VISION FOR WATER SECURITY FOR THE COUNTRY BEFORE 2047 AND BEYOND

INTRODUCTION
1. Water is the prime source of life and livelihood as well as sustenance of the ecosystems. Water is also a key component of our socio-economic development and forms a vital need in water-food-energy nexus. India has vast diversity as far as availability and consumption of water is concerned. Almost all major agro-climatic zones are present in the country and have to be provided with adequate water resources so as to ensure an all-round development and social security of the various parts of the country.

2. In this context, water management in India presents unique challenges and opportunities which have to be handled. India has had focus on water resources development right from its independence and has achieved enormous targets of achieving food security for 1/7th of world population irrespective of variabilities of space and time. However, water management is a continually evolving subject and new aspects of management keep on appearing as we transform our economy and social developments. With India already entering its “Amrit-Kaal”, issues of sustainability require to be addressed by 2047 for enabling the country to take its place amongst leaders of the world. In this context, a few areas have been identified which deserve attention from the highest levels of our society as also leadership of the country.

ISSUES & CHALLENGES
3. India is on the threshold of becoming a developed economy with social equity. Needless to emphasise that water will play a very crucial part in supporting both these aspects. Water affects every sphere of human activity starting from economic outputs to the capable population in terms of health and hygiene for sustaining these outputs.

4. A developed economy will require adequate supply of water resources for meeting the demands in temporal and spatial terms. Economic stability and well-being which is the corner stone for achieving a developed country status will have water resources as one of its crucial component. With the population continuing to expand till about 2050, rise in affordability of food will require adequate additional water quantum for the agricultural sector. On the other hand, the increasing industrialization and urbanization will generate demands for process and drinking water which will also have to be catered from the existing water infrastructure. In this sphere, we are finding increasing difficulties in adding new water storage facilities especially dams and reservoirs. Groundwater being limited and being over-extracted in most of the parts of the country will also not be able to cater and meet additional demands. Increasing imbalance in demand-supply equation needs to be addressed right now through supply side management by creation of a new water infrastructure and demand side management. Serious thoughts on this aspect are required at the national level.

5. At the union and states levels, multiple attempts have been made to evolve a water policy which will provide directions to the future developmental plans. However, with multiple exercises, the developmental paradigms have not changed nor has there been any appreciable improvement in implementation of the measures required on the ground. There are multiple views on this aspect. It is necessary that we deliberate on the impact of water policy documents. Finding a way for strategies to emerge on a holistic “Water Management Regime” beyond the existing water policy is an imperative need of the hour. Do we need to come out of policy definition and proceed towards a water strategy formulation? We have had a number of versions of water policies. Have these policies delivered and how do we transit from policies to strategies.

6. Setting up of quantifiable targets and monitoring the achievements against them is still eluding us. We need to discuss on what we already have, how the deployment of the available resources can be improved and what new resources are required which will see us meeting our target of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and beyond. There are multiple challenges in technological, financial and socio-political sector including geopolitics to surmount while formulating and implementing such a strategy. We need to begin by enumerating such challenges and devise a course of action which will provide us the desired results.

7. What measures do we need to formulate and implement a quantitative strategy for a “Water Secure” India By 2047. Estimates in terms of finance, software in terms of legislative and administrative measures, hardware in terms of technological interventions and solutions should form part of such quantitative formulation.

8. Political interest in all-natural resources and its benefits to their own electoral base is universal. Even in developed countries and also countries with much lesser pressure on their water resources, such political transactions persist. Example being “Colorado Compact”, “Murray Darling Basin Settlements” or EU directives on water resources. In our country too, political interference has been prevalent right from the colonial periods. Some of the ongoing water disputes like Cauvery or Mulla Periyar or Indus basin have their origins in even the pre-colonial periods.

9. However, settlement of water issues has a strong component of science, technology and social economy. Of late, the political class in their zeal to outsmart each other are working towards creation and propagation of dead locks in such issues with endless litigations. The spirit of competitive federalism has taken over the collaborative federalism especially in the sphere of our water resources.

10. It is repeatedly seen that purely legal mechanisms are unable to resolve issues at hand and developments continue to suffer endlessly. Interlinking of river programme is one such major initiative and is a case in point. A national level dialogue and collaborative mechanism away from the political limelight but involving political players along with the scientific and technical cadres is the need of the hour.

