As one of the eight National Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Indian government has established the National Water Mission. Through integrated water resource development and management, the primary objective of NWM is "conservation of water, avoiding wastage, and guaranteeing its more fair distribution both among and within States." The Mission will take into account the National Water Policy's requirements and create a framework to optimize water use by boosting water use efficiency by 20% via regulatory mechanisms with various entitlements and pricing. This article will explain to you about National Water Mission (NWM) which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

National Water Mission

Why focus on Water - Water Conservation and Management?

• Overuse of water resources and a decline in water supplies due to climate change are pushing India closer to the brink of water scarcity.
• And apart from these, several government policies, particularly those pertaining to agriculture, have resulted in the over-exploitation of water. Because of these factors, India is a water-stressed economy. There is a need for water resource conservation and management in this context.
• The current water requirement in India is estimated to be around 1,100 billion cubic meters per year, with a projected increase to 1,447 billion cubic meters by 2050.
• Although India has 16% of the world's population, it only has 4% of the world's freshwater resources. India is water-stressed due to changing weather patterns and recurring droughts.
• According to the Central Ground Water Board, with 230 billion meter cubes of groundwater extracted each year for irrigation of agricultural lands in India, many parts of the country are experiencing rapid groundwater depletion.
• The total estimated groundwater depletion in India ranges between 122 and 199 billion meter cubes.

National Water Mission - Objectives

• Integrated Water Resource Management: To ensure integrated water resource management for water conservation, reducing waste, and distributing resources fairly both across and within states.
• Framework Creation: To create a framework for the most efficient use of water by increasing water use efficiency by 20% through regulatory mechanisms with varying entitlements and prices, while taking into account the National Water Policy (NWP).
• Wastewater Recycling: To ensure that a sizable portion of metropolitan regions' water needs is satisfied through wastewater recycling.
• Use of Modern Technology for Desalination of Ocean Water: To utilize modern, effective technology, such as low-temperature desalination methods that utilize ocean water, to meet the water needs of coastal cities with insufficient alternative water sources
• Review of Basin-level management strategies: To review and make sure that basin-level management strategies are in place to deal with variations in rainfall and river flows brought on by climate change. These strategies should include improving above- and below-ground storage, implementing rainwater harvesting, and setting up fair and effective management structures.
• Creation of Regulatory Frameworks: To create new regulatory frameworks to upgrade outdated irrigation systems, expand irrigation to improve storage capacity, and repair damaged irrigation systems.
• Adoption of Large-scale Irrigation Program: To adopt a large-scale irrigation program based on effective irrigation techniques, along with the recharge of subsurface water sources, is intended to promote the use of water-neutral and water-positive technologies.

National Water Mission - Major Provisions

• Creation of a network of data banks and databases as part of a standardized national information system.
• Guidelines for the security of water-related facilities, such as storage dams.
• Control of the extraction of groundwater.
• Drinking water, irrigation, hydropower, navigation, industry, and other uses are the top objectives for water allocation.
• With adequate consideration for the interests of small and marginal farmers, the water rates for surface water and groundwater should be rationalized.
• The policy also addresses managing floods and droughts, managing erosion, farmers' participation, water quality, water zoning, water conservation, etc.

National Water Mission - Activities

• Drives: Drives to build check dams, rooftop RWHS, and water collection pits.
• Increment in Water Storage Capacity: Desilting tanks and clearing encroachments are two ways to increase storage capacity.
• Removal of Impediments: Removing impediments from the water canals that deliver water from catchment regions.
• Restoration of Water Aquifers: Restoration of water to aquifers through the use of ancient wells and defunct boreholes as well as traditional WHS such as step-well repairs.
• Awareness Campaign: In order to prepare for Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) II, NYKS will run an awareness campaign spanning 623 districts between December 2020 and March 2021 using a variety of IEC programs.
• Educational and Motivational Programs: IEC efforts will involve delivering educational and motivating programs, organizing widespread awareness campaigns, creating a positive environment including wall art, etc.
• Rain Centres: States have been asked to establish Rain Centers in every district, which will serve as a resource for technical advice for everyone in the area.

National Water Mission - Mission Document

• There are two volumes in the National Water Mission document.
• The first volume covers the financial requirements for the mission, the necessary R&D, monitoring of the mission, and the makeup of the numerous committees needed to carry out this objective.
• The reports produced by the six separate subcommittees are covered in the second volume of the mission document.
• The sub-committees are as follows:
• Sub-Committee on “Surface Water Management committee”
• Sub-Committee on “Efficient use of water for various purposes committee”
• Sub-Committee on “Domestic and Industrial Water management committee
• Sub-Committee on “Policy and Institutional framework committee”
• Sub-Committee on “Groundwater management committee”
• Sub-Committee on “Basin level planning and management”

National Water Mission Awards 2019

• The National Water Mission's mission document lists 5 goals and 39 strategies for achieving those goals.
• Awarding incentives to organizations is one of the tactics. In keeping with this Mission, it has been decided to provide "National Water Mission Awards" in appreciation of achievement in water conservation, effective use of water, and sustainable water management.
• The following 10 categories are recognized with awards:
• The Water Resources Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Irrigation and CAD Department of the Government of Telangana are the winners of this award for their comprehensive public water database.
• Environmental Planning and Coordination Organisation (EPCO), Department of Environment, Bhopal, is the recipient of this award for its assessment of the effects of climate change on water resources.
• The Water Resources Department of the Government of Rajasthan and the Department of Soil and Water Conservation of the Government of Punjab are the winners of the promotion of citizen and state action for water conservation, augmentation, and preservation.
• Ambuja Cement Foundation and the State Ground Water Department, Government of Telangana, are the winners in the field of concentrated attention to sensitive areas, particularly over-exploited areas.
• Increasing water use efficiency by 20% – (Local individuals/farmer/citizens).
• Increasing water use efficiency by 20% (public organizations, such as ULBs, cities, and governmental bodies) - The Telangana State Government's Department of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation won for its Mission Bhagiratha program.
• Increasing water use efficiency by 20% (Industries/Corporate): Raymond UCO Denim Pvt Ltd, Lalitpur Power Generation Company Ltd, and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, Guntur, are the winners.
• Promotion of basin-level integrated water resources management: Andhra Pradesh's water resources department is the winner.
• Water Resources Department, Maharashtra.

