30-Training of hydrological observers and technicians - Action plan.

Abstract

The development of water resources for meeting increasing demands of steeply rising population of the country has posed many problems for all involveq in this task, particularly hydrologists and water resources engineers. India's vast water resources are unevenly distributed in space and time, and severe droughts and heavy floods are qiite common. The hydrological environment is in a state of continuous change due to man's activities. For dealing with various hydrological problems in water resources development and management, vast manpower resource with specialised knowledge and training in hydrology at different levels is needed. This includes: professional hydrologists, junior hydrologists, hydrological technicians and hydro- logical, observers . Since this sub-professional level is less homogeneous in comparison to professional levels. There is a large variety of background of previous ,schooling, medium of instructions, exposure to training etc. There is an urgent need for embarking upon a comprehensive programme for training of hydrological technicians and observers in the country for developing various skills and abilities including understanding of the basic hydrological processes and their observation, and use of modern data management techniques. No training programme could_ be considered without considering the training of teachers/instructors who will be responsible for providing training to technicians and observers. The present paper proposes a comprehensive action plan for simultaneously taking-up the training of teachers/instructors, technicians and observers. Suggestions have-also been made -for syllabii, duration of training and possibI6 places where such training could be imparted.