BREAKING NEWS
The global population is rapidly snowballing and urbanizing at an unprecedented pace. Since the mid-twentieth century until 2020, people living in urban areas have increased from 0.8 billion to 4.4 billion and are anticipated to reach 6.7 billion by 2050, constituting 29.6 percent, 56.2 percent, and 68.4 percent, respectively. This rapid demographic ascension and urbanization, among other critical issues, are associated with climate change and surmounting urban water scarcity and security. Water, being a key determining factor as such, has a great bearing on the wellbeing of urbanites, the urban environment, urban functioning, amenity, and socio-economic development. The situation is more critical in the unplanned parts of urban areas due to spontaneity in growth and poor extensions of services. Currently, in the world, a large number of cities and towns are confronted with the problems of water scarcity/ and stress or are at the edge of a looming water crisis. Auto-urbanization, economic development, and urbanity as a way of life are predicted to fulminate the urban population along with urban water demand by 60–80 percent during the next three decades. Simultaneously, the world climate would be affected, and the consequent changes would disturb the availability of water through climate change. Water, being essential to survival and existence, will become exceedingly scarce. As population growth pressures proliferate, climate change will assume critical propositions and severely influence the quantity as well as the quality of urban water operation systems and supplies. Together with speedy urban sprawl and accretion, momentous transformations in socio-economic development patterns, changing urban development focus, thriving industrial growth, agrarian boom, and an increase in population, water scarcity and stress are and will continue to be a foremost issue in sustaining urban life in aggregation. With the global urban population projected to be about 80 percent of the total population by... Urban water shortages are expected to turn out to be extremely perilous. Over the years, global climate variability and climate change have altered the distribution and availability of water resources spatially and temporally, precariously perplexing the dependability and security of urban water supply. Forcing to compromise the quality of water in a wide variety of ways, even the scarce water resource due to indiscriminate human activities is getting polluted, threatening the quality and quantity of urban water. In most of the historical cities and towns, obsolete urban water infrastructure is adding water woes through leakages, pilferages, and pollution of the water made available by the urban water supply operations. As such, holistically, an all-inclusive, thoughtful understanding is needed with respect to water scarcity, shortages, and the potential solutions, along with the regulation of urban growth without delay, that are essential to guaranteeing a more viable, sustainable, and livable urban world.
A number of studies have been carried out to assess possible urban water crises and global urban water supply security. In the process, the limited scope of the studies remained confined to a few cities and could not substantiate a comprehensive scenario of urban water security risks. Similarly, some studies were carried out to establish the vulnerability of the water supply of 70 large cities globally and the water shortages of 482 cities between 1971–2000 and the 2050s, evaluating global urban water scarcity between 2016 and 2050. Most of the studies brought forth the idea that urbanization, climate variability, and change together would exacerbate water scarcity and crisis, with demand for water outstripping the availability in most of the cities globally. The worldwide urban population, upfront with the problems of water scarcity, was estimated at 933 million in 2016 (one-third of the urban population). It was forecast that the figures would go up to 1.693–2.373 billion urban populations facing scarcity by 2050 (roughly half of the urban population). In India, water scarcity has been forecast to hit more severely, and urban areas with an estimated population of 153 million to 422 million will face the problem by 2050, encompassing about 190–285 large cities, including 10–20 mega cities to face water scarcity.
