Water health of Indian Himalayan region : Issues and concerns

Abstract

Climate change and socio-economic and demographic changes have put unprecedented pressure on water resources, leading to uncertain supplies, increased demands and higher risks of extreme events like floods and droughts. The rivers fed by snow and glacier melt of the Himalayan region play an important role in providing water, specially during the lean season. A balanced understanding at the river basin scale is needed if we are to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities offered by the Himalayan waters.