Water resources and climate change: an Indian perspective

In recent times, several studies around the globe show that climatic change is likely to impact significantly upon freshwater resources availability. In India, demand for water has already increased manifold over the years due to urbanization, agriculture expansion, increasing population, rapid industrialization and economic development. At present, changes in cropping pattern and land-use pattern, over-exploitation of water storage and changes in irrigation and drainage are modifying the hydrological cycle in many climate regions and river basins of India. An assessment of the
availability of water resources in the context of future
national requirements and expected impacts of climate change and its variability is critical for relevant national and regional long-term development strategies and sustainable development.

This article examines the potential for sustainable development of surface water and groundwater resources within the constraints imposed by climate change and future research needs in India.