10-Water Resources in India and Impact of Climate Change.

Abstract

There is now clear evidence for an observed change in global surface temperature, rainfall, evaporation and extreme events since the start of 20th century. In recent times, several studies around the globe have shown that climatic change is likely to have a significant impact upon fresh water resources availability. The demand for water has already increased tremendously over the years due to an increasing population, expanding agriculture, rapid industrialization, urbanization and economic development. Simultaneously, unplanned development of surface and groundwater resources, haphazard disposal of municipal and industrial wastes and application of agricultural inputs has led to the problem of water quality deterioration/pollution presenting new challenges on water management and conservation front. Today, in most agro-climatic regions and river basins of India the hydrological cycle is being modified quantitatively and/or qualitatively, by human activities such as changes in cropping pattern, land use pattern, overexploitation of water storage, irrigation and drainage. In view of the above, sustainable management of water and supporting natural environment has gained considerable importance in recent years. An assessment of the availability of water resource in the context of future national requirements taking particular account of the multiplying demands for water and expected impacts of climate change and variability is critical for relevant national and regional long- term development strategies and sustainable development. This paper examines the potential for sustainable development of surface and groundwater resources within the constraints imposed by the possible climate change and hydrologic regimes and suggests some adoptive measures and future research needs in India.