MAJOR PROBLEM AREAS IN WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Under valued water resource

Water supply for various sectors - domestic, agriculture and industrial - is subsidised by most governments. The subsidies are unrealistic and the pricing of bulk and retail water is nowhere near the long-term marginal cost. Water resource is highly under valued and underpriced, used without discrimination. The current water usage patterns are unsustainable.

Allocation between various sectors:

In the face of widening gap between demand and supply in terms of both quality and quantity, there is intense competition between sectors looking for low quality water (agriculture) and low volumes of high quality water (domestic consumption). Disputes over limited resources will continue between agricultural, industrial and domestic users unless suitable prioritization measures are taken.

Degraded environment:

The challenge of sustainable water resources is to efficiently maintain sufficient supply and good quality of water over time and space in order to sustain human activities without degrading the environment. Human activities and social development must be carried out within the capacity limits of the natural resources. Over exploitation of ground water aquifers and pollution caused by agricultural chemicals decline the quality of water.

Disparities in distribution of resources:

Disparities in distribution of water pose a serious problem in areas within under developed and developing countries. Insufficient infrastructure in these regions can intensify the inequalities causing greater scarcity. In the developing world two-thirds of the population lack safe drinking water supplies and environmental sanitation adequate for life support and public health.

Global climate change:

Higher temperatures and decreased precipitation lead to decreased water supplies and increased water demands. Climate change could impact the hydrological cycle and water management systems.

Inadequate policies:

Decision and policy making are often inadequate. Policies are politically motivated and cater to populist sentiments, lacking consideration of long term consequences and holistic approach. Awareness of the water issues is high only in times of drought and extreme shortage and dramatic degradation in quality with little attention given to long term preventive measures. Examples include the discharge of inadequately treated domestic sewage and industrial waste water into water bodies, poor agricultural practices which can cause pollution and unbalanced ecosystems. Water resource management becomes ineffective when many agencies are involved.

Major health and environmental problems:

Public health and environmental quality are threatened because of degraded water sources. Water borne diseases cause death of millions of people each year and prevent millions more from living healthy lives. Pollution affects water quality and also diminishes the amount of usable water available. As water becomes scarce, sanitation, irrigation and life support functions essential to human survival and public health are compromised.

Lack of databases:

Databases of the quantity and quality of water and the consumption patterns of the various sectoral users are necessary to take effective decisions. Adequate information flows are not available because the bodies administering the water resources seldom have the financial resources necessary for undertaking the exercise of collection and analysis of a large amount of data.

DESIRABLE POLICIES FOR EFFECTIVE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Proper pricin

The pricing of this valuable resource must be realistic and should take into account long term marginal costs. At the same time people who cannot afford the high tariffs should be kept in mind while pricing. All water related services like sanitation and irrigation drainage should be progressively financed.

Incentives for effective management:

Incentives should be given to the industries in the form of reduced taxes for treating effluents and improving water quality. At the same time heavy polluters should be made to pay heavy taxes. Pollution charges send economic signals to users, encouraging wastewater treatment and reuse.

Adequate infrastructure:

The distribution of water resources is not uniform geographically. Adequate infrastructure is necessary to connect the supply source to distribution points. The investments made in water related infrastructure investments should be encouraged through tax benefits.

Sharing arrangements:

Open, transparent and continuous process of consultation and participation is essential if natural water resources are to be managed in an equitable and sustainable fashion. The role of central and state governments as providers of technical support and policy makers should be supported by local (district) action as mobilizers or promoters of community based management to yield positive results in terms of income generation and environmental protection.

Integrated approach:

Overall awareness of hydro-environmental limits to water resource mobilisation is generally poor. Political commitment and public education to promote resource protection and conservation is inadequate. Awareness raising must be matched by incentives to change. The consumers should be informed of the current and future costs and levels of profligate use. A carefully orchestrated policy of public education, pricing policy and engagement of consumer interest groups needs to be considered. Locally led initiatives can show that water can be used more effectively.

Creation of databases:

A complete database, which gives a true picture of availability and consumption patterns of water, is immensely useful in determining and forecasting the levels of scarcity or abundance. It can create opportunities for trading and productivity gains through more efficient use.

Technological innovations:

New technologies should be developed for economically viable wastewater treatment. Adequate funding should be provided for this purpose by the government.

Artificial lakes:

Artificial lakes, capable of supporting ecosystems, should be created. In low-lying areas, rain water should be collected to create artificial lakes instead of dumping garbage. Existing lakes should be frequently desilted and cleaned. Water plants should not be allowed to grow on the surface of water.

Initiatives pertinent to India:

In a country like India which is facing blatant problems like unemployment, poverty, illiteracy and lack of infrastructure, it is but natural on the part of the government to put conservation of nature second in priority. This situation calls for action on part of the citizens and various organisations. Companies should take the initiative to adopt lakes and maintain them. The company with the best lake should be rewarded. It is a tendency of the citizens to pollute waterbodies in the name of religion. During Ganesha puja and Durga puja painted clay idols are immersed. Religion should not be let in the way of conservation. Future generations should not be deprived of their natural inheritance by squandering it now.

ADDRESS

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Poorna Prajna High School,
Sadashivanagar,
Bangalore