Water management has become a critical global issue, evolving from a focus on scarcity to the pursuit of sustainability. As populations grow and climate change intensifies, the availability of clean water has emerged as a pressing challenge, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Traditionally, water management centered on addressing immediate shortages through supply-side solutions such as reservoirs and water transfers. However, contemporary strategies emphasize a holistic approach that includes demand management, conservation, and the integration of advanced technologies. This shift reflects a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of water resources, the necessity for equitable access, and the imperative to protect this vital resource for future generations. Effective water management now aims not only to meet current needs but also to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience against environmental changes.
Tags: GS – 3, Ecology & environment-  Water Resources— Conservation of Resources
Context:
- India faces an imminent water crisis due to severe water scarcity exacerbated by heat waves and erratic rainfall.
- Declining river flows and groundwater levels have worsened conditions, causing taps to run dry in cities like Bengaluru.
- Addressing this requires more than just providing tap water connections; India needs a sustainable water management policy emphasising conservation, equitable distribution, and holistic strategies.
What is the Structure of Water Management in India?
- Central Level:
- Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS): Established in May 2019, formulates national water policies and oversees water resource management.
- Central Water Commission (CWC): Provides technical guidance on water resource development projects and river basin planning.
- Central Groundwater Board (CGWB): Assesses, monitors, and manages groundwater resources.
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Ensures water cleanliness by preventing and reducing water pollution.
- State Level:
- State Water Resources Departments: Implement water policies and manage resources within states.
- Irrigation Departments: Manage irrigation systems and distribute water for agriculture.
- State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Monitor and control water pollution.
- Local Level:
- Panchayats (Village Councils): Manage water resources, promote conservation, and ensure equitable distribution.
- Municipalities: Manage water supply and sanitation in urban areas.
- Water User Associations (WUAs): Manage local irrigation systems and maintenance
| Constitutional Provisions Related to Water Fundamental Right: Water is included within the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, essential for human survival.Entry 56 of Union List: Grants the central government authority to regulate and develop inter-state rivers and river valleys for public interest.Entry 17 of State List: Covers water supply, irrigation, canals, drainage, embankments, water storage, and water power within the domain of state governments.Article 262: Empowers Parliament to legislate on disputes concerning inter-state rivers or river valleys, excluding their jurisdiction from any court, including the Supreme Court. |
What are the Major Factors Driving Water Crisis in India?
- Largest Global Extractor: India extracts approximately 25% of the world’s groundwater, causing significant depletion of aquifers.
- Agricultural Dominance: About 78% of India’s freshwater is used for agriculture, mainly through flood irrigation, exacerbating water scarcity, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Aging water systems, widespread leakages, and poor maintenance contribute to substantial water loss, with Mumbai alone losing 700 million litres daily.
- Urbanization and Industry: Rapid urban growth and industrialization intensify water demand and pollution, with five of the world’s 20 most water-stressed cities located in India.
- Environmental Impact: Unregulated sand mining disrupts river ecosystems and increases flood risks, exemplified by the Yamuna river’s degradation.
- Governance Challenges: Fragmented water management across ministries and states leads to inefficiencies and conflicts, such as the ongoing Cauvery water dispute.
- Neglect of Demand-Side Management: Policies focus on supply expansion over demand-side measures like water-efficient technologies and recycling, with only 30% of wastewater recycled.
- Climate Threats: Rising sea levels contribute to salinization of coastal aquifers, threatening freshwater availability in states like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
What are the Challenges posed by water scarcity in India?
- Human Capital Development: Girls miss school due to the time burden of water collection, hindering their education. Waterborne illnesses from scarcity can also impair children’s cognitive development.
- Long-Term Economic Risks: The World Bank predicts water scarcity could cost India up to 6% of GDP by 2050, deterring investment in water-intensive industries and impacting job creation.
- Rise of Water Mafias: In cities like Bangalore, “water mafias” control water tanker access, leading to exorbitant prices and social inequalities.
- Transboundary Water Disputes: Scarcity may escalate tensions with neighbouring countries sharing river basins like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Biodiversity Threat: Depleting water levels and pollution endanger freshwater species like the Ganges River Dolphin, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
| What are the Government Initiatives To Tackle the Water Crisis in India? National Water Policy, 2012Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee YojanaJal Shakti Abhiyan- Catch the Rain CampaignAtal Bhujal YojanaJal Jeevan Mission (JJM)National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) |
What are the measures to tackle the water crisis?
