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IIT Roorkee Study: Heatwave Threatens Uttarakhand's Water Security
29 Jul
Summary
- Increased temperatures will reduce usable water in Kosi river basin.
- Higher temperatures could cause water evaporation and less groundwater recharge.
- Up to 7% drop in usable water predicted by the end of the century.
Climate change poses a significant threat to the water security of Uttarakhand's Kosi river basin, according to a new study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. Researchers found that even though overall rainfall is projected to increase, higher temperatures will lead to greater water evaporation and reduced groundwater recharge.
This phenomenon could decrease the amount of usable water available for critical needs such as agriculture and drinking, as well as for the health of mountain ecosystems. The study, conducted in collaboration with the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and published in 'Theoretical and Applied Climatology', highlights that peak temperatures could rise considerably by the end of the century.
The Kosi river basin, which supports thousands of people through local agriculture and mountain springs, may see a reduction of 4% to 7% in its usable water supply. Experts suggest that implementing measures like watershed management, spring rejuvenation, and groundwater recharge could help mitigate the impacts of climate change on this vital basin.
