Water Conservation in India An Institutional Perspective

Abstract

The demand for water among various sectors is increasing due to population growth and economic development, in turn creating competition within sectors. The severity of this issue will have direct impact on water and food security of the country in future. Due to over exploitation of water resources, it has become scarce in many parts of the country. The concerted efforts of the goverment are trying to prolog this situation. Both the Central and State governments have undertaken various programs in wa ter conservation and management successfully from the inception of FYPs in the country. In the course of all these programmes, the country could able to become the largest producer of several millets and second largest producer of rice and wheat in the world. Among the number of programmes, CADWM, NWDA and WDP were the major programmes for land development and water (resources) conservation and management in the country. Further, among externally assisted water sector projects, World Bank is the primary source followed by ADC, JBIC and Kfw, Germany. Many projects under the external assistance from these sources were completed and few are on-going in many states. All these programmes under water conservation created huge infrastructure and irrigation potential for agriculture and are trying to improve the water and food security situa tions in the country. In addition, they not only protect and conserve environment but also contribute to livelihood security of rural poor. Therefore, the country still requires continued efforts of the government along with external aids especially in the issues of global climate change and promotion of consumer awareness on water conservation. Government should come up with a new water policy prescribing the role and involvement of individuals, community and government for conservation of water.