Conservation of Water Resources is Collective Responsibility: President Murmu
Call for Active Participation
On October 22, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in water conservation during her address at the 5th National Water Awards ceremony held in New Delhi. She urged citizens to actively contribute to efforts aimed at building a water-secure India.
In her speech, President Murmu remarked, “We must remember that conservation of water resources is a collective responsibility and building a water-secure India is not possible without our active participation.” She highlighted the historical significance of water in the development of civilizations, stating that human history has been closely linked to rivers.
Concerns Over Freshwater Resources
Expressing concern regarding the contamination of freshwater resources, President Murmu noted, “Despite it being known that freshwater resources are available in limited quantities on earth, we ignore water conservation and management.” She pointed out that human activities are leading to the contamination and depletion of these essential resources.
The President cited findings from the Central Water Commission’s study, “Reassessment of Water Availability in India using Space Inputs, 2019,” which projected a decrease in average annual per capita water availability from 1486 cubic meters in 2021 to 1367 cubic meters by 2031. She stated that an annual per capita water availability of less than 1700 cubic meters indicates a water-stressed condition, while below 1000 cubic meters is classified as water scarcity.
Government Initiatives for Water Conservation
The central government has launched several initiatives aimed at conserving water and ensuring safe drinking water access for the public. One major initiative is the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which seeks to provide tap water supply to every rural household across the country by 2024.
Additionally, the government introduced AMRUT 2.0 on October 1, 2021, focusing on universal water supply coverage in all statutory towns to enhance the water security of urban areas. To promote optimal water utilization, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY) has been in effect since 2015-16, aiming to improve irrigation efficiency.
Under the PMKSY-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), significant irrigation projects have been prioritized in collaboration with states. The program has been extended until 2025-26 with a total budget of Rs. 93,068.56 crore. Also part of PMKSY is the Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme, which has been operational since 2015-16.
Promotion of Efficient Water Use
To ensure effective water usage across various sectors, the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) was established to promote, regulate, and control the efficient use of water in irrigation, industry, and domestic areas. The “Sahi Fasal” campaign was launched to persuade farmers in water-stressed regions to cultivate less water-intensive crops.
Furthermore, Mission Amrit Sarovar was initiated on National Panchayati Raj Day in 2022, aimed at conserving water for future generations. This mission focuses on the development and rejuvenation of 75 water bodies in each district throughout the country.
