Micro-climatic changes in Thar Desert: Development and Challenges

“Micro-climatic changes in Thar Desert: Development……”; Research paper by Dr. Vinod K. Bhardwaj & Dr. Madhukar Gupta of 24 Submitted to Ninth Himalayan Policy Research international conference in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, On October 16, 2014

Micro-climatic changes in Thar Desert:

Dr. Vinod K. Bhardwaj & Dr. Madhukar Gupta (IAS)

Lecturer (Associate Professor )

BBD Govt. Post Graduate College

Chimanpura (Shahpura), Jaipur (Rajasthan)

Divisional Commissioner Jaipur

Government of Rajasthan

Jaipur (Rajasthan)- 302 001, INDIA

[email protected] [email protected]

Background:

Deserts, irrespective their location and nature -cold and warm, are known for

scarcity of water and rare vegetation. However, warm / tropical deserts also own their

specific characteristics such as long prevailing summers with scorching weather

under the influence of local winds system, dust storms, scattered xerophytes, rare

human settlements etc. Besides, deserts are now under area of interest for research

activities, either due to their climatic change point of view or because of the natural

wealth, stored underneath.

More than 15 million Sq. Km. lands in the world are under deserts. The Thar

Desert, which ranks seventh in size, is a peculiar one in the world as it is densely

populous desert as well as rich in mineral wealth. It is known for sand storms and Loo

(the hot dry winds). The origin of the desert is not confirmed yet however through

some sources it is expected to be about 4000 years old. Presence of Marine Fossils,

underneath the sandy cover, indicate the retreat of sea i.e. evidence of climatic

change. The desert is expended over 4, 46,000 Sq. Km. both in India and Pakistan.

Out of this area, about 2, 08,111 Sq. Km. lies in India. Almost 61 % of this Indian

Desert lies in Rajasthan alone and covers about its 3/5 th. The rest part of it lies in

and the rest in Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab states1. Rivers Sutlej & Yamuna were

also possibly part & partial of flow in the desert, which due to tectonic forces turned

out; and the average slope of the desert is towards the Indus Plain i.e. towards south

west. There are a large number of Palaeo-channels existing in the desert. It is also

indicated by some studies that the Palaeo-channels of the extinct river Sarasvati


concedes with the channels of the river Ghaggar, which terminates in this desert. The

height of sand dunes decreases northward i.e. from 152 m in the south to 16 m in the

north, above ground. The soils in the desert are Sandy to Sandy-loam in texture. The

area is known for the depositions of bentonite of tertiary period and hard gypsum pan

of quaternary period beneath the soil cover. Hard pan of gypsum, calcium carbonate

& clay is evidenced by geologists under the Sandy layer.

• Rajasthan is largest state (province) in India in geographical area.

• There are 33 districts in Rajasthan.

• Aravli ranges of old mountain system divides Rajasthan in almost two equal halves, the western part to these ranges is arid zone.

• 11 districts Rajasthan are in arid zone. Besides, 11 districts are under Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP).

Abundance of mineral resources, available here in the desert, have

accelerated the economic importance of this formerly deprived area. Possibilities of

potential resources, hidden underneath are another reason, responsible to continue

its economic importance. Being expanded along the Indo- Pak international border, it

has its military / strategic importance too.


This Desert in Rajasthan was earlier known for sand storms, Loo (hot dry

winds), scarcity of water, numerous sand dunes, sparsely distributed population, low

economic development, hardness of living and repeated occurrence of drought and

famine; but now it is undergoing both natural and cultural changes as precipitation is

on rising side since last two decades along with increase in land available for agro

practices. Contrarily, barren land and typical xerophytes are shrinking. This desert

experienced a severe flood in year 2006 which has left its imprints in the area in form

of rise in underground water table and expansion of green natural vegetation, even

that of perennial nature. Besides, the addition of Indira Gandhi Canal (IGNP) and a lift

canal from the river Narmada have further facilitated the area in terms of availability

of water for irrigation, drinking and for underground recharge. Despite sand storms

and the Loo, increase in agricultural activities and livestock wealth is remarkably

recorded.

Origin of problem:

On reviewing available literature, individual observations and analyzing the

natural changes, being observed in the area, following points arise –

1. Observation : Earlier there were frequent sand storms in Rajasthan, till its

eastern part and even its beyond. But for last many years they

disappeared or are very rare.

Issue : What changes the area undergoing ?

2. Observation : Earlier there was intense scarcity of water in the arid districts,

especially in Barmer & Jaisalmer. Now the areas are getting

better water supply for drinking, having sources in nearby

localities.

Issue : Is this an impact of the canal? If, so, then how Barmer was

having ample water where no canal was available prior to

2008.