National Water Mission - Significance

• Youngsters will learn the value of water if water conservation and rainwater collection are given special attention.
• The adoption of an integrated strategy for water management will result from giving the problem of water conservation the highest priority.
• Improved soil moisture and a rising groundwater table will result from the concept of "No or only limited will water to flow out of the complex."
• It will lessen water flowing onto roads in metropolitan areas, protecting them from damage, and preventing urban flooding.

Conclusion

The National Water Mission and its follow-up programs, including Jal Jeevan Mission and Jal Shakti Abhiyan, are assisting the government in developing robust systems to guarantee water availability even in the most vulnerable areas and to offer long-term solutions for the sustainable use of water in the nation. The Ministry of Jal Shakti was also established under the Government of India in May 2019 by combining two ministries—the Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation to address the growing water concerns during the past few decades. The ministry has put in place a number of projects and programs to educate the public about the importance of water conservation.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the main goal of the National Water Mission (NWM)?

A) To increase water consumption
B) To promote water conservation and efficient use
C) To establish new water bodies
D) To privatize water resources

2. Which of the following is a key initiative of the National Water Mission for improving water efficiency?

A) Encouraging large-scale water use in agriculture
B) Promoting the use of micro-irrigation systems
C) Reducing the number of water reservoirs
D) Encouraging wastewater discharge into rivers

3. What is the focus of the National Water Mission with regard to climate change?

A) Preventing floods and droughts
B) Ensuring sustainable water management to adapt to climate change
C) Building large dams to store water
D) Reducing water consumption in urban areas

4. How does the National Water Mission promote public participation?

A) By limiting public access to water resources
B) Through community-based water management and awareness programs
C) By privatizing water resources
D) By focusing only on urban areas

5. What is the key challenge addressed by the National Water Mission?

A) Overexploitation of water resources
B) Lack of water availability in urban areas
C) Mismanagement of wastewater
D) Inadequate storage of water in rural areas

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the objectives of the National Water Mission (NWM) and its significance for India's water management system.

Answer: The National Water Mission (NWM) is an integral part of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and its objectives aim to ensure sustainable management of water resources in the country. Its primary goals include promoting water conservation, improving water use efficiency, and addressing water scarcity issues. By focusing on efficient irrigation systems, reducing water wastage, and encouraging public participation, NWM aims to achieve equitable water distribution, especially in agriculture and urban areas. The mission also supports the creation of water storage systems, groundwater recharge, and watershed management to ensure long-term water availability. In a country like India, where water resources are under pressure due to population growth, climate change, and industrialization, NWM is crucial for ensuring water security and promoting sustainable development across sectors.

Q2: Evaluate the role of the National Water Mission in promoting water conservation in India. How does it impact agriculture and industry?

Answer: The National Water Mission plays a pivotal role in promoting water conservation by focusing on reducing water wastage and improving the efficiency of water use. It encourages the adoption of micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation in agriculture, which not only conserves water but also increases crop productivity. By modernizing irrigation infrastructure and promoting rainwater harvesting, the mission helps improve water storage and availability. In industry, the NWM advocates for the adoption of water-efficient technologies and practices that minimize water consumption and reduce environmental impact. Overall, NWM’s efforts in water conservation are vital for sustainable agricultural practices and for ensuring that industries continue to function without depleting precious water resources.

Q3: How does the National Water Mission contribute to addressing climate change impacts in India?

Answer: The National Water Mission contributes to addressing climate change impacts by strengthening the resilience of India’s water systems to climate variability. With climate change causing erratic rainfall patterns, floods, and droughts, the mission’s focus on improving water storage capacity, managing water demand, and reducing wastage becomes critical. By promoting sustainable practices such as efficient water use, groundwater recharge, and watershed management, the NWM helps mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on water resources. It also plays an essential role in enhancing adaptive capacity in sectors like agriculture and industry, which are heavily dependent on water availability, thus contributing to climate resilience at both local and national levels.

Previous Year Questions on National Water Mission

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following is a focus area of the National Water Mission (NWM)?

A) Energy conservation
B) Water-efficient irrigation practices
C) Afforestation
D) Clean energy promotion

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The National Water Mission focuses on promoting water-efficient irrigation practices, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, to conserve water and enhance its use efficiency, especially in agriculture.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Discuss the importance of the National Water Mission in ensuring water security in India. How does it contribute to sustainable development?"

Answer: The National Water Mission is critical for ensuring water security in India, which faces challenges such as uneven water distribution, over-extraction of groundwater, and climate-induced water scarcity. By focusing on water conservation, efficiency, and equitable distribution, NWM promotes sustainable water management. It encourages the adoption of technologies like micro-irrigation and supports the restoration of water bodies and groundwater recharge. The mission contributes to sustainable development by ensuring that water resources are managed wisely and that agriculture, industry, and urban areas have reliable access to water, even in the face of changing climatic conditions. Through its efforts, the NWM supports India’s long-term economic, social, and environmental stability.