Asian Journal of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities
Year : 2011, Volume : 1, Issue : 4
First page : ( 141) Last page : ( 142)
Online ISSN : 2249-7315.

Water resources in India: Critical issues and strategic options

Dr. Parvathi C.*, Assistant Professor (S.S)

*Department of Economics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore-641043.

Online published on 3 January, 2012.

Abstract

Availability of safe drinking water is inadequate. Severe water shortages have already led to a growing number of conflicts between users (agriculture, industry, domestic), intra-state and inter-state. Emerging challenges include management of existing infrastructure and of the water resource itself. Water reform in India mostly focuses on organizational issues rather than the instruments that govern the relationship between the regulator and the user. Provision of canal irrigation and water supply services in India has largely remained with the government agencies. Absence of enforceable water entitlements at all levels is at the root of service shortcomings, water use inefficiency, un-regulated groundwater extraction, negligence of traditional and low-cost water bodies, financial problems and conflicts which plague the water sector. Faced with poor water supply services, farmers and urban dwellers have resorted to helping themselves by pumping out groundwater, which has led to rapidly declining water tables; in coastal areas this trend has led to salinity ingress. Financial crunch has also led to an enormous backlog of maintenance and thereby, inadequate performance levels of irrigation projects. India requires proper design and effective execution of suitable strategic options. Water is emerging as a national challenge and its most efficient management has to be given top priority in order to meet the future demands of food grains for a fast growing population. Managing water resources is more important than managing material wealth.

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