Theme 3-21-Hydrological hazards, need of large dams and environment management in Indian Himalayan region – A critical overview

Abstract

India has 1/3rd of its territory drought prone and 1/8th of its territory liable to flooding. About 80% of the surface water of the rivers goes to the sea unutilised while the country reels under the flood-drought-flood syndrome. Himalayan ecosystem faces frequent natural hazards due to it’s unique topography, climate, geology and hydrology. This article presents an overview of crucial aspects of hydrological hazards, water resources development and environment management in the Himalayan region. It has been stressed that creating scientific public awareness and involvment of stakeholders in water resources development and management of hydrological disasters is of vital interst not only for achieving sustainable development but for minimizing the effects of such disasters. The peculiar requirements and scope of soil conservation measures in the catchment areas of river valley projects, have also been reviewed. It is to be underlined that catchment area treatment and watershed management are development projects in their own right and should be planned and executed as such independently without putting undue financial burden on water resources projects. At best, treatment of directly draining highly degraded sub-watersheds along the reservoir rim could be charged to the cost of the reservoir project.