- As part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Indian government has instituted the National Water Mission, one of the eight National Missions.
- The primary aim of NWM is to focus on integrated water resource development and management, with a core objective centered on conserving water, preventing wastage, and ensuring equitable distribution among and within states.
- The Mission aligns with the requirements outlined in the National Water Policy and aims to establish a framework that enhances water usage efficiency by 20% through regulatory mechanisms incorporating entitlements and pricing strategies.
OBJECTIVES OF NWM
- Integrated Water Resource Management:
- Ensure the implementation of integrated water resource management practices to conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure equitable distribution both across and within states.
- Framework Creation:
- Establish a comprehensive framework to optimize water usage efficiency by 20% through the implementation of regulatory mechanisms incorporating varying entitlements and pricing strategies, while aligning with the principles outlined in the National Water Policy (NWP).
- Wastewater Recycling:
- Ensure a significant portion of the water requirements in metropolitan regions is met through the recycling of wastewater, thereby conserving freshwater resources.
- Utilization of Modern Technology for Ocean Water Desalination:
- Utilize advanced technologies, such as low-temperature desalination methods, to harness ocean water for meeting the water needs of coastal cities lacking alternative water sources.
- Review of Basin-level Management Strategies:
- Review and enhance basin-level management strategies to address fluctuations in rainfall and river flows induced by climate change. Strategies include improving above- and below-ground storage, implementing rainwater harvesting, and establishing equitable and effective management structures.
- Creation of Regulatory Frameworks:
- Develop new regulatory frameworks to modernize outdated irrigation systems, expand irrigation infrastructure to enhance storage capacity, and rehabilitate damaged irrigation systems for improved water management.
- Adoption of Large-scale Irrigation Program:
- Implement a large-scale irrigation program based on efficient irrigation techniques, coupled with the replenishment of subsurface water sources, to encourage the adoption of water-neutral and water-positive technologies for sustainable water usage.
MAJOR PROVISIONS OF NWM
- Establishment of a Standardized National Information System:
- Develop a network of data banks and databases to facilitate the collection, storage, and dissemination of water-related information across the nation.
- Guidelines for Water Facility Security:
- Implement guidelines to ensure the security of water-related infrastructure, such as storage dams, to safeguard against potential threats.
- Regulation of Groundwater Extraction:
- Enforce regulations to control the extraction of groundwater, ensuring sustainable usage and replenishment of aquifers.
- Allocation of Water for Various Uses:
- Prioritize water allocation for essential purposes such as drinking water, irrigation, hydropower generation, navigation, industrial use, and other essential sectors.
- Rationalization of Water Rates:
- Rationalize water rates for surface water and groundwater, considering the interests of small and marginal farmers, to ensure equitable access to water resources.
- Management of Floods and Droughts:
- Develop strategies for managing floods and droughts effectively, including measures for flood control, drought mitigation, erosion management, and disaster preparedness.
- Farmer Participation and Water Quality Management:
- Encourage active participation of farmers in water management initiatives and implement measures to improve water quality, ensuring its suitability for various uses.
- Water Zoning and Conservation:
- Implement water zoning policies to designate areas for specific water uses and promote water conservation practices to optimize resource utilization and minimize wastage.
NATIONAL WATER MISSION AWARD
National Water Mission Awards 2019 recognized outstanding achievements in water conservation, effective water usage, and sustainable water management. Ten categories were acknowledged, with various organizations and departments honored for their contributions:
- Comprehensive Public Water Database:
- The Water Resources Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Irrigation and CAD Department of the Government of Telangana were awarded for their efforts in developing comprehensive public water databases.
- Assessment of Climate Change Effects on Water Resources:
- The Environmental Planning and Coordination Organisation (EPCO), Department of Environment, Bhopal, received recognition for its assessment of the impacts of climate change on water resources.
- Promotion of Citizen and State Action for Water Conservation:
- The Water Resources Department of the Government of Rajasthan and the Department of Soil and Water Conservation of the Government of Punjab were acknowledged for promoting citizen and state action towards water conservation, augmentation, and preservation.
- Attention to Sensitive Areas:
- The Ambuja Cement Foundation and the State Ground Water Department, Government of Telangana, were honored for their concentrated efforts in sensitive areas, particularly over-exploited regions.
- Increasing Water Use Efficiency by 20% (Local Individuals/Farmers/Citizens):
- Individuals and farmers who achieved a 20% increase in water use efficiency were recognized for their contributions to sustainable water management.
- Increasing Water Use Efficiency by 20% (Public Organizations):
- The Telangana State Government’s Department of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation received the award for its Mission Bhagiratha program aimed at increasing water use efficiency.
- Increasing Water Use Efficiency by 20% (Industries/Corporate):
- Raymond UCO Denim Pvt Ltd, Lalitpur Power Generation Company Ltd, and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, Guntur, were awarded for their initiatives in increasing water use efficiency within industries and corporate sectors.
- Promotion of Basin-level Integrated Water Resources Management:
- Andhra Pradesh’s water resources department was recognized for its promotion of basin-level integrated water resources management.
- Maharashtra Water Resources Department:
- The Water Resources Department of Maharashtra was acknowledged for its notable contributions to water resource management and conservation efforts.
FAQs– National Water Mission
1. What is the National Water Mission (NWM)?
A: The National Water Mission is a crucial component of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on integrated water resource development and management to ensure water conservation, prevent wastage, and ensure equitable distribution.
2. What are the main objectives of NWM?
A: The objectives include implementing integrated water resource management practices, enhancing water usage efficiency by 20%, promoting wastewater recycling, adopting modern technologies for water desalination, reviewing basin-level management strategies, creating regulatory frameworks, and implementing large-scale irrigation programs.
3. What are the major provisions of NWM?
A: The major provisions encompass the establishment of a national information system, guidelines for water facility security, regulation of groundwater extraction, allocation of water for various uses, rationalization of water rates, management of floods and droughts, farmer participation, water quality management, and water zoning for conservation.
4. How does NWM recognize achievements in water conservation?
A: NWM Awards commend notable contributions in water conservation, effective usage, and sustainable management. Recognized categories include the development of water databases, climate change impact assessments, citizen and state action promotion, attention to sensitive areas, efficiency improvement efforts by individuals, public organizations, and industries, promotion of basin-level integrated management, and notable contributions by specific state water resource departments.
5. Who were the recipients of the National Water Mission Awards 2019?
A: Recipients included various governmental departments and organizations such as the Water Resources Department of Andhra Pradesh, Irrigation and CAD Department of Telangana, Environmental Planning and Coordination Organisation (EPCO) in Bhopal, Ambuja Cement Foundation, State Ground Water Department of Telangana, and corporations like Raymond UCO Denim Pvt Ltd, Lalitpur Power Generation Company Ltd, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, among others.
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