- Transforming Fallow Land into Recharging Units: Convert underutilised land into “water parks” with bioswales, wetlands, and rainwater harvesting to recharge aquifers.
- Desalination with Renewable Energy: Develop desalination plants powered by renewables and waste-to-energy tech for sustainable water production.
- Urban Rainwater Harvesting: Mandate rainwater harvesting in new and existing buildings, coupled with green roofs to replenish groundwater.
- Promoting Drip Irrigation and Aquaponics: Encourage drip irrigation to minimise water loss and support aquaponics for efficient water use.
- Smart Water Grids: Implement sensor-based grids for leak detection, pressure management, and efficient water distribution.
- Fog Harvesting: Explore fog harvesting technologies in hilly regions to capture moisture for water supply.
- Decentralised Water Management: Adopt community-driven approaches like the Swajal project and decentralised wastewater treatment systems.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage PPPs for water infrastructure development to leverage private sector expertise and funding.
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) for Industries: Mandate ZLD systems in industries to treat and recycle wastewater, reducing freshwater demand.
- Eco-Industrial Parks: Establish parks where industries share and reuse water resources to conserve freshwater and minimise pollution.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims: Q.1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021) (a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Ropar Ans: A Q.2. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements: (2021) 1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector. 2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank. 3. It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: C Mains: Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020) Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020) |
Source: Â IE
FAQ 1: What is water scarcity, and what are its main causes?
Answer:
Water scarcity refers to the shortage of adequate and safe water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region. The main causes of water scarcity include:
- Population Growth: Increased demand for water for personal, agricultural, and industrial use.
- Climate Change: Altered precipitation patterns, increased frequency of droughts, and melting of glaciers.
- Pollution: Contamination of water sources by chemicals, waste, and other pollutants.
- Poor Water Management: Inefficient use of water resources, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate policies.
- Economic Factors: Inability to afford the infrastructure needed for clean and reliable water supply.
FAQ 2: How can individuals contribute to water conservation at home?
Answer:
Individuals can contribute to water conservation through several practices:
- Fix Leaks: Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets to prevent water wastage.
- Use Water-Efficient Appliances: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
- Water-Smart Landscaping: Use drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems.
- Mindful Water Use: Turn off taps while brushing teeth, take shorter showers, and only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Collect and use rainwater for gardening and other non-potable purposes.
FAQ 3: What role do governments play in managing water resources sustainably?
Answer:
Governments play a crucial role in water resource management through:
- Legislation and Regulation: Enacting laws to protect water sources, manage pollution, and ensure fair distribution.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in reservoirs, treatment plants, and distribution networks.
- Education and Outreach: Promoting awareness and best practices for water conservation among citizens.
- Incentives and Subsidies: Offering financial incentives for water-saving technologies and practices.
- Research and Innovation: Supporting research into new technologies and methods for efficient water use and management.
FAQ 4: What are some sustainable water management practices for agriculture?
Answer:
Sustainable water management practices for agriculture include:
- Drip Irrigation: Delivering water directly to the roots of plants, reducing evaporation and runoff.
- Soil Moisture Monitoring: Using sensors to measure soil moisture levels and optimize irrigation schedules.
- Crop Rotation and Diversification: Growing different crops in succession to improve soil health and water retention.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation purposes.
- Conservation Tillage: Reducing tillage to maintain soil structure and moisture content.
FAQ 5: How does climate change impact water availability and management?
Answer:
Climate change significantly impacts water availability and management in several ways:
- Altered Precipitation Patterns: Changes in rainfall distribution can lead to more intense and frequent droughts or floods.
- Glacial Melt: Increased temperatures cause glaciers to melt, initially increasing water flow but eventually leading to reduced water supply.
- Increased Evaporation: Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation from water bodies and soil, reducing available water.
- Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, contaminating drinking water sources.
- Changes in Water Demand: Warmer temperatures and altered growing seasons can change agricultural water requirements and increase water demand for cooling and irrigation.
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