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CHAPTER-01
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Survanavathi Dam is an important irrigation and water conservation structure located near
Attugulipura village in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India. Built across the
Suvarnavathi River, a tributary of the Kabini River, the dam is part of the larger Cauvery
river basin, which plays a vital role in southern India's water management system.

The primary purpose of the Survanavathi Dam is irrigation. It was constructed to provide a
stable and reliable water source to the drought-prone agricultural lands of Chamarajanagar. The
region often faces irregular rainfall and water scarcity, which severely impacts farming. By
storing monsoon water, the dam helps irrigate thousands of hectares of farmland, enabling the
cultivation of crops such as paddy, maize, sugarcane, and pulses.

Apart from irrigation, the dam plays a key role in groundwater recharge, flood control, and
soil conservation. It also supports local ecological balance and biodiversity by sustaining water
bodies and vegetation in the region. In recent years, the area around the dam has also become a
small eco-tourism destination, attracting nature lovers and birdwatchers.

From an engineering point of view, the Survanavathi Dam is mainly an earthen dam with a
concrete spillway. It has a significant storage capacity, which helps meet the water needs of
local communities and agricultural lands, especially during the dry season. The water is
distributed through a network of canals and irrigation channels, benefiting thousands of
farmers.

In addition to its environmental and agricultural contributions, the dam has helped improve the
socio-economic conditions of the region. By ensuring water availability, it has reduced
dependency on rainfall, increased crop yield, and contributed to rural development. However, the
dam also faces challenges such as silt accumulation, encroachment, and the need for regular
maintenance.

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CHAPTER 2

2.1 ROLE OF WATER CONSERVATION

The Suvarnavathi Dam, located in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, plays a critical role
in water conservation and management in a semi-arid region that frequently faces drought and
irregular rainfall. Constructed across the Suvarnavathi River, a tributary of the Kabini River,
the dam has become a vital water resource for both agricultural and environmental sustainability
in the region.

One of the primary roles of the Suvarnavathi Dam in water conservation is its ability to store
excess monsoon water that would otherwise flow away unused. This stored water is then
utilized during dry months to irrigate agricultural fields, ensuring year-round farming and
reducing the dependency on seasonal rainfall. This controlled release of water through an
irrigation network enhances water-use efficiency and supports the cultivation of crops such as
paddy, maize, sugarcane, and pulses.

Additionally, the Suvarnavathi Dam plays a role in flood control by capturing and regulating the
flow of water during heavy rains. This prevents soil erosion and protects nearby agricultural
fields, villages, and infrastructure from water damage. The conservation of water through the
dam also helps preserve biodiversity by maintaining habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife
in and around the reservoir.

Additionally, the Suvarnavathi Dam plays a role in flood control by capturing and regulating the
flow of water during heavy rains. This prevents soil erosion and protects nearby agricultural
fields, villages, and infrastructure from water damage. The conservation of water through the

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dam also helps preserve biodiversity by maintaining habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife
in and around the reservoir.

From a long-term sustainability perspective, the dam encourages a conservation mindset among
farmers and communities. By demonstrating the benefits of storing and efficiently using water,
the dam promotes water-saving agricultural practices like drip irrigation and crop planning based
on water availability.

In conclusion, the Suvarnavathi Dam is a cornerstone of water conservation in Karnataka’s

Chamarajanagar district. Through storage, regulation, groundwater recharge, and flood control, it
ensures the responsible and sustainable use of water resources, supporting both agriculture and
the environment for future generations.

1. Water Storage and Management

 The Suvarnavathi Dam stores excess rainwater during the monsoon season.
 This water is used throughout the year, especially during dry and drought-prone
periods.
 It ensures a continuous supply for agricultural and domestic use.
2. Support for Agriculture and Irrigation
 One of the primary purposes of the dam is to support irrigation.
 It provides water to thousands of hectares of farmland in Chamarajanagar district.
 Enables farmers to grow crops even when rainfall is insufficient, improving food
security.
3. Groundwater Recharge
 The reservoir allows water to seep into the ground, replenishing underground
aquifers.
 This helps maintain water levels in wells and bore wells in surrounding villages.
4. Flood Control and Soil Protection
 During periods of heavy rainfall, the dam regulates river flow and prevents floods.
 It also prevents soil erosion by slowing water flow, preserving fertile topsoil
essential for farming.

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5. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance

 The dam and its surrounding areas provide a habitat for birds, fish, and other
wildlife.
 Maintains ecological balance and supports biodiversity conservation.
6. Promotion of Efficient Water Use
 Encourages farmers to adopt water-saving methods like drip and sprinkler
irrigation.
 Helps spread awareness about the importance of managing water resources
wisely.
7. Sustainable Rural Development
 By providing a reliable water source, the dam has improved the economic
conditions of farmers.
 It supports rural livelihoods, reduces migration, and contributes to the
development of the region.
8. Climate Change Adaptation

 In an era of changing climate and irregular rainfall, the dam helps communities
adapt.
 Acts as a buffer against droughts and long dry spells, ensuring water security.

9. Eco-Tourism Potential
 The dam area attracts visitors and nature lovers, contributing to local income.
 Promotes environmental awareness among tourists and local communities.

10. Long-Term Water Conservation Strategy

 The dam is a long-term investment in water sustainability.
 Regular maintenance, desilting, and public participation are crucial to its
continued effectiveness.

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CHAPTER-03

3.1 GOALS AND SCARCITY OF WATER CONSERVATION

The Goals of Water Conservation Efforts Include:

Water is one of the vital elements available for our survival on Earth. Life exists on Earth due to
the presence of water. In nature, there is a limited supply of clean and fresh water. Human
activities have polluted even the little percentage of water that is available for us thus threatening
our mere survival on this planet.

The waste of water has a drastic consequence not only for us humans but also for the plants and
animals that exist around us. It is important to practice conservation of water in order to:

 Sustainability- To ensure availability for future generations, the withdrawal of fresh water
from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate.
 Energy conservation- Water pumping, delivery, and wastewater treatment facilities
consume a significant amount of energy. In some regions (e.g. California2 ) of the world
over 15% of total electricity consumption is devoted to water management.
 Habitat conservation- Minimizing human water use helps to preserve fresh water habitats
for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, as well as reducing the need to build new
dams and other water diversion infrastructure.
 Ensure security of food resources as the growth of our crops and plants also depend on
the water.
 Enhancing Water Availability: Increasing the availability of water through rainwater
harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient water storage systems.
 Improving Irrigation Efficiency: Promoting efficient irrigation practices such as drip and
sprinkler irrigation to reduce water wastage in agriculture, which is a major water
consumer.
 Reducing Water Pollution: Implementing measures to prevent and control water pollution
from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources to protect water quality.
 Promoting Public Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of water
conservation and encouraging water-saving practices in daily life.

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 Adopting Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encouraging the use of drought resistant

crops, efficient water management techniques, and soil conservation methods to enhance
agricultural productivity with less water.
 Reviving Traditional Water Bodies: Restoring and maintaining traditional water bodies
like lakes, tanks, and ponds to enhance water storage capacity and recharge groundwater.
 Strengthening Policy and Regulation: Developing and enforcing policies and regulations
that promote efficient water use, prevent water wastage, and support sustainable water
management practices.
 Community Participation: Involving local communities in water conservation efforts
through participatory approaches and decentralized water management.

Fig 2.1.1: water conservation

3.2 REASON BEHIND WATER SCARCITY

Despite our Earth being abundant with water resources, we are facing a shortage of the
resource. Some of the reasons behind this scarcity are:

 Climate change and cutting of trees and forest (deforestation).

 An increase in population has increased the water demands and thus the usage of
water by people.
 Increase in population in the water bodies through various human activities like
industrialization.

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 Competition between various industries, cities, and agriculture for acquiring various
water resources and water bodies.

Fig 2.2.1: On behind water scarcity

Scarcity of fresh water:

 Pollution

 Industrial Growth

 Mismanagement

 Rivers becoming dry

 Withdrawing more ground water

 Population Growth

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CHAPTER-04

4.1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SUVARNAVATHI DAM

The Suvarnavathi Dam was constructed in the 1970s, after the princely state era had officially
ended. The princely state of Mysore, ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, was merged into the Indian
Union in 1947, and the monarchy was abolished by 1971 through the 26th Amendment to the Indian
Constitution.

