Government of India Ministry of Water Resources STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES. New Delhi

Transcription

1 Government of India Ministry of Water Resources STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES New Delhi February, 2011

2 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Contents Chapter Description Page I Introduction 1 II Water Sector Present Scenario and Future Challenges Water Resources of India Rainfall Spatial and temporal variations in rainfall Overall water availability 2.2 Per Capita Water Availability Irrigation Development Flood Management Storage Capacity Created Some Serious Concerns Unsustainable development Non optimal utilization of created facilities Efficiency of water use Crop Diversification Water quality issues 2.7 Future Challenges Growing population and increasing demand Competing demand of water for various sectors Impact of climate change on water resources III Key Stakeholders and their Roles Constitutional Provisions Recommendations of Commission on Centre State Relations 19 IV Role of Union Ministry of Water Resources Functions Organizations under Ministry of Water Resources Plan Schemes of Ministry of Water Resources Strength of Ministry of Water Resources Weaknesses of Ministry of Water Resources Measures for Addressing Future Challenges 27 V Strategic Plan for Ministry of Water Resources Vision, 28 Mission and Goals VI Key Priorities and Identified Strategies 30 Annexures I Basin-wise Average Annual Water Availability 35 II Goals and Strategies Identified under National Water Mission

3 Chapter I INTRODUCTION Water is essential for sustaining life and at the same time, it is an important component for almost all developmental plans. Obviously the schemes for development of water resources for beneficial use of the society have been taken up since the time immemorial. Considerable progress has been made in respect of water resources development in India after independence through various Plans and such developments have helped in almost five fold increase in creation of irrigation potential. Total created irrigation potential at pre-plan period was about 22.6 million hectares (Mha) which at present is about Mha. There has also been appreciable development in the areas of drinking water supply and other uses. However, growing population, urbanization and industrialization has led to considerable increase in demand of water for various purposes e.g., irrigation, domestic needs, industrial requirements etc. As mentioned earlier, several projects for utilization of surface water as well as ground water resources have been undertaken. However in some cases, the unplanned development has led to over exploitation of the resource affecting the physical sustainability. The adverse impact of such unplanned development is evident from the alarming decline in water table in some areas. The developmental activities for utilization of water resources as also the development in other sectors particularly industrial sector coupled with urbanization have resulted in pollution of water both surface water as well as ground water. Further, the utilization of the created facilities is far from optimal as the water sector in India suffers from: (a) relatively low water use efficiency; and (b) increasing gap between the created irrigation potential and the utilized irrigation potential. In this regard, it may also be important to note that the future development of water resources are bound to be more challenging as the best options particularly from the topographical and geological considerations have since been tapped. Further, the future water resources development projects would need rigorous environmental and social evaluations. In view of above mentioned challenges and particularly to address the two serious issues namely food security and impact of climate change, initiatives have been taken by the Ministry of Water Resources to identify the most appropriate approach for water resources management and also to assign priorities. Despite variations in availability of water, both within and over the years, the long term average available water resources of the country may be considered to remain unchanged. Therefore the increasing demand for water for various purposes are bound to result in competition among the uses as well as among the user groups and with time such competitions are becoming fiercer and fiercer. The conflicts among the users groups are visible in the form of increasing inter-state issues. The prioritization of water uses for different purposes at different point of in the planning process as also during the operation is becoming more and more 1

4 challenging in view of conflicting social and economic considerations. Such changing scenario calls for identification of most appropriate strategies for effectively addressing the future challenges. The National Action Plan on Climate Change envisages institutionalization of eight national missions including the National Water Mission. Realizing that (a) there are large number of stakeholders in water sector, (b) it involves many Ministries / Departments, (c) key role in implementation is to be played by States, and (d) there are numerous cross cutting issues, Ministry of water resources has carried out very detailed exercise in defining the goals and for identifying the strategies for achieving the goals of the National Water Mission. Consultative process adopted for preparation of the Comprehensive Mission Document of National Water Mission was as under. a. Constitution of a Steering Committee under Secretary (WR) comprising of representatives from (i) Ministries concerned; (b) professional organizations; (c) academic institutions / Experts; and (iv) NGOs b. In-depth examination of all related issues through Sub-committees on: Policy and Institutional Framework; Surface water management ; Ground water management ; Domestic and industrial water management ; Efficient use of water for various purposes; and Basin level planning and management c. Active involvement of various Stakeholder Sub-committee on efficient water use chaired by the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Sub-committee on domestic and industrial water management chaired by the joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development Representatives from States included on all Sub-committees Experts / representatives of academic institutions / reputed NGOs in all Subcommittees d. Circulation of the initial draft for the Mission Document to all States / Union Territories and seeking their views e. Putting the draft Mission Document on Web Site of the Ministry of Water Resources f. Consultation with all Central Ministries concerned g. Organization of National Workshop to deliberate on the proposals included in the draft Mission Document for National water Mission" Ministry of Water Resources has also initiated the process of consultation with various stakeholders in respect of review of National Water Policy which inter-alia identifies the priorities in respect of water resources management to address the future challenges. Further, the Government of India constituted a Group of Ministers for Evolving an Integrated Strategy for Water Management. For preparation of the Background Note for consideration of the Group of Ministers, detailed consultations were held with all concerned Central Ministries. The outcomes of such 2

