Influential factors of water scarcity in Bharathapuzha basin, India

Abstract

Water scarcity is a complex problem that progresses very slowly over time. This study gives a procedure for the evaluation of water scarcity in a river basin. The study area is the Bharathapuzha river basin in Kerala, India. The present study has two steps (i) assessment of water scarcity using blue water scarcity indicator and (ii) analysis of influential factors. The extent and severity of water scarcity rise during January and February and reach maximum during March. The influential factors such as variation in change in demand, hydrological parameters, and the impact of land use change and engineering measures on streamflow are analysed. Among the findings are the increase in demand due to growth in industries and population, long-term reduction in annual and southwest monsoon, especially in water scarce regions. In addition, Soil Water Assessment Tool model has been carried out to find the impact of land use change and engineering measures.