Wa0001.

Water Resource
Management in India:
Policies and Challenges
India faces significant challenges in managing its water resources. A burgeoning population, increasing agricultural
demands, and the effects of climate change have all put immense pressure on the country's water systems. This document
examines the policies and initiatives implemented to address these challenges, highlighting the key issues that continue to
hinder sustainable water management in India.
by Bhawna Manikpuri
Introduction to India's
Water Resources
India is endowed with a vast network of rivers, lakes, and groundwater
resources, but their distribution is uneven across the country. The major river
systems, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, are vital for
agriculture, drinking water, and industrial activities. However, water scarcity is
a growing concern, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. These regions
face challenges in accessing sufficient water for drinking, irrigation, and other
essential purposes.
Key Water Management Policies and
Initiatives
The Indian government has implemented numerous policies and initiatives to address water scarcity and improve water
management. The National Water Policy (1987, revised in 2012) provides a framework for water resource management,
emphasizing the need for integrated water resources planning and equitable distribution.
The National Water Policy promotes conservation, inter-basin transfers, and the development of water storage
infrastructure.
The Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach, adopted in the 2012 revision, emphasizes a holistic
approach to water resource planning, taking into account ecological, social, and economic factors.
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural
households through piped connections.
Groundwater Depletion
and Overexploitation
Groundwater is a crucial source of water in India, particularly in areas where
surface water is scarce. However, excessive pumping for irrigation, industrial
use, and domestic purposes has led to widespread groundwater depletion. In
many parts of the country, water tables are declining at an alarming rate.
Overexploitation of groundwater resources is exacerbating water scarcity

and threatening the sustainability of water supply.
The decline in groundwater levels has also led to saltwater intrusion in
coastal areas, making water unsuitable for consumption.
The government has implemented measures to regulate groundwater
extraction and promote water conservation techniques.
Water Pollution and Water Quality
Issues
Water pollution poses a serious threat to public health and environmental sustainability in India. Industrial discharges,
agricultural runoff, and sewage disposal are major sources of pollution. The contamination of water resources with
pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens is a major concern.
Water pollution has resulted in the decline of aquatic biodiversity and made many water sources unsuitable for drinking
and irrigation.
The government has established regulations to control industrial and agricultural pollution and promote the treatment
of wastewater.
Efforts are underway to improve sanitation and hygiene practices to reduce fecal contamination of water sources.
Equitable Access and Distribution
Challenges
Ensuring equitable access to water is a significant challenge in India. Inequities in access and distribution arise from various
factors, including geographical location, economic status, and social hierarchies. Water scarcity is particularly acute in
marginalized communities, who often lack access to safe and adequate water supplies.
The government has implemented various programs to improve access to water in rural areas, but disparities persist.
Water scarcity is a major issue in drought-prone regions, where communities struggle to access sufficient water for basic
needs.
Climate change is exacerbating water scarcity and is expected to intensify inequities in water access.
Climate Change Impacts on Water
Resources
Climate change is having a profound impact on India's water resources. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns,
and increased frequency of extreme events like droughts and floods are altering water availability and intensifying water-
related challenges. These changes present significant challenges to water management, requiring adaptation strategies to
mitigate the effects of climate change.
Changing rainfall patterns are leading to more frequent droughts in some regions, while others are experiencing an
increase in floods.
Rising temperatures are increasing the rate of evaporation, reducing water availability in reservoirs and lakes.
Climate change is likely to exacerbate existing water scarcity and inequalities in access to water.
Stakeholder
Collaboration and
Community
Engagement
Effective water resource management requires collaboration among
stakeholders, including government agencies, water utilities, farmers,
communities, and civil society organizations. This collaborative approach is
essential for developing and implementing sustainable water management
strategies that address the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.
Community participation is crucial in water resource management, as local

communities have valuable knowledge of their water resources and can
play a vital role in conservation efforts.
Effective communication and dialogue among stakeholders are essential
for building trust and ensuring that water management decisions are
equitable and sustainable.
The government is promoting community-based water management
programs and strengthening the role of local institutions in water resource
governance.
Conclusion and Future Directions
Water resource management in India presents complex challenges that require comprehensive and integrated approaches.
The government's efforts to address water scarcity, pollution, and equitable access are commendable, but more needs to be
done to achieve sustainable water management in the long term.
Future strategies should focus on promoting water conservation, improving water efficiency, and enhancing the
resilience of water systems to climate change.
Investing in water infrastructure, developing water-efficient technologies, and promoting sustainable agricultural
practices are crucial for ensuring water security.
Empowering local communities, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and building capacity for water management at all
levels are essential for achieving sustainable water resource management.

Wa0001.

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Wa0001.

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Wa0001.

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Water Resource

Overexploitation of groundwater resources is exacerbating water scarcity

Community participation is crucial in water resource management, as local

You might also like