Paper Number: 1209
Environmental impact of agricultural activities in the Chambal Project Command Area of Madhya Pradesh, India
L. P. Chourasia
Department of Applied Geology, Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar (M.P.) E-mail : lpc55@rediffmail.com
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The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of surface water irrigation on the environment. The most logical way of identifying impacts associate with the Chambal project was to establish the relationships of causes, conditions and effects. The methodology for identification of environmental impacts commenced with identification of all possible networks related to the various activities pertaining to proposed water resources development projects. This then allowed the identification of impacts by tracing the proposed project actions. The environmental impacts of surface water irrigation in the study area were identified as including public health hazards, decrease in available surface water supply and flow in canals, salinization and alkalinisation of soil, waterlogging, increase in soil erosion, decrease in soil fertility, introduction of pesticides and insecticides into the food chain, impacts on flora and fauna and degradation of the chemical quality of ground water.