crops in kharif season is decaling. In 2002

and 2003 years severe drought in Khatav, Khanapur, Tasgaon, and

Kavtemahankal tahsil net sown area under various crops is decreasing from 10

to 96 percent. In Khatav tahsil jawar (92.18%), bajara (82.41%), pulses

(42.07%) area is declining to normal average.

Apart from decline of area under various crops there are damages in

horticulture because of drought condition from 2001- 2003. The investment for

horticulture is very high. The farmer tries their best level to protect grape

cultivation. The farmers in Tasgaon and Khanapur tahsils expend more than

crore rupees on water tanker for grape cultivation. Many farmers uprooted

horticulture of pomegranate (380.11 ha.) and grape (1234.84 ha) cultivation in

Sangli district.

In Sangli district Khanapur and Tasgaon tahsil net sown area is declined

up to 80.40 percent in 2003. In rabbi season food grains area is declined up to

69.60 to 178.40 percent.

iii) Decaling Agricultural Productivity

Agricultural productivity is depending on the various natural as well as

economical factors. But in drought condition other factors are same and only

water is not available for the crop growth. Due to shortage of water per hector

crop production is decreased in drought prone region. In the upper Krishna

basin drought prone region from 2001 to 2004 agricultural productivity is

turned down from 30 to 50 per cent of various crops.

Productivity of the pulses is declining in 2001- 02 is 32.10 percent and

sugarcane yield is decreased in 2003-04 by 55.79 percent. Averagely

agricultural productivity loss is high in the drought year 2002-03. In drought

year agricultural yield is decreased and expenditure on crop is increased so the

farmer’s economy is going in loss.

iv) Drinking Water Scarcity

126

Water is the main need of man and animal for drinking purpose but in

drought condition surface water sources are dried and ground water level is

decreased as well as open well and bore well becomes dry. In Khatav,

Khanapur, Kavathemanhkal, Tasgaon, Jath and eastern part of Miraj tahsil, the

people don’t get drinking water around their villages. One or two people in

home are engaged full day to collect water for drinking and domestic use.

Many people in drought prone region collect drinking water from an average 1

to 2 km from their residence. Therefore, such kind of work brightly shows

significant working population engaged in non-productive work and its impact

shown on per capita income of these tahsils remain low.

In Satara and Sangli district 235 villages and 508 wadi were facing

drinking water problem in 2003. In 2003-04 year, villages are increased and it

goes up to 526 villages and 1404 wadi. Daily need of drinking water is fulfilled

by government with the help of 473 tankers (4730000 Lit.). In this year from

Feb., 2012 drought prone region of upper Krishna basin has been facing

drinking water problem. Up to Aug., 2012 for villages (362) and wadi (283)

drinking water is supplied by 879 tankers supplied 8790000 liter water per day.

For this service Government of Maharashtra spent Rs.13.28 lakh each day.

v) Depletion in Ground Water Level

Ground water is the safe deposit of water resource for socio-economic

development. Share of ground water on earth is major and ground water is in

the circulation form. Its importance stems from its ability to act as a large

reservoir of water that provides “buffer storage” during periods of drought

(Zende, 2010). Ground water availability is uneven distributed in space time

and depth in upper Krishna basin. From 1991 availability of cheap drilling

machines and availability of finance through banks causes to increase the

number of wells and bore wells for different purpose in Yerala and Agarni

basin. Another electricity policy of Maharashtra government for agriculture is

reason for depletion of ground water.

In Yerala basin Khatav, Kadegaon and Tasgaon tahsils ground water

level ranges from 1.2 to 21.5 m BGL (Below Ground Level). Near the Yerala

127

and Agrani river ground water level is 2 to 8 m and south-western parts of

Khatav, Tasgaon and Kadegaon is 6.5 to 21.5 m.

vi) Out-Migration

The drought becomes major cause of migration in drought area of upper

Krishna basin. The migrations of peoples are done for completion of water

need as well as getting daily employment. The nature of migration is seasonal

or permanent. Due to adverse condition of drought the people, push to other

parts of the country. Working population is major source of human resources.

If such resources are diminishing from parent area, then it makes obstacle in

the socio-economical development of area or region. In the eastern part of the

study region, it is observed that the people seasonally migrate to urban centers

like Pune, Mumbai, Karad, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and other urban centers of

Maharashtra. The people from drought prone tahsils have started migration

with their animal towards green ribbons sugarcane cultivation area along

Krishna, Warna and Panchganga River and canal. According to field

observation at drought prone region more than 70 per cent family male

members are migrated for employment to urban zones of Maharashtra as well

as interstate urban areas.

vii) Impact on Cattle Holding

Dairy farming is subsidiary business of farmers in upper Krishna basin.

It is helpful in sense of fertilizer and milk production. But due to drought

condition there is shortage of water and fodder. So the farmers are unable to

arrange for their food and protection. So the farmers sold their cattle in drought

condition in very low rate.

Table: 4.14: Year-wise Cattle Price of Drought Prone Region

Price (Rs) Cattle Type

1996 2003 2010

Buffalo 10000 6000 40000

Cow Indian 5000 4000 25000

Cow Jersey 21500 15000 45000

Bullock 12000 8000 60000

Goat 1100 1500 4500

Sheep 2000 1700 5000 Source: Annual Report of Market Federation, Satara and Sangli District.

