Though Global Water Resources are estimated at 1. 4 billion cubic kilometers, only 2% is available as accessible water through surface, ground, ice and other miscellaneous source, since 98 % is in the form of seas. This planet of earth is fortunate to have 2/3 of its surface covered with water. India receives 1100 mm as average annual rainfall, contributing 4000 billion cubic meters. The rainfall distribution in the country varies both temporally and spatially between 100 mm to 4000 mm occurring 80% on a few rainy days, during 3 to 4 months of monsoon. 90% of surface water is available in rivers and streams which are getting polluted showing the increase in concentration of BOD, COD, Bicarbonates, Chlorides, Sodium, Potassium and Coliform Bacteria. Ground water due to over exploitation are showing the increase in concentration of Floride and Arsenic manifold beyond tolerable limits. This is happening near urban areas and industrial areas which are releasing the sewage and effluents untreated against environmental laws. This paper discusses the need for protecting water resources in purity and preserving for the future generations as responsibility. We are not dearth of water but short of safe water. To avoid further environmental degradation, the water resources need planning for various uses on sustainable way.
展开▼
