Gist of Kurukshetra June 2023 Issue: Water Conservation

Kurukshetra Magazine is a vital source of study material for the UPSC IAS exam. It is a monthly magazine that gives information about important government schemes and programmes in various sectors. Kurukshetra is an authentic source of information for the UPSC Exam. Here, we provide the Gist of Kurukshetra, exclusively for the IAS Exam.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Fostering Water Management for Food Security
2. Water Conservation through Community Planning
3. Educating People to Save Every Drop of Water
4. Making Villages Water Sufficient
5. Water Use Efficiency Ensuring Water Sustainability
6. 2023: Year of International Water Commitments and What it Means for Rural India

Chapter 1: Fostering Water Management for Food Security

Introduction –

The increasing pressure on natural resources, particularly land and water poses several challenges to the global food system and its sustainability. Water management will be one of the significant factors in the years to come to ensure water security and achieve SDGs.

Need for Water Management & Conservation

With rising population, climate changes, changes in rainfall patterns, and desertification – water management and conservation have become global priorities.

• India is home to about 18% of the world’s population and has only 4% of its water resources. India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world.
• It is estimated that by 2030, the country’s water demand will be twice the available supply which will eventually lead to a ~ 6% loss in the country’s GDP.
• With the increasing population, agriculture will need to produce almost 50% more food, livestock fodder and biofuel by 2050 than in 2012 to satisfy the global demand and keep on track to achieve zero hunger.

In order to address the gap in projected demand and supply, there is a need to bring a shift in farming from intensive to resource-efficient climate-smart farming.

India’s Water Conservation Strategies in Agriculture 

Various initiatives have been taken by the GoI for water conservation in producing maximum yield with minimum water.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2015, with an outlay of Rs 93,068 cr for 2021-26.
• The scheme offers an end-to-end solution for irrigation through source creation, distribution, management, field application and extension activities.
• It was formulated by amalgamating the following schemes-
  • Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) – Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
  • Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) – Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development.
  • On Farm Water Management (OFWM) – Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC).

Read more about PMKSY in the linked article – Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

• PDMC was launched in 2015 as a component of PMKSY. From 2022-23 PDMC is being implemented under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
• PDMC focuses on micro-irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
• Under this scheme, GoI provides subsidies to small and marginal farmers @ 55% of the indicative unit cost and @ 45% to other farmers.

Read more about the scheme in the linked article – Per Drop More Crop.

Sahi Fasal Campaign

• The Sahi Fasal campaign is a component of the National Water Mission, launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• The “Sahi Fasal” campaign was launched to nudge farmers in the water-stressed areas to grow crops which are not water intensive, but use water very efficiently, and are economically remunerative; are healthy and nutritious; suited to the agro-climatic-hydro characteristics of the area; and are environmentally friendly.

Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Padhati (BPKP)

• Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) is a sub-mission under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), which falls within the umbrella of the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 4645.69 cr. for the period of 6 years (2019-20 to 2024-25).
• BPKP promotes natural farming – a chemical-free, traditional farming-based diversified farming system that integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity.
• The scheme aims at minimising the cost of cultivation, recreation of soil ecosystem and ensuring environmental sustainability. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has made concerted efforts to encourage the diversification of agricultural and horticultural crops as per the local need through various ongoing schemes like – the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and Rainfed Area Development (RAD).

Way Forward-

• Water being a state subject, requires cooperation to harness steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources across states. 
• Ecosystem services and incentives should be considered to encourage efficient use of water resources. 

Chapter 2: Water Conservation through Community Planning

To achieve the objectives of inclusive growth with equity and social justice, the overall development of basic infrastructure is required. An important component of infrastructural needs is to arrange an adequate, timely, affordable water supply for ensuring a healthy and economically productive society and becoming a water-secure nation. The country receives 1,200 mm of rainfall water annually and only 6% of it is stored, so it is imperative to save and conserve water to meet the country’s water needs. 

Community Participation in Water Conservation-

As per the constitution of India, ‘water’ is a state subject. Therefore, steps to augment, conserve and manage water resources have remained the primary responsibility of the respective states. 

