INCOH/SAR-15/97-Integrated planning of river basin systems and management

Abstract

Water resource development plays an important role in achieving multifaced economic and social development of a nation. Accordingly it has received a place of pride in the development plans of India. The country has made substantial economic progress during its planned development of forty years, yet the rate of growth has been slower than targetted. There is growing realisation that the growth rate must be accelerated and steps must be taken for strengthening the procedures for planning and improved management of water, land and other resource heritage in keeping with avowed plan objectives of social justice and self reliance. As regards planning , river basin development concept has come to be recognised and comprehensive development of river basins based on full exploitation of total resources must be aimed. Yet, water resource projects are still being planned to cater to the immediate and short term needs and objectives for which pressures exist, without taking into account the gamut of possibilities of development in the river basin. In view of this approach, total water resources are riot being put to full use and maximum benefits are not being derived. Also full potential of many a beneficial projects can not be harnessed in future and it becomes a loss for ever to the humanity.