Rivers drying up

Some of the world’s biggest and vital rivers are drying up due to climate change, according to US National Center for Atmospheric Research. That water is drying up has been known, but the study pins this down on climate change.

The study assessed 925 rivers using both satellite data and on the ground measurement, and found that while the flow in some rivers had increased as a result of changing rainfall patterns and glacial melt water, a significantly larger number had lost water.

Overall, the study found that from 1948 to 2004, annual freshwater discharge into the Pacific Ocean fell by about six per cent, while the annual flow into the Indian Ocean dropped by about three per cent.

Among the rivers are the Ganges, the Niger and the Colorado.

Fast melting rates of glaciers have warned about impending water scarcity in the Gangetic basin. Is there any plan in place to address the drinking water, irrigation needs which are going to be dire?

The map shows areas of the globe where the situation is bad. Red indicates the regions that have witnessed a drop in the run-off. Blue at the other end indicates rise in water.

The groundwater situation is no better. India has over 22 million wells and a city like Bangalore has an estimated 200,000 borewells. Half of them no more yield water!

Recharging these deep wells with rainwater is among the damage repair measures suggested.
But more important is the need for a judicial management of these resources. Mapping aquifers, maintaining a log on the water availability across time, hiring hdro-geologists in water boards, putting in place a law that makes recharge mandatory while dropping borewells, etc could help.

Even as questions of ownership are hazy when it comes to groundwater, it is vital that people realize the value of water and not overuse or waste it.

Are you recharging the ground below your home?