Water is the fundamental element of life. It is essential for all living beings on Earth. However, due to increasing population and uncontrolled development, water scarcity has become a serious issue. In such circumstances, the concept of proper rainwater management and water sovereignty becomes highly significant. India is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of water resources, yet it faces a severe water crisis.
This crisis is not limited to water alone but affects various sectors, including natural and man-made water sources. Additionally, the increasing pollution of water sources, declining irrigation capacity, and the threat of climate change have become causes of concern for policymakers, planners, program managers, and society at large. The National Water Policy-2012 has highlighted these concerns and emphasized the direct use of rainwater and reducing evaporation to meet the growing demand for water, considering the increasing population.
Water is life, and conserving and protecting it has been part of our culture. It is vital to remember that thousands of years ago, our sages had established a balanced and sensitive system concerning nature, the environment, and water. They emphasized conserving water rather than wasting or misusing it. This philosophy has been an integral part of our spirituality and religion for thousands of years, forming the core of our societal values and culture. Hence, we revere water as divine and consider rivers as our mothers.
According to the World Resources Institute, India requires about 3,000 billion cubic meters of water annually. India receives around 4,000 cubic meters of water from rainfall, but unfortunately, the country can only store eight percent of it. If rainwater is fully utilized, the water crisis can be significantly mitigated. In 1947, our per capita annual water availability was 6,042 cubic meters, which reduced to 1,486 cubic meters in 2021. Furthermore, according to the World Bank, each person in the country requires an average of 150 liters of water daily, but due to inefficiencies, they only consume about 45 liters.
Dumping waste into rivers and lakes daily leads to water pollution. A parliamentary committee has also warned that no one has the right to use and pollute water resources indiscriminately. The emphasis should be on making water conservation a part of daily life, as it is the only way to propel the water movement forward. While discussing water management, we often forget that the ultimate goal is water conservation, which is the essence of water sovereignty.
In reality, water sovereignty is an ideal water management system that ensures the optimal availability of water in every settlement, every farm, and everywhere, as water is the foundation of life. Water sovereignty is the good governance of water, ensuring that the fundamental needs of living beings, as well as the environmental requirements of natural elements that demand water, are met without any disruption.
There are two prevalent models of water management. The first model is a centralized one based on Western hydrology, where water in the watershed is stored in reservoirs and distributed as per orders. This model, implemented by the British and adopted by the Indian Water Resources Department, is controlled by government officials.
The second model is the self-collection of water, where water is stored and used wherever it rains. This model has been embraced by the Agriculture and Rural Development Departments.
Considering the centralized model of water management, only about 690 lakh hectare meters of water out of the estimated 1,869 lakh cubic meters flowing through the country’s rivers can be utilized. On the other hand, through the decentralized model, about 2,250 lakh hectare meters of water can be utilized, including 390 lakh hectare meters of groundwater.
This amount is nearly double that of the centralized model and can be made available across every part of the country. Adopting this approach can give water management a human face. In water distribution, society’s essential needs should be prioritized, followed by the allocation of water for maintaining ecological flows in rivers. To ensure water sovereignty, the allocation of water for each priority must be specified. Drinking water, water for essential needs, and water for survival should be given top priority. The smallest unit defined in the National Watershed Atlas can be used for its calculation.
Water sovereignty is an ideal water management system that ensures the optimal availability of water in every settlement
After meeting the basic needs of the population and the environmental flow defined in the National Watershed Atlas, water should be allocated to the next unit. Agriculture forms the backbone of the country’s economy, and rainfall is the most important natural resource for agriculture. However, due to uneven distribution and poor management of rainwater, many problems arise.
Proper management of rainwater is essential for achieving water sovereignty. Water sovereignty means ensuring the sustainable and equitable distribution of water resources and controlling the holistic use of water. Rainwater harvesting, recharge, reuse, and sustainable usage-based management are crucial for achieving water sovereignty in both rural and urban areas. To alleviate India’s water crisis and secure water for future generations, proper rainwater management is vital.
Rainwater is a valuable resource in our country. With its sustainable and appropriate management, we can overcome the water crisis and achieve water sovereignty. Everyone should participate in water management at their level and understand the importance of water conservation. Water sovereignty is not just a government goal; it is the right and responsibility of every citizen.
If proper implementation of water conservation and management practices is achieved at all levels, we can store enough water for future generations and protect the balance of the environment. Proper rainwater management and water sovereignty are critical concepts for tackling future water scarcity.
The government, local administration, NGOs, and citizens must all come together and work towards this goal. Every individual must recognize the importance of water, use it judiciously, and participate in water conservation initiatives. If we all take steps in this direction, we can undoubtedly overcome water challenges and create a prosperous and abundant India.
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*Social activist
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