Rainwater Harvesting | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Approximately 75% of households in India lack access to drinking water within their homes, with 84% of rural households lacking piped water connections. Furthermore, a significant portion of India's water supply, around 70%, is contaminated, which places the country at a low ranking of 120 out of 122 on the water quality index.

Looking ahead to 2030, it is estimated that the demand for water in India will double, surpassing the available supply. This projection indicates that severe water scarcity will affect hundreds of millions of people and could lead to a potential loss of approximately 6% of the country's GDP.

The significance of groundwater in India cannot be overstated:

• Groundwater is a vital resource that sustains the livelihoods of more than 260 million farmers and agricultural laborers.
• Groundwater serves as a critical water source in India, accounting for 63% of all water used for irrigation and more than 80% of water supplies for rural and urban domestic use.
• Wells, including dug wells, shallow tube-wells, and deep tube wells, contribute to approximately 61.6% of the water used for irrigation, with canals providing about 24.5% of the irrigation water.

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Water harvesting, which involves collecting rainwater where it falls and capturing runoff from catchment areas and streams, holds significant importance in India for several reasons:

• Recharge of Aquifers: Storing rainwater helps replenish underground aquifers, which are vital sources of groundwater.
• Flood Prevention: Water harvesting can prevent urban flooding caused by excessive rainfall by capturing and managing rainwater.
• Agricultural Use: The stored water can be utilized for irrigation in agricultural regions, supporting farming practices.
• Daily Water Needs: Harvested water can be used for daily domestic purposes, contributing to reduced water bills in towns and cities.
• Addressing Water Scarcity: Water harvesting is a valuable solution for combating water scarcity in arid and dry regions.
• Groundwater Restoration: It aids in restoring the depleted groundwater levels, critical for sustainable water resources.

Water harvesting is a renewable approach to water management that can help tackle pressing water-related challenges, not only currently affecting the world but also posing a significant threat to the global population and the environment in the future.

In urban areas, water harvesting is typically achieved through surface runoff harvesting and rooftop rainwater harvesting. Given the current urbanization trends with shrinking open spaces, it's essential to create small structures like recharge pits, trenches, dug wells, recharge shafts, and percolation tanks to capture runoff and recharge the soil during rainy periods.

To conserve water in India, the following strategies and initiatives are recommended:

• Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM): Implementing an IUWM system, which coordinates water supply, used water management, sanitation, and stormwater management in alignment with economic development and land use.

Benefits of IUWM

• Facilitates coordination among local water departments.
• Enhances cities' resilience to climate change and improves water supply management.

Government Initiatives

• Jal Jeevan Mission: This mission focuses on ensuring the functionality of existing water supply systems, water quality monitoring, sustainable agriculture, and expanding water connections.
  
• National Water Policy (2012): A policy that governs the planning and development of water resources and their efficient utilization.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan - "Catch the Rain": An initiative that aims to capture rainwater through the construction of artificial recharge structures, revitalization of water bodies, and creating new water reservoirs before the monsoon.
• Atal Bhujal Yojna: This initiative targets sustainable groundwater management with active community participation. It involves the formation of Water User Associations, water budgeting, and the preparation and implementation of water security plans at the Gram Panchayat level.
  

Conclusion

In light of climate change and a growing global population that is intensifying water demand, there is a pressing need to develop innovative approaches for improved urban water management. It's crucial to raise awareness among diverse communities about the challenges associated with water resources.

Additionally, there is a necessity for institutional changes, particularly within local departments that play pivotal roles in water management. It is vital to implement comprehensive and systemic solutions to address water-related issues effectively.