Water is an essential resource for all life on the planet. Much effort in water management is directed at optimising the use of water and in minimising the environmental impact of water use on the natural environment. Successful management of any resources requires accurate knowledge of the resource available, the uses to which it may be put, the competing demands for the resource, measures to and processes to evaluate the significance and worth of competing demands and mechanisms to translate policy decisions into actions on the ground. In water resources management, available water resources are allocated between different needs and demands. Where water is scarce this presents a considerable challenge. In recent years, however, riverine ecosystems have been increasingly identified as the ‘source of the resource’ which performs a number of tasks which are of great value and which are essential for the sustainability of the system. This book presents views and opinions of experts regarding conservation and effective utilization of water resources that are fast becoming scarce in their availability. The gravity of the problem, the realities and consequences on the present and future generations is a well-recognized fact which calls for rational utilization of water resources. The book will be of interest to a wide readership including researchers, scientists, academicians, engineers, planners, policy-makers, eco-technologists and environmentalists.
