Water Management

The future of over one billion people and globally significant ecosystems hinges on collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change and water management in three critical river basins: the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahm

Agricultural productivity continues to be low in South Asian economies such as India. For example, the average paddy production per hectare in India is 3590 kg, which is much lower compared to 6686 kg per ha.

The unprecedented water crisis gripping the city of Bangalore demands urgent attention. With soaring temperatures, acute water shortages and district-wide drought declarations, the gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. Projections indicate an increase in water demand of approximately 800 million litres per day (MLD) by 2031.

Irrigation, vital for agriculture, involves supplying water through artificial means like pipelines and sprinklers. It enhances crop yields, accounting for 17% of global agricultural land and 40% of cereal output. India, with limited resources, irrigates 64.7 million hectares, enabling multiple harvests.

India is widely acknowledged as one of the most water-stressed countries globally, exacerbated by the stark reality that it hosts 17% of the world's population but possesses only 4% of the world's freshwater resources.

The Meghalaya government in February 2024 hosted its first International Water Conclave 2024 in Shillong. The gathering involved the engagement of diverse experts, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders, exchanging insights and ideas pertaining to water management. The conference, emphasising knowledge sharing and learning, is slated to become an annual event.

In 2015, I found myself at a hutment in Mekaniyon ki Dhani, near Pachpadra, Barmer. It was late June, and my work had taken me to this nearly barren land of sandy soil. Just the view of this landscape makes one thirsty. Naturally, the most precious resource in this terrain is water.

How do you save water? By using less of it? It sounds simple, but defining water use is more complex. Is it the amount of water drawn from the ground or piped supply for crop irrigation? Or is it the water consumed by the crops themselves to grow?

As the world commemorates World Water Day 2024 with the theme “Water for Peace”, the focus is once again on the critical issue of water accessibility and sustainability. In India, a nation with a staggering population of over 1.3 billion, the challenge of ensuring clean water for all is particularly acute.

World Water Day 2024 couldn’t have a better timing, at least for Bengaluru, which is facing one of the worst water crisis in its history, and there is no respite in sight at least for a few more months. We need more discussions and focus on water now, and not just from sector experts but from every user of the resource.