• States’ water conservation efforts are supported through various central government schemes with required provisions of technical and financial assistance.
• Civic participation in the management processes of any public development endeavour results in better outcomes. 

 Water Conservation Initiatives by the States –

1. Neeru-Chettu 

• Implementing State – Andhra Pradesh.
• It is aimed at collective participation and the spread of awareness to make the state ‘drought proof’ through better water conservation.
• The activity involves rejuvenating and re-vitalising water resources through the desilting of tanks and feeder channels, etc.

     2. Jal Jeevan Hariyali

• Implementing State – Bihar.
• It is aimed at encouraging farmers to participate in water conservation efforts of the government and to sensitise them on the use of alternative crops, organic farming, drip irrigation and other technologies with less dependence on irrigation.
• It involves the identification, restoration and renovation of all public storage structures- canals, ponds, etc.

     3. Sujalam Sufalam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan 

• Implementing State – Gujarat.
• It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme and the government’s contribution is 60% of the work expenditure.
• The project involves deepening of the water bodies before the arrival of the monsoon to enhance storage.

     4. Jal Hi Jeevan Hai

• Implementing State – Haryana.
• It encourages farmers to adopt crop diversification and sow crops which need less water like maize, arhar, etc.

     5. Pani Panchayat 

• Implementing State – Odisha 
• It aims to ensure optimum utilisation of water as well as improving agriculture production.

      6. Jalyukht Shivar Abhiyan 

• Implementing State – Maharashtra.
• The aim is to make Maharashtra drought-free by making 5000 villages free of water scarcity every year.
• It involves the deepening and widening of water streams, the construction of cement and earthen stop dams, etc.

     7. Mukhya Mantri Jal Swawalamban Abhiyan 

• Implementing State – Rajasthan.
• Through the convergence of schemes of various departments, works are executed through people’s participation by motivating villagers and beneficiaries. 
• The conservation efforts include managing rainfall, run-off, groundwater and in-situ soil moisture.

     8. Mission Kakatiya 

• Implementing State – Telangana.
• The initiative aims at spreading minor irrigation in the state with community participation for sustainable water security.

Water Conservation Initiatives of the Union Government –

India has about 141 million hectares of net-sown area, out of which about 65 million hectares (45%) are currently covered under irrigation of any source. India highly depends on rainfall making cultivation in unirrigated areas a risk-laden, less remunerative and less productive profession. Assured irrigation encourages farmers to invest more in farming technology and inputs, leading to an increase in income and productivity.

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana aims to ensure sustainable access to some means of irrigation to all agricultural farms in the country through efficient management of water resources and by propagating the tagline – Per Drop More Crop.
  • The various components of PMKSY that need adequate community planning and participation during the implementation phase are –
    • Har Khet Ko Pani.
    • Watershed Development.
    • Per Drop More Crop.
    • MGNREGA.- The construction of water harvesting and conservation works is emphasised under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
      • The MGNREGA allows watershed development activities wherein the PRI (Panchayat Raj Institutions) are mandated to plan, implement and monitor National Resource Management Works which include watershed development for rain-fed areas, command area development for irrigated areas, afforestation, plantation and horticulture.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan – This mission is implemented to improve water availability, including groundwater conditions in the water-stressed blocks of 256 districts in India.
  • Read more about it in the linked article – Jal Shakti Ministry – Significance of Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana – It aims at sustainable management of groundwater with community participation in identified over-exploited and water-stressed areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
  • Read more about the scheme in the linked article – Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY).
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti has also taken other important measures for water conservation through active community participation – National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM) Programme,  Rain Area Development Programme (RADP), National Perspective Plan, Catch the Rain and Sahi Fasal campaigns.

Measures for the Success of Water Conservation Efforts –

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment empowers Gram Panchayats to plan and manage rural water supply and sanitation systems. The effective planning and implementation of water conservation-related schemes demand active community engagement through PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions),  Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer’s Groups and Cooperatives. The community through PRIs should take up the responsibility of being Programme Implementing Agencies (PIAs).

The community should ensure the following for the success of water conservation efforts in rural areas –

• Preparation of Water Security Plan, Irrigation Plan and Village Action Plan.
• Discuss and deliberate on the sustainability of water schemes, and explore new revenue resources for water conservation systems.
• Preparation of water reserve audit, and water safety plan to ensure recharge, storage and availability of water and to meet issues relating to water quality usage.
• Promoting timely execution of projects and utilisation of funds.
• Arrange training and capacity building programmes on water collection, storage, usage etc for grass-root workers.

Conclusion – The water conservation programmes would be successful in achieving their objectives only if the community and end beneficiaries are involved in various stages of programme implementation.

Chapter 3: Educating People to Save Every Drop of Water

Introduction – 

In response to the global water crisis, the United Nations has established a target under its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which is to ensure that everyone has access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). However, the United Nations World Water Development Report, 2019 indicates that almost two-thirds of the world’s population suffer from severe water scarcity for at least one month every year.

• Despite having abundant rainfall, India faces frequent droughts, floods and water scarcity due to inadequate water management practices and rapid urbanisation.
• Tackling the water crisis requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including government, civic bodies, administration, educational institutions, NGOs, media as well as society. 
• There is a need for structured long-term campaigns to build awareness and educate people and also to incentivise and reward them to save every drop of water. 

National Water Mission (NWM)

The National Water Mission is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

• The main objective of NWM is the conservation of water, minimising wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution both across and within states through integrated water resources management and development.
• One of the five goals of the National Water Mission is to promote citizen and state actions for water conservation, augmentation and preservation. 
• One of the strategies of  NWM under Goal IV is to incentivise organisations or companies through awards for water conservation and efficient use of water resources. The annual NWM Water Awards recognise excellence in water conservation, efficient water use and sustainable water management practices. 
• Water Talk – The NWM organises lecture series called ‘Water Talk’ with an objective to facilitate the exchange of information pertaining to water-related topics. The Water Talk series takes place on the third Friday of every month and features presentations from experts and practitioners in the field. 

‘Catch the Rain’ campaign

• The “Catch the Rain” campaign is being run by the NWM. 
• This campaign was launched on 22nd March 2021 on the occasion of World Water Day.
• The campaign aims to encourage the states and stakeholders to create and maintain appropriate rainwater harvesting structures (RWHS), suitable to the soil strata and climatic conditions of the area, with people’s participation with the theme ‘Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls’.
• The campaign involves the active participation of the local community in the implementation of measures to enhance the storage capacity of water bodies.

Strategies to Educate People –

Through education and awareness-building campaigns, individuals can be empowered to take responsibility for their water consumption and ensure that every drop of this precious resource is conserved. In the past, many mass awareness campaigns were launched on the need for the conservation of water like media campaigns, puppet shows, street theatres, jal yatras etc. Doordarshan, Akashwani and other government media platforms have been continuously utilised to create awareness amongst the masses. The other measures which could be utilised to make water conservation a mass movement include-

• Social Media – can be used to directly reach out to people in real-time and proactively engage with them.
• Conventional Media – using the mediums like TV, newspapers, and radio as these have vast footprints across the country.
• Educational Institutions.
• Engaging Communities – organising community programmes like seminars, workshops etc.
• Incentives and Rewards –  to encourage people to conserve water, incentives like tax rebates, and discounts can be offered. This can be done at the local level with funding support from the Centre or State governments. 
• Involving Private Sector – There are already some private organisations which are running campaigns for the conservation of water.
• Engaging with eminent personalities – Celebrity involvement can be sought to attract public attention and promote water conservation initiatives. 

An effective way to send the message across could be to amplify the good work done by people to save water and educate people in this regard. 

