SR-0 : Status report on hydrology of deltas & East coastal region

Abstract

The status report on 'Hydrology of deltas and east coastal region of India' is prepared as part of UNDP assisted project IND/90/003 'Developing capabilities for hydrological studies'. The importance of the science of hydrology in the proper and systematic development of nations water resources is realised off late in the country. The regions hydrological problems are not yet properly understood and hence no scientific remedial measures are studied and implemented in a proper way. The recurring catastrophic effects of the excess or deficiency of water on the development of the society has brought to light the importance of understanding the hy. ology of the region. In the status report an effort is made to highlight different hydrological problems of the coastal and deltaic regions. The methodologies developed in other parts of the world to understand and mitigate the problems of similar regions are presented. The geology, physiography, drainage, climate, vegetation and different weather phenomena of the region are presented. The literature available in different sources is referred, especially 'India: A regional geogreurhy' edited by R.L. singh, is consulted for basic information. The authorities of different state governments of the region are contacted for the supply of relevant information.

The author wishes to thank all those, who directly or indirectly helped in preparing this report. Thanks are due to Dr. Satish chandra, Director for giving the opportunity to work on the report; Dr.P.V.Seethapathi, Sc'F', Co-ordinator and Head for his invaluable guidance. Thanks are also due to the author's colleagues and other staff of the Regional Centre for their help in bringing out the report.