11. Technical manpower which used to wield certain amount of leverage and pressure with the political class has dwindled. Bringing back the same is a need of the hour so that competing political parties can be appraised about the limitations of their aspirations and can be nudged towards negotiated settlement rather than long winded and endless legal and social wrangling. A moot point being the fact that the country has come up with a uniform tax regime in form of GST even though the stakes were very high and immediate. A similar regime is eluding us in the water sphere.

12. The issue therefore is how to set up an informed dialogue free of political discourse to solve our interstate problems on water management?

13. A significant part of our water resources are transboundary and a significant part of water resources in Indus and Ganga basin are very critical for our food and energy security. Brahmaputra is another developing transboundary issue. In many of our international issues, the intra-national tensions are preventing the optimum use of our shares and also a hurdle towards exploiting them in time.

14. However, at the international level in our immediate neighborhood there are high level challenges emanating from geopolitics and are affecting the transboundary water management and sharing. Our strengths in other fields need to be leveraged for bringing about tangible solutions. The newly developing hydro-diplomacy area needs to be nurtured. The country will need dedicated ‘Think Tanks’ on this aspect. Issues need to be exposed to wider ‘Think Tank forums’ for their examination in the larger fields while, and still not losing the fundamentals of water management principles. India has to assume a pre-eminent position in its immediate neighborhood consistent with its size and resources. This area can no longer be ignored.

15. The Question therefore arises how to manage the transboundary waters with our immediate neighborhood while integrating with intra-national issues on the shared waters in mind?

16. India is aspiring to be a global leader by becoming a developed nation. The first step being assuming the leadership and pre-eminent position in the Global South. Most crucial problems affecting the Global South is the achievement of food and energy security and alleviation of rural poverty. This aspect has strong linkages with provision of engineered water delivery services and water management solutions. At the national level, India has achieved a great measure of success in achieving these goals through our highly developed skill sets distributed across a multiple of agro-climatic and hydrological setups. It has also being observed that the global hegemons are no longer interested in these aspects leaving the field largely open to the country. By exploiting the technical and managerial expertise available in-house, it is possible to achieve the goals of Global South leadership. For achieving our vision of pre-eminence, this aspect has largely been ignored except for a few isolated neighbourhood initiatives like Bhutan or Afghanistan.

17. How can leveraging and generating considerable expertise of India as a measure in the Global South bring better environment in our geo-political discourse.

18. Surya Foundation Think Tank comprising domain experts carried out an in-depth study of “Vision for Water Security for The Country Before 2047 and Beyond”. Their analysis and recommendations are given in the succeeding paras.

Supply Side Management
19. India faces a growing water crisis with increasing demand outpacing supply, especially in agriculture. Projections indicate a significant gap between demand and supply. The estimated utilizable water resources is about 1123 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM) annually; 690 BCM from surface water resources and 433 BCM from ground water resources. The projected water demand in the year 2050 for use by different sectors is of the order of 1100 BCM. At present India has about 260 – 300 BCM of water storage projects (small, medium & large) and about 450 BCM of surface water resources is being utilized. Current ground water use is around 250 BCM. Ground water is limited and is already over-extracted in many parts of the country. Hence, for this purpose, conservation efforts in all respects i.e. large to medium storages are required to be increased. Over the period of time, the addition in the storage creation has stagnated and the growth has considerably slowed. It is necessary that the growth momentum needs to be maintained at the same level as earlier periods when we trying to achieve food security from an essentially food insecure nation.

20. Considerable storage opportunities are still available in many of our basins like Ganga in its upper reaches, Brahmaputra and other rivers in the country. Innovative measures for creation and maintenance of these storages is a necessity to combat increasing demands for agricultural & other sectors as well as the global warming induced changes in our glacial storages.

Development of Strategic Projects
21. Sankosh, Manas, Pancheshwar and Siang storage projects are the main strategic projects which need to be developed on priority basis to guarantee water and food security for the nation.

22. Manas, Sankosh, Teesta and Ganga River (MSTG) link of river interlinking projects is one of the most important link as it transfers excess Brahmaputra water to peninsular India. It envisages development of two large storage projects in Bhutan; Sankosh Project on river Sankosh and Manas Project on river Manas. Sankosh project envisages development of a dam in Bhutan and link canal in India. The regulated flows from the reservoir created may be diverted to river Ganga and then to peninsular rivers through the canal. Project is necessary as it transfers excess waters of Brahmaputra to southern part of India and controls floods besides power generation. Though the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Sankosh project is ready since long and has even been accepted by Royal Government of Bhutan, its development model is still to be finalised. Considering possible future rise of environmental concerns against this large reservoir project in Bhutan, we need to act fast in finalisation of its construction model. The link canal works in India can be taken up any time after completion of this project in Bhutan.

