Tag: water

What is the National Water Policy? Drinking Water Issues

Article

January 31, 2023
/ Leave a Comment on What is the National Water Policy? Drinking Water Issues

10 min
11 months
1,805 word

Tagged government, national, policy, water

What is the National Water Policy? Drinking Water Issues

This article talks about the importance of national water policies and how they are formulated. It also covers various policies and initiatives formed under the national water policy, of 2002

Author: Lakshay

Keywords: water, policy, national, policy, government, and management

Abstract

Water is a prime national asset that becomes the part of basic needs of people. It is a part of a larger ecological system that’s why the planning and management of water resources need to be governed by national perspectives. Developing, conserving, and sustainably utilizing this important resource should be the prime focus of the government as we have entered the 21^st century. Also, water is one of the most abundant resources on earth but only 3% of its supply is available for human survival as fresh water. A major portion of this freshwater is in the form of ice caps and glaciers.

On the other hand, global water demand has been increasing at the rate of 1% per year which makes it a concerning factor. Moreover, the development and overexploitation of groundwater resources in certain parts of the country. That have raised the concern and need for judicious as well as scientific resource management and conservation. Now to deal with such a situation we have adopted a national water policy that addresses various such problems.

This article talks about the importance of national water policies and how they are formulated. It also covers various policies and initiatives formed under the national water policy, of 2002

Introduction

Water is the most precious and one of the most crucial natural resources which have to be planned, developed, and managed based on the socio-economic aspects and needs of the states. All the major civilizations of the world have flourished near the bank of some or other river, this shows the importance of water in the evolution of mankind. It is a vital component not only for the agricultural industry but also used in various other sectors such as the transportation sector and forestry for recreation and preservation of the environment. Water is a part of a larger ecological system and realizing its scarcity in today’s world, it has to be treated as the essential environmental resource for sustaining all life forms. (Sustainable development goal 6 of 2030 also recognizes the sustainable management of water.

India accounts for about 2.5% of the world’s surface areas and about 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, ranking it among the top ten water-rich countries. Despite this according to the 4^th Assessment of the Inter-governmental panel on climate change, India has been designated as a water-stressed region. The per capita availability of water in India as a whole is reducing progressively due to the increase in population. Moreover, certain problems related to water logging and soil salinity have emerged in some irrigation commands. As well as developmental and over-exploitation of groundwater resources in certain parts of the country raised concerns and urgent demands for its management.

All these concerns need to be adhered to based on common policies and various other strategies formulated by the joint efforts of central and state governments.

The formulation process of the National Water Policy

In March 1983 first national water policy was established and it was adopted by National Water Resource Council. The national water resource council is one of the highest policies making body because of the following reasons:

The Prime Minister of India is the chairman of NWRC and its vice-chairman is the Ministry of water resources.
Further, its member comprises the Minister of state for water resources, the union ministers, or ministers of state from a few related central ministries.
It also contains the Chief Minister of all states and Lieutenant Governors / Administrators of all the UTs.
The Secretary, Minister of water resources is the secretary of the national water resource council.

It is important to note here that since the chair of a council is placed on the highest political level of the prime minister, the council will not be able to meet often that’s why NWRC only meets to adopt national water policy.

The process followed for the formulation of national water policy is that first of all the draft national water policy is first examined by the board, now based on the inputs received from the board, various changes are made to the draft, and a final draft is created. After the preparation of the final draft, it has to be sent to the council for its assessment and review. In the end council after reviewing the draft approves the national water policy.

National Water Policy, 2002

National water policy, 2002 stipulates progressive new approaches toward water resource management. It stipulates water allocation priorities in the following areas:

Drinking water
Irrigation
Hydro-power
Navigation
Industrial and other uses

Key features of National Water Policy, 2002

Irrigation and multi-purpose projects should invariably include drinking water components, wherever there is no alternative source of drinking water.
It should be the priority to provide drinking water to all human beings and animals.
Measures should be taken to limit and regulate the exploitation of groundwater.
Application of an effective method to regularly monitor the ground and surface water so that their quality can also be compared. Phased programming should be undertaken for improving water quality.
The efficiency of utilization in all the diverse areas of water should be improved.
Organizing various awareness programs to explain to people about the increasing scarcity of water and also to teach them effective ways to utilize water resources.
Conservation and consciousness related to the effective use of water can be promoted through education, incentives, and disincentives.

