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How to Conserve Water? UPSC CSE

Water Conservation

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Summary of Water Conservation

Water conservation is critical for addressing India's water crisis. The challenges in this include overexploitation of groundwater, pollution, poor farming practices, and climate change. The impact ranges from health issues to economic losses, conflicts, and environmental risks. The Conservation methods are broadly divided into traditional, conventional, and modern approaches. Government initiatives like Jal Shakti Abhiyan, PMKSY and Jal Jeevan Mission aim at water security. The challenges in these initiatives include infrastructural gaps, lack of awareness, and financial constraints. Steps necessary to address these challenges include regular groundwater assessment, undertaking watershed management programmes, rainwater harvesting, and improving efficiency of agricultural practices among others.

Water stress occurs when annual water supply of an area goes below 1700 cubic metres per person while if the annual water supply of an area goes below 1000 cubic metres per person, it is termed as Water scarcity. If the annual water supply drops below 500 cubic metres, it is known as absolute water scarcity.

Agriculture practices that promote water conservation include,

  • Using drip irrigation to use water efficiently
  • Growing drought resistant crops like millets
  • Implementing soil conservation practices
  • Introducing night irrigation practice to reduce water evaporation
  • Precision farming with sensors to increase the water use efficiency
  • Mulching to reduce water evaporation
  • Practicing rain-fed agriculture where possible

Greywater recycling involves the reuse of wastewater from baths, showers, sinks, and washing machines for non-potable purposes like irrigation or flushing toilets. It helps reduce the demand on freshwater resources.

Background of Water Conservation

Water conservation is imperative for India's sustainable development. Fresh water is a limited resource, making water conservation an important factor for the environment. With population growth, expansion of industry, increasing levels of development activity, and the potential for climate change impacts there is increasing pressure placed on India’s water resources. The repercussions, from health issues to economic losses and conflicts, underscore the urgency of action. Monsoon variations and data on water scarcity emphasize the severity of the crisis.

Introduction of Water Conservation

India, with 18% of the world's population, has water resources sufficient for only 4% of its people. According to NITI Aayog's 2018 Composite Water Management Index (CWMI), the water crisis is projected to cost India a 6% loss in GDP by 2050, with 40% of Indians lacking access to drinking water by 2030. Agriculture, which consumes 85% of total water use, is the largest water consumer in India. India faces a severe water crisis due to overexploitation, pollution, and inefficient practices. This crisis has far-reaching consequences on health, food security, and socio-economic stability.Water conservation is vital to protect, preserve, and regulate the usage of water resources.

Need for Water Conservation/ Extent of Water Crisis

Below mentioned issues collectively contribute to a complex water crisis in India.

Regional Perspective of Water Crisis

Impact of Water Crisis

Methods of Water Conservation

Government Initiatives:

  1. Jal Shakti Abhiyan for water conservation and water security in identified water stressed blocks.
  2. National Water Mission was launched with an aim to improve water efficiency by 20%
  3. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)- Explained Below separately
  4. Atal Bhujal Yojana, a World Bank aided project , was launched for groundwater management in selected states.
  5. Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) by Niti Aayog was developed to enable effective water management in Indian States
  6. National Water Policy, 2012 > Explained Below separately
  7. Jal Jeevan Mission: envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
  8. Census: In 2023, the Ministry of Jal Shakti unveiled the findings of India's First water bodies census, offering a comprehensive database encompassing ponds, tanks, lakes, and reservoirs nationwide. Conducted during 2018-19, the census meticulously documented over 2.4 million water bodies across all states and Union Territories.
  9. The One Water approach is a holistic method that combines planning and implementation to effectively manage limited water resources for long-term sustainability and dependability.
    • It recognizes the intrinsic value of all water sources and concentrates on addressing wastewater, stormwater, drainage water, the impact of land use changes on the water cycle, and groundwater management to ensure comprehensive water resource sustainability.

PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana

The PMKSY, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to enhance irrigation coverage and minimize water wastage. It has been formulated by amalgamating the following schemes

National Water Policy, 2012

The salient features are

Challenges of Water Conservation Initiatives:

Way Forward:

Conclusion for Water Conservation

Addressing India's water crisis requires immediate and concerted efforts. The multifaceted challenges, ranging from overexploitation to pollution and climate change, demand a comprehensive approach. Government initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission are steps in the right direction, but challenges such as infrastructure gaps and legal complexities need to be tackled. The way forward involves a holistic strategy, including groundwater assessment, watershed management, rainwater harvesting, and efficient agricultural practices. Moreover, awareness campaigns, institutional reforms, and a nationwide commitment to water conservation are crucial. With the right policies, community involvement, and technological innovations, India can move towards sustainable water management, ensuring a secure and equitable water future for all.

Prelims PYQS of How to Conserve Water?

1) Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar

Correct Answer : (A) Dholavira
2) With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements:

1.It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
2.It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
3.It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.

Which of the above statements are not correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(C) 1 and 3 only
3) What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?

1.Prevention of soil runoff
2.Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
3.Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
4.Regeneration of natural vegetation

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer :C) 1, 3 and 4 only

Mains PYQS of How to Conserve Water?

1) Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?
2) What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples.
3) What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)
4) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario.
5) What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?
6) “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas?
7) The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.
8) In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone and semi-arid regions of India.
9) India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.
10) Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?

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