23. The proposed link canal from Sankosh Project crosses river Teesta upstream of Teesta Barrage. Development of this project will give India a handle to leverage some of its water during water diplomacy with Bangladesh.

24. DPR of Manas Project has not been prepared yet. To realize the benefits of MSTG link fully, it is necessary for India to develop this project at the earliest. Like Sankosh, it also transfers excess waters of Brahmaputra to peninsular rivers. Its canal also crosses river Teesta upstream of Teesta Barrage.

25. Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project to be developed under Mahakali Treaty with Nepal is crucial for water and food security as well as for flood control. The project will provide about 240,000 hectares of land in India boosting agricultural production. Since long, the project is stalled due to non-agreement between India and Nepal over sharing of waters. We have to pursue development of this project with Nepal diplomatically.

26. Siang Storage Project on river Siang in Arunachal Pradesh is a necessity to combat the negative impacts of possible diversion of Siang waters (Brahmaputra in India) by China in Tibet region. As per the news in open domain, China has started construction of a mega hydro-power project on river Siang just before it enters India. In future, if China also plans diversion of Siang waters, the flow in river Siang in India will be reduced to 20% of present flow during lean season (November to May). This will be detrimental for water and energy security in the region as well as for environment. Construction of Siang Storage Project in India will secure water for the region for use in lean season. It also provides energy generation to the tune of 40,000 Million Units annually. Its long reservoir can also be used for transport purposes. DPR of the project is under preparation. Delay due to resistance by locals has to be overcome by showcasing the benefits as also ensuring their proper Resettlement & Rehabilitation. Considering the fast developments by China on river Siang, we have to speed up implementation process of Siang Storage Project. Agricultural Water Management

27. Irrigation sector consumes about 75-80% of fresh water annually. However, sector is plagued with very low efficiency of the order of 40% due to heavy losses and wastage. Water use efficiency improvement shall take the driver’s seat in agricultural water management. Modernisation of irrigation systems using pipelining, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and latest technologies shall be prioritised. For optimal utilisation of created infrastructure, irrigation schemes need to be rehabilitated and modernised just like our dams are being well maintained through Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project.

28. Scientific advancements in remote sensing, AI-driven water monitoring, and desalination technologies can help mitigate water scarcity. For example: Internet of Things (IoT) - based water sensors can optimize water distribution and detect leaks in real time, AI and machine learning models can predict water shortages and inform mitigation strategies, Mobile applications that provide real-time data on water availability, empowering communities to manage resources effectively etc. These smart water management technologies should be made accessible to farmers.

29. India is global leader in rice export. Annual rice export is of the order of 20 million ton. For production of 1 Kg of rice, about 3000 litres of water is required. This simply implies that India exports about 60 BCM (more than 10% of water being used for irrigation) of its water resource annually through rice export. India is a water scarce country. Export of water intensive crops like rice, sugarcane etc should be limited. On the other hand, export of water efficient crops such as pulses, oil seeds, millets etc should be increased. Crop diversification is the need of the hour. Crop planning shall be based on available water resources & agro-climatic condition of the region as well as considering India’s domestic requirements for food security. Our water policies, agricultural policies and export polices should be in line keeping in mind the overall goal of water conservation and food security. Another example of water export is meat export of India. India exports around 2 million tons of various types of meat. One kilogram of meat production requires on an average about 10,000 litres of water, implying that India exports about 20 BCM of its fresh water through meat export. India needs to frame export policies which promote less water intensive products.

30. Virtual water trading in India needs to be examined. Policies shall promote export of less water intensive crops and products and import of high-water intensive products making balance of water trade in our favour. Inter-State and Transboundary Water Issues.

31. Present discourse on water management in India is centred on political and cultural provincial priorities which is not integrating with hydrological and climatological realities. These priorities are largely governed by stakeholder groups who do not have full appreciation of water availability. Further, judicial processes and public discourse does not adequately understand the effects that topography, meteorological phenomena and water requirements play on water availability in real time. It is therefore, necessary that representatives of the population claiming water shares should be made aware of the complexities involved and be informed about the actual situation at ground regarding water availability.

32. Build-up of acrimonies disrupt and divert energies towards unproductive deadlocks. Lack of consensus on vital resource like water leads to retarding effects on the economic and social developments. In this context, it is important for the nation to move towards a consensual regime for achieving sustained growth.

