Water Management: From Scarcity to Sustainability

This editorial is based on “Drying up: What Urban India needs to fix its water problem” which
was published in The Indian Express on 11/06/2024. The article brings into picture India's
escalating water crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to manage
dwindling river flows and aquifers.

For Prelims: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Water Commission, Central Groundwater Board,
Central Pollution Control Board, Article 262, Flood irrigation, Cauvery water dispute, Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan- Catch the Rain Campaign, Atal Bhujal
Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, National Mission for Clean Ganga

For Mains: Major Factors Driving Water Crisis in India, Government Initiatives To Tackle the Water Crisis
in India.

India is staring at an impending water catastrophe, with large swathes of the country reeling under
acute water scarcity. The unrelenting heat waves and erratic rainfall have exacerbated the crisis,
depleting rivers and aquifers at an alarming rate.

Reduced water flow in rivers and falling groundwater levels have made this summer extremely
difficult. In cities like Bengaluru, taps have run dry, leading to disputes between states over sharing of
river waters. Providing tap water connections alone is not enough to tackle this crisis. India needs a long-
term policy focused on conserving resources, and ensuring fair distribution and adopting a holistic
strategy for sustainable water management.

What is the Structure of Water Management in India?

Central Level:
Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS): Established in May 2019, it is the apex body responsible
for formulating national water policies and overseeing water resource management
activities across the country.
Central Water Commission (CWC): A technical organization under MoJS that
provides technical guidance on water resource development projects and river
basin planning.
Central Groundwater Board (CGWB): Responsible for assessing, monitoring, and
managing groundwater resources in India.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The CPCB's principal function, as defined in
the Water Act of 1974 is to promote the cleanliness of streams and wells across states
by preventing, controlling, and reducing water pollution.
State Level:
State Water Resources Departments: Responsible for implementing water policies and
 managing water resources within their respective states.
Irrigation Departments: Focus on managing irrigation systems and ensuring water
distribution for agricultural purposes.
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Responsible for monitoring and controlling
water pollution.
Local Level:
Panchayats (Village Councils): Play a crucial role in managing water resources at the
village level, including promoting water conservation and ensuring equitable distribution.
Municipalities: Responsible for managing water supply and sanitation in urban areas.
Water User Associations (WUAs): Groups of farmers formed to manage and maintain
irrigation systems at the local level.

What are the Constitutional Provisions Related to Water?

Fundamental Right: Water, essential for human survival, is encompassed within the right to life
under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Entry 56 of Union List: The central government is authorized to regulate and develop inter-
state rivers and river valleys as deemed necessary by Parliament for the public interest.
Entry 17 of State List: This entry pertains to water supply, irrigation, canals,
drainage, embankments, water storage, and water power.
Article 262: In cases of water-related disputes, Parliament can legislate to resolve issues
regarding the use, distribution, or control of inter-state rivers or river valleys.
Additionally, Parliament may enact laws to exclude such disputes from the jurisdiction
of any court, including the Supreme Court.

What are the Major Factors Driving Water Crisis in India?

Rapidly Depleting Groundwater Resources: India is the largest extractor of groundwater

globally, accounting for around 25% of the world's groundwater extraction (World Bank
).

Excessive withdrawal has led to alarming depletion of aquifers.

Increasing Water Demand from Agriculture: Agriculture accounts for around 78% of India's
freshwater usage (virtual water).

The Green Revolution led to the over-exploitation of groundwater for irrigation, with states
like Punjab and Haryana experiencing a drastic drop in water tables.

Flood irrigation, a highly inefficient method, is still widely practiced, leading to

significant water losses.
About 74% area under wheat cultivation and 65% area under rice cultivation faces
extreme levels of water scarcity (NITI Aayog).
Inadequate Water Infrastructure: India's water infrastructure is plagued by aging
systems, poor maintenance, and significant losses due to leakages and theft.
Mumbai loses around 700 million liters of water daily due to leakages.
A report by the NITI Aayog stated that around 2 lakh people die in India every
year due to inadequate water supply.
Urban Sprawl and Industrial Growth: Rapid urbanization and industrialization have
increased water demand, while also contributing to water pollution.
According to the NITI Aayog, 5 of the world’s 20 largest cities under water stress
are in India and about 70% of India's surface water resources are polluted.
Sand Mining: Unregulated sand mining from riverbeds disrupts river ecology and reduces their
water carrying capacity.
This not only impacts downstream water availability but also increases the risk of flash
 floods and riverbank erosion.
The rampant sand mining in the Yamuna river is a case in point.
Fragmented Governance: Water management in India is often fragmented across different
ministries and departments at the central and state levels.
This lack of coordination leads to duplication of efforts, inefficient resource allocation, and
conflicting policies.
The ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is a result
of such fragmentation.
Inadequate Focus on Demand-Side Management: India's water policies have primarily
focused on increasing supply through large infrastructure projects, neglecting demand-
side management.
Measures like water-efficient technologies and recycling have received limited attention.
Only 30% of India's wastewater is recycled, compared to 89-90% in Israel.
Sea Level Rise and Salinization: Rising sea levels due to climate change threaten coastal
aquifers with saltwater intrusion.
This salinization renders freshwater sources unusable for agriculture and drinking, posing a
significant threat to coastal communities.
The increasing salinity of groundwater in parts of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh is a
worrying trend.