Urban Water Crisis: Lessons
The urban water scarcity crisis a few years ago was experienced for the first time in South Africa’s major cities in the Gauteng Province, which constitutes the country’s economic heartland. The taps in Johannesburg and Tshwane ran dry, with several areas facing intermittent supplies and other areas having no water at all. The cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and many urban areas were hit hard by water scarcity, and authorities imposed a 30 percent restriction. The underlying reasons for the shortage were drought, decaying infrastructure, poor water storage, supply, and treatment, poor management of water resources, and poor planning, lack of finances for revamping aging infrastructure, loss of water on account of leakages, accelerated urbanization, and lavish consumption (300 lpcd). Very recently, India's most buzzing and throbbing city, Bengaluru, experienced a severe jolt due to acute water shortages in some areas. The shortage was so severe that many of the businessmen and industrialists thought of moving to other places, which was in no way a healthy sign for a city like Bengaluru, known as the Silicon City of India. Bengaluru problems have cropped up due to poor sewage treatment, execrate matter polluting lakes and water bodies, vanishing lakes designated for collection of rainwater and mitigation of floods, receding water tables, a lack of futuristic planning, underutilization of treatment facilities, increased runoff, rapid urban sprawl, and the distant location of headwork’s of water augmentation, collectively making urban water unaffordable and unsustainable. In 2010, Bengaluru’s water requirement was estimated at 1,125 MLD, which has more than doubled to 2,600 MLD by 2021. With increased variability in rainfall, most of the sources are drying up. The water crisis in Bengaluru is a typical example of poor futuristic planning, inefficient sewage treatment, loss of precious water bodies, spontaneous urban growth in suburbs, and poor planning, which are the root causes of the water crisis. Though Bengaluru gets enough precipitation, the ruthless filling of these water bodies has decreased the capacity to harvest rainwater for recharging groundwater. Therefore, rainwater that could have been harvested, recycled, and used during the period of scarcity is draining as runoff mixes with city sewage. The problems faced by Bengaluru are similar to those faced by many other cities; if immediate measures are not taken, time is not far enough that, in an era of climate change and climate variability, such problems will loom large and may strike and catch the authorities unaware and off-guard.
The global phenomenon of climate change and global warming is affecting the occurrence of La Niña, an oceanic-atmospheric phenomenon with significant impacts on global climate. La Niña is characterized by cooler water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can modify trade winds and impact various regions around the world. In recent years, the pattern of La Niña has changed in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to rare climatic variability. La Niña is associated with severe winters in northwestern parts and increased rainfall in North India. While it may not have a direct correlation with seasonal features, it does have far-reaching effects on seasonal performance. Changes in the behavior of La Niña are expected to result in below-normal winter rainfall, reduced snowfall in the Western Himalayas, lower temperatures in the plains, and prolonged winter seasons in North India. The past nine years have been the warmest globally, primarily due to rising greenhouse gas concentrations. Although La Niña has a short-term cooling effect, it cannot reverse the long-term warming trend caused by greenhouse gases. These naturally occurring climate events now occur against the backdrop of human-induced climate change.Western disturbances (WDs) are important for the winter climate of the Indian subcontinent. They originate in the west, travel through the upper atmosphere, and interact with the Himalayas, impacting precipitation patterns. However, global warming has caused changes in WD behavior, leading to less precipitation. Rising temperatures make the atmosphere more wavering and weaken WDs. Additionally, higher Arctic temperatures shift WDs towards higher latitudes, not influencing Indian weather. This decline in WDs is estimated to decrease winter precipitation in northern India and Pakistan by 10%-20%. Climate change has also disrupted La Niña patterns, affecting global climate and precipitation, causing water scarcity in urban areas. By 2050, nearly half of the global urban population will face water scarcity.The increase in water scarcity is driven by population growth and increased water demand, exacerbated by changes in water availability due to climate change and poor management of water resources. However, it is estimated that 95% of water-scarce cities have potential solutions, although significant investment is required, and these solutions may have environmental and socioeconomic consequences.
Hazard Vulnerability and Water
Recently, researchers at IIT Madras conducted a study to determine micro-level risk by analyzing the components of hazards, vulnerability, and exposure. They considered a range of hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts, and used data from publicly available sources. Vulnerability was assessed by looking at disadvantaged populations and adaptive capacity. Exposure was measured through factors like population density and land use. The researchers emphasized that all three components are important for accurate risk assessments and preparedness.
They used a method called TOPSIS to calculate the risk index, which compared alternatives based on various criteria. The study found that Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh is the most hazard-prone, while districts in Nagaland and Mizoram are the least. The Eastern Indian Himalayan Region was found to be more vulnerable, with the Dhalai district of Tripura being the most vulnerable. In terms of exposure, Imphal West, in Manipur, was the most exposed district.
When the hazard, vulnerability, and exposure indices were combined, Darjeeling district of West Bengal emerged as the most risk-prone district. On a regional scale, the Western Himalayan Region was found to be more risk-prone to hazards compared to the Eastern Himalayan Region. Efficient water management becomes crucial for ensuring resilience and reducing water scarcity in cities. This includes plugging leakages, preventing surface water contamination, and aligning urban planning with local ecology. Reviving local water sources and managing the water system sustainably are also important for equity and sustainability.
Scenario in J&K
Population and urbanization trends in Jammu and Kashmir over the last five decades have been no different than the urban growth trends at the national level. The population has increased from.1.01 crores in 2001 to 1.56 crores in 2024 while the share of the urban population has increased from 14.05 percent in 1951 to 27.38percent 2011 to 36.42 percent in 2021. Growing urbanization levels have also been associated with an increase in the number of urban settlements to a 123 in 2011 from 52 in 1991 with widespread unplanned urban sprawl and suburbanization. It has exponentially increased the demand for water. In Jammu and Kashmir, water resources are crucial for the well-being of the economy, society, and sensitive ecosystems. Climate variability and changes pose a significant threat to freshwater availability in J&K. The increasing demands for water due to urbanization, agriculture expansion, population growth, industrialization, and economic development have already put pressure on water resources. The disposal of untreated water into bodies of water, which pollutes precious water resources, adversely affects their health and ecosystem. The relationship between water, energy, agriculture, and climate is complex yet crucial. J&K being blessed with abundant water resources and bodies of water, mainly snow fed by mountain ranges. The loss of glacial mass due to global warming and the loss of vegetative cover can have severe consequences, affecting the climate, water availability, hydroelectric power potential, agrarian economy, and overall well-being. J&K is characterized by three major river basins: Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus, along with various water bodies, wetlands, tributaries, lakes, and rivers. These rivers receive water from rain, snow, and glaciers, making them perennial sources used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
The Western Disturbance Weather System plays a crucial role in the water security of J&K. The frequency and intensity of Western disturbances have been lower in recent years, which is concerning as they are crucial for the water replenishment of glaciers and overall water security. The decline in Western disturbances can be attributed to alterations in weather patterns, and their lower intensity and frequency have been noticeable during the last 10 years. The lack of active Western disturbances in winter results in warmer temperatures and a lack of rain and snowfall in the northwestern plains and adjoining areas. The weather system over the last few years seems to be in a negative phase, as both low and high pressure systems were weak, and it made Western disturbances 20 percent less frequent and 7 percent less intense than a positive phase, as per research published in the journal Climate Dynamics in August 2022. If Western disturbances continue to be elusive, they are bound to worsen in the future water scenario. Western disturbances are typically weaker and therefore associated with less precipitation. Whenever these winds are accompanied by extreme precipitation, the downpour turns nightmarish and gets much worse. Therefore, comprehensive planning and data generation are crucial for addressing water issues effectively on a sustainable basis. Understanding water resources through assessment and appraisal is a necessary requirement for judicious management, enabling future planning, readjustment of water use plans, and enhanced natural water availability. It involves monitoring groundwater levels and quality, estimating surface runoff, vegetal cover, evapotranspiration, and precipitation, as well as monitoring stream levels and flow. Studies on glaciology, snow hydrology, river hydrology, sedimentation, forest cover and the promotion of water use efficiency measures are inevitable. Implementing water conservation measures, mandating water audits, promoting water metering systems, and raising awareness among urbanites and farmers for judicious water use are essential. Water recycling, canal maintenance, and the rejuvenation of major lakes like Dal Lake, Nagin, Anchar, Wular, Hokarsar Mansar/Surinsar,and Manasbal Lakes, along with all wetlands, are crucial for better water management, tourism, and preventing water scarcity. Artificial recharge, which involves modifying the movement of surface water to replenish groundwater reservoirs, can help improve groundwater quality and sustainability. Building climate change resilience through water management and ecosystems is essential for adapting to climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. Healthy ecosystem services rely on well-functioning river basins, and effective country-driven climate change adaptation should prioritize water management to reduce vulnerability and build climate resilience. Rainwater harvesting and water audits need to be incorporated into building plans, and the concept of green building needs to be embraced in bylaws due to J&K's potential in renewable green hydroelectric energy.
Bottom Line
In J&K, water resources are critical for all facets of life and is available in plenty but climate variability and reckless urban growth is posing glaring challenges to its availability and quality.Therefore, comprehensive planning, consisting of data generation, assessment, and effective water management includingefficient use water resource, preservation water bodies, forests, sponges, and adoption of rain water harvesting strategies are vital to address these issues. In addition, promoting andbuilding resilienturban development is must to ensure sustainability.
