Luni is a river in Rajasthan, India, which is known for being one of the few rivers that drain into the desert. Over time, it has faced issues such as water depletion and pollution.
The Luni River, also known as the Lavanavari or Salt River, originates in the Pushkar valley of the Aravalli Range, near Ajmer, and ends in the marshy lands of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, after traveling a distance of about 495 kilometers. The river is not perennial and tends to dry up during the hot summer months, which is a natural phenomenon for many rivers in arid regions.
However, the Luni River has been subjected to increasing stress due to human activities. The river basin is characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation rates, which already makes water scarcity a significant issue. With the growth of population and the expansion of agriculture and industry, the demand for water from the Luni has increased. This has led to over-extraction of water for irrigation and other uses, causing a decline in the water levels of the river, especially during dry seasons.
Additionally, the river has been facing pollution problems. Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage are discharged into the river, affecting its water quality. The lack of adequate treatment facilities for wastewater in the region exacerbates the pollution issue. The river’s water is used for both irrigation and drinking purposes, and the high levels of pollutants can pose health risks to the local population and negatively impact agricultural productivity.
Efforts have been made to manage the river’s resources better and to mitigate the pollution. These include the implementation of water conservation practices, the establishment of effluent treatment plants, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. However, the challenges are significant, and a concerted effort by the government, local communities, and other stakeholders is required to ensure the health and sustainability of the Luni River and its basin.