Hydrology and water management in the anthropocene: challenges and opportunities with particular reference to India

Abstract

The Anthropocene period is characterised by multiple stressors triggered by human-induced changes in the hydrological cycle and land surface transformations. The arrival of humans on this planet has significantly altered the biophysical systems, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, commonly known as the era of the Great Acceleration. It is important to recognise these changes in the hydrological systems and start planning country-specific and sustainable strategies to mitigate the challenges posed in terms of water availability and demands, water-related disasters, river health and river ecology. It is of particular importance to realise that our water resource system may already cross the tipping point of exploitation. Water is undoubtedly the most essential commodity for humans, but it is equally important to understand the needs of other ecosystems that depend on water. This article documents the challenges and opportunities of water resource management in the Anthropocene, which is particularly relevant to India and proposes a series of urgent measures to mitigate the situation. We reason that a better understanding of our hydrological systems will contribute to water security and resilience to society in terms of water and the environment and contribute to the growth of the nation.