In her address at the 5th National Water Awards ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in conserving water resources. She urged all citizens to participate actively in efforts to secure water for future generations.
The President emphasised that the conservation of water is not solely the government's duty but a responsibility shared by every individual in the country.
Water has always been central to human civilization, with societies flourishing around rivers throughout history. However, President Murmu pointed out that society often overlooks the vital role that water plays in our lives.
She expressed deep concern regarding the contamination of freshwater resources and emphasised that, despite knowing the limited availability of freshwater on Earth, people continue to neglect proper management and conservation efforts.
The alarming decrease in per capita water availability in India is a growing concern, especially as the population continues to rise. A study by the Central Water Commission indicated that the average annual per capita water availability is projected to drop from 1,486 cubic metres in 2021 to 1,367 cubic metres by 2031.
Such levels indicate that the country is approaching a water-stressed condition, with availability below 1,700 cubic metres signifying serious challenges and below 1,000 cubic metres leading to outright scarcity.
To combat these issues, the Indian government has initiated various programs aimed at water conservation and ensuring access to safe drinking water. One of the flagship initiatives is the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024. This mission is crucial for improving public health and promoting better living standards in rural areas.
In addition, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0) was launched on October 1, 2021. This program focuses on ensuring universal access to water supply across all statutory towns in India. By making cities more "water secure," the initiative seeks to address urban water supply challenges effectively.
The government has also been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY) since 2015-16 to optimise water use in agriculture. This scheme includes the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), which prioritises ongoing major and medium irrigation projects in consultation with state governments. Recently, the PMKSY was extended until 2025-26, with a substantial budget allocation of over ₹93,000 crore.
Moreover, the Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme has been integrated into the PMKSY to ensure efficient water distribution for agriculture.
The Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) has been established to promote and regulate water efficiency across irrigation, industrial, and domestic sectors.
To encourage farmers in water-stressed areas, the government launched the "Sahi Fasal" campaign, promoting the cultivation of less water-intensive crops. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural sustainability while addressing water scarcity challenges.
Another important program is Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched on National Panchayati Raj Day in 2022. This initiative aims to conserve water by developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district across the country. The mission seeks to create a sustainable approach to water management while also emphasising the importance of community involvement.
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