Project Planning

Water resource development projects should be planned and developed in such a way that they can fulfill multiple needs related to water resources. The primary consideration during the planning and development of the project is to focus on the preservation of the quality of the environment and ecological balance. Following are some of the factors which are to be considered while project planning:

Water resource development projects should be developed and formulated to serve multi-purposes to consider various purposes related to water conservation and its supply to the general public.
While planning the project, the approach should be towards a sustainable project wherein adverse impacts on the environment should be minimized and adequate compensatory measures should be taken to decrease the adverse effects.
During the development and implementation of the project, a multi-disciplinary approach should be taken because environmental aspects, ecological aspects, and rehabilitation of affected people can be considered. These water resource developmental projects should also take necessary steps for the benefit of people of tribal areas and disadvantaged groups.
In the planning stage itself, the drainage system should form an integral part of any irrigation project.
Factors such as optimal allocation of resources and prioritization of resources by upgrading the quality of water projects. It can be used to tackle the problem related to cost overturns and inadequate funding can be solved.

Ground Water Development

In India, one of the major resources of water is groundwater. As in recent years groundwater is severely exploited thus it becomes very important to regulate and monitor the use of groundwater. Under the national water policy, 2002 various initiatives are taken to manage the groundwater as follows:

Based on a scientific approach, periodic reassessment of groundwater must take place. Under this approach, a major focus will be to see the quality of water available and the economic viability of its extraction.
The use of groundwater resources should be regulated in such a manner that the recharging possibilities of groundwater should not be exceeded. Along with that exploitation of groundwater need to be effectively prevented by central and state governments.
For improving the quality and availability of groundwater, groundwater recharge projects should also be developed.
During the project planning stage itself, the integrated development of surface water and groundwater resources should be focused on.
Over-exploitation of groundwater should be avoided especially near the coast to prevent the ingress of seawater into sweet water qualifiers.

Irrigation

In India major portion of water demand comes from irrigation. In 2010, irrigation sector has utilized 688 billion cubic-meters of water and it is estimated that in the year 2025. This demand will increase to 910 billion cubic meters, now to deal with these increasing needs of water. We have to focus on creating various policies and appropriate irrigating techniques to optimize water use efficiency. Some of the measures that can be taken to manage the use of water in irrigation sector are as follows:

Use of appropriate irrigation techniques for optimizing water use efficiency. Irrigation intensity should be extended in such a way that as many farm families can utilize its benefits.
There should be a close involvement in land use and water-use policies.
Water allocation in an irrigation system should be considered with due regard to equity and social justice.
In all irrigation projects through the command area approach and by combined efforts, irrigation potential can be fully utilized…
Because Irrigation is the largest consumer of fresh water. The aim should be to get optimal productivity per unit of water. Farm practices, scientific water management, and sprinkler and drip systems of irrigation should be adopted wherever feasible.
Under the command area development program, reclamation of waterlogged / saline-affected land. By scientific and cost-effective methods should be focused on.

Conservation of water and management of water quality

Conservation and consciousness related to the effective use of water can be promoted through education, incentives, and disincentives. The resources should be conserved and the availability augmented by maximizing retention, eliminating pollution, and minimizing losses. For this, initiatives like selective linings in the conveyance system, modernization of existing systems, adoption of traditional techniques. Like mulching or pitcher irrigation, and new techniques like drip and sprinkler may be promoted, wherever feasible.

A phased program should be undertaken for improvements in water quality. Both surface water and groundwater should be regularly monitored for quality. While managing the natural streams effluents should be treated to acceptable levels before discharging them into natural streams. In the pere-9+5nnial streams for maintaining ecology and social considerations, the minimum flow should be ensured. In the management of polluted water principle of ‘polluter pays’ should be followed.

Conclusion

As we know that water is the most basic requirement for the entire living organism. It plays a major role in maintaining ecological balance and for economic and developmental activities of all kinds. Because of its increasing scarcity, management of this resource and its optimal, economical and equitable use has become a matter of the utmost urgency. Concerns of the community need to be taken into account for both water resources development and management. Maintaining a national consensus and adhering to its underlying principles can result in the success of the National Water Policy. To achieve the desired objectives, State Water Policy backed with an operational action plan shall be formulated in a time-bound manner say in two years. National Water Policy may be revised periodically as and when the need arises.

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What is River Pollution? How to control Pollution?

Article

October 15, 2022
/ Leave a Comment on What is River Pollution? How to control Pollution?

8 min
1 year
1,413 word

Tagged Agriculture, flora and fauna, Natural Resources, Pollution, river pollution

What is River Pollution? How to control Pollution?

Growing river pollution is a serious subject of consideration in the world. About 2 million tons of waste from industries, sewage, etc are discharged every day into the water bodies.

Keywords: Pollution, Water, Natural Resources, flora and fauna, rivers, agriculture, sewage, river pollution

Rivers are very essential for the survival of the entire living organism in the world. There are many rivers in the world that have been the major source of the development of the ancient civilizations of the world. They are present from ancient times and serve the people till the present. The river water nourishes the population by providing them with water for drinking, agriculture, industrial use, and several purposes.

