Impact of climate change and anthropogenic pressure on the water resources of India: challenges in management
Freshwater resources of India are getting fast degraded and depleted from the changing climate and pressure of fast rising population. Changing intensity and seasonality of rainfall affect quantity and quality of water. Most of the rivers are polluted far above safety limits from the untreated do...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Copernicus Publications
2016-10-01
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| Series: | Proceedings of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences |
| Online Access: | https://www.proc-iahs.net/374/63/2016/piahs-374-63-2016.pdf |
| Summary: | Freshwater resources of India are getting fast degraded and depleted from the
changing climate and pressure of fast rising population. Changing intensity
and seasonality of rainfall affect quantity and quality of water. Most of the
rivers are polluted far above safety limits from the untreated domestic,
industrial and agricultural effluents. Changes in the intensity, frequency
and tracks of storms salinate coastal aquifers. Aquifers are also under the
threat from rising sea level. Groundwater in urban limits and industrial
zones are far beyond safety limits. Large-scale destruction of wetlands for
industries and residential complexes has affected the quality of surface and
groundwater resources in most parts of India. Measures to maintain food
security and the new developments schemes such as river linking will further
deteriorate the water resources. Falling water availability leads to serious
health issues and various socio-economic issues. India needs urgent and
appropriate adaptation strategies in the water sector. |
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| ISSN: | 2199-8981 2199-899X |