40 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Water Regime and its quality through a network of Hydrograph Stations. Data generated
from investigations undertaken by the board provides a scientific base for preparation of
Hydro-geological Maps, Atlases, delineation of Ground Water Worthy Areas and Formulation
of Ground Water Development Schemes. Beside advising the state governments on planning,
financing and administration of Ground Water Development Schemes, the board undertakes,
‘Water Balance Studies’ and organizes training of personal of all levels and disciplines of its
own and other state and Central Government Organisation including nominees of
International Organisations.
The board has completed an area of 29.89-lakh sq. upto the end of March 1990, out of
the total area of 32.9 lakh sq k.m. of the Country under Hydro-geological Surveys and
planned to complete the remaining by 1991. For the monitoring of Ground Water Regime,
the board established a National Network of 12, 450 Hydrographs Stations. Ground water
levels are being monitored by these stations quarterly in January, April/May, August and
November. Data is analysed to study impact of various input and output components on
Ground Water Regime. The board is presently having a fleet of 92 different kinds of Drilling
Rigs for Ground Water Exploration.
The board, through its, ‘Specialises Cells’ has initialed studies in the Field of Mathematic
Modelling, Data Storage and Retrieval and Ground Water Pollution.
It has also provided assistance to the National Drinking Water Mission for locating
sites for drinking water and to suggest suitable and economic structures to tap Ground
Water for Drinking Purpose in the Rural Areas.
Note : Courtesy Research and Reference Division Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Govt. of India.
RIVERS IN INDIA
Rivers in our Country may be classified as:
(i) Himalayan Rivers,
(ii) Peninsular Rivers,
(iii) Coastal Rivers,
(iv) Rivers of the Inland Drainage Basin.(i) Himalayan Rivers
The Himalayan Rivers are perennial as they are generally snow-fed and have reasonable
flow throughout the year. During the monsoon, the Himalayas receive very heavy rainfall
and the rivers discharge the maximum quantity of water causing frequent floods.
(ii) Peninsular Rivers
The Peninsular Rivers are generally rain-fed and therefore, fluctuate in volume.(iii) Coastal Rivers
A large number of the streams are Non-Perennial. The coastal streams, especially on
the West Coast are short in length and have limited Catchment Areas. Most of them are
flashy and non-perennial.