5 consultations have also been taken into consideration while drafting the Strategic Plan for Ministry of Water Resources. In this regard, it may be mentioned that the water sector has very strong linkages with all other developmental activities. In view of fast changing development scenario, it is emphasized that the key priorities and identified strategies cannot be considered as static and firm. These need to be reviewed and improved upon from time to time. However, to begin with, the Strategic Plan for Ministry of Water Resources has been prepared which includes chapters on: water sector present scenario and future challenges ; key stakeholders and their roles; role of Union Ministry of Water Resources; strategic Plan for Ministry of Water Resources vision, mission and objectives; and key priorities and identified strategies. 3

6 Chapter II WATER SECTOR PRESENT SCENARIO AND FUTURE CHALLENGES 2.1 Water Resources of India Rainfall The average annual rainfall in the country is about 117 centimeters (cm). The total precipitation including the snowfall, when converted in volumetric terms, works out to be about 4000 billion cubic meters (BCM) Spatial and Temporal Variations in Rainfall The average annual rainfall varies considerably from about 1,000 cm in north eastern region to less than 10 cm in western part of Rajasthan. Figure-1 illustrates the variations in the rainfall from one region to the other. In India, the rainfall mostly occurs during the monsoon and that too through a few spells of intense rainfall. It has been estimated that the lower rainfall zone (less than 750 mm annual rainfall) accounts for 33% of net sown area. The medium rain fall zone ( mm) accounts for 35% of net sown area, the high rain fall zone (1125 to 2000 mm) covers 24% of net sown area where as very high rainfall zone (more than 2000 mm) accounts for remaining 8% of net sown area Overall Water Availability After accounting for the losses due to evaporation, the total average annual water availability for the country has been estimated to be 1869 BCM. However, due to hydrological characteristics and topographical constraints, the utilizable water works out to be only 1123 BCM, out of which about 690 BCM is from surface water and about 433 BCM is through replenishable ground water. However, there are considerable spatial and temporal variations in availability of water as in case of rainfall. The basin-wise average annual water availability is at Annexure I. Ganga-Brahmaputra river basin contributes to about 60% of the total annual water availability. 4

7 Figure-1: Spatial variation in rainfall in (in cm) India As mentioned above replenishable ground water has been estimated to be about 433 BCM. As in case of surface water, there is considerable variation in the availability of ground water resources also. The largest volume of uncommitted surface water is available in the Ganges- Brahmaputra, Meghna Basin, but the sink is limited since the water table is within 3 m of surface in most parts of the basin. On the other hand, the largest sink is available in the Indus Basin (water table>15m in much of the area), but the volume of un-committed surface water for recharge is restricted. Uncommitted surface water for recharge is also limited in the Krishna, Cauvery, Pennar, Sabarmati, Mahi and Tapi Basins although aquifer space is available in these hard rock areas. 2.2 Per Capita Water Availability In view of growing population, the per capita water availability is getting reduced year after year. The estimated per capita water availability is in the following table. Year Population (in millions) Per Capita water availability (in m 3 ) (projected) (projected)

