The exponential growth of cities has resulted in an increasing demand for water. As people are drawn to urban lifestyles, the looming challenge of water scarcity becomes more evident. Sustainability in groundwater management, the risk of eutrophication, and initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission are necessary preliminary concerns. Integrated Urban Water Management System represents a holistic approach to addressing water management challenges in India. This article explores its importance and the obstacles it faces.
Need for Holistic Water Management in India
Approximately 35% of India’s population resided in urban areas as of 2020, with predictions anticipating a twofold increase by 2050. These urban areas rely on groundwater resources for meeting 45% of their water demand. However, issues like climate change, pollution, and contamination augment the strain on these resources. Thus, it’s clear that a comprehensive system, like Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM), needs to be adopted to secure most urban areas’ self-sufficiency in future water supplies.
Understanding Integrated Urban Water Management System
IUWM is a holistic process ensuring consistent water supply, enabling effective planning concerning economic growth and land use. It ensures proper sanitation, assists cities to adapt to climatic changes, manages used water and stormwater efficiently. A central component of IUWM is clear coordination among all stakeholders, empowering local authorities with accountability and promoting community participation for swift solutions in water management.
Challenges in Implementing IUWM in India
The rapid urbanization resulting in swift city expansion and migration from rural areas increase cities’ per capita water usage, forcing the transfer of water from rural reservoirs. Inefficient wastewater management, leading to the under-utilisation of greywater, and rising water pollution due to waste discharge is another significant concern. Moreover, food security is threatened due to declining groundwater levels and ineffective river water management. Overexploitation of groundwater in about 256 districts out of 700 as documented by Central Ground Water Board exacerbates the crisis.
Initiatives for Addressing Water-related Issues
Several initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, National Water Policy 2012, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan- Catch the Rain Campaign, Atal Bhujal Yojana, Sujalam 2.0, and Amrit Sarovar Mission aim at addressing these water-related problems.
The Way Forward
With climate change and population growth increasing water use, innovative solutions for urban water management have become imperative. Changes are required in institutions like local departments that play crucial roles in water management. It is paramount that comprehensive and systemic solutions are implemented to solve water crises efficiently.
Questions for UPSC Civil Services Examination
Q. What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? (2014) Q. On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion (2013)
Q. Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? (2013)
Q. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas? (2018)
Q. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (2019)
