Chaitanya AwasthiAIR 37 · CSE 2022 · 375 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a figure
There are few things as foundational to human existence as water. India has 16% of the world population and merely 4% of freshwater resources. In such a scenario, India's water security becomes a pertinent challenge.
Body · points and prose
India's Water Woes
- Agrarian Economy ↳ water shortage can cripple India's growth.
- Unsustainable Exploitation ↳ Groundwater depletion is already leaving lands barren in Punjab etc.
- Lifeline of Society ↳ Rapidly declining water availability leading to 'Day Zero' like situations ↳ Exacerbating existing fault lines and conflicts
- Industries ↳ Several shutdowns due to water scarcity ↳ Cubs economic growth, employment etc. leading to social unrests.
The above domestic reasons coupled with politics of freebies, condoning water pollution and overuse and not stressing enough on conservation has magnified the problem into threat to India's geopolitical standing.
Water Geopolitics
Water is a strategic tenet in international geopolitics. Given its transboundary nature and rights of riparian states, it gives rise to a series of complex disputes and concerns for the lower riparian states.
(1) Indo-China: Brahmaputra
Brahmaputra forms the lifeline of majority of North East population.
There is no definite treaty governing water sharing principles between India and China. China's growing aggression and assertiveness has rekindled India's fears of China using water as a tool for coercion (eg. recent Chinese dam constructions).
(2) Indo-Bangladesh : Teesta River ↳ Supports a dense population on either side ↳ Strained relations after Bengal CM refused to sign agreement ↳ Mellowed down by Land Boundary Agreement (3) Indo-Pak : Indus Water Treaty (IWT) ↳ West rivers to Pakistan, East to India ↳ Equitable distribution, integrated checks and balances ↳ Critics question data, dispute resolution etc.
Holistic Strategy
Close
| Domestic | International |
|---|---|
| ① Water for All. eg. Jal Jeevan Mission | ① Revisit IWT and sync with India's interests. |
| ② Smart Irrigation and Crop diversification | ② Agreement with Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral relations. |
| ③ Rainwater harvesting and conservation | ③ Formalise sharing norms with China to make violations accountable |
| ④ Awareness, P-P-P, Community participation | ④ International Forums and Bodies |
| ⑤ Institutional and Policy Reforms to curb pollution | ⑤ Navigate water issues to strengths for regional rise. |