3. Observation : Earlier emigration of cattle at a large scale, for a period of

more than 4 months, was a recurring phenomenon which now

appears to be very rare and limited, whereas the number of


cattle is on increase successively.

Issue : What has happened there that the practice is getting

decelerated ?

4. Observation : Earlier sand dunes were on shifting at large scale, whereas

this phenomenon is now confined to very limited parts in the

desert. Most of the dunes have settled / stabled now, along

with perennial trees and bushes there on.

Issue : Is there any change in the magnitude of vegetative cover and

moisture content in soils ?

5. Observation : The area frequently witnessed drought and famines earlier

which now occurs at along gap, especially during the shortage

of rainfall throughout the western region.

Issue : Why decline in the recurrence of droughts and famines now ?

6. Observation : It is observed that there is successive increase in rainfall in

this arid region whereas decreasing precipitation in the

eastern region in the state.

Issue : Whether there is any impact of this growing precipitation in

this desert ?

Study area and methodology adopted:

The study is based on two desert districts – Jaisalmer and Barmer and where

unprecedented flood was reported in the year of 2006. These two districts are biggest

in size in the state and rank first and second successively in size, covering 66, 788

sq. km. geographical area (Jaisalmer – 38, 401 sq. km. and Barmer 28, 387 sq.

km.)2. The districts have registered highest decadal growth in population in the last

two decades (1991-2001 and 2001-11). During the earlier decade (1991-01)

Jaisalmer ranked first (47.5 %) followed by Barmer (36.9 %) at the second place3;

whereas the ranks reverted during the recent decade (2001-11) as Barmer at the first

place with 32.55 percent followed by Jaisalmer at the second place with 32.22


percent decadal growth4 standing again at first and second places in population

growth successively in both the decades.

Map -1

The study is an outcome of ongoing project entitled ‘changing ecology of the Thar

Desert in India: changes and challenges’. Observations and discussions are mainly

used to generate data and also to establish patterns of changes. Population, land

use, vegetative cover and agriculture related data is obtained from secondary

sources. Video records are also being captured to make the digital presentation of

the changes, occurring in the area, especially stabilization process of sand dunes can

be observed through images. The methodological approach can be summarized as

follows –

• Field survey and observation in the two districts since the year 2001.

• Discussions with administrators, stakeholders, academicians and inhabitants.

• Use of data available through secondary sources to interlink the probable

causes with the ongoing changes.


• Analysis of secondary data related with rainfall, land use, temperature etc.

• More emphasis is on field observations and their interpretations.

Changing Micro-climate: Some reflections in the desert region

Despite worldwide worries about global warming, there are there are enough

evidences of micro-climatic changes taking place in this desert, and they are

favourable to human beings. Contrarily to the rising earth’s temperature, the area is

undergoing such changes which lead to mild-ness in its climate. Some of the

changes are as follows –

1. Changing rainfall pattern

2. Natural vegetation: Growth, adaptation and succession

3. Land use : Changing pattern and agro practices

4. Population growth

Rainfall in the desert: Historical account

The desert has experienced high magnitude of rainfall even before the

monsoon of the year 2006 but there was no casualty at all. In fact it is non-periodic

but repeatedly recurring phenomena. As per discussions with people here in the area

(Malwa and Kawas) there was a heavy rainfall in 1990 (even more than 2006) and

also in 1994, but being sparsely inhabited, no such damage took place. About 75

years ago, there was a very heavy rain in this area, but no loss was recorded as the

area was highly sparsely populated and deprived of wealth- prosperity. As per an

expert in meteorology high rainfall is recurring at different intervals here in the desert.

“While it is true, that in the last 60 years five instances of heavy rainfall on a

single day that exceeded the current deluge has been recorded. On September

1, 1968, 30.2cm rainfall was recorded almost double the 16cm rainfall which

wreaked havoc in Barmer on August 22 this year” 5. There are records of flood in

Jodhpur (an adjacent district of Barmer) in the year 1979 and 1981. As per analyses

by meteorological experts of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology- Pune the

flood in Rajasthan is expected every third or fourth year6.


Rainfall: Trends and changes

Observing rainfall data of last two decades, it is noticed that this area is getting

more rainfall than the eastern part in the state. The magnitude of rainfall in these

desert districts (western area) is increasing whereas it lowering down in the eastern

districts (opposite area). It is clear while the expected and actual averages of rainfall

for the four districts for last two decades are compared. Except the years when

rainfall was low throughout country, there is increase in rainfall in the desert area,

especially Barmer and Jaisalmer districts and thus the actual / observed average is

almost 6 cm higher than the expected average in Barmer, and almost 6.4 cm higher

in Jaisalmer. Contrarily, the observed averages in both Alwar and Bharatpur districts

are getting down by 6.5 cm and 3 cm respectively (See annexure -1 for annual

rainfall during 1990 -2013 in the 4 distracts in Rajasthan- Barmer, Jaisalmer,

Bharatpur and Alwar).

