Water is an essential component of our life. Without water, we can not survive. With the increasing population, it is challenging to preserve water resources for future generations. For sustainable development, it is required to manage and conserve water resources. Let’s discuss where we are now and where we have to go for sustainable development.
Key Points to Discuss
- India is facing water scarcity at present. Out of the total, only 4% of water resources present for 18% of the population.
- Techniques like rainwater harvesting can be used in the present scenario too, although these are traditional approaches to saving water.
- With modern technologies, we can use smart irrigation, drip irrigation, and water recycling.
- Water resources are not only the responsibility of the govt, we all have to take steps in daily life to save water. It demands community efforts.
- Climate change is a big issue in the path of water resources conservation.
Water Resources in India
What is the Current Status of Present Water Sources in India
Overuse of water and increasing population has led to a scarcity of water in many regions of India. For 18% of the population, India has water for only 4% of the population. If we talk about the per capita availability of water. We are lacking in it. India will soon come in the category of water-stressed country, this needs immediate attention.
What are the Major Sources of Water
- The major sources of water are rivers like the Ganges, the Yamuna, and other rivers.
- The next source of water is groundwater, 90% of groundwater is used in irrigation.
- Rainfall is another source of water.
What are the Challenges in Water Resource Management
- We are extracting groundwater at a fast pace, which is not good for the future,
- Pollution is the biggest challenge, we are polluting rivers through industrial waste.
- Climate change is another factor that has affected the rainfall.
What are Government Policies and Initiatives for Water Conservation
National Water Policy
The Indian government introduced the national water policy in 1987. This policy has implemented laws and organizations that will work towards sustainable water use. The govt updates this policy from time to time. The policy focuses on the following.
- There will be equity in the water allocation process.
- Safe drinking water and sanitation are priorities for the national water policy.
- The national water policy will encourage the community people to contribute to water management.
State-Level Initiatives
- Rainwater harvesting from the rooftop is initiated.
- The groundwater needs recharge.
- Traditional water bodies need revival to enhance ecosystems.
Modern Water Management Technologies: Overview
Water Recycling and Reuse
If the wastewater is recycled and reused, the problem of water depletion will be solved. The recycled water can be used in irrigation and for industries. This will reduce the demand for freshwater as most of the freshwater is consumed by irrigation and industry.
Smart Irrigation Systems
As we know, irrigation uses 90% of fresh water, if we use smart irrigation techniques, it will reduce the consumption of fresh water. We can use soil moisture sensors to provide limited water to the fields. We can adapt the Weather Forecast Integration system and can use remote monitoring on the agricultural land.
Advanced Water Treatment Methods
For the cleaning of water, we need advanced water filtration methods. We can use the concepts of membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and UV light treatment to kill bacteria and viruses in the water.
Role of Community in Water Conservation
Community Initiatives
- The community can use the rainwater harvesting techniques.
- We can have awareness campaigns from time to time.
- There can be local clean-up drives from time to time.
Awareness and Education Programs
- We can have workshops that will teach the concept of water saving.
- In schools, there must be a program that teaches water-saving techniques.
- There will be community meetings that will cover the topics of local water issues.
Water Resource Augmentation Strategies
Rainwater Harvesting
We should use rainwater, it is free and we should consider it as a gift from god. Save the rainwater and use it for several purposes. This technique also helps in replenishing groundwater. We are no longer dependent on municipal water. It will reduce the flood and erosion.
Groundwater Recharge
We need to take proper measures for groundwater recharge. We construct dams and dams slow down the water flow, which reduces the groundwater recharge process. We can recharge the wells which are dry now and there should be proper utilization of trenches as it promotes infiltration.
Surface Water Storage
We can work towards the creation of reservoirs and ponds. These can be used as water sources in dry time. We can build tanks that can store significant amounts of water.
Water Quality Management
Sources of Water Pollution
There is a need to check the industrial discharge, it is polluting the water at a fast pace. Agriculture runoff like pesticides is polluting water. We need to check the domestic waste so that it does not contaminate water sources.
Techniques for Water Purification
We need to implement techniques for water purification like filtration, chlorination, and reverse osmosis. These techniques remove solid particles from water, kill harmful bacteria, and remove impurities from water.
Government Regulations
Govt has taken many initiatives for water conservation like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the National Water Policy, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
FAQ
What is the current situation of water management in India?
At present, 8% of water is used for drinking and 12% of water is used by industries. Nearly 600 million people are suffering from water shortages.
Who is responsible for managing water in India?
The department which regulates the use of water and builds policies for water are given below.
- Department of Water Resource
- River Development
- Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR)