The scarcity of water is a growing concern worldwide. Recently in the National Water Awards (NWA) 2020, the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh won the first prize for its commendable efforts towards water conservation. The awards, organised by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, also saw Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu securing the second and third prizes respectively in the best state category.
About the National Water Awards
Initiated by the Jal Shakti Ministry in 2018, the National Water Awards provide an excellent platform for start-ups and leading organisations to interact with senior policymakers regarding the best water resources management practices in India. Focused on acknowledging the commendable work done by individuals and organisations all over the country, these awards resonate with the government’s vision for a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’, or water-rich India.
Objectives of the National Water Awards
The main objectives of these awards are to recognise and motivate those individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources conservation and management. Additionally, they aim to create awareness among the people about the importance of water and encourage the adoption of best water usage practices.
Opportunities provided by the National Water Awards
These awards present opportunities for start-ups, leading organisations, and individuals to engage, deliberate, and strengthen existing partnerships on issues related to water conservation and management activities.
The pressing need for water conservation and management
India is inching closer to a water scarcity tipping point due to overuse of water resources and the decline in water supplies triggered by climate change. Several government policies, especially those related to agriculture, have resulted in water over-exploitation, making India a water-stressed economy.
India, with 16% of the world’s population, holds only 4% of its freshwater resources. The country currently requires approximately 1,100 billion cubic meters of water per year, a figure projected to surge to 1,447 billion cubic meters by 2050. The changing weather patterns and recurrent droughts further exacerbate India’s water stress.
Groundwater depletion in India
According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), roughly 230 billion cubic meters of groundwater are extracted annually for agricultural irrigation in India. This has led to a rapid decline in groundwater levels in many parts of the country, with total estimated groundwater depletion ranging between 122-199 billion cubic meters.
Initiatives towards water conservation
Various initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Jal Kranti Abhiyan, Catch the Rain: National Water Mission, NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index, Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Jal Shakti Abhiyan have been launched for promoting water conservation.
Moving forward: The importance of awareness and water conservation
Oftentimes, people overlook the importance of water conservation due to free or nominal water charges. It is crucial to raise awareness about its significance and the declining state of water resources. Initiatives like the National Water Awards, in tandem with other government initiatives, can help create this awareness and motivate people to adopt the best water usage practices. This will aid in transforming India into a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ or a water-rich nation.
