Syllabus
GS Paper 1 – Distribution of key natural resources across the world including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent
GS Paper 3 – Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation.
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Water pollution, coservation
– Water insecurity
– Groundwater depletion
– Watershed Management
Context
The World Water Day initiative, serves as a global platform to raise awareness and mobilize action on pressing water-related challenges.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 22nd March 2024
World Water Day
Water scarcity has emerged as a critical global challenge, with profound implications for socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and peace. As we commemorate the 31st World Water Day on March 22, 2024, the theme “Water for peace” underscores the urgent need for concerted action to address the complex interplay between water scarcity, climate change, and geopolitical tensions.
Distribution of water usage across sectors
- Agriculture: The agricultural sector accounts for the majority of water withdrawals in India, with around 72% of water used for irrigation purposes.
- Municipalities: Municipal water supply and household services account for around 16% of water withdrawals, catering to the needs of urban and rural populations for domestic and industrial purposes.
- Industries: Industrial water usage accounts for approximately 12% of water withdrawals, supporting various manufacturing and industrial processes across sectors.
India is already facing water stress, with current water availability per capita decreasing over time.
Factors contributing to water scarcity
- Rapid urbanization: India is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to increased demand for water in urban areas. However, the infrastructure to supply water to these growing urban populations often lags behind, exacerbating water scarcity.Eg. Banglore water crisis
- Industrialization: The industrial sector is a significant consumer of water, particularly in manufacturing processes. Industrialization without adequate water management practices can strain local water resources.
- Unsustainable agriculture: Agriculture is the largest consumer of water in India, with inefficient irrigation practices leading to excessive water usage. Additionally, the cultivation of water-intensive crops in arid regions further exacerbates water scarcity.
- Climate change: Climate change has disrupted traditional rainfall patterns in India, leading to more frequent and severe droughts in some regions and intense rainfall events in others. These climate extremes contribute to water scarcity and variability in water availability.
Issue of Groundwater depletion
Groundwater depletion and contamination is a significant concern in India, with groundwater being a crucial source of water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes.
- In various states, the ratio of groundwater consumption to availability exceeds 100%, indicating unsustainable water usage practices and posing risks of groundwater depletion and aquifer exhaustion.
- In Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana, the ratio of groundwater consumption to availability is 172%, 137%, 137% and 133%, respectively.
- The overexploitation of groundwater resources contributes to declining water tables, increased energy costs for pumping, land subsidence, and deterioration of water quality due to intrusion of saline water.
The case of perennial rivers, streams, and other waterbodies:
- The altered flow regimes due to dam construction and water diversion projects have led to the depletion of perennial rivers and streams.
- Many rivers in India, such as the Ganges, Yamuna, and Cauvery, face pollution from industrial effluents, sewage discharge, and agricultural runoff, further deteriorating water quality and ecosystem health.
- The declining groundwater tables and reduced flow in rivers have adverse consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and livelihoods dependent on freshwater resource.
Water challenges in rural areas
- Water for Rural Households:
- Water is essential for rural households in India for various domestic purposes, including drinking, cooking, sanitation, and hygiene.
- Access to clean and reliable water sources is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of rural communities.
- Water for Agriculture:
- Water is the lifeline for crop production and livelihoods of millions of farmers in rural areas.
- Irrigation plays a vital role in ensuring stable yields and mitigating the impact of rainfall variability and droughts.
- Lack of access to adequate water resources can lead to crop failure, food insecurity, and economic hardship for rural communities.
Urban-rural divide was noted by United Nations World Water Development Report. It stated that “four out of five people lacking at least basic drinking water services live in rural areas”.
Way Ahead
- Enhancing water quantity and quality through sustainable practices:
- This includes reducing water wastage, preventing pollution of water bodies, and promoting the recharge of aquifers through natural processes.
- Sustainable practices may involve watershed management, soil conservation, afforestation, and the use of environmentally friendly agricultural techniques.
- Increased water investments in rural areas:
- Increased investments in rural water infrastructure can have significant socio-economic benefits for rural communities.
- Building and maintaining water supply systems, such as borewells, hand pumps, and piped water networks, can improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
- Investments in water management infrastructure, such as check dams, can also help recharge groundwater aquifers and improve water security in drought-prone regions.
- Rainwater harvesting in augmenting water supply and aiding irrigation of rural areas: Rainwater harvesting involves capturing and storing rainwater for later use
- Monitoring groundwater levels and reclaiming water quality:
- Continuous monitoring of groundwater levels is essential to assess trends, identify areas of depletion, and develop strategies for sustainable groundwater management.
- Reclaiming water quality involves implementing measures to mitigate pollution from sources such as industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.
