discussed briefly along with measurement of stream flow which is essential for
the engineers to embark on any project. Description of few major dams are also
given for general information.
Flood is an annual phenomenon in areas of excess rainfall and causes
enormous hardship and losses to human kind. A chapter has been devoted on
flood and its protection works.
Groundwater is one of the most important component of hydrologic cycle. Use
of groundwater is known from the ancient times. With the advancement of
science and technology groundwater is withdrawn even from a depth of 2 km
where there is dearth of water. This is a natural storage being replenished every
year from rainfall and is popular as a most dependable drinking water source. It
is estimated that half of world population use groundwater for drinking water
purposes. It is also a major source of irrigation and in the Indo-Gangetic plains
of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal groundwater irrigation covers more than
50% of irrigated area.
Understanding of groundwater science is essential for planning its
utilization so that there is no over-exploitation of groundwater creating grave
danger, particularly in the alluvial terrain. A chapter is devoted for understanding
the occurrence of groundwater, various methods of its utilization, it quality etc.
Flow of groundwater broadly follows Darcy's law, provided the movement is
laminar and the medium of flow is homogenous. In most cases the aquifer or
the porous medium through which the water flows are heterogenous in
character. Flows through such natural conditions are complex in nature and
various mathematical equations are evolved to suit the site conditions.
Withdrawal of groundwater from depth are made by various methods : Dug
wells, Tube wells, Bore wells etc. depending upon local hydrological conditions.
Various methods of construction are deployed for open or dug wells, tube wells
in various hydrological situations including hard rock areas, shallow tubewells,
deep tubewells. Suitable pumpsets like centrifugal, vertical turbine,
submersible pumpsets are fitted with such groundwater structures to draw
required water.
Pollution of water is a grave societal problem affecting health and
hygiene and also restricting availability of good quality water. With the
advancement of science and technology, contaminated and polluted water can
be purified and used. Recycling of waste water is an important area today.
Demands of water is increasing day by day in the field of domestic, industry and
agriculture. The need for the day is judicious use of water and a holistsic
approach for water resource management.
The book discusses these aspects briefly and may be helpful for the beginners
or people interested on the subject.
viii
