Ingénierie des systèmes d’irrigation et de drainage

Integrated Water Resources Management and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

Upadhyaya A

Water is one of the most important inputs for agriculture, human life, livestock, industries and all other living beings. But due to its spatial and temporal variation, its availability, accessibility and affordability poses a great challenge to water users and water managers/planners. The problem becomes more intense due to change in climate, which is being observed more severely now a days. Water can’t be treated as a separate personal entity, rather it is an integral part of the ecosystem and it needs attention of every stakeholder keeping in view an integrated approach. For sustainable development and management of water resources it should be viewed from physical, economic, social, environmental, technical, scientific, professional, institutional, administrative, political and legal angles. Proper strategy needs to be chalked out to combat climate change particularly extreme events like floods, droughts, cyclones, lack of water at critical crop growth stages or excess water in root zone of plant causing decaying of roots and plants. Climate change is not only a challenge for India, but it is challenge for whole world. Due to increasing awareness, all countries of the world are worried and working together to face climate change problem. To combat climate change, there is an urgent need of formulation and timely implementation of appropriate policies by Government to reduce risks of farmers, who not only suffer from complete loss of their crops and lose of food and water for their livestock, but also their livelihood options to satisfy their hunger. This paper discusses the concept of integrated water resources management in order to improve water use efficiency and sustainable use of water resources. Also there is discussion about climate change, its adverse impact and possible implementable strategies to minimize adverse impact on resources.