Sustainability of Water Resource Management in The Wake of Climate Change: A Case Study

Abstract

The importance of water is well known. Millions of people worldwide suffer from water scarcity. Rainwater harvesting is an ancient technique for the utilization of water. In many developed and developing countries, they use rainwater harvesting to fulfill their daily water demand in elevated areas. We know the value of water when the well is dry. Water scarcity is an alarming issue worldwide. Climate change directly affects the global temperature, weather patterns, and underground water level. The study aims to identify water scarcity, the availability of water for drinking, agricultural practices, and flood risk control. This age-old practice is still acceptable by modern feasibility criteria in hilly areas. The study has been conducted in Gandao town district Mohmand, located at an elevated place, therefore cannot use groundwater. Community wells and surface water is their primary source. The methodology used for this study is by collecting preliminary data through visiting the area and other related data such as water discharge, population, and land distribution data obtained from their concerned departments. Watershed analysis was performed for calculating catchment area and relevant parameters. It has been found that the average annual precipitation based on data from the year 1960 to 2006 is 355.2 mm. The maximum surcharge level 2045.1 foams for a peak discharge of 13623 CFS. The results show us that proper rainwater management will minimize the water scarcity problems for up to 50 years for the people of Gandao town and its surrounding settlements. Furthermore, it will supply a sufficient amount of water for drinking and agricultural practices.