Monsoon Variability and Water Resource Management in India
Geography
- PYQs1
- Articles1
Background
UPSC cares about the impact of climate change on India, food security, the water crisis, inter-state water disputes, sustainable development goals, and disaster management (droughts, floods).
The Indian monsoon, particularly the Southwest Monsoon, is the lifeblood of India's agriculture, water resources, and economy, accounting for a significant portion of the annual rainfall. Variability in monsoon patterns, including deficit rainfall or extreme events, poses significant challenges to water resource management across various sectors.
Facts & tables
- Southwest Monsoon Contribution
- Contributes 70-75% of India's annual rainfall.
- Impact of Variability
- Directly impacts agricultural output, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation.
- Climate Change Influence
- Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme monsoon events.
- Management Strategies
- Effective water resource management involves strategies for conservation, storage, and efficient utilization.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Indian Hydrography & Water Bodies |
| Conceptual area | Climate Change & Conventions |
| Conceptual area | Physical & Regional Geography |
| Conceptual area | Environment & Ecology |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| India Meteorological Department (IMD) | Monitors and forecasts monsoon |
| Central Water Commission (CWC) | Advises on water resource development and management |
| Ministry of Jal Shakti | Formulates policies for water resources |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- Southwest Monsoon is vital for India's water resources.
- Variability (deficit/excess) causes widespread impacts.
- Affects agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.
- Climate change exacerbates monsoon unpredictability.
- Requires robust water resource management strategies.
Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Indian Hydrography & Water Bodies
Conceptual area
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Climate Change & Conventions
Conceptual area
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Physical & Regional Geography
Conceptual area
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Environment & Ecology
Conceptual area
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Prelims 2017
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Bleak scenario: State’s hydel storage second-lowest in last 10 years
Monsoon variability, especially deficit rainfall, severely impacts India's water resources, leading to challenges in agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower generation. Effective water resource management, including robust storage and conservation strategies, is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of an unpredictable monsoon, which is increasingly influenced by climate change.
See also
In the news
Bleak scenario: State’s hydel storage second-lowest in last 10 years
Monsoon variability, especially deficit rainfall, severely impacts India's water resources, leading to challenges in agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower generation. Effective water resource management, including robust storage and conservation strategies, is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of an unpredictable monsoon, which is increasingly influenced by climate change.
Try these PYQs
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. IOD phenomenon is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between the tropical Western Indian Ocean and the tropical Eastern Indian Ocean, not the Eastern Pacific Ocean. During a positive IOD, the western Indian Ocean is warmer than the eastern Indian Ocean, and vice versa for a negative IOD. Statement 2 is Correct: The IOD phenomenon can indeed influence El Nio's impact on the Indian monsoon. El Nio itself is a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean, but it can interact with the IOD. Depending on the phases of both phenomena (positive/negative IOD and El Nino/La Nina), the overall impact on the Indian monsoon rainfall can be amplified or weakened. Hence, option B is the correct answer.