A recent study has identified four key areas in Gujarat with significant potential for dew harvesting, which could serve as a vital potable water source.

Field experiments conducted at eight different locations across Gujarat assessed dew volumes, aiming to establish trends that will aid future water resource management.

Gujarat, located in western India, is grappling with extreme water stress, receiving an average annual rainfall of only about 600 mm and experiencing a limited number of rainy days.

Water scarcity is a pressing global challenge, worsened by climate change, with approximately one-fourth of the world's population facing extreme water stress.

India ranks 13th among the 17 nations most impacted by water scarcity, with a notable decline in annual per capita water availability since 2001.

Dew, often overlooked as a water source, holds significant potential for harvesting in arid regions like Gujarat, especially during drought conditions.

The study utilizes a model to estimate dew yield based on meteorological data, validating its findings with direct measurements from dew condensers at various sites.

Factors influencing dew formation include climatic conditions such as clear skies and humidity, along with the materials and orientation of dew condensers.

Research suggests that while global warming may adversely affect both precipitation and dew yield, the decline in dew yield is anticipated to be less severe than that of rainfall.

The Composite Water Management Index reveals that 54% of India is currently experiencing high to extremely high water stress, a situation projected to worsen by 2050.

The findings from this research are intended to guide government and organizations in developing effective water harvesting strategies to address the growing water scarcity in Gujarat.

Unlike previous studies that focused on specific districts, this research aims to create comprehensive maps of dew and rainfall across Gujarat from 2005 to 2021.