The book is the first of its kind to deal with almost the entire swath
of water resources assessment, development and sustainable management.
The idea of the book crystallized during the long journey of the Editors
on various facets of water issues in India and abroad during their
extended association, at all levels with the Ministry of Water
Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, as well as
International Organizations dealing with water. Currently
water-stressed, India is likely to become water scarce in not too
distant a future. The global freshwater supply and its sustainable use
for human consumption, and conservation of the ecosystem have never come
under such a rigorous scrutiny before. The unplanned and reckless
exploitation of this precious resource have led to a crisis situation,
compounded by a real threat of climate change. This book is, therefore,
timely and of particular relevance not only to India but the entire
world.
The book contains 20 chapters, beside the lead article by the Editors.
The chapters are contributed by the eminent professionals, researchers,
academicians and civil society representatives having an in-depth
understanding of the issues. The contents of the chapters have been
chosen to represent all aspects of water. The assessment of water
resources using satellite data and in-depth analyses of groundwater
sector like, the Aquifer Mapping Programme initiated by Government of
India, application of gravity satellite data to assess the resource
build up, artificial recharge of aquifers and its contamination, are
dealt with by eminent experts. The articles on sustainable management of
water through good governance by community participation and involvement
of civil society are placed. Flood management both through a basin level
approach as well as by building resilience in vulnerable areas is
discussed. Other critical issues like water bodies management,
constitutional provisions, water governance and financial issues,
hydro-power and need of research and development in this sector are also
dealt with aptly. In view of emerging crisis and complexities in this
sector the future pathways and the paradigm shift that is required in
administrative and policy level is also discussed.
