Groundwater of South Asia

Recent research on groundwater in South Asia, including its quantity, exploration, quality, pollution, economics, management, policies, and sustainable sources, is compiled in this book. The region, which is home to 25% of the world's population but only 4% of the global land area, is experiencing a severe freshwater shortage due to increased demand and changing water-use patterns.

Format: Hardback
Length: 799 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2018
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the latest findings from the South Asian region (SA), encompassing a wide range of topics related to groundwater. These include studies on groundwater quantity, exploration, quality, pollution, economics, management, policies, groundwater-society interactions, and sustainable sources. By presenting a compilation of compelling and authentic insights into groundwater scenarios across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the book offers a valuable resource for scientists, planners, and policymakers interested in understanding and developing the SA and other related areas.

The SA region is the most densely populated in the world, occupying approximately 4% of global land area but supporting more than 25% of the global population. However, it is currently facing an acute shortage of fresh water due to a rapid rise in water demand and significant changes in societal water-use patterns. This book aims to address these challenges by combining essential advances and perspectives, providing valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of groundwater resources in the SA region.

Groundwater plays a crucial role in meeting the water needs of millions of people in the SA region. It is a renewable and reliable source of water, often being the primary source of drinking water for many communities. However, the availability and quality of groundwater are threatened by various factors, including overpumping, pollution, and climate change. This book explores these issues in depth, providing insights into the strategies and technologies that can be used to manage and protect groundwater resources.

One of the key challenges facing the SA region is the rapid rise in water demand. With the population expected to continue to grow, there is a growing need for more water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. This has led to overpumping of groundwater resources, leading to depletion, land subsidence, and water quality degradation. The book discusses the importance of sustainable groundwater management practices, including the development of groundwater recharge systems, the implementation of water conservation measures, and the promotion of efficient water use.

Another important aspect of groundwater management in the SA region is the issue of pollution. Groundwater is susceptible to contamination from various sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and human sewage. This pollution can have serious health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The book explores the strategies and technologies that can be used to reduce and prevent groundwater pollution, including the use of treated wastewater, the implementation of pollution control measures, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Groundwater-society interactions are also a critical aspect of groundwater management in the SA region. Many communities rely on groundwater for their daily needs, and their access to and control over groundwater resources can be a source of conflict. The book discusses the importance of community participation in groundwater management, including the development of participatory decision-making processes, the promotion of water rights, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods.

In addition to these topics, the book also explores the role of sustainable sources of groundwater in meeting the water needs of the SA region. This includes the development of groundwater-based irrigation systems, the use of rainwater harvesting, and the exploration of alternative water sources such as aquifers and boreholes. The book discusses the economic, social, and environmental benefits of these sustainable sources of groundwater, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation.

Overall, this comprehensive book offers a valuable resource for all scientists, planners, and policymakers who are interested in understanding and developing the SA and other related areas. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of groundwater resources in the SA region, and highlights the need for sustainable and equitable management practices. By combining essential advances and perspectives, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the SA region in the 21st century.

Weight: 1494g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811038884
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018