The change in rainfall pattern between the eastern and western parts of the

state is clearly shown in the above table -1 and fig. -1. There is successive decline in

the magnitude of rainfall in the eastern region whereas it is on increase in the western

part.

Table-1: Expected and Observed averages of rainfall in four districts in Rajasthan; 1990 – 2013

District Rainfall ( mm )

Average Maximum

Expected Observed

Barmer 27.75 38.52 70.98

Jaisalmer 16.40 19.21 30.10

Alwar 61.10 55.16 84.68

Bharatpur 67.50 60.67 86.20

Source: Statistical Year Book of the aforesaid districts for the year 1993, 1997, 2001 and

2005, published by the Department of Statistics, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur; and

India Meteorology Department (IMD); Govt. of India for data onward 2005.


Fig. 1

Changing Rainfall pattern in Eastern and Western districts in Rajasthan, 1990 -2013

Based on the data, given in table 1.

Flood in the desert: An amazing incident

The flood occurred in districts Barmer and Jaisalmer during years 2006 and

2007 followed by fairly good rainfall in three successive years i.e. 2011-13 may be

viewed as one of the indicators of micro climatic changes, taking place in the area.

There was a wide-spread damage to crops and loss of property caused by the flood

havoc. The Flood havoc in the district Jaisalmer is certainly an addition in the history

of the desert which had never been witnessed by the inhabitants earlier. Contrarily in

Barmer, this magnitude (occurred in 2006) of rainfall was not new as the area has

already received even more rainfall earlier about a half of century back, but there was

no loss of life and property that time. As per meteorological department heavy rainfall

in the desert is a periodic phenomenon. Periodic occurrence of heavy rainfall in the

desert is indicating / strengthening that the area is undergoing micro climatic

changes.

The moisture content, that have increased in the soil, is supporting the growth

of wild breeds of fauna as well as cultivation therein. Besides the old scene of the

desert, the area is undergoing a sort of environmental changes, especially related

with rapid succession in vegetation, increase in greenery cover, immovability of sand

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Rain

fall in c

ms

Bar

mer

Jaiselm

er

Alw

ar

Bha

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Districts

Expected average Observed average


dunes, increasing magnitude of rainfall etc. No such studies have been made to

estimate / understand the nature of environmental changes and accord the efforts for

their management so far. Besides, there are challenges to establish settlements in

order to save lives during dust storms as well as heavy rainfall like 2006, if occurs.

The overall changes / scenes are so complicated that they need intense studies to

understand and evolve remedies.

Due to growing facilities for agriculture two crops – Rabi and Kharif are being

grown in the area, with special focus on Rabi in which mainly mustard, cumin and

Ishavgol (a medicinal crop) are grown over large area. Being suitable for production

of aforesaid cash crops the area is ably attracting people from within the state and it’s

outside, resulting into registering highest population growth in two districts of this

desert – Jaisalmer and Barmer during last two decades. This increasing population

and growing agro practices are the proof that the area is undergoing such positive

changes which are favorable to human beings and also indicating the reducing

hardness in arid conditions.

Rainfall normally occurs during monsoon and mostly in the month of July. On an

average, the number of rainy days, reported for the area, is 22. Seasonal and spatial

variations in rainfall and number of rainy days are observed from year to year. This

year (2006) the number rainy days remained normal but the intense rainfall occurred

within 2-3 days, which lead the flood in the area. Few of the towns and villages were

entrapped into the flood in a short period and wreak the havoc. Tehsil (taluka) - wise

rainfall during June- September 2006 is shown in tables 2 & fig.2.

In 2006, occurrence of maximum rain remained confined to the period of two

months - July and August, whereas the intensity remained optimum in a week period

i.e. August 19 - 25, this was recorded as 46.3cm.7 and caused sudden deluge.

District Barmer was more severely affected by the flood and caused heavy damage

to life and property in this district. All the tehsils of the district Barmer got flooded but

the flood caused damage was optimum in the tehsils Ghudamalani, Baitu and Shiv.

Tehsil-wise rainfall distribution is given in the tables 2.

