The paper from Columbia Water Center is on the ground water crisis occurring in the Mehasana region, an area in the northern part of Gujarat. A large number of farmers and well operators were interviewed in the process. Data was also collected from the power utility that supplies power to this region. Along with this the climatic peculiarities of the region, farmers and well users perceptions on ground water management and use were also collected. The study concludes that the current rate of ground water exploitation is untenable both for the state and for the farmers of this region. The study is the first step in the Centre's plan to draw out a plan to design policy options on water use that are sustainable.
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