8 2.3 Irrigation Development Water is the most critical input for agriculture and it plays a significant role for ensuring increase in production through timely availability of water in required quantity in order to facilitate improved farming practices. The gross ultimate irrigation potential for the country has been estimated to be about million hectare (Mha). At pre-plan stage i.e. in the year 1951, the total irrigation potential created was about 22.6 Mha. There has been considerable development in water resources sector. About 108 Mha i.e., about 77% of the ultimate irrigation potential has since been created. The details of the ultimate irrigation potential and the irrigation potential created through various categories of projects are illustrated in Table-2. Table 2: Ultimate Irrigation Potential and Irrigation Potential Created (in Mha) Sl. Description Major & Minor Total No. Medium Surface water Ground water a Ultimate irrigation potential b Potential created c Balance potential The irrigation projects are planned and implemented by the respective State Governments. However, Ministry of Water Resources provides technical assistance through its various organizations. Central assistance is also provided under the schemes Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), and Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies. 2.4 Flood Management Floods are frequent in the country causing substantial damage. Many areas of the country frequently suffer from floods. Because of varying rainfall distribution, many a times, areas which are not prone to floods also experience severe inundation. With the increase in population and developmental activity, there has been a tendency to occupy flood plains which has resulted in more serious nature of damages over the year. The phenomenon of urban flooding due to inadequacy of storm water drainage also seems to be more frequent. The area prone to the floods in the country has been assessed to be of the order of about 46 Mha. Flood control measures mostly in the form of flood embankments have been undertaken and about Mha of flood prone area have been protected. Ministry of Water Resources also maintains a network of 145 flood forecasting stations and 28 inflow forecasting stations for advance warning in respect of incoming floods. The Ministry of Water Resources is providing technical and financial assistance to States for effective flood management. The Ministry is implementing a State Sector Scheme Flood Management Programme (FMP) under which central assistance is provided to States for taking up flood protection, anti-erosion and drainage schemes. 6

9 2.5 Storage Capacity Created As indicated earlier, about 80% of the runoff is generated during the monsoon period of about 4 to 5 months and that too through a few spells of intense rainfall. Therefore, the conservation of water through storage either over the ground or under the ground is very important in view of very high temporal variations. The status in respect of the storage capacity created through large and small reservoirs in the country is furnished in Table 3. In addition, there are several traditional water bodies. Table 3: Storage Capacity Created 1. Storage already created : 225 BCM 2. Storage in Projects under construction : 64 BCM 3. Estimated storages through projects under consideration : 108 BCM Overall scenario, issues and approaches in respect of water resources availability, its utilization and requires actions are depicted in Figure 2. It may be emphasized that Figure 2 presents an overall scenario and that the approaches and priorities would vary considerably from one region to other. 2.6 SOME SERIOUS CONCERNS AND INITIATIVES TAKEN Unsustainable Development There are many cases of development of projects and schemes for utilization of water resources without proper investigation and planning. Many of the cases of slipped back habitation in respect of drinking water supply may also be attributed to unsustainable development without necessary investigations. Over-exploitation of ground water in some areas poses a big challenge for its sustainability. At present, about 15% of the assessment blocks are over-exploited and about 14% of the assessment blocks fall in the category of critical and semi-critical blocks. Figure-3 shows the status of ground water in various Blocks / Mandals / Talukas. Further, highly subsidized irrigation electricity tariffs and favourable investment terms offered for irrigation well construction, have also contributed to indiscriminate level of ground water abstraction. Without effective interventions by State Governments, the situation is likely to continue to deteriorate and may affect even thr drinking water supply. Large numbers of fully covered habitation may slip back to not covered habitations either due to source drying up or deterioration of ground water quality. 7

10 Water Resources- Issues and Approaches Gap between projected requirement of 1180 BCM and Utilizable water of 1123 BCM Gap between utilisable water of about 1123 BCM and Utilized (through created facilities) water of about 690 BCM Research and Development - particularly in respect of bridging the gap in water utilisable and emphasis on Demand side management Development Activities Sustainable development for optimal utilisation of 1123 BCM and even beyond with a view to match the the projected requirement of 1180 BCM Gap between Creation & Utilisation of facilities Improved Management Practices (Improving efficiency and introducing Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) Note: The above depict on overall scenario in the country as a whole. In view of very wide variation in the water resource availability and other factors, the strategies and priority to various actions would vary considerably Figure 2 8

11 Figure-3: Status of Ground Water Development Rainwater Harvesting and Ground Water Recharge Necessary measures in the form of rain water harvesting and ground water recharge and proper management through appropriate legislative measures have been initiated. Ministry of Water Resources has circulated draft model bill for regulation and control of ground water development. So far, 11 States / Union Territories have enacted and implemented the legislation in this regard. 18 other States are in the process of enactment of legislation. Vigorous steps should be taken to follow up with these States to expedite enactment of legislation. Existing ground water legislation in the States needs to be implemented effectively. A scheme for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water through Dug Wells has also been launched in 1180 over-exploited, critical and semi-critical blocks of seven States viz., Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu during XI Plan. The scheme aims to facilitate improvement in ground water situation in the affected area, to increase the sustainability of wells during lean period, to improve quality of ground water and community involvement in water resources management in the affected areas. 9

