HS2
Sustainable Development: Water Resources in 21st Century

Main Organiser
Dr. S. K. Gupta, Physical Research Laboratory, Box No. 4218, Navrangpura P.O., Ahmedabad 380 009, India.
skgupta@prl.ernet.in

Co-Organiser(s)
Dr. Philip Moravcik, Water Resources Research Center
morav@hawaii.edu

Prof. P.S. Datta, Nuclear Research Laboratory, Indian Agricultural Research Institute
psdatta@iari.res.in

Prof. R.J. Wasson, Centre for Resources and Environmental Studies, Institute of Advanced Studies, School of Resource management and Environmental Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
robert.wasson@anu.edu.au

Brief Description
Most countries in Asia Oceania region are facing environmental problems due to exploitative development of water resources. Pollution of fresh water with dwindling flows is a major concern. Besides, overuse of groundwater is adversely affecting the availability of safe drinking water. Although most countries seem to have an ample total quantity of water resources, many are approaching a water crisis with serious seasonal water shortages. Sustainable water resource management requires an understanding of regionality (water budget, hydro-climatology, meteorological/ hydrological extremes), river basin geohydrology (in mountainous terrain, alluvial plains, islands, wetlands), local problems (salinisation of soils, water table decline, land subsidence, natural and anthropogenic pollution). Climatically, monsoon Asia requires understanding of several issues. These can best be addressed through application of modern techniques such as isotope hydrology, remote sensing & GIS and modelling. Keeping this in mind it is proposed to hold a session on sustainable development of water in Asia-Oceania region in the 21st century.