Comprehensive water data base in public domain and assessment of the impact of climate change on water resource

Water related data is being collected by various Central and State agencies for different purposes and kept in many formats. The networks for data collection for various hydrological and other related parameters require a review for their adequacy to meet the requirement for reliable assessment of the impact of climate change on water resources. The collected data is required to be put in public domain(except data of sensitive & classified nature) so that policy makers and academician can access that with ease for their respective uses and people at large can form their well informed views/opinions on various related matters. 

The first and the foremost action required is to have a comprehensive data base in public domain (except for the data of sensitive nature) and to have a assessment of the impact of climate change on water resources in terms of availability as well as the quality of the water from surface and ground water sources, which inter-alia includes (i) collection of necessary data; (ii) research and studies to project impact of climate change on water resources; (iii) development of suitable models; and (iv) development of suitable techniques for efficient utilization of water and conversion of poor quality water into fresh water The strategies identified for achieving the goal include (a) Review and establishment of network for collection of additional necessary data; (b) Development / implementation of modern technology for measurement of various data; (c) Developing inventory of wetland; (d) Research and studies on all aspects related to impact of climate change on water resources including quality aspects of water resources with active collaboration of all research organizations working in the area of climate change; (e) Reassessment of basin wise water situation; and (f) Projection of the impact of climate change on water resources.

Key Area identified in the NAPCC in respect of database & assessment of impact of climate change on water resource are:

a) Estimate river flow

b) Estimating isotopic tracer based technology for monitoring river water discharge to all major river monitoring stations

c) Establishing wide network  automatic weather stations & automated rain gauge stations.

d) Deploying inventory of wetlands, especially these with uniform features.

e) Mapping of catchment & surveying on assessments of land use patterns; vegetation cover; silting; conservation of mangrove areas; human settlements & human activities and its impacts on catchments and water bodies.

f) Creating climate change models for regional water bodies.

g) Developing models of upstream water flow estimating drainage capacities for storm water and for sewage water.