DEVELOPMENT OF DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR WATER RESOURCES PLANNING IN A WATERSHED

Abstract

Watershed management is one of the promising approaches for management of water resources in and and semi-arid Indian ecosystems. The gap between demand and supply of water in these areas is growing with the population. The real challenge on water resources planning at micro level is to assess the quantum of water demand and availability. This is due to unavailability of adequate database. Watershed based planning considering the availability of water resources and demand for all purposes is being considered as the most appropriate approach. Watershed-based planning aims at management of water resources of area (often micro watershed). This approach as far as possible helps in meeting the -local water requirement from available water resources. In-situ retention of rainfall, groundwater recharge, water harvesting in ponds and keeping balance between optimal water use and replenishment of water resources during the year are major activities proposed in this concept.