The health of major river systems and other surface water bodies of East-Central India has been discussed. The geological conditions such as lithological variation, their weathering resistance, presence of rift valleys and tectonic trends have decided watershed conditions, which have controlled formation of river systems in East-Central Indian region. The development of Vindhyan Range, Satpura Range, Maikal Hills, Kaimur Hills, Eastern Ghat ranges, Chhotanagpur and Bastar plateaus in East-Central India have given birth to many big rivers e.g., Narmada, Son, Damodar, Mahanadi, Wainganga-Pranhita etc. The presence of major rift zones such as Narmada-Son-Damodar Rift, Mahanadi and Godavari rifts have guided the courses of almost all rivers in the region. The Vindhya-Satpura Ranges and Chhotanagpur Highland have separated the north Indian drainage from south Indian drainage systems. Except for the Himalayan Rivers, which are mostly snow fed, other rivers of India are monsoon fed and become dry during most part of the year causing difficulty to the society. The flow and storage of most rivers are becoming deficient day by day due to extensive siltation.Besides these major rivers, other surface water bodies such as lakes, artificial reservoirs, swamps, wetlands, canals and traditional water harvesting structures are also reducing or becoming defunct due to siltation, pollution, dumping of waste, illegal conversion for other uses and overall neglect by the society. In view of population growth, rapid industrialization and urbanization there would be more pressure on water bodies. Climate change would bring variability in monsoon rainfall which will have its impact on water resource. Unless extreme care is taken to save all the variety of water bodies, there would be severe water crisis in future in the country. A new national water policy is now needed to maintain country’s water resource for its sustainability.
River Systems and Other Surface Water Bodies of East-Central India: Their Status and Management Needs
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The health of major river systems and other surface water bodies of East-Central India has been discussed. The geological conditions such as lithological variation, their weathering resistance, presence of rift valleys and tectonic trends have decided watershed conditions, which have controlled formation of river systems in East-Central Indian region. The development of Vindhyan Range, Satpura Range, Maikal Hills, Kaimur Hills, Eastern Ghat ranges, Chhotanagpur and Bastar plateaus in East-Central India have given birth to many big rivers e.g., Narmada, Son, Damodar, Mahanadi, Wainganga-Pranhita etc. The presence of major rift zones such as Narmada-Son-Damodar Rift, Mahanadi and Godavari rifts have guided the courses of almost all rivers in the region. The Vindhya-Satpura Ranges and Chhotanagpur Highland have separated the north Indian drainage from south Indian drainage systems. Except for the Himalayan Rivers, which are mostly snow fed, other rivers of India are monsoon fed and become dry during most part of the year causing difficulty to the society. The flow and storage of most rivers are becoming deficient day by day due to extensive siltation.Besides these major rivers, other surface water bodies such as lakes, artificial reservoirs, swamps, wetlands, canals and traditional water harvesting structures are also reducing or becoming defunct due to siltation, pollution, dumping of waste, illegal conversion for other uses and overall neglect by the society. In view of population growth, rapid industrialization and urbanization there would be more pressure on water bodies. Climate change would bring variability in monsoon rainfall which will have its impact on water resource. Unless extreme care is taken to save all the variety of water bodies, there would be severe water crisis in future in the country. A new national water policy is now needed to maintain country’s water resource for its sustainability.
Publication Mode |
Online |
---|---|
Publication Author |
N. K. Mahalik |
Publication Language |
English |
Publication Type |
Conference Paper |
Publication Year |
2014 |
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