27. Climate Change and Sustainable Management of Water Resources

In recent times, several studies have shown that climate change is likely to have a significant impact on the availability of freshwater resources. Freshwater-rich regions across the globe are projected to face water scarcity if current reserves are not managed effectively. Traditionally, the Puducherry region has been well endowed with large freshwater reserves, but demand for water has already increased manifold over the years due to an increase in agriculture, industrialization, urbanization, population and economic development. This has resulted in water scarcity and water quality problems in some regions. At present, the hydrological cycle is being modified at a rapid pace due to the overexploitation of water resources, changes in cropping pattern, land use, groundwater depletion, seawater intrusion, pollution and water pricing models. Apart from these, there have also been observed changes in the increase of average temperature, humidity and coastal erosion. It is recognized that sustainable water resources development and management is an important and urgent issue to be taken up seriously. Therefore, an objective assessment of the availability of water resources in the context of the future water requirements, impacts of climate change and its variability is very crucial for sustainable development. This paper examines in detail the potential for sustainable management of freshwater resources within the constraints of climate change.