However, the development of irrigation systems and water management in the region has roots
in the Wodeyar rule. The Mysore Maharajas were patrons of science, engineering, and public
works, and they had already laid foundations for:

 Large-scale irrigation infrastructure

 Modern dams like the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, which was built
under the leadership of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, with full royal support from
Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV

While the Suvarnavathi Dam itself was not commissioned by a Maharaja, its location and
irrigation philosophy follow the legacy of hydrological planning promoted by the Mysore
Kingdom. The idea of harnessing rivers for agriculture and rural development in southern Karnataka
came from this earlier royal vision.

Fig 4.1.1: suvarnavathi dam

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Location & Overview

 River: Suvarnavathi (also known as Honnuhole), a tributary of the Kaveri River
 Location: Near Attugulipura village, Chamarajanagar Taluk, Karnataka
 Coordinates: Approximately 14 km from Chamarajanagar town
 Year of Completion: 1977
 Constructed By: Government of Karnataka
 Purpose: Irrigation, drinking water supply, flood control, and ecological support .

The Suvarnavathi Reservoir, entirely in Karnataka, is formed by the Suvarnavathi Dam built
across the river. The dam is adjacent to the Karnataka State Forest near Punajanur along the border
between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The Suvarnavathi Dam is located near the village of Attugulipura, Chamarajanagara

District, Karnataka, India. It is adjacent to National Highway 948, and is about 14 kilometres
(8.7 mi) from Chamarajanagara, a town of about 70,000 (as of 2011) which is headquarters of the
district. The reservoir was built in 1977 on the National Highway 948 between Bengaluru
and Coimbatore. Suvarnavathi reservoir has a storage capacity of 1258.78 Tmcft. It was constructed
at a cost of about ₹ 299.60 lakhs in 1977. The length of the dam is 1,170 metres (3,840 ft). Its height
is 25 m (above the river bed level).

In 2019, it was believed that the twin reservoirs could go dry. In addition to the effect of general
drought, this was due to the fact that Tamil Nadu had quietly pursued a program to build dozens of
small dams in villages upstream from the reservoirs (villages including Kodipura, Thalamali,
Nithapura, Egalur, Chikkahalli, Marur, Malajanapura) to preserve water for their use. Previously, a
heavy rainfall in the Talwandi catchment area in Tamil Nadu would reach and fill the Chikkahole
reservoir, and overflow from there would also raise the level of the Suvarnavathi reservoir. In 2019
however "despite good rainfall for a couple of weeks in Tamil Nadu, not a drop has flown into
Chikkahole reservoir.

An analysis published in 2022 assesses the dam's spillway capacity to be inadequate, and that a
height increase of the dam is needed, else 46 villages and a city are at undue risk of flooding, which
will be prohibitively expensive if it occurs.

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Topographical Features

 Terrain:
 Lies in a gently undulating region with low hills and valleys

 Surrounded by forest lands, agricultural plains, and small hillocks

 Elevation
 Approximately 620–650 meters above sea level

 Soil Type:
 Red loamy and lateritic soils dominate the area
 Suitable for a wide variety of crops such as turmeric, banana, sugarcane, and
millet

Construction

 Year Completed: 1977

 Type: Earthen dam with masonry spillway
 Length: 1,170 meters
 Height: 25 meters
 Storage Capacity: 1.26 TMC
 Catchment Area: 1,787 sq. km
 Linked With: Chikkahole Dam

Environmental Significance

 Located near BRT Wildlife Sanctuary

 Acts as a wildlife corridor
 Helps maintain groundwater levels in surrounding regions

Agricultural Impact

 Irrigation for ~9,800 hectares of farmland

 Main crops: Turmeric, sugarcane, banana

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 Supports fisheries and rural economy

Challenges

 Water inflow issues due to upstream check dams in Tamil Nadu

 Inadequate flood discharge capacity
 Siltation reducing storage efficiency
 Human-wildlife conflicts due to proximity to forest areas

Historical Background

The Chamarajanagar region of Karnataka, where the Suvarnavathi River flows, has
historically been agrarian with significant dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

The river itself, the Suvarnavathi (also called Honnuhole locally), is a seasonal tributary of
the Cauvery River and flowed through an ecologically rich and forested landscape.