- Implementing circular water economy and efficient irrigation techniques:
- Circular water economy focuses on reducing water wastage by recycling and reusing water resources within closed-loop systems.
- Efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, help minimize water use while maximizing crop yields.
- Role of emerging technologies like AI in water conservation:
- AI-powered tools can analyze data from sensors, satellites, and weather forecasts to optimize water use efficiency in agriculture.
- Precision irrigation systems equipped with AI algorithms can deliver the right amount of water to crops based on real-time environmental conditions, soil moisture levels, and crop water requirements.
- AI-driven predictive models can also help identify water stress patterns, forecast droughts, and guide decision-making processes for sustainable water resource management in rural areas.
- Community awareness campaigns and stakeholder participation:
- Educating communities about the importance of water conservation and encouraging behavioural changes can help foster a culture of water stewardship.
- Stakeholder participation in decision-making processes ensures that water management strategies are inclusive, transparent, and socially equitable.
- Promoting sustainable agriculture and optimal crop planning:
- Sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and agroforestry, help improve soil health, water retention, and overall ecosystem resilience.
- Optimal crop planning involves selecting drought-resistant crops, matching crop water requirements with available water resources, and diversifying crop portfolios to mitigate risks associated with climate variability.
- Addressing climate change impacts and growing population needs:
- Adapting to climate change requires implementing strategies to enhance water resilience, such as developing climate-smart infrastructure, restoring natural ecosystems, and implementing disaster risk reduction measures.
- Meeting the water needs of a growing population necessitates investments in water infrastructure, improved water governance, and equitable distribution of water resources.
- Encouraging research, industry, and academia collaboration:
- Collaborative efforts between research institutions, industries, and academia are essential for developing innovative water conservation technologies, solutions, and best practices.
| Water Diplomacy: Water diplomacy refers to the use of diplomatic strategies and negotiations to address transboundary water issues, manage shared water resources, and prevent conflicts over water. It involves fostering cooperation, building trust, and resolving disputes among riparian states through diplomatic channels, negotiations, and international agreements. Eg. Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan, demonstrate the importance of diplomatic agreements in resolving water disputes and promoting regional stability. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the theme “Leveraging water for peace” underscores the intrinsic linkages between water security, sustainable development, and global peace. As we confront realities of water scarcity and climate change, concerted efforts are needed to forge innovative solutions, enhance cross-border cooperation, and empower communities to become stewards of their water resources. By embracing the principles of equity, inclusivity, and resilience, we can harness the transformative potential of water as a catalyst for peace, prosperity, and planetary well-being.
Related Topics
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
PMKSY was launched in 2015 with the goal of enhancing access to water for farming, expanding the cultivable area under assured irrigation, improving water use efficiency.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (Core Scheme), where Centre- States share will be 75:25. In the case of the north-eastern region and hilly states, the share will be 90:10.
Components:
PMKSY is an umbrella scheme consisting of two major components:
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): This focuses on completing ongoing large irrigation projects to bring more land under irrigation.
- Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): This component aims for “water for every field” through various interventions, including:
- Minor irrigation projects
- Repair and renovation of water bodies
- Watershed development
- Per Drop More Crop scheme promoting micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation
Mission Amrit Sarovar
Launched in April 2022 as part of India’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, Mission Amrit Sarovar focuses on water conservation for the future.
Goals:
- Construct or rejuvenate at least 75 Amrit Sarovar (ponds) in each district across India.This translates to a target of around 50,000 Amrit Sarovars nationwide.
- Amrit Sarovars should have a minimum pondage area of 1 acre (0.4 hectare) and a water holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters.
- The mission aims to increase water availability for various purposes, including irrigation, drinking water (especially for livestock), and groundwater recharge
References
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Practice Question
Provide insights into India’s water challenges, particularly in rural areas, and propose actionable recommendations for enhancing water accessibility. [250 words]
How to approach this question?
Introduction:
- Start by briefly introducing the topic, highlighting the importance of water accessibility in India, especially in rural areas.
- Mention the current state of water accessibility in rural India, touching upon the challenges faced.
Body:
- Discuss the specific challenges in detail. This could include issues like water contamination, inadequate infrastructure, climate change impacts, and over-dependence on groundwater.
- Highlight the effects of these challenges on the rural population, such as health burdens and economic impacts.
- Transition into the solutions by emphasizing the need for improved water management practices.
- Propose actionable recommendations such as adaptive governance models, data collection and sharing for monitoring, sustainable financing for water projects, and technological innovations.
- Discuss the importance of community involvement and awareness in implementing these solutions.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points discussed in the body of the essay.
- Emphasize the urgency of addressing water challenges in rural India and the potential positive impacts of the proposed recommendations.
- Conclude with a hopeful note about the possibility of achieving enhanced water accessibility in rural India through concerted efforts.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!