Environmental Flows in Water Resources: Policies, Plans and Practice

Water resources refer to the natural sources of water that are available for various human uses, including drinking, agriculture, industry, and recreation. These resources include surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as well as groundwater stored in underground aquifers. They also include precipitation in the form of rain, snow, and ice, which replenishes surface water and groundwater supplies through the hydrological cycle. Water resources management refers to the deliberate management of water releases from dams and other water infrastructure to sustain ecosystems and their services. Effective policies and plans for environmental flows are essential to ensure sustainable water management. These policies typically involve setting flow targets based on ecological requirements and scientific assessments of rivers and wetlands. Implementing environmental flow policies requires coordination among multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, water utilities, environmental organizations, and local communities. It involves monitoring and adjusting water releases to meet ecological objectives while considering human water needs for agriculture, industry, and urban areas. This book studies, analyzes and upholds the pillars of environmental flows in water resources and its utmost significance in modern times. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of this field are examined in detail. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts and applications of the subject.