MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN ALWAR: PAST AND PRESENT

<strong>Centre for Studies in Science Policy School of Social Sciences, JNU </strong> Special Lecture Series Talk on <strong>MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN ALWAR: PAST AND PRESENT</strong> By <strong>DR. ANURADHA MATHUR</strong> Govt. Arts College Alwar, University of Rajasthan Date: <strong>16th September 2015</strong> <strong>Abstract:</strong> This presentation is a study of the whole system of water management during state time. Alwar had water resources in abundance. Absence of perennial rivers in the state made the rulers dependent on underground and other water resources. Alwar state had agriculture based economy. Industrial growth attracted the influx of people which made necessary to increase the production of crops, and that could be solved only by developing irrigation facility and supply of drinking water. It was possible only through a systematic irrigation plan by collecting water during the period of excess rainfall and release it to the crops as and when needed. Water in the form of rivers, springs, streams inspired rulers to store it by constructing tanks, step wells, dams, wells and reservoirs. Gradually in the coming years depletion of water resources changed the scenario altogether. Water which played a major role in the growth and prosperity of state, became a scarcity. Daily needs of local people forced them to cut trees, subsequently decreasing to scanty rainfall. It decreased water level and increased water storage and supply problem. Poor implementation of government policies further spoiled the condition. <strong>About Speaker: </strong>Dr. Anuradha Mathur, Associate professor of History in Govt. Arts College Alwar, University of Rajasthan, has been teaching history for the last 20 years. She has successfully completed two Minor Research Projects on "Anarchy to Alliance" 1775-1818 with special Reference to Jaipur State and other was "A Study of Management of Water Resources in Alwar State During 17-18 Century". She has presented 26 papers in National and International Seminars in the last 5 years and 10 published papers to her credit.