The global population is rapidly snowballing and urbanizing at an unprecedented pace. Since the mid-twentieth century until 2020, people living in urban areas have increased from 0.8 billion to 4.4 billion and are anticipated to reach 6.7 billion by 2050, constituting 29.6 percent, 56.2 percent, and 68.4 percent, respectively. This rapid demographic ascension and urbanization, among other critical issues, are associated with climate change and surmounting urban water scarcity and security. Water, being a key determining factor as such, has a great bearing on the wellbeing of urbanites, the urban environment, urban functioning, amenity, and socio-economic development. The situation is more critical in the unplanned parts of urban areas due to spontaneity in growth and poor extensions of services. Currently, in the world, a large number of cities and towns are confronted with the problems of water scarcity/ and stress or are at the edge of a looming water crisis. Auto-urbanization, economic development, and urbanity as a way of life are predicted to fulminate the urban population along with urban water demand by 60–80 percent during the next three decades. Simultaneously, the world climate would be affected, and the consequent changes would disturb the availability of water through climate change. Water, being essential to survival and existence, will become exceedingly scarce. As population growth pressures proliferate, climate change will assume critical propositions and severely influence the quantity as well as the quality of urban water operation systems and supplies. Together with speedy urban sprawl and accretion, momentous transformations in socio-economic development patterns, changing urban development focus, thriving industrial growth, agrarian boom, and an increase in population, water scarcity and stress are and will continue to be a foremost issue in sustaining urban life in aggregation. With the global urban population projected to be about 80 percent of the total population by... Urban water shortages are expected to turn out to be extremely perilous. Over the years, global climate variability and climate change have altered the distribution and availability of water resources spatially and temporally, precariously perplexing the dependability and security of urban water supply. Forcing to compromise the quality of water in a wide variety of ways, even the scarce water resource due to indiscriminate human activities is getting polluted, threatening the quality and quantity of urban water. In most of the historical cities and towns, obsolete urban water infrastructure is adding water woes through leakages, pilferages, and pollution of the water made available by the urban water supply operations. As such, holistically, an all-inclusive, thoughtful understanding is needed with respect to water scarcity, shortages, and the potential solutions, along with the regulation of urban growth without delay, that are essential to guaranteeing a more viable, sustainable, and livable urban world.
A number of studies have been carried out to assess possible urban water crises and global urban water supply security. In the process, the limited scope of the studies remained confined to a few cities and could not substantiate a comprehensive scenario of urban water security risks. Similarly, some studies were carried out to establish the vulnerability of the water supply of 70 large cities globally and the water shortages of 482 cities between 1971–2000 and the 2050s, evaluating global urban water scarcity between 2016 and 2050. Most of the studies brought forth the idea that urbanization, climate variability, and change together would exacerbate water scarcity and crisis, with demand for water outstripping the availability in most of the cities globally. The worldwide urban population, upfront with the problems of water scarcity, was estimated at 933 million in 2016 (one-third of the urban population). It was forecast that the figures would go up to 1.693–2.373 billion urban populations facing scarcity by 2050 (roughly half of the urban population). In India, water scarcity has been forecast to hit more severely, and urban areas with an estimated population of 153 million to 422 million will face the problem by 2050, encompassing about 190–285 large cities, including 10–20 mega cities to face water scarcity.