It also nourishes the flora and fauna present in different ecosystems. The increase in population level in the rivers at present is an alarming situation. The activities of human beings are the major cause of rising pollution in the different rivers of the world.

India is a nation blessed with several rivers and tributaries flowing in different regions of the nation. They are the source of clean water for people of different regions. Rivers are a boon for people residing on their banks. The increase in the rate of pollution level in rivers is very frightening. The dumping of sewage, industrial, and nuclear wastes in the water directly without treatment makes its water polluted. The water quality of a polluted river has deteriorated.

INTRODUCTION

The discharge of harmful substances like chemicals, plastics, contaminants, etc. to the water bodies especially in rivers is termed River Pollution. However, the toxic substances and the wastes responsible for pollution are termed pollutants. In other words, we can say that the emission of toxic substances in the rivers results in River Pollution.

More than half the population of the country is dependent on rivers for drinking water and other purposes. Also in India, rivers are considered holy. People worship them and also perform various rituals on their banks, resulting in the growing river water pollution. Since the rivers get polluted people to have to depend on other expensive sources for fresh drinking water. The population of India is increasing rapidly and so is the need for water. In India, about 80% of water is polluted due to waste disposal. It is predicted that about 40% of the population doesn’t get safe drinking water. They use dirty water for every purpose.

Drinking and using contaminated water is harmful to health. According to a survey, about 1.5 million Indian children die every year due to various water-borne diseases.

The rivers of India are turning impure. A report in 2013 predicted that the pollution of rivers in India has doubled in the past few years. However, various measures are taken by the Government to keep the Indian rivers clean.

CAUSES OF RIVER POLLUTION

There are several factors which led to an increase in River Pollution. Some human activities as well as natural causes are also responsible for polluting water bodies to a great extent. Some reasons are mentioned below:

Factory Discharge: Many large factories and industries are contributing to increasing river pollution. Various toxic chemicals and waste materials are discharged directly into the water bodies without proper treatment.
Garbage Dumping: large amounts of garbage including plastics are dumped into the rivers for their disposal.
Sewage Disposal: In many areas, the dirty water and sewage of houses are open in the rivers, which then mix with clean water and result in polluting whole water bodies.
Agriculture: The runoff waste like fertilisers or pesticides which are used in farming are also responsible for river pollution.
Acid Rain: Acid rain contains chemicals like sulphuric or nitric acid which are harmful to rivers and aquatic animals.
Indian Rituals: Some Indian rituals include throwing flowers and other things in the water which takes a long time to dispose of.
Natural Causes: Sometimes nature is also responsible for polluting water bodies like volcanoes, floods or soil slits.

IMPACTS OF RIVER POLLUTION

1. Impact on Flora & Fauna

Chemicals, effluents and sewage that pollute Indian rivers are causing several species of aquatic life to go extinct or move away to safer havens. This has a direct impact on wildlife conservation efforts exerted by the Central and state governments at national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

2. Loss of Livelihood

Fishermen and fish farms are finding it increasingly difficult to find the sufficient catch of edible fish. Such aquatic life forms have moved away from polluted waters or may face extinction. Fish from polluted rivers is found to be high in mercury, lead and cadmium and hence, unfit for human consumption.

3. Drinking Water

According to Niti Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission, a whopping 200,000 people lose their lives every year due to various problems caused by consuming contaminated water. The health hazards associated with infected water range from cancer to gastrointestinal disorders that occur due to deadly microbes that are creeping into the rivers.

4. Agriculture

While agriculture is impacted adversely by the rising pollution of rivers, it is also one of the reasons for contaminating waters. The use of modern pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers is polluting our rivers. This impacts the overall productivity of the agricultural land as river water contaminated by industrial effluents cannot be used for irrigating crops. Polluted water does not allow seeds to germinate and cause stunted growth, denying farmers of a bumper harvest. Indigenous agriculture is vital to India for maintaining self-sufficiency in food.

5. Disease and Health Burden

It can cause moderate to severe health conditions among humans and domestic animals. Bathing in contaminated river waters causes skin diseases, allergies, and other ailments. Consuming polluted water can cause cancer, depletion of calcium from bones of humans and animals (Osteoporosis), loss of vision, impotence among men, sterility among women, Tuberculosis and other severe medical conditions.

6. Loss of Export Revenue

Freshwater fish varieties, including the famous Hilsa, Rohu, Katla and prawns from Indian rivers, had a high demand in foreign countries, especially in the Middle East. Sadly, river water pollution has caused these varieties of prized fish to get contaminated with disease-causing microbes and chemicals. Consequently, several countries have banned imports of freshwater fish from India, including farmed varieties. This causes a severe loss of export revenue for India.

