ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Exponential growth of tube wells and uncontrolled extraction of groundwater has resulted in a rapid decline of the groundwater levels in Andhra Pradesh, India. Repeated failure of bore wells has caused serious economic loss to the farmers. Andhra Pradesh Water Land and Trees Act (APWALTA), enacted in 2002, failed to check the growth of wells. The free power policy in the state contributed to further exploitation of groundwater. APWALTA proved itself to be a ‘‘disabling’’ law, approaching the problem through controls and penalties. A grass-roots project in three villages promoted sharing of groundwater among farmers and saving of groundwater using micro-irrigation. ‘‘Social Regulations’’ such as no new wells brought a change in the attitude of farmers to ‘‘cooperate’’ rather than to ‘‘compete’’ for groundwater. The paper recommends a blend of two approaches to make APWALTA an ‘‘enabling’’ and ‘‘constructive’’ policy.
