Abstract:
The surface water and groundwater resources of the country play a major role
in agriculture, hydropower generation, livestock production, industrial activities, forestry,
fisheries, navigation, recreational activities, etc. Traditionally, India has been an
agriculture-based economy. Hence, development of irrigation to increase agricultural
production for making the country self-sustained and for poverty alleviation has been of
crucial importance for the planners. The rainfall in India shows great variations, unequal
seasonal distribution, still more unequal geographical distribution and the frequent
departures from the normal. In view of the existing status of water resources and
increasing demands of water for meeting the requirements of the rapidly growing
population of the country as well as the problems that are likely to arise in future, a
holistic, well-planned long-term strategy needed for sustainable water resources
management in India.