SOLUTIONS TO RIVER POLLUTION

Controlling river pollution is in our hands. It is the responsibility of every human in the world to keep rivers and other water bodies clean.

Here are some steps which could help minimise river pollution to a great extent.

Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP): ETPs are the machines responsible for treating the wastes of the industry before disposing to the rivers. The installation of ETPs in every industry would help control pollution.
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP): STPs are responsible for the treatment of sewage. Sewage water contains pathogens and other harmful viruses. Therefore, it needs to be treated.
Controlling the Indian Rituals: Controlling cremation ceremonies, where the ashes are dumped into the rivers. However, people take baths in the rivers which are considered holy.
Adoption of Organic Farming: Farmers should adopt organic farming instead of excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides.
Proper Drainage Systems: Proper drainage systems should be arranged so that the dirty water could not mix with the polluted water.

RIVER POLLUTION PLANS

Different plans and projects have been put forward by the Government of India:

“National River Conservation Plan” (NRCP) launched in 1995, by the National River Conservation Authority, aimed to control river pollution.
“Namami Gange Programme” was launched in June 2014 by the Government of India to clean the river Ganga. This programme had a budget of 20,000 Cr. It is working well towards its goal.
“Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance” had been established on behalf of the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). Its main focus is to ensure safe drinking water for people mostly in rural areas.
Another programme by the name “Jal Jeevan Mission” had been launched in the urban areas. It promises water taps in every urban house with safe and pure water by 2024.
“Namami Devi Narmade” is another campaign promoted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to clean river Narmada.

CONCLUSION

Growing river pollution is a serious subject of consideration in the world. About 2 million tons of waste from industries, sewage, etc are discharged every day into the water bodies.

Knowing the importance of freshwater, World Water Day is celebrated on 22 March every year. World Water Day has been celebrated since 1993 across the world. It aims to spread awareness among the public to save water. If the river water continues to get polluted like this, then the day is not far when the world will suffer a shortage of water.

Author: Tanishka Ranjan

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News / None

July 4, 2022
/ Leave a Comment on Water Shortage In Delhi

3 min
2 years
459 words

Tagged Delhi, delhi water shortage, News, save water, water

Water Shortage In Delhi

The people in Delhi are still suffering from water shortage. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has blamed Haryana for the water shortage that people are facing since April.

Concerns rise as Delhi faces water shortage in the scorching heat

“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” -H. Auden

With water woes yet to ease, Delhi pins hope on Haryana. As we all know about the rising water shortage and worsening temperature in Delhi, so for people’s welfare, the government recently announced this year’s summer action plan, but still there is no change in the improvement of water supply. The people in Delhi are still suffering from water shortage. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has blamed Haryana for the water shortage that people are facing since April. DJB told that Haryana has not been releasing an adequate amount of raw water in the Yamuna River, due to which water is being supplied at low pressure in North East, West, North, Central and South Districts and Delhi Cantonment, and New Delhi municipal corporation areas.

What Authorities have to say about the water shortage?

Delhi Jal Board’s Vice Chairman, Saurabh Bhardwaj, has shown deep concern on Yamuna’s decreasing water levels. He requested Haryana Government to release Delhi’s share of water into the river. As a result Delhi got back 100 million gallons per day of water supply.
“The water level in the wasirabad water treatment plant’s pond has dropped to the bare minimum. The minimum level is determined, measuring it from the from sea level. As of today, the water level in the wasirabad barrage has dropped from normal 674.5 feet to the lowest level of the year at 667.70 feet” said Saurabh Bhardwaj.
He also said that it indicates that the state’s water level is nearly eight feet below the surface.
The government mentioned that the supply of water will remain affected till Haryana release sufficient amount of raw water into the river and advised the public to use the water carefully and responsibly.

Senior Citizens Suffering From Water Shortage

The General Secretary of Sukhdev Vihar Residents’ Welfare Association, Vinayak Malik commented “most people residing in our area are senior citizens. We are facing an acute shortage of water in the midst of the hottest summer. Despite repeated assurances from DJB officials, there is no water supply. Residents feel harassed while arranging for water tankers and spend enormous amounts of money for it.”

The State’s Water Claims

Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, claimed that in the previous 2 years, water production has reached its highest ever production of 990 million gallons per day.
This year’s summer action plan mentions water production of 998 million gallons per day which was not achieved in the previous year, as it produced 935 million gallons per day. The Delhi Jal Board would be deploying 1198 tankers in water deficient areas.

Written by – Ishita Sachdeva

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