Sarish Khera
Abstract
Freshwater is a synonym to life, as life is not possible without water. The variability in climate patterns can have long-term implications and cascading affects which can lead to agricultural instability, water scarcity, habitat loss, wild fires and extreme weather events. The present study evaluates the trends of precipitation in Punjab spatially and temporally. The trends are studied through Mann-Kendall Test and Senââ¬â¢s Slope Estimator Test. The results demonstrate statistically significant decreasing trends in annual and monsoon rainfall in Punjab. The significant variations in annual and monsoonal rainfall can easily translate into increased water demand in domestic, agricultural and industrial sectors. Climate variability and erratic monsoon can act major water stressors in Punjab. Groundwater replenishment is another effect of climate change which can alter surface water and base flows in a region. With the projections of variability in rainfall patterns, environmental malady like desertification can take over Punjab.