What can be the Major Consequences of the Water Crisis?

Hindering Human Capital Development: The time burden of water collection, particularly on
girls, often forces them to miss school, hindering their education and long-term opportunities.
Also, waterborne illnesses and malnutrition caused by water scarcity can lead to cognitive
impairment among children.
Long-Term Economic Risks: The World Bank estimates that water scarcity could cost India up
to 6% of its GDP by 2050 if left unaddressed. This can significantly hamper economic growth
and development.
Water scarcity can deter businesses from investing in water-intensive industries,
impacting job creation and economic opportunities.
Rise of Water Mafias: In water-stressed cities like Bangalore, informal water markets have
emerged, with "water mafias" controlling access to water tankers and charging exorbitant
prices.
This exacerbates social and economic inequalities and creates a black market for a
basic necessity.
Impact on Transboundary Water Disputes: Water scarcity can exacerbate existing tensions
between India and its neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, which share river
basins.
This could lead to regional instability and increased conflict over water resources.
Threat to Biodiversity: Depleting water levels and pollution threaten the survival of freshwater
fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
The endangered Ganges River Dolphin faces habitat loss due to declining river flows.

What are the Government Initiatives To Tackle the Water Crisis in India?

National Water Policy, 2012

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

Jal Shakti Abhiyan- Catch the Rain Campaign

Atal Bhujal Yojana

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

What Measures can be Adopted to Tackle Water Crisis?

Transforming Fallow Land into Recharging Units: Converting underutilized land into
strategically designed "water parks" dedicated to groundwater recharge.
These parks can incorporate bioswales, constructed wetlands, and rainwater
harvesting structures, creating appealing spaces that actively replenish aquifers.
Desalination Powered by Renewable Energy and Waste: Developing large-scale desalination
plants fueled by a combination of renewable energy sources and waste-to-energy technology.
Desalination plants not only generate clean water but also transform waste into a
valuable resource, creating a sustainable and self-sufficient water production system.
Urban Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Mandating the installation of rainwater harvesting
systems in all new buildings and retrofitting existing structures.
This can be coupled with green roofs that capture and retain rainwater, replenishing
groundwater and reducing stormwater runoff.
900 rainwater harvesting pits to be installed at Regional Rapid Transit System, to
promote sustainable public transport options in the National Capital Region.
Promoting Drip Irrigation and Aquaponics: Encouraging the widespread adoption of drip
irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation losses.
Additionally, support the development of aquaponics farms, which combine aquaculture
(fish farming) with hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a closed-loop system,
reducing water consumption.
Smart Water Grids: Developing smart water grids that integrate sensors and real-time
monitoring systems throughout the water distribution network.
This allows for early detection of leaks, optimal pressure management, and improved
overall efficiency.
Fog Harvesting: Exploring fog harvesting technologies in hilly regions. Specialized mesh
structures capture moisture droplets from fog, providing a valuable water source in areas with
limited rainfall.
India can learn from successful fog harvesting projects that have been implemented in
countries like Chile, Morocco, and Peru.
Decentralized Water Management: There is a need to drive a decentralized, community-driven
approach to rural water supply and sanitation like the Uttarakhand's Swajal project.
Also, promoting decentralized wastewater treatment systems at the community or building
level.
These compact systems treat wastewater for reuse in non-potable
applications, reducing the burden on centralized treatment plants and saving freshwater.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Water Infrastructure: Encouraging public-private
partnerships for developing and maintaining water infrastructure projects.
This can leverage private sector expertise and financing to bridge the gap in water
infrastructure development.
Zero Liquid Discharge for Industries: Mandate the adoption of zero liquid discharge (ZLD)
systems for water-intensive industries, where wastewater is treated and recycled for reuse.
Encouraging the development of eco-industrial parks, where industries can share and
reuse water resources, reducing freshwater demand and pollution.

Drishti Mains Question:

Analyze the key causes of India's water crisis and propose effective solutions for sustainable water
management.

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)

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