12 Watershed Development The programme for soil conservation scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture also helps to some extent in recharge to ground water. Ministry of Agriculture is implementing programme of soil conservation in the catchments of river valley project & flood prone river through Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA) since November The programme is being implemented in 60 catchments having total catchment area of about million hectare, out of which about 30 million hectare is categorized as priority area, needing urgent treatment falling in 27 States of the country. Watershed Development Programme being implemented by Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural Development) considerably help in conserving and augmenting ground water. The scheme is being implemented with an outlay of Rs.15,359 crores during XI Plan Non-optimal Utilization of Created Facilities Gap between Irrigation Potential Created and Utilised It is observed that the gap between the irrigation potential created and the irrigation potential utilized has continued to increase and at present about 15% of the created irrigation potential remain unutilized. Studies carried out by Indian Institutes of Management have indicated missing links or obstructions in the minors and distributaries, and hence water does not reach the tail end. Further, the difference between the irrigation potential created and utilized may also be due to changed cropping pattern and larger use of water by the farmers near the head reach of the canal. One of the important reasons is non-completion or absence of on-farm development works, irrigation system deficiencies including poor operation and maintenance. Lack of proper regulation of canal water also leads to over-use by the farmers on one hand and the shortage of water for the tail-enders on the other hand. Command Area Development and Water Management Command area development and adoption of better water management practices considerably help in fully utilizing the created potential and also in improving the water use efficiency. A centrally sponsored Command Area Development Programme was launched in for development of adequate delivery systems of irrigation water up to farmers field with an objective to enhance water use efficiency. The programme has been re-structured and renamed as Command Area Development and Water Management Programme (CAD&WM) since April The programme is being implemented as State sector scheme since The important components of CAD&WM programme include (a) survey, planning and designing of on-farm development works, (b) on-farm development works, (c) correction of system deficiencies, (d) reclamation of water logged areas, (d) training / adaptive trails / demonstrations / evaluation, and (e) one time functional grants to Water Users Associations. The Programme emphasizes the implementation of Participatory Irrigation Management. The Government of India provides central assistance of 50% for all construction activities and 75% central assistance for soft components of 10

13 the programme namely training / adaptive trials / demonstrations / evaluation etc. About 56,900 Water Users Associations have been formed so far. In order to fully and effectively utilize the created irrigation potential, it is considered necessary to integrate the activities related to command area development with the planning and implementation of irrigation projects. Over-use of Resources Problems of Water Logging Although development of irrigation has resulted in increase in agricultural production, it has also caused adverse effect in the form of water logging leading to soil salinity. Problem of water logging has been observed in the canal irrigation system and also in the areas of poor drainage resulting in accumulation of water. Apart from lining of canals, wherever required there is a need for drainage development either through surface/sub surface/bio drainage or a combined approach followed by appropriate agronomic measures. There is also a need for conjunctive use of surface and ground water. In the natural water logged areas if the sub surface sink is developed by appropriate utilization of ground water, the excess water can be stored in the ground water reservoir for its use at the time of requirement. Drainage development and suitable on farm management can be effectively taken up by the Ministry of Agriculture along with agriculture programmes. Ministry of Water Resources introduced a component for reclamation of water logged areas under CAD&WM. So far, 579 schemes of nine States namely Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh have been approved for reclamation of thousand hectare of water logged area. Out of this, an area of about thousand hectare has been reported to be reclaimed by these States up to March There is need for adopting a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the problems which may inter-alia include adoption of efficient irrigation practices such as microirrigation, selective lining, drainage development and suitable on-farm management, and conjunctive use of surface and ground water Efficiency of Water Use The irrigation infrastructures are not operating at desired efficiency. Efficiency of surface water projects has been assessed to be about 30-40%, which can be increased up to 60% by adopting efficient management practices, proper maintenance and modernization of existing infrastructures, command area development, participatory irrigation management and efficient irrigation and agricultural practices. Similarly, the efficiency of ground water facilities can be increased from the present level of about 65% to about 75%. This measure alone can save considerable water to meet the major portion of demand supply gap. The efficiency of water use in agriculture can be improved with choice of most appropriate cropping pattern and the specific crop variety most suitable for the region from the view of water availability. At the same time measures for moisture conservation are also very effective means of improving water use efficiency. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is fast catching up in southern 11