Prior to the dam, water scarcity during the summer months and frequent droughts in the region
were common, impacting farming communities severely.

Although the area had access to natural water sources, there was no major reservoir to regulate
water supply or manage irrigation systematically.

Planning and Construction

 The Government of Karnataka initiated plans in the early 1970s to harness the
Suvarnavathi River for irrigation and rural development.
 The dam was part of a broader state irrigation initiative aimed at improving
agricultural output in drought-prone districts like Chamarajanagar.
 Construction of the Suvarnavathi Dam was completed in 1977.
 It was constructed near Attugulipura village, approximately 14 km from
Chamarajanagar town.
 The Chikkahole Dam, located nearby, was also developed as a twin project to
supplement Suvarnavathi, with both dams linked by a gravity canal.

 Though not built during the reign of the Mysore Maharajas, the Suvarnavathi Dam
reflects the vision of planned irrigation development that was pioneered during the
Wodeyar dynasty's rule. The princely state's legacy of building projects like Krishna
Raja Sagara (KRS) laid the foundation for modern dam infrastructure in Karnataka.

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Fig 4.1.2:suvarnavathi dam

About 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away is Chikkahole Reservoir, created by the Chikkahole Dam,
which is linked to the Suvarnavathi Reservoir by a channel. The Suvarnavathi and Chikkahole
are called twin reservoirs. Both of them are in the back drop of beautiful nature. Fisheries and
horticulture are the main occupation of this area. The added attraction of these reservoirs are seen
in the wandering of wildlife all around.

The Suvarnavathi Reservoir is the main source of water for irrigation in nearby villages; it
usually is full by end of the monsoon season and dry during summer season. The main source of
water for the reservoir is rainfall in the Punanjanur (Punajur) forest area during the monsoon.
Also it is the source of drinking water for wild animals as it is adjacent to the thick forest.

Nearby attractions include:

 Bandipura Reserve Forest

 Bhavanisagar Dam
 Biligiriranga Hills
 Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls
 Male Mahadeswara Hill
 Satyamangalam

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CHAPTER-05
Role of Different Stakeholders
1. Government of Karnataka

 Lead implementing authority for the construction and management of the

dam.
 Operates through the Water Resources Department (WRD).
 Responsible for:

 Design and execution

 Maintenance and safety inspections
 Irrigation water release and flood management
 Policy planning and budgeting

2. Local Farmers and Irrigation Beneficiaries

 Primary users of water for agriculture (nearly 9,800 hectares served).

 Organize into Water Users' Associations (WUAs) in some areas.
 Raise demands and grievances regarding:
o Timely water release
o Canal maintenance
o Fair distribution across villages
3. Forest & Wildlife Department

 Monitors wildlife conservation and ecological impact around the dam, especially
in:
 Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve
 Elephant corridors passing near the reservoir
 Works to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect biodiversity

Stakeholder Role
Karnataka Govt Planning, construction, maintenance
Farmers/WUAs Irrigation use, local governance
Wildlife protection, habitat
Forest Dept.
conservation
CWC Technical oversight, safety evaluation
Water-sharing and catchment
Tamil Nadu Govt
management
Local Communities Drinking water, fisheries, livelihood
NGOs/Researchers Environmental impact and education

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Stakeholder Role
Disaster Authorities Risk planning, safety drills

CHAPTER-05

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5.1 WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution is the introduction into fresh or ocean waters of chemical. physical or biological
material that degrades the quality of the water and affects the organisms living in it. This process
ranges from simple addition of dissolved or suspended solids to discharge of the most insidious and
persistent toxic pollutants (such as pesticides, heavy metals, non-degradable, bio accumulative and
chemical compounds.)

Signs of Water Pollution:

 Bad taste of drinking water.

 Offensive odours from lakes, rivers and ocean beaches.
 Unchecked growth of aquatic weeds in water bodies.
 Decrease in number of fish in fresh water, river water, sea water.
 Oil and grease floating on water surfaces.

Examples of Water Pollutions:

 Industrial affluent
 Mining and agricultural wastes
 Sewage disposal and domestic wastes

5.2 CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION

1. Industrial waste:

i. Industries produce tremendous amount of waste which contains toxic chemicals and pollutants
which can cause air pollution and damage to us and our environment. They contain pollutants
such as lead, mercury, sulphur, asbestos, nitrates, and many other harmful chemicals.

ii. Many industries do not have proper waste management system and drain the waste in the
freshwater which goes into rivers, canals and later into the sea.

iii. The toxic chemicals have the capability to change the colour of water, increase the amount of
minerals, also known as Eutrophication, change the temperature of water and pose serious hazard
to water organisms.

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2. Sewage and waste water:

The sewage and waste water that is produced by each household is chemically treated and
released in to sea with fresh water. The sewage water carries harmful bacteria and chemicals
that can cause serious health problems. Pathogens are known as a common water pollutant;
the sewers of cities house several pathogens and thereby diseases. Microorganisms in water
are known to be causes of some very deadly diseases and become the breeding grounds for
other creatures that act like carriers. These carriers inflict these diseases via various forms of
contact onto an individual. A very common example of this process would be Malaria.

3. Mining activities:
Mining is the process of crushing the rock and extracting coal and other minerals from
underground. These elements when extracted in the raw form contain harmful chemicals and
can increase the number of toxic elements when mixed up with water which may result in
health problems. Mining activities emit several metal waste and sulphides from the rocks
and is harmful for the water.

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4. Marine dumping:
The garbage produced by each household in the form of paper, aluminium, rubber, glass,
plastic, food if collected and deposited into the sea in some countries. These items take from
2 weeks to 200 years to decompose. When such items enter the sea, they not only cause
water pollution but also harm animals in the sea.

5. Accidental Oil leakage:

Oil spill pose a huge concern as large amount of oil enters into the sea and does not dissolve
with water, thereby opens problem for local marine wildlife such as fish, birds and sea otters
e.g., a ship carrying large quantity of oil may spill oil if met with an accident and can cause
varying damage to species in the ocean depending on the quantity of oil spill, size of ocean,
toxicity of pollutant.

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Overall Impact:
 Contaminated water harms the economy of countries and regions.
 When the biological demand for oxygen increases the GDP of the affected regions
is reduced by third.
 Exposure to nitrates at an early age affects development and can even be lethal.
 Fertilisers are responsible for increasing cases of stunted growth in children by as
much as 19%.  Every year salt water spoils enough food to supply 170 million
people.
 Agricultural yields decreases as the salinity of the water increases.

5.3 PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WATER POLLUTION

The following measures can be adopted to control water pollution:

a) The water requirement should be minimized by altering the techniques involved.

b) Water should be reused with or without treatment.

c) Recycling of water after treatment should be practiced to the maximum extent possible.

d) The quantity of waste water discharge should be minimized.

e) For minimizing thermal pollution, hot water should before release from factories, and removal
of fore and irrigation return flows should be prohibited.

f) Pesticides (preferably less stable) and fertilizers should be very judiciously used to avoid
chemical pollution of water through agricultural farm run-offs.

g) For effective control of water pollution, legal provisions regarding water pollution should be
enforced by special administrative machinery comprising of highly qualified and experienced
personnel.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WATER CONSERVATION:

Water conservation refers to the responsible management and preservation of freshwater resources.
While it offers numerous benefits, there are also challenges and potential drawbacks to consider.

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ADVANTAGES:

 Sustainable Water Supply: Conserving water ensures a sustainable supply for future
generations, reducing the strain on finite water resources.
 Environmental Benefits: Conservation protects aquatic ecosystems and habitats by
maintaining water levels in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
 Energy Savings: Using less water reduces energy consumption associated with water
treatment, pumping, and heating, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

DISADVANTAGES:

 Initial Costs and Investments: Upgrading to water-efficient technologies and infrastructure

may require upfront investments that can be costly for households and businesses.
 Behavioral Change: Encouraging individuals and industries to adopt water-saving behaviors
and technologies may face resistance and require educational campaigns.
 Impact on Agriculture: Strict water conservation measures in agriculture, such as reduced
irrigation quotas, can affect crop yields and farm profitability.
 Water Quality Concerns: In some cases, reducing water use can impact water quality by
concentrating pollutants in smaller volumes of water.

