The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas?. (UPSC IAS Mains 2018 General Studies Paper – 1)
ndia is currently on the brink of a major water crisis. After two successive years of weak monsoons, a significant 330 million people, constituting a quarter of India’s populace, find themselves grappling with an acute drought. Almost half the nation faces drought-like conditions, severely impacting western and southern states that have witnessed sub-par rainfall. In such dire circumstances, the importance of sustainable solutions like water harvesting becomes paramount, especially in urban areas.
The Current Scenario and Urgency of the Situation:
- Already, about 12% of India’s population is experiencing a ‘Day Zero’ scenario, wherein taps run dry, predominantly due to excessive groundwater extraction, inefficient water management, and consecutive years of low rainfall.
- This burgeoning crisis not only threatens access to a basic human right but could also induce a 6% contraction in the country’s GDP by 2030 as demand outstrips supply.
The Salvation Offered by Water Harvesting:
- Water harvesting, particularly in urban areas, can act as a potent solution. By collecting and storing rain and runoff water, cities can reduce their over-dependence on dwindling groundwater sources.
- For example, Chennai’s implementation of rainwater harvesting in 2002 provided a lifeline during subsequent water shortages, leading to a significant rise in groundwater levels in several parts of the city.
Strategies to Amplify Water Harvesting in Urban Centers:
- Policy Measures: Mandating rainwater harvesting in new constructions and incentivizing its adoption can provide the necessary impetus.
- For example, Delhi’s provision of property tax rebates for households practicing rainwater harvesting.
- Technological Innovations: Integrating advanced technologies like IoT for monitoring, optimizing, and ensuring efficient use of harvested water can amplify the benefits.
- Urban Infrastructure Modifications: Introducing water-sensitive urban designs, such as permeable pavements and green rooftops, can augment rainwater absorption and storage.
- For instance, Hyderabad’s ‘Lakes Revival’ project which focuses on restoring its ancient lakes, helping in groundwater recharge.
- Collaborative Actions: Aligning municipal bodies, NGOs, and citizen groups can ensure not just the creation but the maintenance and optimization of water harvesting systems.
- For example, the collaboration between the municipality of Jaipur and NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh resulted in the establishment of numerous water harvesting structures across the city.
- Awareness and Education: Enlightening the urban populace about water scarcity and introducing them to simple water harvesting techniques can foster community-driven solutions
- For instance, bengaluru’s ‘Catch Every Drop’ campaign, emphasizing the importance of rooftop rainwater harvesting.
The juxtaposition of vast urban landscapes with depleting water resources poses a grave challenge for India. But as history has shown, adversity often breeds innovation. Water harvesting in urban centers can be more than just a solution; it can be a revolution, turning the tide in India’s impending water crisis. By valuing every drop and employing cohesive strategies, India can safeguard its future, ensuring that water remains a right and not a privilege.
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