According to the National Commission on Integrated Water Resources Development (NCIWRD) Report-1999, India’s projected water requirement for the year 2050 under the High Demand scenario is estimated at 1,180 billion cubic meters (BCM), while the Low Demand scenario projects a requirement of 973 BCM. Conversely, a study titled “Reassessment of Water Availability in India using Space Inputs, 2019,” conducted by the Central Water Commission in partnership with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), indicates that the country’s average annual water resources availability stands at 1,999.20 BCM.
State Initiatives and Union Support
Recognizing water as a State subject, the augmentation, conservation, and efficient management of water resources primarily fall under the jurisdiction of respective State Governments. However, to supplement these efforts, the Union Government provides technical and financial assistance through various schemes and programs. In 1980, the Government of India introduced the National Perspective Plan (NPP), aimed at interlinking rivers to transfer water from surplus basins to deficit areas. The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has identified 30 links for preparation of Feasibility Reports/ Detailed Project Reports under the Inter-linking of Rivers Project, though progress is contingent on consensus among participating States.
Groundwater Management and Aquifer Mapping
Under the National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM), the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) conducts aquifer mapping, characterization, and the development of Aquifer Management Plans. These efforts contribute to sustainable groundwater management in the country by facilitating targeted interventions. Furthermore, the promotion and adoption of water use efficiency and conservation practices, such as drip/sprinkler irrigation and on-farm rainwater harvesting, are encouraged under the PMKSY-HKKP-GW scheme to prevent over-exploitation and facilitate groundwater recharge.
Projects and Initiatives for Water Conservation
The Government of India has sanctioned 13 projects under the PMKSY-HKKP-GW scheme since 2019, targeting water-stressed areas in 10 states including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Atal Bhujal Yojana, implemented in 8,774 gram panchayats across seven states, focuses on community participation and demand-side interventions to ensure sustainable groundwater management in water-stressed areas.
Mission Amrit Sarovar and Rural Water Supply
The Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched in 2022, aims to rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district to ensure future water availability. In partnership with states, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) strives to provide potable tap water to every rural household by 2024, even in drought-prone and water-scarce areas, incorporating provisions for bulk water transfer and regional supply schemes.
Enhancing Irrigation and Water Efficiency
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was initiated in 2015 to enhance water access for agriculture. It prioritizes completion of ongoing major/medium irrigation projects and emphasizes sustainable water conservation practices. The “Per Drop More Crop” component of PMKSY focuses on farm-level water use efficiency through micro-irrigation systems.
Campaigns for Efficient Water Use
Campaigns such as the “Sahi Fasal” initiative by the National Water Mission (NWM) encourage water-efficient crop choices. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) aims to conserve water resources through focused campaigns. “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” (JSA:CTR) in 2022 and the subsequent JSA:CTR 2023 campaign were launched to cover all blocks across the country, highlighting the importance of water conservation.
UPSC Mains Questions
- In what ways does the National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM) contribute to sustainable groundwater management in India?
- Discuss the significance of the Atal Bhujal Yojana and its focus on community participation in achieving sustainable groundwater management.
- How do campaigns like “Sahi Fasal” and “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” contribute to promoting efficient water use and water conservation practices in the country?