The effective management of land and water resources plays a central role in alleviating poverty, reducing disasters, improving food security, and ensuring environmental sustainability. It is widely recognized that a mismanagement of these resources is at the core of many human miseries ranging from drought and famine to displacement, economic instability, and conflict. A systematic…
Introduction Water scarcity is a persistent challenge in many parts of India, particularly in drought-prone and semi-arid regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. These areas experience erratic rainfall, high evapotranspiration, low groundwater recharge, and over-dependence on monsoon rains, resulting in water stress for agriculture, livestock, and…
Introduction India is a country with a diverse hydrological profile, ranging from the snow-fed Himalayan rivers to the monsoon-dependent peninsular rivers. Floods, especially during the monsoon season, have long been considered a major natural hazard, causing loss of life, property, and agricultural productivity. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), floods affect more than…
Introduction The monsoon climate is one of the most distinctive climatic systems in the world, marked by seasonal reversal of winds, distinct wet and dry periods, and high rainfall intensity. It plays a crucial role in sustaining the agriculture, economy, and livelihoods of over 50% of the world’s population residing in Monsoon Asia, which includes…
Introduction The Himalayas, often referred to as the “Water Towers of Asia,” are home to the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar regions. These glaciers, stretching across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, act as perennial reservoirs of freshwater. India, in particular, depends heavily on Himalayan glaciers, which feed its major river systems—the Indus, Ganga,…
Introduction India is a country of diverse hydrological regimes, hosting numerous river systems that sustain agriculture, industries, drinking water supply, and inland navigation. Despite this, India faces multi-dimensional water problems: To address these challenges, the concept of interlinking rivers (ILR) has emerged as a potential solution. The idea is to transfer surplus water from river…
Introduction Flooding has become a recurring problem in Indian cities, affecting millions of residents annually. Even “smart cities” like Hyderabad and Pune, designed with modern infrastructure, have experienced devastating urban floods. The frequency, intensity, and economic impact of urban floods have increased due to climate change, unplanned urbanization, and poor drainage systems. Urban floods are…
Introduction to Watersheds A watershed is a land area that drains or “sheds” water into a common body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It is defined by the boundaries of the highest points of land, which direct rainfall and other forms of precipitation into streams, rivers, or other water sources within…
Introduction Water scarcity has become a major challenge in agriculture, affecting productivity and food security. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) offers a sustainable solution by capturing and storing rainwater for irrigation and other farming needs. This method is particularly vital in regions where water resources are limited or unreliable. Implementing rainwater harvesting can help farmers optimize water…
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…