Water resources and change

Abstract

The Uttarakhand Himalaya has abundant water resources in the forms of rivers, perennial streams, lakes (highlands and the valleys) and ground water. India’s major river system, the Ganges system is located here, which supplies water to the large population of the downstream areas. It has high potential to generate hydroelectricity and construction of irrigation projects. Surface water in the forms of natural springs, lakes and ponds has depleted largely during the recent past, because of warming and climate change. Similarly, ground water is receding due to excessive use, the study reveals.