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16-April-2024-Editorial

April 16 @ 7:00 am - 11:30 pm

DRYING RIVERS IN INDIA

The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported alarming water storage levels in several river basins, particularly in east-flowing rivers between Mahanadi and Pennar.

This crisis poses significant challenges to India’s water security, impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and the environment.

Water Crisis in East-Flowing Rivers Basin

  • Affected Rivers: 13 rivers, including Rushikulya, Bahuda, Vamsadhara, and others, have dried up.
  • Geographical Spread: These rivers flow through Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, draining into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Storage Decline: Basin storage reached zero on 21st March, contrasting with 32.28% last year.

Nationwide Water Crisis

  • Major Reservoirs: Only 36% of total capacity available in India’s 150 major reservoirs.
  • Ganga Basin: Water storage less than half its capacity.
  • Drought Conditions:2% of the country’s area faces drought, with 7.8% under extreme drought.

Central Water Commission (CWC)

  • Role: Apex technical body for water resource development, attached to the Ministry of Water Resources.
  • Responsibilities: Overseeing schemes for water resource control, conservation, development, and utilization.

Reasons Behind Drying of East-Flowing Rivers

  • Deforestation and Soil Erosion: Reduced soil water retention due to deforestation affects groundwater recharge and river flows.
  • Climate Change: Irregular rainfall and increased temperatures disrupt river flow patterns.
  • Dam Construction: Dams and water diversions impact downstream river flow.
  • Water Pollution: Industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste degrade river quality.
  • Sand Mining: Unregulated mining disrupts river flow and causes erosion.
  • Urbanisation: Urban expansion alters natural river flows.
  • Lack of Conservation Efforts: Limited awareness and conservation measures contribute to river drying.

Addressing the River Drying Issue

  • Water Conservation Measures: Rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and soil moisture conservation can replenish groundwater and reduce reliance on rivers.
  • Efficient Irrigation Practices: Adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation minimizes water wastage.
  • Afforestation and Vegetative Cover: Reforestation reduces soil erosion and boosts groundwater recharge.
  • Regulation of Groundwater Extraction: Strict regulations can maintain river base flow.
  • Interlinking of Rivers: Transferring surplus water from water-rich to water-deficient regions can balance river flows.
  • Community Participation: Engaging local communities ensures sustainable water use.
  • Policy Reforms: Encouraging sustainable water management practices through policy.
  • Research and Development: Investing in innovative water conservation technologies.

Details

Date:
April 16
Time:
7:00 am - 11:30 pm
Event Category:
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