Not AvailableDrastic change in land use pattern in the Indian Thar desert has been observed during last few decades,
especially in extreme arid region with annual rainfall <200 mm. More specifically, a significant increase
in irrigated area in Jaisalmer district has been observed. As a consequence, number of electrified wells
and tubewells used for irrigation purpose has increased during last few decades. All these have led to
over-exploitation of ground water for irrigation purposes. In this study, we have tried to analyze the
spatial pattern of ground water depletion in Jaisalmer district during last 15 years and its influence on
energy and food security vis a-vis environmental pollution. Data on depth of ground water table of 117
wells in Jaisalmer district both during pre- and post-monsoon seasons of 1995, 2004, 2008 and 2009
were used along with statistical data on irrigated area under wells and tubewells. The average depth of
ground water table was 42.64 m in 1995, which increased to 45.85 m in 2009. The annual rate of
ground water depletion was 0.20 m. Overall, total annual energy consumption for irrigation in Jaisalmer
was estimated at 277×106 MJ. Annual consumption of this energy for operating electric-operated
submersible pumps indirectly leads to a GHG emission of 63.71 Gt CO2 equivalent. It is imperative that
irrigated agriculture in Indian Thar desert is highly water and energy intensive, and both these resources
are becoming scarce. A sustainable approach for water and energy management in arid agriculture is
therefore very essential.Not Availabl