India’s water security is under threat due to a range of factors, including population growth, urbanization, pollution, inefficient farming methods, and poor infrastructure. The situation is so dire that the country could soon face a water scarcity crisis if current trends of over-exploitation continue. In light of these mounting challenges, the Indian government has recently approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australia on Technical Cooperation for the Australia – India Water Security Initiative (AIWASI).
Understanding AIWASI: A Tool for Strengthening Water Security in India
AIWASI is a project under the South Asia Water Security Initiative (SAWASI) of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia. Its goal is to promote the Water Sensitive City vision, which emphasizes the holistic management of the integrated water cycle.
The initiative focuses on strengthening India’s water governance and investing in projects that facilitate urban water services. Moreover, it aims to aid disadvantaged communities in accessing reliable, safe water and sanitation services.
AIWASI also plans to execute and deliver a Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) demonstration project. This innovative venture will serve as a ‘living laboratory’, offering multiple educational, social, and environmental benefits. These include boosting water literacy among students, creating green spaces, improving air quality through blue-green infrastructure, and restoring degraded water bodies and aquifers.
The Notion of Water Security
Water security, as defined by UN-Water, refers to the ability of a population to ensure sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water. This access is crucial for supporting livelihoods, human well-being and socio-economic development. It is also key to protecting against water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and preserving ecosystems amidst a peaceful and politically stable climate.
The Water Security Challenge in India
According to the Sustainable Development Goal report (2019), India confronts multiple challenges in ensuring water security. These include a lack of basic water services in 1 out of 4 healthcare facilities, inadequate access to safely managed drinking water for 3 out of 10 people, and insufficient access to sanitation facilities for 6 out of 10 people.
Furthermore, an estimated 892 million individuals still practice open defecation. Women and girls bear the brunt of water collection in 80% of households without easily accessible water.
Government Initiatives in Tackling Water Security Issues
In response to India’s water security issues, different initiatives have been launched. These include the creation of the Jal Shakti ministry, the National Water Mission, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index, Namami Gange, and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Cooperation and Boosting Infrastructure Development
The recently signed MoU with Australia symbolizes a crucial step towards learning best practices for conserving water and using it sustainably; this international collaboration aids in attaining water security. To further address these issues, there is a need to upgrade infrastructure and raise public awareness about water conservation.
Moreover, timely implementation of government schemes and roadmaps is essential. Forming partnerships with nations that have previously grappled with and overcome water scarcity could also provide valuable insights into devising effective strategies for managing India’s water resources.
These efforts underscore the importance of strategic collaborations and proactive interventions in bolstering India’s water security in the face of increasing pressures and challenges.