Water is a critical economic resource for India, serving as the most important source of energy and a vital input for agriculture. About 25% of electricity generated comes from hydroelectric sources. In a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the availability of water can either drive or depress overall economic activity.
Surface Water: Found in rivers, lakes, and other bodies replenished by rainfall. This source has more growth potential and forms a vast national network.
Groundwater: Extracted from wells and springs, but increasingly overused.
Untapped Sources: Include saline springs, snow, and ice-fields which offer future potential.
Despite abundant resources, India's per capita water storage remains very low compared to other nations:
USA: 5,000 cubic meters per capita
China: 1,000 cubic meters per capita
India: Only 200 cubic meters per capita
The UN report (2003) ranks India 133rd out of 180 countries for water availability and 120th out of 122 for water quality. A World Bank report indicates that India's per capita availability is 1,185 cm vs. 9,628 in the USA, 3,371 in Japan, and 2,183 in China.
A 2009 NASA report warns of dangerously high water withdrawal rates in India, exceeding recharge levels. This implies that ancient groundwater reserves are being mined:
360 districts have reported a decline of over 4 meters in 20 years.
One-third of India’s blocks are already overexploited or near it; this may rise to 60% in 25 years.
The UN World Water Development Report (2009) highlights the consequences: droughts, famines, water-borne diseases, forced migration, and conflict.
Rising demand from all economic sectors.
Inefficient and irrational pricing across and within sectors.
Institutional and policy conflicts worsening disputes rather than resolving them.
Intra-state conflicts on the rise, replacing inter-state disputes.
Groundwater conflicts widespread and escalating.
Unbundle bulk irrigation providers from distributors. Encourage cooperatives and private sector participation in water delivery to farmers.
Raise user tariffs only if services are efficiently and accountably provided. Supplement this with increased budgetary support.
India must empower local communities to ensure success of large dam projects and equitable access to water resources.
Formalize water entitlements as legally recognized rights, just like land ownership, to enable accountable and sustainable usage.
Four interconnected programs are vital:
Watershed development to manage local resources.
Renovation of water bodies associated with agriculture.
Repair and maintenance of neglected state irrigation canals.
Rainwater harvesting as a decentralized and sustainable approach.
The National Water Policy was announced on April 1, 2002. It laid down comprehensive guidelines for the development, management, and conservation of water resources in India.
Maintenance of irrigation projects is emphasized as essential for long-term productivity.
River Basin Organisations are proposed to manage and develop inter-state river systems.
Dam safety legislation is advocated to ensure proper inspection, maintenance, and surveillance of dams.
A national policy for resettlement and rehabilitation of project-affected people is proposed.
Ecological sustainability is prioritized in water allocation, with minimum flow in perennial streams mandated.
Participatory water management is promoted, involving water user associations, private sector, and modern information systems.
Private sector involvement in water resource planning, development, and management is encouraged to bring innovation, finance, and improved service accountability.
Non-conventional water conservation methods like rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, inter-basin transfers, and desalination are strongly emphasized.
The policy has drawn criticism on several grounds:
Many fear it may become a mere ‘paper policy’ without meaningful implementation.
Lack of institutional reform is seen as a major gap, particularly in areas like sustainable groundwater irrigation.
Its limited approach to institutional sustainability makes the policy appear lopsided or even irrelevant to critics.
The National Water Policy is currently under review. A significant improvement could come from the introduction of an effective performance management system for public water infrastructure.