Climate Change Threatens India's Lentic Water Bodies

Strategic Insights -

India's lentic water bodies are under significant threat due to climate change, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. The research found that changes in precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and intensifying extreme weather events are deteriorating water quality, degrading habitats, and reducing biodiversity. The study examined the interplay between socioeconomic and environmental factors affecting lentic water bodies in four Indian states: Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the urgent need for targeted lentic water body conservation strategies in India, addressing both socioeconomic and environmental drivers to ensure sustainable water management and biodiversity preservation.
  • The analysis reveals notable land use/land cover changes, with urbanization expanding at the cost of agricultural and barren lands, leading to habitat loss, fragmentation, and pollution.
  • The study shows that Gujarat experienced a significant increase in lentic water body area, growing from 308 km2 in 1990 to 885 km2 by 2019.
  • The research utilized Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the relationships between socioeconomic and environmental factors with lentic water body ecosystems.
  • The coupling coordination degree (CCD) model evaluated coordinated development in the study area, indicating a shift from slightly unstable development.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of balanced interventions to stabilize lentic water body ecosystem health.

Statistics:

  • 308 km2: Lentic water body area in Gujarat in 1990.
  • 885 km2: Lentic water body area in Gujarat in 2019, representing a significant increase of 187%.
  • 1990-2020: Time period examined in the study to assess the impact of socioeconomic and environmental changes on lentic water bodies.
  • 100703: Unique identifier for the journal article.

Sources:

  • "Exploring the intersection of socioeconomic and environmental changes and their impact on India's lentic water systems." (Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 2025, 26(), 100703)
  • "Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Researchers Have Provided New Study Findings on Environmental Factors." (NewsRx, 2025)
  • "NewsRx." (Ecology, Environment & Conservation, June 13, 2025, p. 523)