WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PROJECTED DEMANDS IN KARNATAKA: AN ANALYSIS OF SECTORAL DEMANDS AND SURFACE WATER AVAILABILITY.
DOI:
https://doie.org/10.5281/4bpbm223Keywords:
water resource management; sectoral water demand; demand supply gap; water allocation strategies.,,Abstract
Karnataka, a southern Indian state, faces severe water resource challenges due to its
geographical and climatic conditions, particularly in drought-prone regions in the northern and
eastern areas. This study investigates the projected sectoral water demands and available
surface water resources across Karnataka, highlighting the challenges posed by growing
demands from agriculture, industry, and urban households. Using data from the Karnataka
Development Report (2007) and recent projections from the Water Resources Department
(2022), this study analyzes historical and future water needs for sectors including agriculture,
household, industry, and power, and assesses the surface water yield and allocations across
major river basins like Krishna and Cauvery. The findings reveal a significant gap between
water demand growth and surface water availability, especially in drought-prone regions with
limited water allocations. This gap underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable water
management practices, such as efficient irrigation, groundwater recharge, and inter-basin water
transfers. Additionally, the study highlights the necessity for a unified policy framework and
adaptive strategies to address climate variability and future water scarcity. The insights from
this research aim to guide policy decisions and promote sustainable water use, ensuring
equitable water distribution and resource security for Karnataka’s diverse sectors in the coming
decades.
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