33. Creation and operation of River Basin Organisations is the best approach, where all major stakeholders are represented. Such organisations can be structured and empowered to accommodate various views and contribute to arriving at best solutions on water sharing based on real time water availability. Delays caused in implementing various water projects due to inter-state issues can be overcome by creation of these organisations.

34. Indus Water Treaty: India has Indus water Treaty with Pakistan since 1966, which has not been revised or updated since then and is outdated technologically also. Provisions in this treaty are detrimental to fast development of our water due to frequent objections by Pakistan, resolution of which takes its own time and sometimes not to our favour. It’s high time to have a fresh Treaty based on current water availability, water utilization and demands. Any new treaty shall be dynamic one and shall be subject to revision after a definite time period.

35. Water Treaty with China: India does not have a water treaty with China. Though China may not agree to a water treaty with India, but we should draft a treaty based on our requirements and share with them. This will help in creating International pressure at an appropriate time. Climate – Resilient Water Policies.

36. Water security and climate change are two main pressing challenges before India in the 21st Century. India is a water scarce country and impact of climate change has added to its woes. Though the climate change impacts are visible in the form of change in pattern of rainfall, temperature rise, glacial retreats, more vagaries of flood and draught events etc, India is yet to become climate – responsive in terms of its policies and developments. Looking back again at our water, agricultural and disaster risk management policies is immediately required. Policies and strategies shall be prepared which are climate-resilient.

37. Multiple strategies in the form of augmenting storage capacities, improved management of existing water infrastructure, climate adapted agricultural practices and attention on transboundary stresses on security of water resources are the focal points that we need to attend to urgently. Changes in water resource management and development are slow moving and we need to commence implementing them in systematic manner to cope with the future effects of climate change.

38. All are not equally impacted by climate change. Women and marginalized gender groups often bear the brunt of climate change’s impact on water availability, sanitation, and agricultural productivity, despite being underrepresented in governance and policy formulation. Understanding the gendered dimensions of water and climate change is crucial for developing equitable and effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. By incorporating gender-responsive policies, leveraging scientific innovations, and promoting inclusive decision-making, we can create water management systems that are not only efficient but also equitable. As professionals and scientists, our role extends beyond research and policy recommendations; we must actively advocate for systemic changes that recognize and address gender-specific vulnerabilities. Only through an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach can we ensure that climate change adaptation strategies leave no one behind. A separate round table discussion is required for looking at the gender-responsive, climate-resilient strategies and policies.

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)
39. One of the basic principle of IWRM is to involve all stakeholders in water resource management. Water is used by all individuals and all sectors in our society. Hence, water management subject should not be limited to water ministry only. In fact, all sectors represented by various ministries in the government shall be part of water policies and strategies. For water security it is necessary that all ministries of the government shall come out with rules and regulations for use of water efficiently in their respective sectors. Efficient water use, water auditing, use of latest technologies, reuse & recycle policies etc should be enforced through these rules and regulations in all sectors through various ministries.

40. Water resource development in the country is facing resistance of various kinds from different sections of the society. This is mainly because of the fact that people are not well educated and aware about the availability of water, its efficient use, sound practices and latest technologies. For water security of the nation, it is pertinent that people should have good connect with water to foster faster development and efficient use. Water museums, water parks, recreation activities along with films highlighting importance of water, its proper use, benefits of water projects in economic and social development of society etc shall be propagated and should be associated with each existing water infrastructure.

Conclusion
41. India is a water scarce country and water security is the pressing challenge before us to meet water requirements of different sectors. All round measures are required to be taken up to achieve water security targets. Creation of water storages along with water conservation and harvesting, management and modernisation of created infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, efficient agricultural water management, crop diversification, favourable virtual water trade and participation of all stakeholders is a must to achieve the goal. Latest science and technologies shall be incorporated for optimality. Strategies shall be formed and quantifiable targets should be set to for monitoring. In view of the vagaries of climate change, our policies have to be climate-responsive. Women is the weakest section of the rural India and is most vulnerable to climate change. Gender responsive water management is essential for their upliftment. Large section of the society is not correctly educated about water and water projects related facts and get misled easily by different groups having vested interests. Water resource development and management can be speeded up by involving all stakeholders. It will be fruitful if all individuals are well aware and educated about water related issues. Hence, community capacity building in this area should be taken up on priority. This will reduce acrimonies and tensions in communities and all people will help in achieving the goal of a water secured nation speedily. It’s time to implement the call of our Prime Minister, “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas”, in its true sense.