Assessment of future water demands in the Nagpur Metropolitan Region using the WEAP model

Abstract

With rapid urbanization and development, periods of water stress are common in the Nagpur Metropolitan Region (NMR) of India. The domestic and industrial water demands coupled with the demand for irrigation continue to rise in this region due to significant demographic growth and land use changes resulting in the decreasing surface water availability and exploitation of groundwater sources. Amidst the impacts of climate change coupled with rapid development, understanding the subsequent resource availability and future water requirements is critical for allocating vital and finite resources such as water. In this regard, an assessment of water demands under various scenarios is an important step. With this objective, this study has used the Water Evaluation and Planning modelling tool to simulate the water systems for the NMR by employing a scenario analysis approach to determine the future water balance. The findings reveal a water supply requirement of 4.14 bcm by 2040, considering the business-as-usual scenario. The research also reiterated the potential for increased rural–urban conflicts over water resource allocation in the future, underscoring the need for strategies to equitably cater to rural and urban water demands.