The book is the first of its kind to deal with almost the entire swath of water resources
assessment development and sustainable management. The idea of the book crystallized during
the long journey of the Editors on various facets of water issues in India and abroad during
their extended association at all levels with the Ministry of Water Resources River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation as well as International Organizations dealing with water.
Currently water-stressed India is likely to become water scarce in not too distant a future.
The global freshwater supply and its sustainable use for human consumption and conservation of
the ecosystem have never come under such a rigorous scrutiny before. The unplanned and reckless
exploitation of this precious resource have led to a crisis situation compounded by a real
threat of climate change. This book is therefore timely and of particular relevance not only
to India but the entire world.The book contains 20 chapters beside the lead article by the
Editors. The chapters are contributed by the eminent professionals researchers academicians
and civil society representatives having an in-depth understanding of the issues. The contents
of the chapters have been chosen to represent all aspects of water. The assessment of water
resources using satellite data and in-depth analyses of groundwater sector like the Aquifer
Mapping Programme initiated by Government of India application of gravity satellite data to
assess the resource build up artificial recharge of aquifers and its contamination are dealt
with by eminent experts. The articles on sustainable management of water through good
governance by community participation and involvement of civil society are placed. Flood
management both through a basin level approach as well as by building resilience in vulnerable
areas is discussed. Other critical issues like water bodies management constitutional
provisions water governance andfinancial issues hydro-power and need of research and
development in this sector are also dealt with aptly. In view of emerging crisis and
complexities in this sector the future pathways and the paradigm shift that is required in
administrative and policy level is also discussed.