Chapter 4: Making Villages Water Sufficient

Localisation of SDGs-

Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) through PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions) serves as a plan towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

• The 17 UN- SDGs have been remapped into 9 broad themes –
  • Theme 1 – Poverty free and enhanced livelihood villages.
  • Theme 2 – Healthy village.
  • Theme 3 – Child-friendly village.
  • Theme 4 – Water sufficient village.
  • Theme 5 – Clean and green village.
  • Theme 6 – Self-sufficient infrastructure in the village.
  • Theme 7 – Socially secured village.
  • Theme 8 – Village with good governance.
  • Theme 9 – Engendered Development in village.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has brought out LSDGs in PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions). The GoI has approved Rs 5911 cr. under the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana (RGSY), which is aimed at empowering 2,78,000 PRIs or elected rural local governments to implement a set of social goals that the United Nations has deemed necessary for sustainable development.

Water Sufficient Village

Theme 4 of the LSDGs- Water Sufficient Village is related to many other SDGs. For example, lack of adequate water for irrigation leads to low income for marginal farmers and landless labourers dependent on agriculture and it is likely that their livelihood will fall below the poverty line (SDG 1-Zero Poverty), adequate water for irrigation will increase the agricultural productivity (SDG 2- Zero Hunger) and so on. 

• Theme 4 – Water Sufficient Village is multi-dimensional and directly related to health, education, gender equality, sustainable and efficient use of natural resources etc.
• Under Theme 4, there are 9 sub-goals that have been set with 25 Modified GP (Gram Panchayat) Level Indicator to assess, analyse and monitor the progress.
  • Providing access to clean water to all village households by 2024.
  • Provide access to sanitation in the villages.
  • Achieve ODF (Open Defecation Free) sustainability.
  • Grey water management.
  • Per capita availability of water in villages.
  • Construction of rainwater harvesting and recharge works.
  • Safeguarding of water bodies.
  • Constitution of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) in each Gram Panchayat.
  • Water efficient agricultural practices.
• A robust plan is needed to ensure that resources (human, knowledge, financial and administrative) reach the endpoint (village, farmer or family). PRIs must have basic knowledge of all the ongoing schemes and the ability to develop comprehensive action plans.
• To achieve water sufficient village, the GP must explore resources from many schemes like 15th Finance Commission Funds, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), National Rural Drinking Water Programme  (NRDWP), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) etc.

Read about SBM in the linked article – Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

• The GP needs to work in close association with other stakeholders in the rural landscape like SHGs, ASHA, Swachhata Doots, Water User Associations (WUAs), NGOs, functionaries of Drinking Water and Sanitation etc.

Learning from the Good Initiatives and Practices –

Many results-yielding initiatives are in operation in different parts of the country for the restoration, conservation and sustainable use of water resources. Such initiatives need to be documented and attempts should be made to replicate with any necessary customisation.

• Kerala is the first state in the country to prepare a Water Budget based on local self-government bodies by calculating water availability and consumption. The water budget puts forward scientific methods for the conservation of water resources and also aims at creating awareness among the public about the need for water conservation.
• In Telangana state, the Mission Bhagiratha scheme is implemented in all the villages for providing safe and sustainable drinking water to all households. Also, the Mission Kakatiya scheme was implemented to restore the irrigation tanks to their full capacity and a number of water conservation works like the construction of check demand, other harvesting structures, desilting of feeder and field channels etc are taken up under MGNREGA.

Conclusion – Local Institutions such as Panchayats play a major role in achieving Water Sufficient Village. Further, all water-related issues are to be mainstreamed in the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). The participation of people, community-led management, training and capacity building of PR functionaries and officials of various line departments will bring in the desired results in terms of water-sufficient villages.

Chapter 5: Water Use Efficiency Ensuring Water Sustainability

Introduction 

‘Water’ is at the very core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goals – Target 6.4 addresses water use efficiency and water stress. SDG target 6.2 is: ‘By 2030, substantially increase water use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity’.

Water Use Efficiency-

Water Use Efficiency is the ratio between effective water use and actual water withdrawal. 

• Enhancing water use efficiency in every sector of water use (agriculture, drinking, domestic etc) is very important for sustaining life faced with the challenges posed by climate change in the water sector. 

Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture 

India is an agrarian country and agriculture is the source of livelihood for about 58% of the country’s population. 

• Water Use Efficiency (WUE) in irrigation is the percentage of the irrigation water consumed by the crop of an irrigated farm, field and project to the water delivered from the source. Some water is lost due to conveyance, distribution and application in the field.
• In India, the agriculture sector is the largest consumer of water resources, therefore even a small percentage saving of water in this sector will have a large impact on the availability of water for drinking and domestic purposes. 

Methods for Improving Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture –

1. Micro Irrigation –

• The WUE in micro-irrigation including drip irrigation is as high as 80-95% in comparison to only 30-50% in conventional flood irrigation.
• The micro-irrigation techniques also help in reducing water logging, fertiliser usage, labour expenses and other input costs and in enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers’ income besides sustaining soil health. 

      2. Mulching –

• Mulching helps in increasing WUE by controlling water losses by evaporation from the plant root zone.
• A mulch is a material spread on the top of the soil – plastic sheets, organic material.
• There is about 10% water saving from the use of mulch materials in agriculture.

     3. Drought- Tolerant Crops –

• Growing crops that are appropriate to the climate of the region also helps in getting more crops per drop. 
• The ICAR has developed several drought-tolerant short-duration crop varieties that suit different agro-climatic regions of the country for judicious use of water.

Other measures to increase water use efficiency include –

• Reduce conveyance losses by lining channels or preferably, by using closed conduits.
• Avoiding mid-day sprinkling reduces evaporation.
• Reduce run-off and percolation losses due to over-irrigation.
• Select the most suitable and marketable crops for the region.
• Use appropriate insect, disease and parasite control.
• Apply manures and green manures where possible and fertilise effectively.
• Apply weed control measures.
• Practice soil conservation for long-term sustainability.
• Irrigate in the exact amounts to prevent water deficits, taking into account weather conditions and crop growth stages.

Initiatives to increase WUE in the Agriculture Sector-

The GoI through various ministries and departments have taken many steps to enhance WUE in agriculture –

• PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana)
• AIBP (Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme) – The GoI launched AIBP during 1996-97 to provide Central Loan Assistance (CLA) to major and medium irrigation projects that were in an advanced stage of completion to achieve the targeted potential, ultimately resulting in saving water and improving efficiency.
  • During 2015-16 AIBP was integrated with PMKSY.
• Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM)– The GoI launched CADWM during 1974-75 to bridge the gap between IPC ( Irrigation Potential Created) and IPU (Irrigation Potential Utilised).
  • With the launch of PMKSY, CADWM was included under the Har Khet Ko Pani component of the PMKSY.
• Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) – HKKP is a component under PMKSY and aims at ensuring water to every farm through assured irrigation.
• Per Drop More Crop – ensures more productivity through micro-irrigation (also a component of PMKSY).
• National Water Mission (NWM) – National Water Mission was launched in June 2008 with five goals. One of the most important goals of NWM is to improve the WUE by at least 20%. To realise this goal,  research in the area of increasing WUE in agriculture, industry and domestic usage is one of the important strategies. 
• Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE)- The BWUE was established under the National Water Mission in October 2022 to achieve the target of improvement in WUE by 20%.
  • BWUE is a facilitator for the promotion of improving WUE across various sectors- agriculture, industry, power generation etc.

Water Use Efficiency (WUE) in Industrial Sector –

Recent studies have revealed that industrial water demand will quadruple between 2005 and 2030, putting further pressure on the already over-allocated water resources of the country. 

• The water scarcity has led to shut down of at least India’s 20 largest thermal utilities between 2013 & 2016, taking a total financial toll of USD 1.4 billion. It is therefore important for companies to elevate water resource management above the realm of corporate social responsibilities.

Initiatives to increase WUE in Industrial Sector

• The National Water Mission has awarded a benchmarking study to TERI regarding ‘Benchmarking Industrial Water Use to Assist Policy for Enhancing Industrial WUE in India’.
• In phase 1, the study would focus on two industrial sectors – thermal power plants and textile industries. 
• In phase 2, water audit in pulp and paper, and steel industries would be taken up.

Initiatives to increase WUE in the domestic sector –

• The National Water Mission has recommended to BIS take steps to issue standards for water-efficient plumbing products. 
• AMRUT Mission- It aims at sustainable management of water in urban areas.

Read about AMRUT Mission in the link –AMRUT Scheme.

Chapter 6: 2023: Year of International Water Commitments and What it Means for Rural India

The year 2023 is an important year nationally and internationally for the water-related goals of the world.

• In 2017, the United Nations adopted a resolution declaring 2018 – 2028 as the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development. The year 2023 is the mid-year of the decade for action on water and also for SDGs.
• The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, IPCC Report 2021, highlights that the water cycle is more sensitive to global warming, causing an increase in droughts, floods and cyclones with a one-degree temperature rise. These issues impact nearly 40% of the global population.
• As per the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimates in 2019, India suffered losses of Rs 5.61 lakh cr. due to extreme climate events in the past two decades.
• As per the report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) in 2021, more than 75% of India’s districts are extreme event hotspots, and more than 80% of India’s population resides in districts highly vulnerable to extreme hydromet disasters like droughts, floods and cyclones.

Water scarcity, water quality degradation, infrastructure damage and increased spread of waterborne diseases are some of the consequences of climate change.

Water Matters for Rural India

53% of districts in India are rural (Census 2011), out of which 37% are vulnerable to the impacts of extreme hydromet disasters. Thus, it is important to ensure water security in rural areas to mitigate the impacts of droughts, floods and cyclones. 

• Agriculture and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) are the two sectors where the demand for water is highest. Agriculture accounts for a larger share of water demand (almost 80%), however, WASH is also important from the perspective of public health. 
• There is an increased dependence on groundwater for meeting water demands. As per Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) Analysis 2022, about 30% of the assessment units in the country are semi-critical, critical or over-exploited. Considering more than 80%of the rural water supply schemes are based on groundwater sources, non-regulation of groundwater can be a matter of concern in future.

Major International Commitments and Outcomes 

G20 (Group of Twenty)

• Under India’s G20 Presidency, a dedicated global water dialogue is being held as a part of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG). It focuses on achieving sustainable water resources management in alignment with SDG-6 by 2030.
• During the second G20 ECSWG meeting, the Ministry of Jal Shakti emphasised the importance of climate-sensitive development for ensuring water security, while highlighting India’s two flagship missions – Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission.
• The intended outcomes of these dialogues include – 
  • Universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation services.
  • Groundwater management involves local stakeholders in groundwater recharge and its efficient use.
  • Climate resilient water infrastructure with improved disaster risk reduction. 

Also read – India Takes Over Presidency of G20.

United Nations Water Conference (UNWC)

• The UNWC, 2023 was co-hosted by Tajikistan and Netherlands in March 2023 at Un Headquarters in New York.
• The main outcome of the conference is a document on voluntary and non-binding commitments to accelerate progress to meet the global water and sanitation-related goals and targets in the second half of the Water Action Decade and 2030 Agenda. About 700 commitments were made towards a water-secure world.
• India under the action agenda has allocated USD 50 billion to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024, which is much before 2030.

Conference of Parties (COP)-

The COP is an annual meeting organised by the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) where countries come together and discuss and address climate change issues.

• The Water Action Track was launched at COP25 in 2019 to increase action on climate change adaptation and mitigation, with a particular focus on SDG 6.
• At COP26, the Water Pavilion was established which provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences on water management in the face of climate change.
• In 2022, water and sanitation were also introduced for the first time in agendas

Way Forward –

The way forward for India to meet SDG 6 targets should be to synergise and leverage its existing programmes and commitments. India can leverage the collective knowledge and experiences gained at international forums like COP, UN Summits, G20 etc to strengthen the existing strategies to address climate change and build resilience in the water sector.

Gist of Kurukshetra June 2023 Issue: Water Conservation:- Download PDF Here