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CHAPTER-06

6.1. Implementation of Water Conservation Technique

Environmental Implications
1. Ecosystem Health:
i. Water conservation helps maintain natural ecosystems by preserving water
bodies, wetlands, and aquatic habitats.
2. Biodiversity Conservation:
i. Adequate water levels support diverse flora and fauna in freshwater
ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity preservation.
3. Water Quality:
i. Conservation efforts reduce the strain on water resources, helping to
maintain water quality and ecosystem balance.
Social Implications
1. Public Health:
i. Access to clean water is critical for public health, and water conservation
plays a role in ensuring safe and sustainable water sources.
2. Equitable Access:
i. Water conservation promotes equitable access to water resources,
reducing disparities in water availability among communities.
3. Community Resilience:
i. Conserving water enhances community resilience to water scarcity
challenges, improving overall disaster preparedness.
Economic Implications
1. Cost Savings:
i. Water conservation practices lead to cost savings for households,
businesses, and governments through reduced water bills and operational
expenses.
2. Resource Efficiency:
i. Efficient water management practices improve resource efficiency,
reducing the need for costly infrastructure investments systems.

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3. Sustainable Development:
i. Integrating water conservation into development plans supports long-term
economic sustainability by safeguarding water resources for future
generations.
Policy Implications
1. Regulatory Compliance:
i. Water conservation strategies may require regulatory frameworks to
enforce efficient water use practices and standards.
2. International Cooperation:
i. Water conservation initiatives often necessitate cross-border collaboration
to address shared water resources sustainably.

3. Innovation Incentives:
i. Governments can incentivize innovation in water-saving technologies and
practices through policies supporting research and development in the
water sector.
Cultural Implications
1. Cultural Heritage Preservation:
i. Water conservation efforts can support the preservation of cultural
heritage tied to water-dependent traditions and practices.
2. Education and Awareness:
i. Promoting water conservation raises awareness about the importance of
water stewardship, encouraging cultural shifts towards more sustainable
water use.
3. Community Engagement:
i. Culturally sensitive approaches to water conservation can engage local
communities in preserving water resources, drawing on traditional
knowledge and practices.

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Efficient Irrigation Practices: Use drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses that deliver water
directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Schedule irrigation during early
morning or late evening to reduce water loss due to evaporation.

Xeriscaping: Design landscapes with drought-tolerant plants native to your region. These plants
require less water and maintenance once established compared to traditional lawns and gardens.

Fig.6.2: Implementation of Water Conservation Technique

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CHAPTER-07

7.1. Challenge and Solution

Challenges

1. Growing Water Scarcity:

- Challenge: Increasing demand for water due to population growth and economic
development leads to water scarcity.
- Solution: Implement stricter water use regulations, promote water-efficient technologies,
and invest in alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting.

2. Agricultural Water Use:

- Challenge: Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of global water consumption.

- Solution: Encourage farmers to adopt precision irrigation techniques, rotate crops to
optimize water usage, and promote drought-resistant crop varieties.

3. Urbanization and Infrastructure Challenges:

- Challenge: Rapid urbanization strains water supply systems and infrastructure.

- Solution: Upgrade water distribution networks, implement leak detection technologies, and
promote greywater recycling in urban areas.

4. Climate Change Impacts:

- Challenge: Climate change leads to more frequent and severe droughts, affecting water
availability.
- Solution: Develop climate-resilient water management strategies, integrate climate change
adaptation into water policies, and invest in water storage and retention measures.

5. Industrial Water Demand:

- Challenge: Industrial processes require large volumes of water, contributing to water stress.
- Solution: Encourage industries to adopt water recycling and reclamation technologies,
conduct water audits to identify inefficiencies, and implement water reuse practices.

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6. Behavioral Change and Awareness:

- Challenge: Lack of awareness and apathy towards water conservation efforts.

- Solution: Conduct educational campaigns on water conservation, incentivize water-saving
behaviors, and engage communities through participatory water management programs.

Solutions

1. Integrated Water Resource Management:

- Develop coordinated approaches to manage water resources sustainably across sectors and
stakeholders.

2. Technology Innovation:

- Invest in research and development of water-saving technologies such as smart irrigation

systems, zero liquid discharge systems, and water-efficient appliances.

3. Policy Reform:

- Enact and enforce water conservation policies, regulations, and pricing mechanisms to
encourage efficient water use.

4. Public Participation:

- Engage communities in water conservation initiatives, empowering individuals to

contribute to collective water-saving efforts.

5. Financial Incentives:

Provide subsidies, grants, or tax breaks to incentivize investments in water-efficient practices and
technologies.
Recent Developments and Concerns
 Water Levels: As of October 2024, the reservoir reached a water level of 1.18
TMC, close to its full capacity of 1.20 TMC, bringing relief to local farmers and
residents.
 Structural Assessment: A hydrological review indicated that the existing
spillway capacity is inadequate, suggesting that the dam height must be raised by
10.1 meters to prevent potential flooding risks.
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Water conservation technique-role of different stakeholder implementation 2025-26

 Interstate Water Issues: In 2019, concerns arose when upstream water retention
structures in Tamil Nadu affected the inflow into the Suvarnavathi and
Chikkahole reservoirs, leading to water scarcity despite adequate rainfall.
Structural Assessments
 A hydrological review and dam break analysis indicated that the dam's spillway capacity
might be inadequate, suggesting a need for structural enhancements to prevent potential
flooding risks.
Water Inflow Challenges
 In recent years, the construction of check dams and mini-dams in the upstream regions of
Tamil Nadu has affected the inflow into the Suvarnavathi Reservoir, raising concerns
about water availability during dry spells.
Nearby attractions include:
 Bandipura Reserve Forest
 Bhavanisagar Dam
 Biligiriranga Hills
 Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls
 Male Mahadeswara Hill
 Satyamangala

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Water conservation technique-role of different stakeholder implementation 2025-26

References
1. Jain, Sharad K.; Agarwal, Pushpendra K.; Singh, Vijay P. (16 May 2007). Hydrology and
Water Resources of India (https://books.google.com/books?id=ZKs1gBhJSWIC&dq=suvarn
avathi+river&pg=PA707). Springer. ISBN 9781402051807. Retrieved 19 May 2023.

2. Jolad Rotti (18 November 2013). "The River Suvarnavathi or The River Honnuhole" (http://w
ww.karnataka.com/mysore/river-suvarnavathi/). Karnataka.com. Retrieved 19 May 2023.

3. Chamarajanagar, K H Obalesh (16 November 2015). "Twin reservoirs in Chamarajanagar

close to full" (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/512101/twin-reservoirs-chamarajanagar -
close-full.html). Deccan Herald. Retrieved 8 July 2016.

4. "Two reservoirs in Karnataka may go dry as Tamil Nadu builds dams" (https://www.newindia
nexpress.com/states/karnataka/2019/jun/10/two-reservoirs-in-karnataka-may-go-dry-as-tami l-
nadu-builds-dams-1988203.html). The New Indian Express. 10 June 2019.

5. B. S. Naveen Kumar; K. Usha; M. S. Kanchana (2022), "Hydrological Review and Dam

Break Analysis of Suvaranavathi Dam Using HEC-RAS" (https://www.springerprofessional.d
e/en/hydrological-review-and-dam-break-analysis-of-suvaranavathi-dam-/19625190), in
Nandagiri, Lakshman; Narasimhan, M. C.; Marathe, Shriram; Dinesh, S.V. (eds.), Sustainability
Trends and Challenges in Civil Engineering: Select Proceedings of CTCS 2020, Singapore:
Springer

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Water conservation technique-role of different stakeholder implementation 2025-26

Conclusion

The Suvarnavathi Dam stands as a vital water resource infrastructure in Chamarajanagar

district, Karnataka. Constructed in the 1970s across the Suvarnavathi River, the dam has
significantly contributed to agricultural development, water conservation, and ecological
balance in the region. With a storage capacity of over 1.26 TMC, it supports irrigation for
thousands of acres and ensures drinking water supply to surrounding villages.

Despite its benefits, the dam has faced challenges in recent years, including reduced inflow due
to upstream constructions, structural concerns, and environmental stress. However, it
remains a crucial lifeline for local communities and plays an important role in sustainable water
management.

Going forward, regular maintenance, structural upgrades, and cooperative inter-state water
management will be essential to maximize its utility and ensure its long-term safety and
sustainability.

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