“Micro-climatic changes in Thar Desert: Development

Submitted to Ninth Himalayan Policy Research in

Tehsil wise distribution of rainfall in district Barmer, Rajasthan

Source : Based on “ Fortnightly Rainfall Data Report of Rajasthan

Irrigation, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 2006, pg 1

Tehsil-wise Distribution of Rainfall in the District of

Source: Based on the data given in Table

Tehsil Annual average rainfall

Barmer

Shiv

Siwana

Pachpadra

Chohtan

Ghudhamalani

Baitu

Ramsar

Total

Development……”; Research paper by Dr. Vinod K. Bhardwaj & Dr. Madhukar Gupta

24 nternational conference in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, On October 16, 2014

Table - 2

wise distribution of rainfall in district Barmer, Rajasthan(1st June – 30th September, 2006)

Source : Based on “ Fortnightly Rainfall Data Report of Rajasthan- 2006; Department of

Irrigation, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 2006, pg 1-6.

Fig.2

wise Distribution of Rainfall in the District of Barmer(1st June – 30th September, 2006)

Source: Based on the data given in Table-2.

Annual average rainfall Observed rainfall Heavy rainy period

245 714 Aug. 1

207 448 Aug. 16

294 491 Aug. 1

295 506 Aug. 1

282 834 Aug. 1

246 558 Aug. 1

257 638 Aug. 1

214 763 Aug. 1

277 619 Aug. 1

adhukar Gupta of

wise distribution of rainfall in district Barmer, Rajasthan

(Rainfall in mm)

2006; Department of

Barmer

Heavy rainy period

Aug. 1- 31

Aug. 16- 31

Aug. 1- 31

Aug. 1- 31

Aug. 1- Sept. 15

Aug. 1- 31

Aug. 1- 31

Aug. 1- Sept. 15

Aug. 1- Sept. 15

“Micro-climatic changes in Thar Desert: Development……”; Research paper by Dr. Vinod K. Bhardwaj & Dr. Madhukar Gupta of

24 Submitted to Ninth Himalayan Policy Research international conference in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, On October 16, 2014

Many of the villages in the tehsils of Ghudamalani, Baitu and Shiv got inundated

and death toll was about 60 persons on the first day. Basically the intensity of the

rainfall was enough high to cause flood and entrap the area in a short span.

Therefore the people could not escape out of their habitat and casualties took place.

The villages with heavy loss due to the floods have been listed in the table -3.

The flood water agglomerated in the depressions, lying between dunes,

and hence the water level rose to a height above buildings. Only few houses could

hardly be seen in the affected villages. Many of the houses remained submerged into

water even to a year. There was water-logging in the villages Malwa and Kawas even

till a year ended, and people were shifted to temporary camps on adjacent sand

dunes. There was an outbreak of diseases like malaria, typhoid, conjunctivitis, skin

problem etc. Hospitals, schools, Veterinary hospital, railway station and tracks and

other public utility places / property were also entrapped by water and so there was

ruin-ness all around in the areas. There were more than 300 casualties in all in the

region due to the flood during the period, out of which more than half were alone in

Barmer, whereas the government record claimed only 100 deaths. So is about the

loss of wealth and resources. The tentative account of the loss, reported by

government is as follows (table-4).

After a year of this calamity, the two villages, Kawas and Malwa, were

suffering with problem of water logging. 5-7 feet water remained logged there in the

depressions, which were inhabited around. Houses and government buildings were

inaccessible. The waves with upcoming water terrified people and reminded them the

incidence. More than 60 percent of the affected families were living in the temporary

camps as per a reported in print media on 19th August, 2007. Out of 1070 families

totally affected in Kawas 617 families were awaiting in the camps for rehabilitation

assistance. Like Kawas, 65 families out of 110 total families were suffering in Malwa

village8.



Table -3

District Barmer (Rajasthan) : List of highly affected villages during the flood 2006

S. No. Name of Tehsil

Effected villages

Name Total No.

1 Barmer Kawas, Mudho ki Dhani, Bandra, Bhadakha, Madpura, Barwala, Bhurtia, Malwa, Bisala, Nand Gao, Sar Ka Par

11

2 Shiv Shiv, Nimbala, Aagoria, Nagdda, Mokhab, Khaliphe ki Bawri, Jhankali, Judia, Harsani. Gadra Road, Khabdala, Piprali, Bandhara, Shastri Nagar, Bhu Ka Par, Rawatsar, Tanu Rawji, Jansingh ki Beri, Dholki, Tibniya, Dhudhora, Phogera

22

3 Baitu Choakhla, Chhitar Ka Par, Bhimda, Batdu, Nimbaniyon Ki Dhani 05

4 Ramsar Ramsar, Chadar, Ramsar Agor, Siyani 04

Source: District Collector, Barmer, 2006-07.

Table-4

Loss of lives and property during the flood-2006

District Barmer, Rajasthan

No. of deaths No. of cattles

died

Over all loss in

Crore Rs.

No. of people

affected

No. houses

destroyed

110 56,000 600 7 lacs approx. 108908

Source: Office Report and RecordsOffice of the District Collector, Barmer ;Aug 20, 2007

Under rescue / relief works there was a total expenditure of Rs. 837.3 Lac to repair

kachcha – pucca houses, food assistance, blanket & medicine etc.9 But due to

inaccessibility most of the seriously affected villages remained deprived of the relief

and suffered to a long period.

Besides, there is a great loss of top fertile soil, which have been removed

away by the flood water. However the moisture content that have been added there

in the soil is supporting the growth of wild breeds of fauna. The overall changes /

scenes are so complicated that they need intense studies to understand and evolve



remedies. The scene / phenomena of the havoc in the affected areas is still

frightening.

Photo. 1 Photo. 2

▲ Soil erosion due to flood near Shiv (Jan. 2008) ▲ Growing natural vegetation in the flood area (Sept. 2010)

On the basis of the above scenario it is clear that the flood calamity has

insisted to all those who are associated with the planning of this area along with

those academicians who have just worked on the area with the desert development

and desertification problems points of view and not expecting any possibility of such

calamity here in the area. The flood has raised many questions to answer. It has

posed challenges to sustainable development of the area and its adjacent parts.

There are various issues to be addressed altogether to ensure long term benefits of

the efforts for development however few of them are mentioned here in this paper.

Natural vegetation: Growth, adaptation and succession

Rapid succession in natural vegetation is observed by botanists as the area is

having a variety of plants beginning from small shrubs and creepers to perennial

treas. There were mostly flashy-spiny (e.g. cactus) or hard-spiny vegetations (e.g.

Ziziphus nummularia or Indian plum, Capparis deciduas or kair) earlier for which this

desert was known. At present the area is full of more than 1200 species of plants. It

is also estimated that about 600 traditional species plants have been replaced by

almost same number of new species in this area. The disappearance is mainly



credited to the changing habitat, especially due to increasing soil moisture which is

supporting long-living vegetation herein. Recent addition of some new species after

the flood-2006 is reported in the area. One such species of vegetation may be seen

photo-3. Growing cover of natural vegetation, having plenty of perennial plants, is a

positive sign of changing climate in the region.

Photo. 3 Photo. 4

▲ Addition of new bushes after the flood (Feb. 2009) ▲ Agro practices and stabilization of sand dunes (Sept. 2010)

Table-5 Forest cover growth in Rajasthan, 2007

S. No. Change (%) Districts Number

1. 4 - 5 Barmer, Jaiselmer, Jalore 03

2. 3 - 4 Ajmer, Ganganagar, Kota, Sirohi, Tonk 05

3. 2 - 3 Bikaner, Bundi, 02

4. 1 - 2 Banswara, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Rajsamand, Hanumangarh, Karauli 06

5. 0 - 1 Alwar, Baran, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Nagaur, Pali, Pratapgarh,

10

6. (-)1 - 0 Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Dausa 04

7. (-)2 - (-)1 Chittorgarh, Udaipur 02

8. ≤ (-)2 Jodhpur 01

Source: Rajasthan: forest Cover status, 2005-07; Department of Forest, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur; 2008



Besides, the growing cover of natural vegetation along the windward slopes of

dunes is helping the area to get away from depletion of top soil erosion and settling

down the soil to stabilize the dunes. One sides of a dune covered with natural

vegetation may be seen in Photo-4. The natural vegetation here in this region is

supposed to be in fifth phase of succession where ample number of perennial trees

like – banyan, Ficus religiosa (peepal), Azadirachta indica (neem) and jojoba (a

foreign breed of spiny bushes- videshi babool) etc.

Besides growing vegetative cover in the canal area, Natural vegetation is also

increasing in other areas which are out of the catchments of the canal. Looking upon

the increase in forest cover statistics in Rajasthan it is on record that these two

districts have registered highest growth in forest area in the state (see table-5). there

is a highest growth of 4-5 percent in the state and these two districts have achieved

it, which indicates the turning of climate towards mildness in this region. An attempt to

analyze co-relationship between precipitation and humidity in atmosphere in the

regions on the basis of the data, related to these two variables during 1990 and 2001,

has been made (using concurrent deviation method) and it is observed that there is

positive association between mildness in climate and that in increasing precipitation.

In district Barmer it is observed as + 0.816 and that in case of Jaisalmer as + 0.745;

the related statistics of Barmer and Jaisalmer are shown in annexure -2.

Land use: Changing pattern and agro practices

Changing land use pattern is also an important indicator to show the changing

environmental scenario in the region, especially the growing proportion under agro

land and that in irrigated area are positive change, which are more due to availability

of water for this activity. It is amazing that in Kawas and Malwa areas and in their

adjoining localities ground water is available at a depth of 20-30 feet which is helpful

in cultivation of vegetables and other daily sue products. These areas have emerged

as local supplier of vegetable to nearby urban areas in Barmer. Cultivation of cash



crops like mustard, cumin and ishavgol (a medicinal plant) is being commonly

practiced in both Jaisalmer and Barmer.

Table- 6

Land use pattern in Desert Districts in Rajasthan: Barmer & Jaisalmer

(Land in %)

Year Major Land use (%)

Forest Barren Agriculture Pastures

Total Irrigated

District : Jaisalmer

1990 0.43 75.91 6.27 0.45 2.79

2011 11..1177 6655..2299 1166..1111 1133..9966 22..7711

Change % 172.1 ↑ - 14.0 ↓ 156.94 ↑ 3002.2 ↑ - 2.9 ↓

District : Barmer

1990 0.85 9.28 53.21 1.41 7.38

2011 11..1144 77..8844 6600..0099 99..1199 77..2200

Change % 34.12 ↑ - 15.5 ↓ 12.93 ↑ 551.78 ↑ - 2.44 ↓

Note: Land use is based upon the area reported.

Population growth

Population is also an important measure to indicate climate change. Usually

emigration from an area indicates adversities whereas immigration is credited to

favourable changes in the area, including environmental conditions. Looking upon the

population growth in these two districts, it was first time in 2001 when Jaisalmer stood

at first rank (out of 33 districts) in population growth in the state followed by Barmer.

In the recent decade (2001-11) only the order is reverted whereas these two districts

are again at the top of population growth; ranking Barmer at first and Jaisalmer at

second places. This population growth is more due to immigration of people from

other parts in the state as well as from adjoining states like Punjab and Haryana. The

population growth in these two districts between 1971 and 2011 has been given in

table- 7. The records indicate that both districts have fairly high population growth in



the year 1981 and onward. The population growth is more in the eastern region of

Jaisalmer and Barmer (towards Jodhpur- the divisional headquarter and one of the 3

million cities in the state). Physiographic influence on the distribution of population is

effective in the region. However, the magnitude of immigrants is high due to

expanding agriculture and other economic activities herein.

Table- 7 Rajasthan: Population growth in Barmer and Jaisalmer districts; 1971-2011

S. No.

Year Jaisalmer Population Barmer Population

Number Decadal Growth %

Number Decadal Growth %

1. 1971 1,67,912 18.82 7,74,805 19.24

2. 1981 2,43,203 44.84 11,18,892 44.41

3. 1991 3,44,692 41.73 14,35,222 28.27

4. 2001 5,08,247 47.52 19,64,835 36.83

5. 2011 6,72,008 32.22 26,04,453 32.55

Sources: • Rajasthan Census 2001

• Rajasthan Census 2011

• Population of Barmer between 1971 & 1991- Barmer: District Human Development Report- 2009; Deptt. of Planning, Govt. of Rajasthan,

• For population growth between 1961-91 visit at censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/rajasthan/table-3.xls

Analysis of the changing scenario: Challenge to development

The changing environmental situation in the desert area certainly needs

attention. The changes are not only in rainfall but they are visible in flora, fauna,

moisture content in soil, changing economic scenario and fast growth of tertiary

occupations in the area. Agriculture, which was hardly being practiced in the area

earlier, is now on growth. Barmer, Chohtan, Shiv, Baitu, Pachpadra are leading agro-

producers tehsils in the district. Cumin, Ishavgol, mustard, oilseeds are important rabi

crops. Vast fields of mustard and cumin may be seen here in the area. The flood not

only collapsed settlement but the source of livelihood too. Most of the reserves of the

natural oil, recently discovered, are in Barmer. The district is a leading supplier of



masonry stone, a building material known as Barmer stone. It is an emerging centre

in trade of typical Rajasthani bed-sheets, being manufactured at Chohtan, leather &

wooden goods, dry vegetables and special type of turban. All these economic

activities are the effort of the people themselves with a little support of the

government.

The flood calamity has raised many challenges, to be taken into care and to

review our developmental approach. Few such challenges are being narrated here.

1. There is only one point approach for the development of the area i.e. arid zone

development approach; and therefore the efforts and budgetary allocations are

being made accordingly. Few such efforts are – annual budget for water supply

through tankers and railways, fodder management, plantation, compensation to

farmers etc. but there is no effort to store rain water for drinking and irrigation

purpose in order to short out these problems.