14 states as a method of agriculture practice for reducing water consumption by about 29-30% and yield increases by about 30-40%. There is definite need for focused research and studies directed towards improving efficiency in water use. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture has laid emphasis on this aspect. At the technology level, the key principles for improving water productivity at the field, farm and basin levels are: (i) increase in the marketable yield of the crop for each unit of water used, (ii) reduction of all outflows (ex. drainage, seepage and percolation), and (iii) increase in the effective use of rainfall, stored water and water of marginal quality. New irrigation technologies that will improve field level water application efficiencies will be critical components of the demand-side management. Ministry of Water Resources sanctioned Farmer Participatory Action Research Programme at 5000 demonstration sites at a cost of Rs crore. This programme is taken up in 25 States/UTs of the country with the help of 60 Agriculture Universities/Indian Council of Agricultural Research Institutes / International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Water and Land Management Institutes (WALMIs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to increase yield and income per drop of water. Water saving technological interventions were demonstrated on various crops such as paddy, wheat vegetable, gram and maize in various States. The performance of these technologies under FPARP were compared with the conventional method of irrigation in terms of percentage increase in water saving, yield and income as a result of the programme. Water saving has been indicated in wheat from 5% to 66.67%, vegetables 23.3% to 40%, paddy 25% to 55%. Increase in yield for wheat was ranging from 7.3% to 43%, vegetables 10% to 23% paddy 10% to 62%. Increase income for what 4.91% to 30%, vegetables 11% to 15.38% and Paddy 6% to 44%. Based on the feedbacks received so far, Ministry of Water Resources has considered the proposal for expansion of FPARP for the remaining period of XI five year plan at a cost of Rs.25 crore for implementation of 5000 additional demonstrations. Under the programme, the technologies relating to water conservation / water saving and having more water use efficiency are to be considered. Panchayats and the local community should be involved right from the planning process in water management, allocation and its distribution for all purposes including rural drinking water supply for efficient use of water. It is necessary to build capacities of Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees, Pani Panchayats in general areas of overall water management and specific drinking water management through water demand and budgeting principles, understanding operation and maintenance requirements etc. The efficiency of water use in agriculture can also be improved through better system of water application, Ministry of Agriculture has introduced a centrally sponsored scheme on micro irrigation which aims at increasing the area under efficient methods of irrigation viz. drip and sprinkler irrigation. Under the scheme, out of the total cost of the micro irrigation system, 40% is borne by the Central Government, 10% by the respective State Government and the remaining 50% by the beneficiary, either through his / her own resources or soft loan from financial institutions. The Scheme covers all categories of farmers irrespective of the size of land holding. However, while selecting the beneficiaries, care is to be taken to ensure that the small and marginal farmers are given due priority for supplying the system. The scheme provides that at least 25% of the 12

15 beneficiaries should be small and marginal farmers. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) are involved while selecting the beneficiaries. So far lakh hectares of irrigated area has been covered through micro irrigation. During XI Plan central assistance of about Rs crores has been released. The existing micro-irrigation scheme has recently been approved as National Mission on Micro Irrigation for implementation during the XI Plan with an outlay of Rs. 8, crores. The mission is expected to bring 2.5 Mha under micro irrigation. Benchmarking of irrigation projects also helps in improved performance of irrigation projects. Ministry of Water Resources / Central Water Commission organize workshops on Benchmarking of Irrigation Projects in cooperation with the Water Resources / Irrigation Departments of the State Governments with a view of generate awareness and knowledge sharing. It is estimated that with 10% increase in present level water use efficiency, an additional 14 million hectare area can be brought under irrigation from the existing irrigation capacity which would involve a very moderate investment compared to the investment required to create equivalent potential, through micro irrigation, on farm water management, effective distribution system etc Crop Diversification There was an unprecedented crop diversification during the first decade of of ground water development in Western India. Areas under the water guzzling rice crop expanded whereas areas under less water demanding bajra and maize crops decreased. Fish culture is also being taken up by pumping ground water into ponds with subsidized power. Planting of water guzzling crops like sugar cane, banana, cotton etc. are taking place in this region which does not fit into the rainfall pattern or to the ground water storage available. This region is more suitable for fruits, vegetable and cultivation of crops with less water requirement through precession application of water. Food security is the supreme national priority and loss in cultivation of rice due to overexploitation of ground water in the Coastal South and Western India has to be more than compensated in high rainfall regions of Eastern and Coastal India. In the East and North East India ground water resources are under-utilized to the tune of 58-82% and also blessed with sufficient rainfall. Rice is a staple diet in major parts of India and food security at the country level can be ensured by enhancing its productivity and production in the most befitting agro-ecologies in the Eastern and Coastal regions with high rainfall and vast resources of under-utilized ground water. In addition, non-availability of irrigation water when required by farmers is also one of the reasons for over exploitation of ground water. Various issue involved in crop diversification are relatively complex and need to be addressed with due consideration of all aspects. Proper management strategies for ensuring availability of irrigation water on demand may help in addressing the issues to a great extent. 13

