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 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 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 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 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 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…
Introduction Irrigation plays a crucial role in sustaining agriculture, which is the backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s economy. While major and medium irrigation projects contribute significantly to water supply, minor irrigation projects serve as a lifeline for small and marginal farmers. These projects focus on utilizing local water sources efficiently, ensuring water availability, and enhancing agricultural…