India's water crisis and the urgent need for comprehensive water management reforms have gained focus with increasing groundwater depletion and climate-induced water scarcity.
Introduction
India is facing a severe water crisis characterized by finite supplies, uneven distribution, and unsustainable practices. With over 54% of groundwater wells declining and 78% of monsoon rainwater flowing unused into the oceans, the nation's water resources are under critical pressure. By 2050, projected water consumption is expected to exceed supply, necessitating urgent reforms in water management.
Current Framework for Water Management in India
Constitutional Provisions
State List: Water is a State subject under Entry 17, List II of the Seventh Schedule, enabling states to legislate on water supply, irrigation, and canals.
Union List: The Centre governs inter-state rivers and river valleys under Entry 56, List I.
Article 21: The Right to Life indirectly includes the Right to Water, highlighting its fundamental significance.
Legislative Framework
Environment Protection Act, 1986: Regulates water pollution and requires environmental clearances for water-intensive projects.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Establishes water quality standards and penalizes pollution.
Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides for tribunals to resolve inter-state water disputes.
Institutional Mechanisms
Ministry of Jal Shakti: Oversees water resource programs and policies.
Central Water Commission (CWC): Manages water resource development and flood forecasting.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): Monitors and regulates groundwater resources.
Key Policies and Programs
National Water Policy (2012): Advocates sustainable and integrated water resource management.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Focuses on rainwater harvesting and rejuvenating water bodies.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims for functional household tap connections in rural areas.
Atal Bhujal Yojana: Promotes groundwater management through community participation.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Encourages efficient water use in agriculture.
Major Issues in Water Management
1. Over-Extraction of Groundwater
70% of monitored wells show significant depletion, with Punjab’s water table declining by 0.49 meters annually.
Groundwater supports 62% of irrigation and 85% of rural drinking water needs.
Free electricity for farmers exacerbates over-reliance on groundwater.
2. Inefficient Agricultural Water Use
Agriculture consumes 80% of India's water, yet inefficient irrigation methods like flood irrigation dominate.
States like Maharashtra cultivate water-intensive crops like sugarcane, consuming disproportionate water resources.
"Per Drop More Crop" remains underutilized.
3. Urban Water Mismanagement
Rapid urbanization has outpaced water infrastructure, leading to supply-demand mismatches.
Poor urban planning has reduced groundwater recharge, exacerbating water scarcity in cities like Bengaluru.
4. Water Pollution
Industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff pollute rivers and lakes.
Over 351 river stretches are polluted, with the Yamuna and Ganga being severely affected.
5. Climate Change Impacts
Erratic monsoon patterns and glacial melts aggravate seasonal water scarcity.
India's drought-prone area increased by 57% since 1997.
Measures for Enhanced Water Management
1. Regulating Groundwater Extraction
Implement mandatory water audits for industries and agriculture.
Rehabilitate stepwells, tanks, and johads to ensure sustainable water availability.
Example: Tarun Bharat Sangh NGO rejuvenated 11 rivers in Rajasthan.
3. Promoting Efficient Agricultural Practices
Transition to drip and sprinkler irrigation to improve efficiency by up to 70%.
Incentivize crop diversification from paddy and sugarcane to millets and pulses.
4. Strengthening Urban Water Infrastructure
Mandate rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling in urban projects.
Modernize water pipelines and adopt smart water management systems.
5. Advancing Wastewater Treatment
Invest in wastewater recycling for agriculture and industrial use.
Example: Chennai reuses 20% of its treated wastewater.
Conclusion
India's water crisis demands immediate and concerted action, emphasizing sustainable practices, efficient governance, and technological innovation. A multi-pronged approach integrating traditional wisdom, modern technology, and community participation can ensure water security for future generations. Addressing systemic inefficiencies and promoting equitable distribution are pivotal for achieving this goal.
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