INTRODUCTION
Since childhood we have learned that” Water is life”, but with growing demand, we are facing its scarcity. As a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Government of India consequently launched the National Water Mission in 2008 but officially started in 2011. Once the Government realized the importance of Water management and conservation, The Government of India made serious efforts to launch the mission. This will ultimately address the challenges posed by day-by-day water growing demand and climate change. The mission will safeguard the most precious resource ie. water. The Government launched this mission also known as the “Jal Jeevan Mission” to increase Groundwater recharge activities and rainwater harvesting in most water-deficient regions of the country. Specifically, It is one of the 8 components established by the Government of India as a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
PHASES OF NATIONAL WATER MISSION:-
The Government launched The National Water Mission in 2011 as a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).Government of India implemented the National Water Mission in various phases and the objectives of these phases are the following:-
PHASE I :
Period: From 2011 to 2017
Action Plan: -Promotion of water utilization efficiency.
-Promotion of basin-level integrated water resource management &
-Assessment of water resources and demand.
PHASE II:
Period: 2017-2022
Action Plan: Implementation of sustainable water management practices.
Emphasis on increasing water utilization efficiency across various regions.
Implementation and development of water conservation plans.
PHASE III:
Period: From 2022 to 2027
Action plan: -Promotion of efficient use of water in industry, agriculture, and domestic sectors.
-Integration of water resource management with land-use planning.
-Adoption of demand-side measures for water conservation.
PHASE IV:
Period: 2027 onwards
Action Plan: -Implementation of water conservation technologies
-Progressive efforts in environment-friendly water management.
-Common man participation and Capacity building in water management.
The phases are dynamic and may undergo changes based on needs and challenges in the coming days.
OBJECTIVE OF NATIONAL WATER MISSION: –
Followings are the objectives of the mission:-
1. To conserve water as much as possible by reducing the wastage.
2. Encouraging both State bodies and citizens for water conservation, preservation, and augmentation.
3. Focused attention to vulnerable areas including underserved areas.
4. In-depth water database in the public domain and assessment of the impact of climate change on water resources.
5. Enhancing water use efficiency by 20% per year.
6. To minimize the wastage of water as much as possible.
7. To make sure that water is equally distributed across the country and within states through integrated water resource management.
8. Encouraging basin-level integrated water resource management.
KEY INITIATIVES UNDER NATIONAL WATER MISSION:-
1. Rainwater harvesting: One of the crucial approaches of the National water mission is basically to capture and store rainwater. Rainwater harvesting not only recharges groundwater but also provides an additional source of water for multipurpose use.
2. Water Efficient Technology: The National Water Mission encourages the implementation of water-efficient technologies, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, to avoid wastage of water in agriculture. Irrigation by drip and sprinkler technologies not only saves water but also increases crop production.
3. Watershed management: Watershed management basically encourages enhanced water availability. Moreover, it helps in conserving soil by preventing soil erosion and promotes sustainable land use practices.
4. Community participation: NWM encourages the active participation of local communities for proper utilization of water and also optimizes utilization for domestic use.
5. Jal Shakti Abhiyaan: It is the People’s movement for water conservation and consequently the Government of India launched this mission as a part of the National water mission. Indeed It focuses on water scarcity-affected regions and creates awareness among local people about the importance of water conservation. Jal Jeevan Abhiyaan correspondingly promotes water harvesting techniques and involves communities in water management.
6. Rural water supply and sanitation: Finding drinking water in remote rural areas is altogether a big challenge for the Government. By implementing community-led water supply and also sanitation programs mission tries to bridge the gap. Thereby rural water supply and sanitation aim to improve the lives of village people.
SUCCESS STORIES OF NWM:-
The country has witnessed so many notable success stories after the implementation of the National Water Mission. The following two cases need special attention:
1. In Gujarat, the encouragement of a water-efficient irrigation system has eventually led to increased crop production. After all, this is a remarkable example of high crop production with less water supply.
- Rajasthan, which is a water-deprived state also witnessed significant improvement in groundwater level. This has happened finally after the implementation of rainwater harvesting and watershed management practices.
CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD:-
CHALLENGES:
1. Increase in population: With a growing population the demand for water increases, correspondingly creating a threat to manage water for all residents of the country.
2. Increasing pollution: Increasing water pollution is making underground water unfit for use. The polluted water cannot be used as drinking water for human beings as well as for castles.
3. Urban development: Urbanization is like a big giant that is demanding more natural resources. Water consumption consequently increases with urban development.
4. Climatic change: India is encountering frequent weather changes like unpredictable rainfall, rising temperature, drought, etc. Such climatic changes badly affect water availability.
5. Non-uniform distribution: Because of variations in geographical conditions, the distribution of water is not uniform in all the regions. In various parts of India, there is a huge scarcity of water leading to a great challenge for the National Water Mission.
WAY FORWARD:
1. Smart water Use: Awareness to be given to use water smartly. People should be taught to use water-efficient appliances, to fix the leaks, etc. To keep track of how much water we use, cool gadgets like smart water meters have to be used.
2. River care and clean up: Community involvement in maintaining a clean river is very effective. People may be involved in keeping the river clean and protecting it further from pollutants. Planting more trees ensures river health and keeps the river clean.
3. Technology-based approach: People should be encouraged to use cool gadgets and apps to manage and conserve water. The Government should focus on research and development to develop new ways of water conservation.
4. Nature-Friendlywater-efficient farming: Farmers may use smart technology to grow more crops like water-efficient farming, watershed management, etc. Based on local weather crop farming should be chosen, which will help in water conservation.
- Uniform sharing of water: The government may make fair policies the for uniform distribution of water among different regions. Local communities may be involved in deciding uniform water distribution.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the National Water Mission is a player who has contributed to conserving water for agricultural use, Industrial use & domestic use. The Mission is trying to ensure that we use it wisely and thereby keep it safe. The mission is progressing successfully and ultimately helping farmers, communities, and everyone to use water more smartly. Moreover, with technological advancement, the mission uses new technologies and practices to make the mission a success. We all have to play a major role in saving water and we also have to tell our friends & family to save water. Though there are various challenges in the way of the National Water Mission like Climatic change, uneven water distribution, and water pollution, we have to work on solutions to hand over a legacy of clean nature to future generations.
