ABSTRACT
The Kandi region of Jammu Province in India, with a population of over 3.0 million, is characterized by low rainfall (<950 mm annually), undulating topography, a deep water table, low soil organic matter, light soil texture, land covered with stones, and frequent droughts. Extreme water stress is experienced during summers and winters and even water for drinking becomes scarce. Due to high evapotranspiration, surface flows and sub-surface flows, groundwater recharge in the region is poor. Biophysical features, such as fragility, marginality, low accessibility and water resource heterogeneity are constraints in groundwater management in the region. Frequent droughts cause low agricultural production and dependence on outside sources for food grains and other commodities. The entire economy of the region is in peril due to the deficit in rainfall, and the lack of awareness about proper conservation, utilization and management of water resources, especially rainwater. The region is affected by droughts lasting from 1 to 4 years, with a return period of 2 to 3 years on average. Until now, no systematic study has been undertaken on the occurrence of droughts, mitigation, groundwater recharge and their socio-economic implications. Estimation of drought frequencies in the Kandi region is important for groundwater assessment and management.
