Abstract

We often hear that stringent rules have been promulgated to ensure apt water management, but the reality is that nothing tangible has been achieved, in spite of considerable money and energy spent. Unless those who are associated with water management take into consideration the intricate relation between Man and Nature and the vulnerabilities associated with aberrations in the hydrological cycle in space and time in formulating strategies to address various facets of water management, we invariably end up in a cobweb built by environmental, socio-economic, emotional and political impacts. An effort is made to expose the basics associated with water management and the essential steps to achieve a modicum of success in implementing water management activities. Scenario present in India is discussed to logically expose our limitations in the existing management strategies/ policies. Some viable options to achieve reasonable success are detailed.

Keywords: Water management; Hydrological cycle; Man and nature