Daily News Analysis

Chapter 6: Water Governance

stylish_lining

Introduction

Gujarat has historically been a state with limited water resources. Its evolution from a water-scarce to a water-secure condition is a tale in and of itself.

The Transformation:

Because of numerous droughts in Gujarat's western and northern districts, a significant number of people have migrated there.
Every development project in those areas is centred on water management, according to the state and local administration.
 When creating climate-resilient water infrastructure, a drought-proofing element was implemented.
The existing canal system was improved, and plans were for creating a grid that would offer pure tap water free from bacterial and chemical contaminants.
Water was transferred between basins; the most significant of these is the Sujalam Sufalam canal.

Improving agricultural water use efficiency

Farms were encouraged to employ participatory irrigation management (PIM) to maximise water use.
The idea of "per drop more crops" became well-known.
To ensure the success of the rainwater harvesting programme "Catch the Rain Where It Falls," farmers are provided with both financial and technical help.
It was decided to implement the Saurashtra Narmada Avataran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana to transfer extra water from Narmada reservoirs to the Saurashtra region.

Jal Jeevan Mission–Har Ghar Jal

By 2024, every rural family in the nation would have access to tap water, according to the Prime Minister's Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
This objective, which was created in collaboration with the States, was intended to go beyond simply building infrastructure and ensure the supply of long-term assured water services.

Way Ahead:

The efficient use of water resources is crucial for socioeconomic development and economic progress, particularly in desert and drought-prone areas.
The restoration and maintenance of the ecosystem, including flora and fauna, is a fundamental function of water, a scarce resource, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments. Its importance for lowering the toll of sickness, enhancing the health, welfare, and productivity of human populations, and maintaining the possibility of other life forms on Earth cannot be understated or overlooked.

Local Governance in India

The Panchayati Raj system and municipal bodies serve as the first point of contact between citizens and the state. However, grassroots governance in India often struggles with inaccessible, detail
Share It

China’s Mega-Dam on Brahmaputra

China is constructing a massive 60,000 MW hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River (called the Brahmaputra in India and Jamuna in Bangladesh), located in Tibet near Gelling in Arunachal Prad
Share It

India Hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave

India recently hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, focusing on enhancing maritime connectivity and sustainable development across the Bay of Bengal region. This event underscor
Share It

Manipur Crisis

The ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has now lasted for over two years, has resulted in over 250 deaths and widespread displacement, yet it has not received the same level of national priority as
Share It

Road Safety in India

India is at a pivotal moment in its mobility transformation. While the country’s growing road infrastructure and urbanization offer numerous opportunities, they also present significant chal
Share It

India Africa

India and Africa are building a robust and evolving partnership, particularly in the realm of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which holds tremendous potential to boost socio-economic developm
Share It

Mangrove Ecosystems

The International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed annually on 26th July, serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect mangroves, which are disappearing at an alar
Share It

Food Security and Nutrition

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 report presents a mixed picture of global progress in combating hunger, highlighting both positive trends and pressing challenges,
Share It

The ‘Rising Northeast

The Investor Summit 2025’ organized by the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) in New Delhi is a major event aimed at showcasing the immense investment and trade potentia
Share It

India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

Launched in 2015, India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was conceived to tackle urban challenges using technology and sustainable development practices. The mission has witnessed significant inve
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS