Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Freshwater, constituting less than 3% of the world’s water, is a critical resource for sustaining life and economic activity. India, despite receiving substantial rainfall, faces a severe freshwater crisis, driven by a complex interplay of factors including rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change. The NITI Aayog’s 2018 report, ‘Composite Water Management Index’, highlighted that 21 major cities in India are facing acute water scarcity, and nearly 600 million Indians are at risk of high to extreme water stress. Addressing this crisis is paramount for ensuring food security, public health, and overall sustainable development.
Understanding the Freshwater Crisis in India
The freshwater crisis in India isn’t merely a scarcity issue; it’s a crisis of access, quality, and management. Several factors contribute to this:
- Over-extraction of Groundwater: Agriculture is the largest consumer of groundwater, accounting for around 89% of total extraction (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission data, 2005). This has led to alarming depletion rates, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- Pollution: Industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff contaminate surface and groundwater sources. The Ganges and Yamuna rivers are prime examples of heavily polluted waterways.
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall patterns, increased frequency of droughts and floods, and glacial melt exacerbate water stress.
- Inefficient Irrigation Practices: Flood irrigation, prevalent in many parts of India, leads to significant water wastage.
- Lack of Water Governance: Weak regulatory frameworks, inadequate enforcement, and inter-state water disputes hinder effective water management.
Blueprint for Sustainable Freshwater Management
I. Assessment and Monitoring
- Comprehensive Water Audits: Regular assessments of water availability, demand, and quality at the local level.
- Real-time Monitoring Systems: Utilizing technologies like remote sensing, GIS, and IoT for continuous monitoring of water levels and quality.
- Groundwater Mapping: Detailed mapping of groundwater aquifers to identify recharge zones and areas of depletion.
II. Supply-Side Management
- Water Harvesting: Promoting rainwater harvesting at household, community, and watershed levels. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign (launched in 2019) focuses on water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
- Rejuvenation of Water Bodies: Restoring and revitalizing ponds, tanks, and lakes. The Amrit Sarovar initiative aims to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district.
- Desalination: Exploring desalination technologies, particularly in coastal areas, to augment freshwater supply.
- Inter-basin Water Transfer: Carefully planned inter-basin water transfer projects, considering environmental and social impacts.
III. Demand-Side Management
- Micro-Irrigation: Promoting drip and sprinkler irrigation to reduce water consumption in agriculture. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) provides subsidies for micro-irrigation.
- Water-Efficient Technologies: Encouraging the adoption of water-efficient appliances and technologies in industries and households.
- Water Pricing: Implementing appropriate water pricing mechanisms to incentivize conservation.
- Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about the importance of water conservation and responsible water use.
IV. Governance and Institutional Framework
- Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks: Enacting and enforcing stringent regulations to prevent water pollution and over-extraction.
- Decentralized Water Management: Empowering local communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to manage water resources.
- Inter-State Water Dispute Resolution: Establishing effective mechanisms for resolving inter-state water disputes.
- Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): Adopting an IWRM approach that considers the interconnectedness of water resources and the needs of different stakeholders.
V. Financing and Investment
- Increased Public Investment: Allocating sufficient funds for water infrastructure development and maintenance.
- Private Sector Participation: Encouraging private sector investment in water treatment, distribution, and conservation technologies.
- Innovative Financing Mechanisms: Exploring innovative financing mechanisms such as water bonds and payment for ecosystem services.
Conclusion
India’s freshwater crisis demands urgent and comprehensive action. A sustainable solution requires a paradigm shift towards integrated water resources management, prioritizing both supply and demand-side interventions. Strengthening governance, promoting community participation, and investing in innovative technologies are crucial for ensuring water security for all. The success of these efforts will be pivotal in achieving India’s sustainable development goals and building a resilient future.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.