Urban Water Crisis: Lessons
The urban water scarcity crisis a few years ago was experienced for the first time in South Africa’s major cities in the Gauteng Province, which constitutes the country’s economic heartland. The taps in Johannesburg and Tshwane ran dry, with several areas facing intermittent supplies and other areas having no water at all. The cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and many urban areas were hit hard by water scarcity, and authorities imposed a 30 percent restriction. The underlying reasons for the shortage were drought, decaying infrastructure, poor water storage, supply, and treatment, poor management of water resources, and poor planning, lack of finances for revamping aging infrastructure, loss of water on account of leakages, accelerated urbanization, and lavish consumption (300 lpcd). Very recently, India's most buzzing and throbbing city, Bengaluru, experienced a severe jolt due to acute water shortages in some areas. The shortage was so severe that many of the businessmen and industrialists thought of moving to other places, which was in no way a healthy sign for a city like Bengaluru, known as the Silicon City of India. Bengaluru problems have cropped up due to poor sewage treatment, execrate matter polluting lakes and water bodies, vanishing lakes designated for collection of rainwater and mitigation of floods, receding water tables, a lack of futuristic planning, underutilization of treatment facilities, increased runoff, rapid urban sprawl, and the distant location of headwork’s of water augmentation, collectively making urban water unaffordable and unsustainable. In 2010, Bengaluru’s water requirement was estimated at 1,125 MLD, which has more than doubled to 2,600 MLD by 2021. With increased variability in rainfall, most of the sources are drying up. The water crisis in Bengaluru is a typical example of poor futuristic planning, inefficient sewage treatment, loss of precious water bodies, spontaneous urban growth in suburbs, and poor planning, which are the root causes of the water crisis. Though Bengaluru gets enough precipitation, the ruthless filling of these water bodies has decreased the capacity to harvest rainwater for recharging groundwater. Therefore, rainwater that could have been harvested, recycled, and used during the period of scarcity is draining as runoff mixes with city sewage. The problems faced by Bengaluru are similar to those faced by many other cities; if immediate measures are not taken, time is not far enough that, in an era of climate change and climate variability, such problems will loom large and may strike and catch the authorities unaware and off-guard.
The global phenomenon of climate change and global warming is affecting the occurrence of La Niña, an oceanic-atmospheric phenomenon with significant impacts on global climate. La Niña is characterized by cooler water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can modify trade winds and impact various regions around the world. In recent years, the pattern of La Niña has changed in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to rare climatic variability. La Niña is associated with severe winters in northwestern parts and increased rainfall in North India. While it may not have a direct correlation with seasonal features, it does have far-reaching effects on seasonal performance. Changes in the behavior of La Niña are expected to result in below-normal winter rainfall, reduced snowfall in the Western Himalayas, lower temperatures in the plains, and prolonged winter seasons in North India. The past nine years have been the warmest globally, primarily due to rising greenhouse gas concentrations. Although La Niña has a short-term cooling effect, it cannot reverse the long-term warming trend caused by greenhouse gases. These naturally occurring climate events now occur against the backdrop of human-induced climate change.Western disturbances (WDs) are important for the winter climate of the Indian subcontinent. They originate in the west, travel through the upper atmosphere, and interact with the Himalayas, impacting precipitation patterns. However, global warming has caused changes in WD behavior, leading to less precipitation. Rising temperatures make the atmosphere more wavering and weaken WDs. Additionally, higher Arctic temperatures shift WDs towards higher latitudes, not influencing Indian weather. This decline in WDs is estimated to decrease winter precipitation in northern India and Pakistan by 10%-20%. Climate change has also disrupted La Niña patterns, affecting global climate and precipitation, causing water scarcity in urban areas. By 2050, nearly half of the global urban population will face water scarcity.The increase in water scarcity is driven by population growth and increased water demand, exacerbated by changes in water availability due to climate change and poor management of water resources. However, it is estimated that 95% of water-scarce cities have potential solutions, although significant investment is required, and these solutions may have environmental and socioeconomic consequences.
Hazard Vulnerability and Water
Recently, researchers at IIT Madras conducted a study to determine micro-level risk by analyzing the components of hazards, vulnerability, and exposure. They considered a range of hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts, and used data from publicly available sources. Vulnerability was assessed by looking at disadvantaged populations and adaptive capacity. Exposure was measured through factors like population density and land use. The researchers emphasized that all three components are important for accurate risk assessments and preparedness.
They used a method called TOPSIS to calculate the risk index, which compared alternatives based on various criteria. The study found that Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh is the most hazard-prone, while districts in Nagaland and Mizoram are the least. The Eastern Indian Himalayan Region was found to be more vulnerable, with the Dhalai district of Tripura being the most vulnerable. In terms of exposure, Imphal West, in Manipur, was the most exposed district.
When the hazard, vulnerability, and exposure indices were combined, Darjeeling district of West Bengal emerged as the most risk-prone district. On a regional scale, the Western Himalayan Region was found to be more risk-prone to hazards compared to the Eastern Himalayan Region. Efficient water management becomes crucial for ensuring resilience and reducing water scarcity in cities. This includes plugging leakages, preventing surface water contamination, and aligning urban planning with local ecology. Reviving local water sources and managing the water system sustainably are also important for equity and sustainability.
Scenario in J&K
Population and urbanization trends in Jammu and Kashmir over the last five decades have been no different than the urban growth trends at the national level. The population has increased from.1.01 crores in 2001 to 1.56 crores in 2024 while the share of the urban population has increased from 14.05 percent in 1951 to 27.38percent 2011 to 36.42 percent in 2021. Growing urbanization levels have also been associated with an increase in the number of urban settlements to a 123 in 2011 from 52 in 1991 with widespread unplanned urban sprawl and suburbanization. It has exponentially increased the demand for water. In Jammu and Kashmir, water resources are crucial for the well-being of the economy, society, and sensitive ecosystems. Climate variability and changes pose a significant threat to freshwater availability in J&K. The increasing demands for water due to urbanization, agriculture expansion, population growth, industrialization, and economic development have already put pressure on water resources. The disposal of untreated water into bodies of water, which pollutes precious water resources, adversely affects their health and ecosystem. The relationship between water, energy, agriculture, and climate is complex yet crucial. J&K being blessed with abundant water resources and bodies of water, mainly snow fed by mountain ranges. The loss of glacial mass due to global warming and the loss of vegetative cover can have severe consequences, affecting the climate, water availability, hydroelectric power potential, agrarian economy, and overall well-being. J&K is characterized by three major river basins: Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus, along with various water bodies, wetlands, tributaries, lakes, and rivers. These rivers receive water from rain, snow, and glaciers, making them perennial sources used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
The Western Disturbance Weather System plays a crucial role in the water security of J&K. The frequency and intensity of Western disturbances have been lower in recent years, which is concerning as they are crucial for the water replenishment of glaciers and overall water security. The decline in Western disturbances can be attributed to alterations in weather patterns, and their lower intensity and frequency have been noticeable during the last 10 years. The lack of active Western disturbances in winter results in warmer temperatures and a lack of rain and snowfall in the northwestern plains and adjoining areas. The weather system over the last few years seems to be in a negative phase, as both low and high pressure systems were weak, and it made Western disturbances 20 percent less frequent and 7 percent less intense than a positive phase, as per research published in the journal Climate Dynamics in August 2022. If Western disturbances continue to be elusive, they are bound to worsen in the future water scenario. Western disturbances are typically weaker and therefore associated with less precipitation. Whenever these winds are accompanied by extreme precipitation, the downpour turns nightmarish and gets much worse. Therefore, comprehensive planning and data generation are crucial for addressing water issues effectively on a sustainable basis. Understanding water resources through assessment and appraisal is a necessary requirement for judicious management, enabling future planning, readjustment of water use plans, and enhanced natural water availability. It involves monitoring groundwater levels and quality, estimating surface runoff, vegetal cover, evapotranspiration, and precipitation, as well as monitoring stream levels and flow. Studies on glaciology, snow hydrology, river hydrology, sedimentation, forest cover and the promotion of water use efficiency measures are inevitable. Implementing water conservation measures, mandating water audits, promoting water metering systems, and raising awareness among urbanites and farmers for judicious water use are essential. Water recycling, canal maintenance, and the rejuvenation of major lakes like Dal Lake, Nagin, Anchar, Wular, Hokarsar Mansar/Surinsar,and Manasbal Lakes, along with all wetlands, are crucial for better water management, tourism, and preventing water scarcity. Artificial recharge, which involves modifying the movement of surface water to replenish groundwater reservoirs, can help improve groundwater quality and sustainability. Building climate change resilience through water management and ecosystems is essential for adapting to climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. Healthy ecosystem services rely on well-functioning river basins, and effective country-driven climate change adaptation should prioritize water management to reduce vulnerability and build climate resilience. Rainwater harvesting and water audits need to be incorporated into building plans, and the concept of green building needs to be embraced in bylaws due to J&K's potential in renewable green hydroelectric energy.
Bottom Line
In J&K, water resources are critical for all facets of life and is available in plenty but climate variability and reckless urban growth is posing glaring challenges to its availability and quality.Therefore, comprehensive planning, consisting of data generation, assessment, and effective water management includingefficient use water resource, preservation water bodies, forests, sponges, and adoption of rain water harvesting strategies are vital to address these issues. In addition, promoting andbuilding resilienturban development is must to ensure sustainability.
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