Study of Water Resources in India: A Geograph...

Study of Water Resources in India: A Geographical Review

Author Name : Wazir Singh, Prof. (Dr.) Inder Singh

ABSTRACT

Water is a major natural resource on the Earth surface, a basic human need and a valuable national asset. The planning, development and management of water resources should be guided by a national perspective. We are all too familiar with water problems on our planet, both qualitatively and quantitatively. India receives about 4,000 km3 of precipitation per year, including snowfall. Of this, monsoon precipitation is about 3000 km3. Precipitation in India depends on the southwest and northeast monsoons, shallow cyclonic depressions and waves, and  local storms. NCIWRDP's latest estimate of India's total water resources is 1952.87 bcm. An estimate (NCIWRD) of the basin-wide mean annual runoff of the Indian River System is 1953 km3. The annual potential characteristic of groundwater recharge due to precipitation in India is approximately 342.43 km3.

According to .CWC, India's total available water resources are 111 billion cubic meters. According to NCIWRD, India's population is projected to reach 1.333 billion and 1.581 billion by 2025 and 2050, respectively, in a rapid growth scenario. Ultimately, this will be a major cause of the water crisis and deterioration of water quality. Ideal water management techniques and people's awareness can help save lives on Earth.

Keywords:- Water resources, ground water, degraded water, surface water, water management