Climate change impact on water resources and sustainable adaptation strategies in south sikkim: a study of ravangla-tinkitam rural areas

Climate change is a serious environmental concern not only at global level but regional and local level too. It is primarily caused by the increasing up of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere due to increase negative human interference to the environment which cause impact on the changes in temperature, precipitation, increase the rate of melting glaciers, increase in sea level is an emerging issue. Water is an essential resource to maintain ecological balance, sustain livelihood and economy. It serves as the fundamental link between the climate system, human society and the environment. Depleting prime recourses, frequently drying up natural spring, lakes and ponds are the serious concern of local communities. Climate change has substantial impact on both water resources demand and availability. Adaptation is an adjustment in human and natural systems in response to actual or expected climate stimuli or their impacts that moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities (IPCC 2007). Sustainable Adaptation techniques are the only weapons to cope up potential impact of dynamic behavioural challenges caused by the climatic elements.