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Uttarakhand Faces Water Crisis Despite More Rain
23 Aug
Summary
- Higher temperatures will increase evaporation and reduce groundwater.
- Usable water in the Kosi basin could decrease by 4% to 7%.
- Groundwater recharge may fall by over 20% due to heat.
Climate change poses a significant threat to water security in Uttarakhand's Kosi river basin, according to a new study by IIT Roorkee. Researchers predict that despite an anticipated increase in rainfall, higher temperatures will lead to greater evaporation and reduced groundwater recharge. This phenomenon could decrease the amount of usable water in the basin by 4% to 7% by the end of the century.
The study, published in Theoretical and Applied Climatology, highlights that peak temperatures in the Kosi basin could rise significantly. Consequently, groundwater recharge might decline by over 20%, while surface runoff could increase. Experts suggest that adaptation strategies such as watershed management and spring rejuvenation are crucial for mitigating these impacts.
