Ecosystem-based approach to water management: Key to Karnataka’s water future

The looming water scarcity in the Deccan Plateau states

With Bengaluru experiencing its driest and one of the hottest Aprils on record, the ongoing water crisis in the city amplifies to an even more alarming level. This "double whammy" of heatwave and water scarcity is a stark reminder of a looming threat faced by Karnataka and other Deccan Plateau states – a growing disconnect between water demand and dwindling supplies. While a deficit of 18 percent rainfall last monsoon seems like a significant culprit, a closer look reveals a more concerning reality: the incapability of our aquifers to retain water.

This vulnerability of Karnataka stands in stark contrast to states like Kerala, which received a much steeper rainfall deficit (34%) but haven't faced a similar crisis. The answer lies in the very nature of Karnataka's aquifers – “they empty out quickly, and they also get recharged pretty quickly," as noted by Amitabh Sinha in The Indian Express (“What has caused the water crisis in Bengaluru, neighbouring areas”, 20th March, 2024). It is the geological characteristic of the Deccan Plateau that makes them highly susceptible to fluctuations in rainfall patterns.

This is where the work of organisations like the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) becomes crucial. WOTR focuses on an ecosystem-based approach to watershed development. This approach helps recharge aquifers more effectively, retain water within the catchment area for longer, and also builds the capacities of the people to manage their water resources in more equitable and sustainable ways – all practices that directly address the root cause of Karnataka's water woes.

The ecosystem-based approach to water management

Healthy watersheds act like giant sponges, absorbing rainwater and slowly releasing it into aquifers over time. This natural process ensures sustained groundwater availability, mitigating the impact of dry spells. Techniques such as the construction of check dams, farm bunds and afforestation have been traditionally undertaken as watershed development interventions for drought mitigation in dryland areas. While these have had some positive impacts, an ecosystem-based approach enhances the effectiveness in several ways:

A ridge-to-valley approach to watershed development: Often the focus of land and water management practices is around the farms – constructing farm bunds, dredging the drainage line (nalas), etc. However, a systematic approach that starts at the highest points of the catchment areas and works its way down to the drainage lines has been found to be a lot more sustainable. The true test of a successfully implemented watershed development would be in how clear the water is downstream! In Bengaluru’s case, restoring its lost lakes is no doubt crucial, but so is the protection of its surrounding watersheds. 

Biodiversity-focused afforestation: Tree roots hold the soil together, further enhancing rainwater infiltration and reducing surface runoff. Additionally, trees act as natural pumps, drawing water deep into the ground, replenishing aquifers over time. However, as seen in news reports of various afforestation efforts across the globe, the success rates are generally very poor. Planting non-native trees could have an adverse impact on the watershed by leading to further depletion of water tables. However, planting native trees, with a focus on their diversity, is much more sustainable, improves soil health, and also plays a big role in combating climate change.

Water Stewardship and Water Budgeting: While bolstering recharge is vital, it's equally important to manage existing water resources effectively. In several villages, WOTR is working with communities to empower them to assess water availability and demand through localised water budgets, enhancing water-use efficiency and increasing awareness about groundwater overexploitation. This data-driven approach empowers communities to prioritise water usage, identify areas for conservation, and implement sustainable practices. Our efforts dovetail perfectly with the central government's Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme, aiming to demonstrate scalable community-led sustainable groundwater management.

Climate-resilient agricultural practices: Another area of demand-side water management is through climate-resilient agricultural practices. Irrigation water accounts for about 90% of India’s freshwater demand and represents a huge scope for improving efficiency and water savings. Crop choices can also play an important role in water management. While the water-intensive paddy and wheat crops in Punjab and Haryana are often in the news, one could argue that making appropriate crop choices, based on the local ecosystem and climate, is even more critical in the Deccan Plateau. 

A Success Story: Bhojdari, Maharashtra

WOTR demonstrates its ecosystem-based approach through its successful work in the drought-prone village of Bhojdari, Maharashtra. In partnership with the community, WOTR implemented long-term watershed development, climate change adaptation, and water stewardship initiatives. This led to significant improvements including an 87 percent increase in surface-water storage, 43 percent more forest cover, and a 37 percent rise in income. Wells now retain water throughout summer, fodder availability has increased, and water levels have risen – transforming lives and enhancing water security. Bhojdari highlights the power of ecosystem-based adaptation for communities facing water scarcity.

Please read more on WOTR's work in the village of Bhojdari in the Case Study – Nurturing Nature and People amid Climate Change in Bhojdari at this link

"Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Maharashtra, India: Voices from the ground" – short film on the EbA approach in Bhojdari (Video Courtesy: WOTR)

A Call to Action: Building Water Security Together

A recent workshop organised by WOTR with the Government of Maharashtra and ICC (India Climate Collaborative) emphasised collaboration and a shift towards holistic solutions like EbA-based watershed development. This collaborative approach between NGOs, research institutes, corporates, and government departments to work alongside farming communities, is key to achieving long-term water security. By focusing on an ecosystem-based approach to watershed development, we can collectively build a more water-secure future for Karnataka and other states in the Deccan Plateau. 

Please find the details of the workshop organised by WOTR on March 21st 2024 with GoM and ICC at this link

The water crisis in Bengaluru is a wake-up call and the time for action is now. The plight of the city I live in, Pune, is not too dissimilar to Bengaluru, with rising heat stress and water shortages making it to the news frequently. All this underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in water management. By focusing on an ecosystem-based approach to watershed development, we can collectively build a more water-secure future for Karnataka and other states in the Deccan Plateau. Let us learn from the past, collaborate for a sustainable future, and ensure that our children inherit a landscape rich with water resources.