Runoff Potential of Desert Catchments in Bikaner District

Abstract

Tire runoff potentials of tire eroded rocky Kolayat catchment and the eroded aggraded Nal catcbment of Bikaner district have been evaluated on the basis of soil, vegetation, land use and daily rainfall condition. In the Kolayat catchment an yearly runoff of 26 mm or more occurred during 60 per cent of the year studied, wbereas in the Nal catchment, similar chances are for 28 per cent. Kolayat catchment has runoff potential of 640 ha metres in defict vean and 8800 ha metres are expected for six years in a period of ten vears. The runoff potential of Nal catechment can be managed in normal year and 11,500 ha metres in excessive flood year, Kolayat catchment can be exploited for runoff ,)forage, reuse and ground water recharge whereas the Nal catchment can be managed to utilize runoff for crop production in pocket" with adoption of water harvesting practices during normal vear and to provide for ground water recharges under excessive flood years.