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

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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

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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

120

100
Number of Villages

80

60

40

20

Dudhganga

Vedganga
Kumbhi
Kadavi

Panchganga
Kasari

Bhogavati
Koyana

Krishna

Warna

Warna

Name of Tributarie s

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

Name of the Affected

District No. of Villages
River 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

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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 (%) Growth
District
1981 2001 (%)

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

Forest Area (%) 1981 Forest Area (%) 2001 Growth (%)
30
25
20
Forest Area (%)

15
10
5
0
Sangli

Kolhapur

Total
Satara

-5
-10
-15
Districts

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

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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.

Name of the Rainfall received

Rain gauge in mm
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.

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 Heavey Rainfall in Upper Krishna Basin (mm)
2005 2006
4500

4000

3500

3000

Rainfall (mm)
2500
2000

1500

1000

500

Kavtemahankal
Shirala

Vita
Sangli

Miraj

Islampur
Dhom
Navaja
Mahableshwar

Kanher

Palus
Koyana

Warana

Tasgaon
Rain Gauge Stations

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.

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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

No. of ‘KT’
Tahsil
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.

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 No. of ‘KT’ Weirs in Flood Prone Tahsils

18
16
14
12

Numbers
10
8
6
4
2
0

Shirala

Hatkanangale
Miraj

Shirol

Karveer
Palus
Satara

Walwa
Patan

Karad
Tahsils

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.

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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
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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
Date Koyana Dhom Kanher Warana
2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006
th
30 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
99358 61347 22400 9089 14087 4999 35517 13658
August
3rd
96978 58808 3240 2925 2781 8710 36772 13374
August
4th August 62236 46317 5599 2986 5014 620 15136 12581
th
5 August 20740 N.A. 6046 N.A. 6150 N.A. 15590 N.A.
Source: Based on Surface Water Hydrology Project, 2009, Sangli Subdivision.

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 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.
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 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)
Flood Loss of
Agricultural
Tahsil Year Affected Agricultural
Damages (ha)
Villages (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.

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 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.

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 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
Tahsil No. of Dead Live Stocks Cost (Rs. 000)
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.

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 Table 4.8: Loss of Houses - 2005 and 2006 (Rs.000)
No. of Totally Collapsed Partly Collapsed Houses
Tahsil Villages Houses
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.

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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)

No. of Loss
No. of
Sr. No. Tahsil In % Small (Rs
Shops In %
Shops 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

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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.

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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

115
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

116
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

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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

Geog. Drought Drought % to

Drought Prone Total
Area Prone Prone Area Tahsil
Tahsil Villages
(sq km) Villages (sq km) Area
Koregaon 948
138 65 563 59.38
Khatav 1325
110 110 1325 100.00
Khanapur &
1367.81 90 63 760.35 57.33
Kadegaon
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

120
100
Villages (%)

80
60
40
20
0
Kavtemanhkal

Miraj
Khanapur &
Koregaon

Khatav

Jath
Tasgaon
Kadegaon

Tahsils

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
118
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

119
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)

Normal Rainfall(mm) Actual Rainfall (mm)
600

500
Rainfall (mm)

400

300

200

100

0
June June to July June to August June to June to October
September

Period

Fig. 4.7

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 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

120

100

Koregaon
80 Khatav
M iraj
No. of Days

Jat
60 Khanapur
Tasgaon
K.manhkal
40 Palus
Kadegaon

20

0
2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Year

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

121
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.

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 Table 4.12: Water Availability in Water Projects in Pune Region 2003
Category Capacity Storage In In In
2003 2002
Of Project (Mm³) (Mm³) % % %
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

123
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 Fodder Expenditure No. of

Depot (Metric Tones) Rs. Lakh 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.

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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

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 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

126
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.

127
 Changes in Cattle Prices (Rs)

1996 2003 2010

70000

60000

50000
Price (Rs)
40000

30000

20000

10000

0
Buffalo Cow Indian Cow Jurcy Bullock Goat Sheep
Cattle Type

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

128
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.

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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
No. of No. of Expenditure
Tahsil
Works Employers 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)

135.47, 8% 130.16, 8%

Koregaon
290.78, 18%
367.53, 22% Khatav
Jath
Kadegaon
K.Manhkal
Khanapur
287.14, 18% Miraj
283.86, 18%
125.48, 8%

Fig.4.10

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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.

131
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