Area of water resources across India 2018 by leading state

Odisha had the largest combined area of water resources in India, with around 998 thousand hectares of water resources as of 2018. The coastal state largely depends on the southwest monsoons for its water resources along with its surface water and groundwater reserves.

Chilika lake - Puri

The state is bestowed with an extensive network of rivers and streams. It also has the largest area of brackish water in the country. The famous Chilika lake, a brackish water lagoon, spreads over a thousand kilometers, is the largest in the country, and the second largest globally. As the most significant breeding ground for migratory birds, the Chilika lake was the first wetland of international importance under Ramsar Convention.

Need for conservation

The river system in the country also poses a massive risk to close to five million population annually. Incessant rainfall, consequent floods and cyclonic storms have affected many districts in the state. Between soaring temperatures, natural disasters, and depleting freshwater resources to meet the demands of industrial, domestic, environmental sectors, integrated water resources development and management approach is the need of the hour.