Challenges

• To locate the original / ancient drainage system and find out its viability in

present context.

• To locate such depressions where rainwater may easily agglomerate,

naturally.

• Construct check ponds along / around the big depressions and connect them

in order to develop a local inland water circulation so that runoff of the water

may be minimized along with optimum use of the rain water.

• Prepare plan for water harvesting for these areas and optimize the use of rain

water, whenever does it rain, for various purposes.

• Provision of annual budget for maintenance for the water reservoirs.

2. Agriculture is on progress here in the district. Efforts for its development are

merely able to contribute in its development. ICAER, Agricultural Uni. Bikaner and

State Agricultural Department are engaged to monitor this sector. However the



way and process of its monitoring is uneconomic and ineffective. More

concentration is on misuse of subsidies and other grants rather effective

utilization. This fraud mentality is not in favour the sustainable development of the

area. It is one of the causes of large scale immigration in the area.

Challenges

• To draft a separate policy for the agricultural sector of the desert area and to

ensure its honest implementation.

• Proper enumeration of the original cultivators of the area so that misuse of the

funds may be prohibited as well as relief during any calamity condition may

be assured to the needy people.

• To optimize the agro-productivity of the area without distributing cash as

subsidies.

• To select suitable crops and their productivity.

3. The flood calamity of 2006 has questioned the settlement pattern of the area.

There is no such policy that may direct settlement growth and locations, except

Zero Line zone along the international border. Therefore unplanned expansion

and location of the settlements was also a reason for the huge damage.

Challenges

• To draft a settlement policy for the area. It’s a great challenge. The locations

of the settlements must be appropriate according to both dust storms and

heavy rainfall situations. It is also must from national security point of view.

• To ensure infrastructural facilities in the areas in order to comfort their living.

• Keep eye watch on immigrants from development and security points of view.

Conclusion

Now it is the time to learn from the incidence and to reframe planning approach

and also the efforts on priority basis. When it is being planned to extend the Indira



Gandhi Canal to the Thar Desert’s districts then it is equally essential to construct

outlets so that under any emergency circumstance outflow of excess water may be

assured. There are evidences of the existence of some ancient channels along with

some extinct rivers like the Leek and the Sheepasaria, linking the area with the

seasonal river Luni. There is need to study the terrain and topography of the area in

order to develop the drainage system and for rehabilitation.

Some of the changes, taking place in the area, especially regarding increasing

moisture content in the soil, growing foreign breeds of natural vegetation which are

adversely affecting the growth of originally inhabited breeds, growing vegetation

cover along with rapid succession, anatomical adaptations in plants etc. are

indicating that there is need to review the developmental efforts and planning

approach along with re-enlisting priorities on real basis, rather than political. Despite

all these indicators the spatial planning is still desert oriented. Lot of funds, flourishing

every year under Desert Development Programme, are consumed without

considering the geographical changes, taking place in the area. Casual meetings to

frame / review development plans for the desert can’t be appropriate efforts unless

the occurring changes and challenges are taken into care and utilization funds /

grants are judiciously consumed. Following are some suggestions in this regard-

1. There is need to begin with a new draft of planning, deciding priorities and

limitations. For this purpose it is again necessary to involve local people,

not necessary politicians only, in order to strengthen the output of plans.

2. Spatial studies are to be promoted through state, national and

international funding agencies, highlighting the issues, capabilities and

challenges.

3. Drainage development should be on priority in order to properly channel

the forthcoming canal water as well as to minimize ruin-ness due to heavy

rain.

4. Though its contradictory to suggest establishment of new settlement on

the top of sand dunes as heavy rain as still occasional but dust storms are



very often in the area, which hit more on the top than the depressions.

However new safe areas for settlement should be searched in order to

balance in the two adverse situations.

5. Involvement of local expert, academicians and scholars is to be

appreciated so that the work in their respective fields may be helpful to

strengthen local planning.

6. There must be planned and limited intervention in the ecosystem in the

area, especially in the field of forestry.

7. The planners are advised to study the adverse consequences of the IGNP

at Suratgarh, Badopal and Hanumangarh (all in Hanumangarh district),

and Lunkaransar (Bikaner district), where the fertile soil has turned into

barren just because of the presence of excess water in the desert

ecosystem. There is gypsum stone layer in Barmer and Jaisalmer distrcits,

underlying the soil cover, which does not allow water to percolate. Hence

water logging and salts deposition in bulk have spoiled the fertile land. The

desert already owns extreme conditions in terms of productivity, which

may be aggravated more through the introduction of canals in the area. So

technical planning and careful identification of the locations / path for the

construction of canal(s) is essential. There was an incidence in Jaisalmer,

where on Nov. 24, 2006 the embankment of the IGNP canal got damaged

due to overflow of water and there was flood situation in the nearby areas.

