UP’s Water Management Recognized Globally

Context

Uttar Pradesh, being the most populous state in India, faces significant challenges in managing its water resources effectively. The state’s water management policy has recently gained international recognition for its innovative approaches, particularly at the Global Innovation Summit in Paris. This recognition highlights the state’s efforts to address water scarcity and improve management practices.

Background of Water Challenges in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh’s water resources are under stress due to factors such as overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. The state’s large population and agricultural demands exacerbate these issues, leading to water scarcity and hydrological imbalances. The need for a comprehensive water policy that addresses these challenges has been acknowledged by the state government.

Key Components of Uttar Pradesh’s Water Policy

The Uttar Pradesh State Water Policy 2020 outlines several strategic pillars aimed at transforming water management in the state.

Strategic Pillars of the Policy

• River Basin as a Basic Unit for Water Governance: Thus, the policy stresses upon the manner of water resources management at the river basin level, in an integrated planning and management manner. This considers both surface and groundwater as an interlinked component of the hydrological cycle.
• Enhancing Access to Water Supply: The state pledges to give interested endeavors to ensure every person shall have reasonable access to water for drinking purposes in consonance with the national initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). This actually means strengthening the operational capacity of the utilities managing water.
• Dynamic and Just Allocation of Water: Water allocation is made to be just and dynamic to allow for flexibility and in keeping with national schemes like JJM and the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY).
• Integrated Data and Information Management: The policy articulates that data accountable decision-making is dictated through an integrated water resources information management system.
• Ecosystemic Approach towards Environmental Flows: Invoking elevation of Quality Water Resources and keeping minimum Environmental Flows is prime concern. This also includes rejuvenation of small rivers and rivulets through scientific intervention and public participation.
• Transformation in Agricultural Water Use: Aims at reduction of water demand in agriculture by modernizing irrigation and adopting new technologies. The target is to reduce water consumption by 5% in every five years and achieve the target consistent with the goal direction of-20% reduction in water use over the span of 20 years.
• Mainstreamed Participatory Groundwater Management: The main surface technologies and participatory approaches are adopted in severe groundwater deficit areas, especially Bundelkhand and Vindhyachal, to ensure sustainable groundwater management.
• Decentralized Flood and Drought Preparedness: The state focuses on strengthening early warning systems and community-level preparedness measures to manage floods and droughts effectively.
• Equitable Water Pricing: Implementing equitable water pricing is crucial for improving efficiency and performance in water services.
• Democratization of Water Governance: The policy emphasizes stakeholder participation and institutional restructuring to democratize water governance.

Innovative Models Recognized Globally: One of the innovative models recognized at the Global Innovation Summit is the “One City, One Operator” model for sewerage management. This model streamlines operations by assigning a single operator for each city’s sewerage system, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

National and International Context

• Some national initiatives on water management: At the national level, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has worked in the direction of sustainable practices of water management. To enhance water-use efficiency and promote proper utilization of water resources, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and National Water Mission are very important initiatives. 
• Global recognition and implications: By gaining international recognition, Uttar Pradesh’s water management policy implies that such models have the potential for global replication. It reflects the pressing need for innovative and integrated approaches to water management, particularly in regions facing similar challenges.

Conclusion

Uttar Pradesh’s water management policy, with its emphasis on integrated river basin management, equitable water allocation, and innovative models like the “One City, One Operator” approach, sets a precedent for effective water governance. The policy’s recognition at the global level underscores its potential to inspire similar reforms in other regions facing water management challenges.

 Source: TOI

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Water management in India faces challenges of scarcity, pollution, and inefficient usage. Discuss the major issues related to water management in the country and suggest integrated strategies for sustainable water resource management.

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