Published Paper Details:

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) has emerged as a crucial approach for addressing water scarcity, quality degradation, and sectoral competition in agrarian regions of India. The present study examines the status, challenges, and prospects of integrated water resource management in Banka District, Bihar, with special emphasis on surface and groundwater utilization, institutional arrangements, and sector-wise water demand. The study is based on secondary hydrological data, water supply records, agricultural statistics, and primary field observations. Temporal variations in rainfall, groundwater levels, and irrigation dependency have been analysed using statistical techniques. The findings reveal increasing pressure on groundwater resources due to agriculture-dominated water demand, uneven access to drinking water, and limited recharge interventions. Seasonal variability of rainfall and inefficient water-use practices further intensify local water stress. The study argues that fragmented management approaches need to be replaced by an integrated framework focusing on demand management, conservation, institutional coordination, and community participation. The paper highlights the relevance of IWRM as a policy-oriented and sustainable pathway for ensuring long-term water security in district-level planning.