With increasing demand for water in domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors alongside the limited availability of surface water resources, the need for extensive water conservation measures has become more noticeable. Recently, a significant step was taken towards this goal with the launch of the BHARAT TAP initiative and NAREDCO MAHI’s ‘Nirmal Jal Prayas’ initiative at the ‘Plumbex India’ exhibition.
Highlights of the BHARAT TAP Initiative
The BHARAT TAP initiative is an ingenious approach towards water conservation through the use of low-flow taps and fixtures. The initiative will lead to widespread supply of low-flow sanitary ware, which will cut down water consumption considerably at the source, potentially leading to a saving of around 40% water. This would result in savings in both water and energy, as less will be required for pumping, transporting, and purifying water.
Introduction to NAREDCO MAHI
NAREDCO MAHI is a promising initiative aimed at addressing the global water crisis by eliminating financial hurdles that obstruct people in need from accessing safe water and sanitation facilities at home. Along with this, the Nirmal Jal Prayas’ initiative under NAREDCO MAHI focuses on mapping ground water – a crucial step towards preserving underground water resources. The initiative aims to save a massive 500 crore litres of water per year.
Need for Water Conservation
A variety of factors underscore the pressing need for water conservation. Primary among these is increased demand, followed by limited storage facilities, over-extraction of groundwater, contamination of water resources, inadequate regulation of groundwater use, and environmental issues like deforestation and unscientific methods of agriculture. These cumulatively stress the urgency to adopt water conservation measures.
Key Government Interventions and Policies for Water Conservation
The government has rolled out a series of initiatives to promote water conservation. These include the Swachh Bharat Mission, which is a demand-centric model focusing on behavioural change to generate demand for sanitation services; the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Transformation (AMRUT) aiming to ensure access to tap water and sewerage connections for every household; and AMRUT 2.0, focusing on 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 Urban Local Bodies.
Additional Initiatives towards Water Conservation
Other noteworthy initiatives are the National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM); Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act; Jal Kranti Abhiyan; National Water Mission; NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index; Jal Shakti Ministry and Jal Jeevan Mission; Atal Bhujal Yojana; Jal Shakti Abhiyan; and National Water Awards. These initiatives collectively aim to conserve water, minimise wastage, facilitate sustainable management of resources, and ensure equitable distribution across and within states through an integrated approach to water resource development and management.
