Situation Analysis of MEJ River Sub-basin

Mej river catchment area is highly populated according to PCA 2011 (Census 2011). The total geographic area of Mej river catchment is 352 sq. km. The maximum portion of the Mej River catchment area falls under Mandalgarh tehsil. Mej river catchment is divided into two parts on the basis of stream order, the Upper and Lower Stream. The population density is higher in the lower stream order than in comparison to the upper stream order. The elevation of the catchment area is 308 to 567 meters. Mostly hilly area is found in the south east part of Mej river catchment area While North West part has lower elevation. Mostly in Mej river catchment area soil type is medium black while in some area towards North East soil type is shallow black. Irrigation and agriculture are closely linked in the Mej River catchment area. The total volume of water used for irrigation is diverted from both surface sources and ground source in the form of open and tube well in the Mej River catchment area. Two growing seasons and cooler climates, as well as limited upper stream water storage and water availability, account for lower irrigation water consumption in the Upper stream than in the Lower stream.