128

Changes in Cattle Prices (Rs)

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Buffalo Cow Indian Cow Jurcy Bullock Goat Sheep

Cattle Type

Pri

ce (

Rs)

1996 2003 2010

Fig.4.9

The price of the cattle in drought period is declined and after drought

condition, cattle prices are increased rapidly. So the farmers in drought prone

region going in loss in two time when they sell and purchase cattle.

viii) Increasing Animal Mortality

In drought condition wild and domestic animals have not getting

sufficient food and water. In 2003 drought period, there are numbers of cattle

resort camps started but in those camps there is only sugarcane fodder. So the

animals have not got proper nutrition and become victim of many diseases. The

farmers have no money to give treatment that’s why cattle are died in drought

period. In Khanapur tahsil Banurgad villages 7 buffalo and 10 another animals

died in the 2003 drought.

ix) Increase in Loan

Drought condition adversely affects on various economic activities of

the farmers. Net sown area is turned down and yield of crop per hectare is

declined and it creates many economical problems. To solve these problems

and face the drought condition farmer take loan from various finance suppliers

(banks and money lenders). But due to low productivity and less guarantee of

return of bank loan, banks are financed less amount so farmers turn towards

129

local money lenders. But money-lender’s interest rate is 5 to 10 per cent per

month and farmers could not pay return loan.

x) Social Problems

Economy of the farmer in drought regions is collapsed and they hinder

in loan interest of money lenders. They could not pay interest installment in

time so the loan principle amount is increased day by day. Apart from

economic problems farmers and land less people facing many family and social

problems. In the depression some farmers commit suicide due to many

economical and social problems. In Gopuj village of Khatav tahsil, farmer had

committed suicide due to over load of loan. With some economical problems

farmers in drought condition could not able do marriages of their children and

they cannot give basic and proper education to their children. The people from

irrigated region cannot do relation with the drought prone regions people.

xi) Decrease in production of hydro electricity

In upper Krishna basin major water projects are located in western

region. Out of these Koyana is major water project of which water is utilized

for production of electricity. Apart from Koyana, Warna, Radhanagari, Dhom

and Kanher project water is used for generating hydro electricity. But when

drought intensity increased government took decision to store water for

drinking purpose and reduce the production of electricity. Chief Minister of

Maharashtra Hon. Pruthiraj Chavan took decision in 2012 to stop water supply

of thermal electricity plant (Daily Sakal, 2012). Maharashtra state is depending

on the hydro electricity and when production of hydro electricity will

decreased, load shading creates problems in every sector.

xii) Increase in Government Expenditure

Drought condition creates many problems and to solve these problems

government tries to provide various facilities like water tankers, fodder camps,

works under employment guarantee scheme and fodder depot on concession

basis. To provide such services government has to spend considerable amount.

130

Therefore, other sectors development is stagnated and it is harmful to the

region and also regional imbalances are created.

The table 4.13 gives clear idea about the Government expenditure for

EGS in drought prone region. In Sangli and Satara district government of

Maharashtra started 1096 EGS works and 11740 peoples are working under

this scheme and government up to October 2012 spend Rs. 1620.42 lakh on

this scheme. In 2003-04 drought years Satara and Sangli district there were 798

work places, 56409 workers did daily work and Government spent Rs. 533.01

lakh on this EGS work.

Table 4.15: Expenditure on EGS in Drought Prone Region 2012

Tahsil No. of

Works

No. of

Employers

Expenditure

Rs. Lakh

Koregaon 121 455 130.16

Khatav 254 3545 367.53

Jath 155 2655 283.86

Kadegaon 124 564 125.48

K.Manhkal 189 1894 287.14

Khanapur 188 2047 290.78

Miraj 65 580 135.47

Total 1096 11740 1620.42 Source: Government of Maharashtra Collector Office Satara and Sangli, 2012.

Tahsil-wise Expenditure on EGS Work ( Rs. Lakh)

130.16, 8%

367.53, 22%

283.86, 18%

125.48, 8%

287.14, 18%

290.78, 18%

135.47, 8%

Koregaon

Khatav

Jath

Kadegaon

K.Manhkal

Khanapur

Miraj

Fig.4.10

131

xiii) Other Problems

Apart from above impacts of drought, there are many social and

economical problems created in rural as well as urban areas. There are some

regional crises for water into state. In 2012, there is dispute created between

Ahamdnagar and Aurangabad districts because of water scarcity. In upper

Krishna basin drought prone region such type of disputes took place in upper

and lower zone of Takari, Maishal and Urmodi canal.

Agricultural production is decreased that’s why prices of the agricultural

products are increased. Market of urban centers is indirectly depending on the

agricultural community. Drought affects on agricultural production into

declining annual income and its impact on purchasing power of farmers. But in

drought condition agro market and another markets are in slackness. Market of

Vaduj, Vita, Kavathemahankal, Tasgaon and Kadegaon face this problem in

drought period. The agro based industries are depending for raw material on

agricultural production. But long period of drought from 2003-04 in Satara and

Sangli district sugar industry at Jath, Kavathemahankal and Nagewadi were not

getting sugarcane for crushing. So, from 2001-2004 agro based industries are

not started and out of these some are still closed. Due to shortage of fodder,

sugarcane from western part of study region is supplied to fodder depot and it

decreased thousand of tones raw material for sugar industry.

132

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