It may get repeated in lack of planning and maintenance.

8. Regular monitoring of the development plans is must.

9. Short term planning with long term goals may strengthen the development

of the area.

There is need to review the developmental strategy to strengthen the

productivity as well as to optimize the use of ongoing natural and cultural changes

here in the area.



References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA

2. Rajasthan Population Census data 2011, available at -

http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/rajasthan.html

3. Basic Statics: Rajasthan-208; Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Rajasthan, Jaipur; pg. 33.

4. Census of India 2011, Provisional Population Totals –Rajasthan, Data on rural & urban areas,

Figures at a glance, Rajasthan; Census Operations Rajasthan; pg. 4.

5. Tehalka: A daily News on i-net; New Delhi, Sept. 16, 2006.

6. Ibid, (Nityanand Singh of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology- Pune)

7. Average Tehsil wise Rainfall of Barmer District, 2006. Department of Irrigation, Government of

Rajasthan, Jaipur, 2007.

8. Dainik Bhaskar : A daily news paper; Jaipur – Aug. 20, 2007; Pg.1.

9. Barmer: Flood Relief Up-date - (As on 21.09.06): Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur; A

Published Report; Pg. 1.



Annexure - 1

CHANGING MAGNITUDE OF RAINFALL IN RAJASTHAN (1990-2013)

(Rainfall in cms.)

Region

Thar Desert Eastern Rajasthan

Jaisalmer Barmer Bharatpur Alwar

Year

1990 16.71 70.98 62.55 45.25

1991 8.20 12.97 62.55 42.91

1992 23.13 41.20 57.7 42.91

1993 23.13 32.40 61.6 42.91

1994 28.40 48.0 49.2 63.43

1995 25.25 29.80 82.4 52.0

1996 26.48 25.90 86.2 68.03

1997 22.39 36.20 57.28 77.43

1998 30.10 36.40 60.68 74.27

1999 27.25 22.58 62.30 52.49

2000 18.53 28.40 38.60 47.30

2001 23.62 32.08 59.62 56.74

2002 4.40 8.75 39.46 23.70

2003 21.78 47.83 75.19 84.68

2004 7.84 18.15 50.57 42.86

2005 13.95 18.57 69.81 68.56

2006 32.54 69.74 36.51 44.8

2007 25.67 24.38 42.23 55.72

2008 24.72 28.02 78.44 88.09

2009 9.28 18.14 55.55 49.53

2010 37.84 50.71 75.1 82.05

2011 30.93 45.23 74.15 63.63

2012 22.46 22.3 72.47 59.87

2013 23.77 40.54 55.07 66.3

Expected Avg. (cms) 16.40 27.75 67.5 61.10

Actual average

1990-13 (cms) 22.02 33.72 61.05 58.14

Sources:

� For Rainfall during 1990 -2008 : District Statistical outline and Rajasthan at a Glance in different years;

Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Rajasthan, Jaipur.

� For Rainfall during 2009-13, Hydromet Div., Indian Hydrological Deptt., GoI at

http://www.imd.gov.in/section/hydro/distrainfall/rajasthan.html



Annexure-2

Co-relationship between Rainfall and Relative Humidity in the Thar Desert (1990-2001)

(Correlation is computed by using Concurrent Deviation method)

Year Jaisalmer Barmer

Rainfall (cm.) Humidity (%) Rainfall (cm.) Humidity (%)

1990 16.71 49.0 70.98 57.4

1991 8.20 48.0 12.97 50.0

1992 23.13 51.0 41.21 53.08

1993 23.13 48.0 32.40 45.0

1994 28.40 52.0 48.0 59.5

1995 25.25 36.32 29.80 61.80

1996 26.48 42.0 25.90 54.0

1997 22.39 47.0 36.20 53.0

1998 30.10 48.0 36.40 55.3

1999 27.25 49.0 22.58 44.0

2000 18.53 48.0 28.40 45.0

2001 23.62 47.0 32.08 45.0

2002 4.40 45 8.75 43.2*

2003 21.78 49 47.83 52.0*

2004 7.84 47 18.15 47.5*

2005 13.95 48 18.57 48.0*

2006 32.54 50 69.74 59.0*

2007 25.67 48 24.38 46.0*

2008 24.72 47 28.02 49.0*

n = 18 C=14 n = 18 C=15

rc= +0.745

High degree of correlation

rc= +0.816

High degree of correlation

* Statistics are estimated through indirect sources.

Micro-climatic changes in Thar Desert: Development and Challenges

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