WATER CRISIS An Analysis. Andhra Pradesh High Court, 2002: Drinking water is a fundamental right under article 21

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1 WATER CRISIS An Analysis Andhra Pradesh High Court, 2002: Drinking water is a fundamental right under article 21 The above judgement of the High Court once again highlights the importance of water that has been considered the most valuable resource since civilization evolved. It was as true then as it is now. The above judgement also presents a very disturbing fact. Why did the Court have to stress on such a basic aspect which is omnipresent in our daily lives? This points out to the fact that we have shifted our priorities from utilization of water for our basic needs to depletion of the resource for our selfish needs. Why in news? We all would be aware about the distress of thousands of our fellow citizens in many parts of the country due to the massive drought that the country is facing. It got more coverage due to the judgement of the High Court of Maharashtra: No IPL in Maharashtra due to drought and shortage of water There can be a debate altogether on this ban, but without getting into much details, let us touch upon the validity and the need for such a ban. Many argue that it is only a symbol, but then, symbolisms sometimes help in a crisis situation like this. It is also a lot about psychology, wherein the agony of the affected and the deprived increases seeing the pomp and show and the extravaganza being showcased at such occasions, being both extremities happening in the same region This ban has been used as a tool to raise awareness Commercial use of water comes at a lower priority than the use of water for drinking

2 Reasons for the Crisis Let us study some of the reasons that have led to this crisis situation: 1. Rainfall deficit 2. Policy failures for prioritizing of water resources 3. Mismanagement of water resources 4. Poor water management techniques 5. Increase in the per capita demand of water Apart from the reasons cited above, it is also due to the failure on the part of governance and policy making from decades and the apathy of the Indian state to the suffering of the poor. Let us take some examples to understand:

3 In Bundelkhand, which is a drought prone area, crops like Mentha are grown. This crop is a water sucker Paddy is depleting water levels in the state of Punjab Sugarcane production in Maharashtra utilizes the maximum irrigation Steps to be taken/ Probable solutions: Change in the cropping pattern For example: Encouragement of production of Oilseeds instead of Sugarcane in Maharashtra Conservation of ground water. It is interesting to know that India is sometimes referred to as Ground Water Civilization. For example: The method of Rice intensification can reduce the water requirement in Paddy cultivation which can reduce depletion of ground water in Punjab Shift of energy consumption pattern from thermal power plants to renewable energy resources There are different ministries dealing with different aspect of the same resource. They all can be combined for sustainable development and better management and conservation There is an urgent need to map our aquifers as they are at the root of water conservation. Agricultural policy needs a re-think for putting ecology before economics There needs to be a rational prioritization for the use of water Practices such as rainwater harvesting, watershed management, contour bunding and agroforestry should be encouraged and the citizens should be educated of these best practices in their best interests The government needs to invest in de-silting and upgrading water storage in canals and minor water bodies According to Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti, supply and demand side management should go hand in hand to address the depleting ground water levels in various parts of the country Apart from the above steps, it should also be ensured that the farmers affected from this massive drought should be looked after in terms of alternative employment. MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) can play a major role in this regard. The Supreme Court of India has also stated: NREGA funds to be released in time for the drought hit states

4 However, it should be noted here that declaring drought is the responsibility of the state government, whereas release of funds is in the hands of the Central government. Hence it is imperative that there be a harmonious cooperation in action among both the governments. Government Measures 1. National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) It aims to: Provide adequate water supply Encourage sustainable use of water Meet the basic quality standards Make water readily available at all times 2. Shikayat Nirvan Kendra It is a good governance initiative in the form of a centralized web enabled redressal system. 3. National Water Policy 2012 It aims at: Using scientific inputs from research for agricultural strategies for management of soil, land, energy and water management Improving the soil and water productivity along with managing droughts 4. National Water Mission It aims at: Conservation of water Equitable distribution of water

5 5. India Water Week The 4th India Water Week was organised during the first week of April 16 to elicit ideas and opinions from global-level decision makers, politicians, researchers and entrepreneurs in the field of water resources for mutual benefit and goodwill Theme: Water for all: Striving Together What the 12 th Five Year Plan says 1. Moving from a single source to multiple sources such as ground water, rainwater harvesting and groundwater 2. Sustainability in drinking water and avoiding slip back 3. Revival of traditional water bodies for water conservation 4. Proper water demand and budgeting 5. Convergence of all water conservation programmes at the village level 6. Development of alternative sources for treating arsenic or fluoride contamination than high cost treatment 7. For nitrate contamination: Treatment of catchment area through fencing Effective implementation of Total Sanitation Campaign Prevention of sewage seeping into underground water sources Ecological sanitation by reducing use of inorganic water sources 8. Salinity Problem: Solar desalination Dilution through rainwater harvesting 9. Jalmani guidelines: for implementation of standalone drinking water purifications systems in rural schools Water in Indian Constitution Article 246: Laws to be made by the Parliament and the states Article 262: Regarding disputes 7 th Schedule: Regulation and development of inter-state rivers According to the Indian Meteorological Department What is a Drought?

6 Drought is the consequence of a natural reduction in the amount of precipitation over an extended period of time, usually a season or more in length, often associated with other climatic factors (viz. high temperatures, high winds and low relative humidity) that can aggravate the severity of the drought event. Types of Drought Meteorological Drought: seasonal rainfall received over the area is less than75% of its long term average value Hydrological Drought: period during which the stream flows are inadequate to supply established use of water under a given water management system Agricultural Drought: It occurs when available soil moisture is inadequate for healthy crop growth and cause extreme stress and wilting Socio-Economic Drought: meteorological, hydrological and agricultural drought often lead to what is termed as Socio-economic drought How to approach for the Civil Services exam General Studies 1: a. Society Best Practices - Mission Kakatiya (Telangana) for restoration of irrigation tanks, - Village Mawlynnong in Maghalaya termed as Asia s cleanest village, - Bio-toilets by DRDO Implication on Women especially lower income groups Implication on the lower income groups as a whole b. Geography Water as a resource Drought, classification and declaration General Studies 2: Policies of the government

7 General Studies 3: Agriculture Unemployment Integrated development Disaster Management Conservation of water for sustainable development (Sources for reference: Rajya Sabha discussions, 12 th Five Year Plan, PIB, Government Ministries websites, India Water Week website) Important Links 1. Rajya Sabha: 2. Byjus Website: