Assessment of Hydroclimatic Variability and Its Impact on Water Resources in the Upper Watrak River Basin, Gujarat, India.

Abstract

Hydroclimatic variability significantly affects water resource availability, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study examines long-term changes in rainfall, temperature, and streamflow within the Upper Watrak River Basin in Gujarat, India. Using observed data from 1980 to 2020, statistical techniques such as the Mann-Kendall trend test, Sen’s slope estimator, and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) were employed to detect climatic trends. The study reveals a statistically significant decline in monsoonal rainfall and a rise in temperature, contributing to increased drought frequency and reduced streamflow. These changes pose a threat to sustainable water resource management, especially in agriculture-dependent regions. The paper proposes adaptive strategies to enhance water security and climate resilience in the basin.