16 2.6.5 Water Quality Issues The Water Quality is being monitored by several agencies in the country. The Central Water Commission and Surface Water Agencies in respective states while developing water resources through various projects are mainly concerned with the requirements for irrigation and drinking water in terms of quantity and to some extent quality. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and respective State Ground Water Agencies develop Ground Water resources depending upon the recharge potential with the similar objective. The Central Pollution Control Board and its State counterparts are mainly concerned with the monitoring of water quality deterioration and is responsible for prevention and control of pollution under Water Act, 1974 and Environment (Protection) Act, The National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, also monitors the Water Quality to evaluate the implementation of pollution abatement schemes for river conservation. In view of the multiplicity of agencies involved in water quality management in the country with no virtual coordination among them, the problem of pollution of national water resources has become the matter of serious concern. To circumvent the situation, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has constituted Water Quality Assessment Authority (WQAA) with effect from 29th May, 2001 through a Gazette Notification dated 22 nd June, The Authority is empowered to exercise the powers under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for issuing directions and for taking measures with respect to matters referred to in clauses (ix), (xi), (xii) and (xiii) of subsection 2 of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, The Authority has a coordination cell in the Ministry of Water Resources. The powers and functions of Water Quality Assessment Authority (WQAA) include the powers to issue necessary directions to various government / local bodies / non-governmental agencies to standardize water quality monitoring methods, ensure proper treatment of wastewater to restore the water quality of surface and ground waters, take up R&D activities related to water management and promote recycling and reuse of treated wastewater and to maintain minimum discharge for sustenance of aquatic life forms in riverine system. Central Ground Water Authority is also regulating indiscriminate withdrawal of ground water and issues necessary regulatory directions with a view to preserve and protect the ground water quality. Government of India has constituted National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for addressing the problems of pollution of river Ganga. 14

17 2.7 FUTURE CHALLENGES Growing Population and Increasing Demand of Water As mentioned earlier, as a result of growing population, the per capita water availability is reducing and at the same time the demand of water for various purposes is increasing and the per capita water availability is decreasing. Increasing population has resulted in growing water demand, particularly for meeting the requirements of drinking water and food production. The present level of water utilization has been estimated to be about 690 BCM out of which about 83% is utilized for irrigation, 5% each for domestic uses and industrial uses and rest for other purposes. The National Commission for Integrated Water Resources Development (NCIWRD) has assessed the projected demand for water for the years 2010, 2025 and NCIWRD has made assessment both for low and high demand scenario in the year The total water requirement for meeting the demand for various uses as assessed by NCIWRD is 973 BCM for the low demand scenario and 1180 BCM for the high demand scenario. While making the assessment, NCIWRD has assumed that efficient management practices would be adopted and fully implemented and in particular, the present level of efficiency of the surface water and ground water systems would be enhanced to achieve the optimum level of efficiency in a phased manner. The projected demand of water for various purposes under high demand scenario for the year 2010, 2025 and 2050 is indicated in Table 7. Table-7: Projected Demand for Water for Various Uses (in BCM) Use Year 2010 Year 2025 Year 2050 Projected Demand % of total Projected Demand % of total Projected Demand % of total demand demand demand Irrigation % % % Domestic 43 6% 62 7% 111 9% Industries 37 5% 67 8% 81 7% Environment 5 1% 10 1% 20 2% Others 68 10% 93 12% % Total % % % Competing Demand of Water for Various Sectors The requirement of water for different purposes would change with time, mainly in view of economic development as may be seen from the percentage distribution of requirement. The share of requirement of domestic water is projected to grow from 7% in 2025 to 9% in 2050 reflecting larger urbanization. Urban areas require water round the year in specific locations. Requirement for 15

18 agriculture, on the other hand, is spread all over the country but concentrated in specific time periods. Although the requirement for irrigation water would increase over the time, the share of irrigation water in the overall demand has estimated to reduce from the present level of 83% to about 69%. Water requirement for industry and power would be more or less even over the year but will depend upon the location of industries and power plants. As laid down in the National Water Policy, the requirement of drinking water for both human beings and animals should be first charge on any available water Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources The effect of global warming on hydrological cycle could result in further intensification of temporal and spatial variations in precipitation, snowmelt and water availability. Some of the possible identified implication of climate change on water resources are: (a) decline in the glaciers and the snowfields in the Himalayas, (b) increased drought like situations due overall decrease in the number of rainy days over a major part of the country, (c) increased flood events due to overall increase in the rainy day intensity, (d) effect on ground water quality in alluvial aquifers due to increased flood and drought events, (e) influence on ground water recharge due to changes in precipitation and evapo-transpiration, and (f) increased saline intrusion of coastal and island aquifers due to rising sea levels. Government of India has announced National Action Plan on Climate Change which interalia envisages institutionalization of National Water Mission. Various issues and their correlation are illustrated in Figure 4. 16

