A Call to Action for Sustainable Water Management in India

Dahlia El-sherif 14 March 2023

Water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands are critical to the ecological health of our planet. They provide habitats for aquatic plants and animals

Water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands are critical to the ecological health of our planet. They provide habitats for aquatic plants and animals, support diverse ecosystems, and help to regulate the water cycle. However, in many parts of the world, water bodies are rapidly disappearing due to human activities such as urbanization, industrialization, and deforestation.

In India, the loss of water bodies is a growing concern that demands immediate attention. The causes of the loss of water bodies are complex, but many are a result of human activities such as dam construction, irrigation, and urbanization. Climate change is also exacerbating the problem, with rising temperatures leading to increased evaporation and changes in precipitation patterns.

The impact of the loss of water bodies goes far beyond the environment, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. The loss of water bodies has led to food insecurity, with many communities dependent on fisheries suffering due to the collapse of fish populations. Water shortages and the drying up of rivers and lakes have also led to displacement and conflicts over water resources, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities.

The disappearance of water bodies also has a significant impact on the climate, as the loss of vegetation in and around water bodies leads to decreased carbon storage and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In India, the situation is dire, with more than half of the country's water bodies critically polluted, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). And according to a recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, over 70 percent of the country's water bodies have either dried up or are in critical condition.

The most affected are the rivers, with 351 of them suffering from a high degree of pollution. The situation is so dire that the pollution levels in some of the country's major rivers, including the Ganges and Yamuna, are many times higher than the safe limit. The pollution not only affects the quality of water but also harms the biodiversity of the water bodies, leading to the loss of species and damage to the ecosystem. One of the primary drivers of water body loss in India is urbanization.

As cities grow, they encroach on the natural habitats of water bodies, leading to their degradation and eventual disappearance. This is particularly evident in cities such as Bangalore, where over 60 percent of the lakes have been lost due to urban development. Similarly, in Chennai, once home to over 600 water bodies, only a fraction of them remain due to urbanization and pollution.

Industrialization is another significant driver. Industrial activities such as mining, chemical manufacturing, and thermal power generation generate large amounts of wastewater that are often discharged into nearby water bodies. This contamination degrades the water quality, making it unsuitable for human consumption and aquatic life. In many cases, the pollution is so severe that the water body becomes an environmental hazard.

Deforestation and agricultural activities also contribute to water body loss in India. Deforestation leads to soil erosion and increases the amount of sediment in water bodies, which can choke the ecosystems and reduce water quality. Similarly, agricultural activities such as irrigation and pesticide use can contaminate water bodies and reduce their availability. To address the problem of disappearing water bodies, several solutions must be implemented. One of the most critical measures is to enforce existing laws and regulations that protect water bodies.

The government should strictly regulate industrial activities to ensure that they do not harm water bodies. Additionally, urban planning policies should be designed to conserve and protect water bodies, rather than destroying them. Another essential measure is to promote sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of chemicals and conserve water resources. This includes the adoption of alternative irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and the use of organic farming methods that reduce soil erosion and water pollution.

Moreover, raising public awareness campaigns can help to inform people about the value of water bodies and the dangers associated with their loss. Education and advocacy programs can help to empower individuals and communities to take action to protect water bodies from pollution and degradation and promote sustainable water use. It is essential to recognize that water bodies are not just environmental resources, but also cultural resources.

Many water bodies hold cultural and historical significance and are integral to the identity and well-being of the communities that rely on them. Therefore, any conservation efforts must consider the cultural and social significance of these resources. One example of a successful initiative to protect water bodies is the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed by over 170 countries.

The convention promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources, including the protection of water bodies. Signatories to the treaty have designated over 2,000 wetlands as Wetlands of International Importance, providing a framework for their protection and conservation. Another successful initiative is the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to water research and management.

The IWMI focuses on promoting sustainable water use and managing water resources to meet the needs of communities and ecosystems. Their research has informed policies and programs aimed at improving water management and reducing the impact of the loss of water bodies. The loss of water bodies is a growing concern that demands immediate attention. The consequences of their disappearance are far-reaching and affect the environment, economy, and society.

We must recognize the importance of these resources and take action to protect and conserve them. This requires changes in human behavior and land use patterns, as well as policy and institutional changes that promote conservation and restoration. It is our responsibility to ensure that water bodies continue to support diverse aquatic ecosystems, provide freshwater for human consumption, and regulate the climate.

References: