1-Groundwater Manahement-Emerging Challenges.

Abstract

Ground water is poorly understood but most sought after resource for meeting the ever-growing demands of different user groups. The stress on groundwater systems is reflected in steep decline of water levels and sharp deterioration in quality of water. The major challenge is the proper understanding of the dynamics of groundwater flow under different hydrogeological conditions in space and time. A scientific development and management of ground water is the need of the time to avert any future crisis. In addition to this, the management strategies cover a wide range of subjects such as ownership of ground water, allocation and pricing of resources, effective regulation and role of stakeholders. An attempt has been made in this paper to look into all these important aspects to help in evolving a scientific policy for groundwater management, which can assure long-term sustainability of this fast depleting resource.