Sustainable Water Solutions Amid India’s Increasing Water Stress

Context:

India is facing increasing water stress, leading to a rise in quick-fix solutions by non-profits and civil society organizations. While these solutions may provide immediate relief, it is crucial to assess their long-term sustainability. Careful examination and adoption of strategies that can withstand future challenges are necessary.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Quick-fix Water Solutions and Their Limitations
2. Evaluation of Quick-fix Water Solutions Initiatives
3. Challenges in Quick-Fix Solutions in Water Management
4. Government Initiatives to Tackle India’s Water Crisis

Quick-fix Water Solutions and Their Limitations

River Widening, Deepening, and Straightening:

• Modification of natural watercourses to increase water-carrying capacity.
• Provides short-term relief but may not solve larger water management issues.

Water Harvesting Competitions:

• Encouraging communities to harvest rainwater and adopt water-saving practices.
• Limited impact without comprehensive water management strategies.

Tree Planting Along Riverbanks:

• Stabilizes soil and prevents erosion.
• May not fully address larger water management issues.

Rapid Construction of Water Facilities:

• Quick establishment of water facilities like sewage treatment plants and water grids.
• Requires sustainable management to combat depletion.

Groundwater Recharge:

• Injecting water into underground aquifers to replenish groundwater levels.
• Requires careful monitoring and management to be effective in the long term.

Desalination:

• Converting seawater into freshwater to meet coastal water needs.
• Energy-intensive and expensive, making it less viable in some areas.

Evaluation of Quick-fix Water Solutions Initiatives

Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan:

• Maharashtra government’s initiative (2014) aimed at achieving a drought-free state by 2019 through various measures like river widening, deepening, and straightening, check dams, and desilting.
• Criticisms: Considered unscientific and ecologically damaging, leading to erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased flood risk.

Water Cups:

• A competition initiated by a non-profit organization in 2016 to incentivize water harvesting in Maharashtra villages for drought-proofing.
• Criticisms: Questioned for overlooking water quality, groundwater impact, social equity, and maintenance mechanisms, raising doubts about its validity and long-term sustainability.

Challenges in Quick-Fix Solutions in Water Management:

Ecological Damage:

• Rapid interventions like river widening and deepening can lead to ecological damage.
• Erosion, sedimentation, and loss of biodiversity can result from hasty projects.

Lack of Stakeholder Consultation:

• Quick-fix approaches may lack adequate participation and consultation with stakeholders.
• Neglecting the social dimension can lead to resistance and conflicts.

Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funding:

• Relying on CSR funding can limit decision-making freedom.
• Prioritization of projects influenced by donor interests rather than community needs.

Overlooking Groundwater Management:

• Focus on surface water solutions may overlook the critical role of groundwater.
• Groundwater recharge and management are crucial for sustainable water supply.

Misalignment with Community and Environmental Interests:

• Some state projects may not align with community and environmental interests.
• Examples include riverfront development, centralized sewage treatment, and massive water grids.

Techno-Managerial Approach:

• A shift in mindset from in-depth analysis and understanding to a “techno-managerial approach.”
• This can lead to overlooking important socio-economic and ecological aspects related to water management.

Government Initiatives to Tackle India’s Water Crisis:

Atal Bhujal Yojana:

• Targets water-stressed areas in several states for sustainable groundwater management.
• Involves local communities and scientific methods to manage groundwater demand.

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA):

• Regulates and controls groundwater usage by industries, mining, and infrastructure projects.
• Issues No Objection Certificates (NOCs) in line with guidelines to ensure responsible water usage.

National Aquifer Mapping Program (NAQUIM):

• Implemented by the Central Ground Water Board to map aquifers across the country.
• Provides data and management plans to States/UTs for informed interventions.

Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020:

• Prepared in collaboration with States/UTs for rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge structures.
• Aims to harness 185 billion Cubic Meters of water, promoting water conservation and recharge.

-Source: Down To Earth