Bhavani Basin Research Articles

Planned and Unplanned Water Use in a Closed South Indian Basin

Intensive irrigation development brought the Bhavani basin in southern India to ‘allocation closure’ in the 1950s, with all available surface water being assigned to various uses. In spite of this, policies and investments have supported further intensified water use, some well planned, but many unplanned from a basin perspective. At present, individuals acting independently and domestic water schemes are important drivers. The basin is moving towards ‘hydrologic closure’, with little water leaving the basin. While agriculture in the basin is showing no signs of collapse, people are demanding more water, leading to a ‘perception-wise’ closure. The changes in use and perception underscore the need for a basin-wide perspective that considers consumptive water use as well as river diversions.

Quantitative monitoring of land use changes in relation to hydrology of Bhavani basin using remote sensing techniques — a case study

The paper summarises a part of the results of an on-going project for quantifying the land use changes in Bhavani basin (Geographic co-ordinates N lat 10°55′ - 11°45′,E Long. 76°30′ - 77°45′). Landsat and aerial data have been used in monitoring the dynamic changes in land use patterns.