Study carried out by IIT researchers has found _____ in spatial variability of mean monsoon rainfall over major river basins in India

a. Increase

b. Decrease

c. No Difference

d. None of the above

ANSWER: Decrease

Explanation:

A study conducted by IIT-M and IIT-B researchers has found decrease in spatial variability of mean monsoon rainfall over major river basins in the country.

Though there is a statistically significant decrease in monsoon rainfall over major water surplus basins, there is no such increase in monsoon rainfall over major water deficit river basins.

Major surplus basins like Godavari and Mahanadi are witnessing significant decrease in rainfall.

Decrease has been within 10 percent.

Water yields in major deficit river basins such as Ganga and Indus have increased during 1976-2000 as against 25 years (1951-1975), the trend is not statistically significant according to Prof Gunthe from IIT-M

Ganga which is a major water deficit basin has seen considerable increase in rainfall, while Yamuna, Krishna and Cauvery river basins exhibit a decrease.

There has been increase in extreme rainfall events in India yet this is not significant for water availability as surplus water gets wasted.

Latest study found that amount of summer monsoon rainfall over Indian river basins does not support the rule that “wet gets wetter and dry gets drier.”

Changes in rainfall pattern over major river basins in India raises concerns with respect to suitability and viability of interlinking major river water basins.

Water demand in the surplus basin needs to be assessed and matched under falling water availability scenario before transferring water from surplus to deficit river basins indicating the need for a systematic approach.