• P.Sudhakar
• S.MANIMARAN
• S.Ramesh
• R. John Christy

Abstract Improving irrigation system performance is now perceived as a more pressing need than developing new irrigated areas, after large budgetary allocations have gone for decades into expanding irrigated acreage. In most developing countries, investment in irrigation has not produced the expected results. The actual irrigated area turns out to be much smaller and crop yield and cropping intensity fails to increase appreciably. Whether to further invest while hoping for the best has become questioned. Instead, planners have started to give priority to the improvement of existing irrigation systems. Among different irrigation systems, Tank irrigation, formerly a source of relative stability, has become a source of instability for agricultural production in many parts of India. Important factors for the decline in tank irrigation are environmental degradation such as deforestation, soil erosion, siltation, tankbed cultivation, and lack of administrative setup to provide timely repair and maintenance of tanks, and to ensure proper water control and tank management. Simulation results show that with improved water control and by keeping sluices closed on rainy days, a 20% larger command area can be irrigated. A Tank Irrigation authority is proposed for better water control and management. Another concept proposed is Composite Watershed Management involving a system of runoff- and erosion controlling land management for enhanced groundwater recharge and sustained well irrigation.

Key words – Tank irrigation, decline, Remedial measures

"Tank Irrigation – Causes for Deterioration and Remedy for sustainability", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 9, page no.472-476, September 2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1809864.pdf

"Tank Irrigation – Causes for Deterioration and Remedy for sustainability", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 9, page no. pp472-476, September 2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1809864.pdf