Why water resources should be part of India's development goal

Water shortage is now a serious issue being faced in few metropolitan cities in India. ‘Water’ has officially been started traded in a few jurisdictions and is already a commodity subjected to futures trading. The reason for the same being climate change and its impact which has resulted in uneven distribution of water across the world and its regions through droughts, floods and natural calamities. The net result is the rise in prices across the globe which attracts investors also to bet on the price of water. The United Nations estimates reveal that by the year 2050, 4 billion people will be affected by water shortages. Water as we all know is an essential public good and basic necessity, crucial to human development, yet subjected to market mechanisms, including cost recovery demands in tariff-setting and infrastructure development. It is essential to life yet expensive to produce. Today, a billion people lack access to safe drinking water and another two billion lack access to good sanitation. Water managers meanwhile face challenges such as climate change adaptations, resource degradation through human activities and lack of financial and operational capacity. Studies has revealed that of out of 33 countries likely to witness water stress in 2040, 17 are from Middle East. It is also predicted that China, the US and India may also witness water scarcity. Water scarcity basically happens when demand for water exceeds its available volume or supply. This may basically need to be clubbed with consumption and wastage of water and the way in which the existing water resources are maintained. In India, the initiative by NITI Aayog of bringing out a Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) was a step in this direction wherein the relevance of comprehensive and integrated national dataset for water was created, which may in the long run improve the performance of water management through collective collaboration between various levels of government. ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign initiated by Government of India is also an eye opener and step in right direction, which may lead a serious effort from the districts concerned for conservation of water and water management. What needs to be done? Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all has already been part of the sustainable development goal and it is now high time for jurisdictions across the world to devise practical solutions for conservation of water. Sustainable development means achieving the growth of the economy and protection of the environment in a balanced way which involves long term attention and effort wherein water conservation should be an essential component. The basic strategy in the present urbanised world should involve a combination of constructing proper drainage systems and flood alleviation schemes coupled with widening of canals with innovative engineering skills and methods. At the same time, an efficient sewage management system should also become part of the strategy. Effective management of the land and water resource is another component wherein integrated approach to land use planning, banning illegal dumping of wastes and conservation of forests is essential as this may have an indirect link to the generation of pure water resources. The environment legislation becomes a vital component in this regard where fiscal reforms should essentially be integrated into the broad strategy. This should be followed by management of hazardous substances and treatment and disposal of toxic wastes and in this context, strict enforcement of environmental regulations is significant. An innovative urban management plan should necessarily be prepared by micro administrative units (say, districts in India) for the success of this strategy. Water supply strategy is another component for regeneration of water which include action oriented inter alia towards generation of local water supplies. A drainage master plan should be prepared wherein there should be separate main drainage systems for each major catchment facilitating the conservation of the runoff for water supply purposes which in the view of rapid urbanisation, requires upgradation to facilitate increased storm-water runoff. This should be supported by enhancing the quality of water bodies, reservoirs, canals and natural assets by cleaning water bodies with proper technology and maintenance of the same. From best water management practices across the globe, especially in Singapore, it is evident that water has a vital role in enhancing the value of real estate as also business opportunities in the long run. Thus, the initial investment for the same shall be returned in the long run, which creates a case for public-private-partnership for the restoration of these resources. Water pricing should also be done or devised covering full cost of production and supply as also the cost of alternative resources in the initial stage itself, which may signal the population towards conservation of the same. This may lead to the installation of water-saving equipment for the commercial purposes by the leading consumers and producers for the commercial use which may be beneficial for them as also the society in the long run. The water management techniques already experimented by certain regions of India may need adoption on a large scale. This involves different methods which include inter alia rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, artificial groundwater recharge, drip irrigation, sewage water treatment, conjunctive use, aquifer storage and recovery, desalination etc. The above methods may need wider adoption based on the nature of work to be undertaken as also the feasibility for the same in the long run. Thus, the strategy ahead may be focussed upon institutional reforms in the sector, supported by engagement of stakeholders, educating the public, improved efficiency and productivity of water, demand management and related reforms. However, there is no doubt that holistic management of water resources will place the economy on track for security, self-sufficiency and sustainability in the long run. The author serves as Civil Servant at Indian Ministry of Finance. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the writer. 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