19 Maintainin g Ecological balance Environmenta l concerns and water quality deterioration River Pollution Encroachmen t in Flood Plains Flood Problems Inadequate watershed development Pollution due to industrialisatio n and urbanisation Pollution of water Over-exploitation of Resources specially Ground Water Regional imbalance due to spatial and temporal variation of rainfall River Bank Erosio n Population growth, industrialization and urbanization Challenges due to Growing demand of water for different purposes Lack of Integrated Planning and Managemen t Likely Impact of Climate Change Fig. 4: Issues and Correlations Lack of Awareness Poor Coordinatio n Limited participation of Stakeholders in WM Inadequate R&D Support and capacity building Lack of Trained and Competent Professionals Inadequate resources for O&M Non- Optimal Utilisation of Created Facilities Poor Efficiency Lagging Command Area Developmen t 17

20 Chapter III KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND THEIR ROLES Water sector has very large stakeholders which inter-alia includes Several Ministries / Departments of the Union Government, State Governments Departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, Industries and NGOs. In additions, the research organizations and academic institutions have also major role to play. However, most of the activities related to planning, development and management of water resources are undertaken by the respective State Governments. In this regard, the constitutional provisions are as under. 3.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS Water is included in the State list (List 2) of 7 th schedule of the Constitution of India and hence all activities related to planning, development and management of water resources are undertaken by the respective States. Further, the Constitution provides for regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys by the Union Government to the extent to which such regulation is declared by Parliament by Law to be expedient in public interest. Box-1: Entries Related to Water in State and Union Lists Entry 17 of List II (State List) of the 7th Schedule Water, that is to say, water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water power subject to provisions of entry 56 of List I. Entry 56 of List I (Union List) of the 7th Schedule Regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys to the extent to which such regulation and development under the control of the Union is declared by Parliament by law to be expedient in the public interest. A River Board Act has been enacted for integrated management of inter-state rivers. However, no River Board has been established for integrated planning, development and management of water resources of the river basin due to lack of consensus among co-basin States. Central organizations such as Brahmaputra Board, Narmada Control Authority, Damodar valley 18

21 Corporation, Bhakhara Beas Management Board, Betwa River Board, Bansagar Board and Tungabhadra Board have been established for specific purposes to plan, manage and regulate the water resources in specified river basins. Box-2: Article 262 of the Constitution Disputes relating to Water - Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers or river valleys 1. Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution or control of the waters of, or in, any inter-state river or river valley. 2. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may by law provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint as is referred to in clause (1). The Inter-State issues are generally addressed through mutual agreements among the cobasin States and the Government of India facilitates such agreement. We have about 125 Inter- State agreements which have facilitated the water resources development of Inter-State basins. However, in case of non-agreement, the disputes are adjudicated as per Article 262 of the Constitution. Inter-State River Water Dispute Act enacted under Article 262, provides for setting up of Tribunal for adjudication of disputes. At the moment, four Tribunals for Cauvery, Krishna, Ravi-Beas and Vanshdhara rivers have been established. There is a National Water Resources Council for laying down National Water Policy and evolving consensus on water related issues among States. The Hon ble Prime Minister is the Chairman and all Chief Ministers of the States are its members. There is also a National Water Board under the chairmanship of Secretary (WR) for evolving consensus on water related issues and to assist the National Water Resources Council. The water related issues were also considered by the Commission on Centre State Relations and the recommendations of the Commission are as under. 3.2 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON CENTRE-STATE RELATIONS The Government of India had constituted a Commission on Centre-State Relations under the Chairmanship of Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, former Chief Justice of India, with the mandate to review a comprehensive set of issues concerning Centre-State relations and to make 19

22 recommendation thereon. The Commission on Centre-State relations, inter-alia, addressed the issues related to inter-state water dispute and specific recommendation in respect of water resources are as under: The National Water Resources Council needs to play a greater role in integrating policy and programmes on a continuous basis. This could be done by providing the Council with a core expert body with an Adviser at its helm, so that executive action on the basis of its recommendations is monitored. A hierarchical but coordinated set of watershed agencies need to be set up by joint action of the Centre and States and participation of local bodies with inter- State basins as the focus. The overall responsibility for coordination would be that of the Inter-State River Basin Authority set up by the Central Government under River Boards Act, Tribunals constituted under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 should be multidisciplinary bodies, presided over by a Judge. It should follow a participatory and conciliatory approach. The statute should prescribe a time limit for clarificatory or supplementary orders. Appeals to the Supreme Court should be prescribed under the Statute. Disputes referred to a Tribunal should invariably be linked to constitution of Inter-State River Boards, charged with the responsibility for an integrated watershed approach towards inter- State rivers. 20

