Introduction India is geographically and hydrologically blessed with abundant freshwater resources. The country receives an average annual precipitation of around 4000 billion cubic meters (BCM), which is nearly 4% of the world’s total fresh water, while supporting nearly 18% of the global population. Major perennial rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus systems, along with…
Introduction India is facing an alarming crisis of groundwater depletion. Rapid urbanization, population growth, industrial expansion, and unsustainable water use have placed unprecedented stress on groundwater resources. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), over 30% of India’s groundwater blocks are overexploited, and urban areas are disproportionately affected due to high water demand and…
Introduction Water is one of the most essential natural resources, critical for human survival, agriculture, industry, and ecosystem sustainability. India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, faces a growing challenge of water stress, characterized by the scarcity of water relative to demand. Rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, climate change, and unsustainable water management have intensified…
Introduction Water bodies such as lakes, ponds, wetlands, and rivers are essential components of the natural ecosystem. They regulate the hydrological cycle, recharge groundwater, control floods, provide habitats for biodiversity, and support human settlements through water supply, agriculture, and recreation. However, in rapidly urbanizing regions of the world—including India—natural water bodies are increasingly being reclaimed…
Introduction Water scarcity and depleting groundwater levels have become pressing concerns in India, threatening agricultural productivity and sustainable development. Recognizing this challenge, the Government of India launched the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) on December 25, 2019, commemorating the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The scheme primarily focuses on ensuring sustainable…
Introduction Irrigation plays a crucial role in agriculture, particularly in a state like Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), which has a predominantly agrarian economy. Over the years, irrigation sources in U.P. have undergone significant transformation due to technological advancements, environmental factors, government policies, and the changing needs of farmers. The state has transitioned from traditional irrigation methods…
Introduction Water is one of the most essential resources for sustaining life on Earth. However, despite covering approximately 71% of the planet’s surface, freshwater availability is extremely limited. The water crisis has emerged as a global challenge due to factors such as population growth, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable water use. Water scarcity not only…