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 Mountain ecosystems are among the most fragile and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, biodiversity conservation, soil stabilization, climate regulation, and cultural heritage. These ecosystems support millions of people directly and indirectly through agriculture, forest products, and tourism. However, in recent decades, development initiatives and tourism have…
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 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 Earth’s surface is adorned with a variety of landforms, each with its unique features and roles in shaping human activity. Among these, plateaus hold a distinct place due to their geological significance, topographic diversity, and socio-economic importance. A plateau is essentially an elevated flatland that has been uplifted by endogenic forces. These landforms exist…
Introduction Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most populous and agriculturally significant states, is facing serious environmental challenges due to deforestation and land degradation. The rapid depletion of forests, expansion of agricultural land, urbanization, and industrial activities have led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and declining land productivity. These environmental concerns threaten agriculture, water resources,…
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 Glaciers are among the most powerful geological agents shaping the Earth’s surface. In high mountain areas, they play a crucial role in sculpting landscapes through processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition. Over thousands of years, glaciers carve valleys, form unique landforms, and leave behind distinctive geological features that define high-altitude terrains. These changes are…