23 Chapter IV ROLE OF UNION MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES 4.1 FUNCTIONS The functions of Ministry of Water Resources as outlined in the Allocation of Business Rules are as under. Development, conservation and management of water as a national resource; overall national perspective of water planning and coordination in relation to diverse uses of water National Water Resources Council General Policy, technical assistance, research and development training and all matters relating to irrigation, including multi-purpose, major, medium, minor and emergency irrigation works, hydraulic structures for navigation and hydropower; tube wells and groundwater exploration and exploitation; protection and preservation of ground water resources; conjunctive use of surface and ground water, irrigation for agricultural purposes, water management, command area development; management of reservoirs and reservoir sedimentation; flood (control) management, drainage, drought proofing, water logging and sea erosion problems; and dam safety. Regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys. Implementation of Awards of Tribunals through Schemes, River Boards. Water Laws, legislation. Water quality assessment. International organizations, commissions and conferences relating to water resources development and International Water Law. International Water Law. Matters relating to rivers common to India and neighbouring countries; the Joint Rivers Commission with Bangladesh; the Indus Waters Treaty 1960; the Permanent Indus Commission. Bilateral and external assistance and cooperation programmes in the field of water resources development. 4.2 ORGANISATIONS UNDER THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Attached Offices Central Water Commission (CWC) Central Soil and Material Research Station (CSMRS) 21

24 Subordinate Offices Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) Farakka Barrage Project (FBP) Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) Bansagar Control Board Sardar Sarovar Construction Advisory Committee (SSCAC) Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) Public Sector Undertaking Water and Power Consultancy Services (India) Limited (WAPCOS) National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC) Autonomous Bodies National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) National Water Development Agency (NWDA) Statutory Bodies Narmada Control Authority (NCA) Brahmaputra Board (BB) Betwa River Board Tungabhadra Board 4.3 PLAN SCHEMES OF MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES During the XI Plan, 15 central sector schemes and 5 State sector schemes have been identified for implementation under Ministry of Water Resources. Salient features of the Plan schemes are described as under. Development of Water Resources Information System - The main objective of the scheme is to put in place a web enabled water resources information system, which is planned to be launched by the end of the year 2010 and to be made fully operational in about 4 years. Except for data of classified nature, all information would be in public domain. The web enabled system is being implemented by CWC and ISRO. Collection of hydrological data and minor irrigation census are also supported under the scheme. The scheme also includes provision for monitoring of major & medium schemes and activities related to water quality assessment. 22

25 Hydrology Project - Hydrology project is a World Bank supported project and provides for consolidation of activities of the first phase of Hydrology project and also for taking up activities in 4 new States making a total of 13 States. Specific activities are also supported in respect of 8 central agencies including Ministry of Water Resources. Important activities include development of Hydrological Design Aids and Decision Support Systems. Ground Water Management and Regulation Various activities related to ground water exploration, monitoring of ground water level & ground water quality and studies are supported under this scheme. Investigation Water Resources Development Schemes The scheme provides for undertaking investigations and preparation of feasibility report and detailed project report (DPR) for various identified links under National Perspective Plan (NPP) by NWDA and preparation of pre-feasibility / feasibility reports of the intra-state links proposed by the State governments by NWDA. The scheme also provides for investigation & preparation of DPR of specific schemes particularly in North East Region by Central Water Commission. Research and Development Research and development activities of three research organizations namely, Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee and Central Soil and Material Research Station, New Delhi and that of CWC in the identified thrust area are supported under this scheme. The research proposals received from academic institutions, research organizations and NGOs are also supported. An important thrust area identified under the scheme is the impact of climate change on water resources. National Water Academy and Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training and Research institute Training programme of in-service professionals from States and Central Government organizations including those from organizations under MoWR are organized by National Water Academy and Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training and Research institute in the specialized areas. These institutions also organize training programme for Panchayati Raj Institutions and other local bodies. Information, Education and Communication In view of the importance and need for creating awareness about water related issues, this scheme has been included during XI Plan by MoWR. Pagladiya Dam Project Pagladiya Dam Project has been planned to protect area of about 40,000 ha in Nalbari district of Assam from recurring flood of river Pagladiya. The scheme also envisages irrigation to about 54,000 ha and generation of 3 MW of hydropower as incidental benefit. However, there has been very little progress due to delay in Zirat survey to be undertaken by the Government of Assam. Farraka Barrage Project This scheme provides for maintenance of the Barrage, feeder canal and other facilities. Anti-erosion works are also undertaken under the scheme. 23