ABSTRACT
India has a long coastline encompassing large land masses. There are 14 major, 44 medium, and 162 small rivers with a mean annual runoff of 1,645 km3. Some of these rivers discharge into the sea after traveling long distances and draining both agricultural and urban areas (Figure 5.1). Many cities and small towns are located in coastal areas and nearly 25 percent of India’s population live in these places. There is considerable runoff into river systems from agricultural activities. In coastal areas where rice is grown, excess water often drains off through drainage canals and into the sea. Much of India’s rice cultivation is under submerged (flooded) conditions.
