• Rwitabrata Mallick
• Swapnil Rai

Kurseong sub-division consists of numerous smaller streams, locally known as jhoras, but they hardly have any water during non-monsoon period. So, the people of Kurseong suffer from acute shortage of water during dry period and are almost forced to purchase water at a very high cost. Socio-economic scenario of the area is indirectly affected due to above situation. In order to counter this situation, successful implementation of big scale rain water harvesting system and simultaneously capturing excess surface water through various micro irrigation arrangements are done. Main purpose of the present study is to develop an arrangement for conservation of rain water in different types of water bodies, for example – reservoirs, tanks, canals, ponds and underground artificial recharging by the process of rooftop rain water harvesting. Sustainable water resource management can be done through various kinds of structures like Water harvesting Tanks, Check Dams etc. Micro irrigation structures are being constructed for capturing surface run-off as well as fruitful utilisation of reserved water for irrigation and other purpose. Reduction in the quality and quantity of tea production is very much influenced by variation in rainfall pattern throughout the year. As a result, increase in water holding capacities in various water bodies will help in a great way towards supplementary irrigation at the time of non-monsoon period and dry season. On the other hand, at the time of monsoon, the river Mahanadi and those smaller jhoras receive huge quantity of rainwater, significant use of which cannot be made, because primarily the Mahanadi basin is unable to hold back water due to steep slope and excessive deforestation most of the rainwater goes down the slope and give rise to the severe soil erosion instead of solving the water scarcity problem. There is no proper system, either natural or manmade to preserve the huge downpour for use in future. Availability of water throughout the year through sustainable water resource management will help the local habitats for their required activities. Rainfall pattern were studied in the study area showing total rainfall of Kurseong during Nov’17 to Oct’18 was around 10183 mm. Population density of Kurseong is around 8405 per Sq. Km. Through the present study it has been observed that by the implementation of roof-top rain water harvesting system in the study area around 35% of required water can be harvested. If this huge amount of water through roof-top rain water harvesting can be managed, then it can be utilized for domestic purposes including drinking, washing, bathing etc. Sustainable water resource management and advancement are essential for growth and development and it must be the goal of administrative authorities in Kurseong hill area.

Kurseong, Rain Water Harvesting, Water Resource Management, Sustainable, Rainfall

"An Approach towards Sustainable Water Resource Management at Kurseong Hill Area, Darjeeling, India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no.241-248, May-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905C36.pdf

"An Approach towards Sustainable Water Resource Management at Kurseong Hill Area, Darjeeling, India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no. pp241-248, May-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905C36.pdf