Water Conservation in India is a massive movement nowadays. Because as per Economic Survey, India will be in the top of the list for water insecurity by 2050. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged people to conserve water amid country’s water crisis during his ‘Maan Ki Baat’ program.
What is the present scenario of India in water conservation? |
Today, several parts of the country are experiencing an acute water crisis. Therefore, the Government of India has taken a step to conserve water through the production of alternative crops for optimal water usage.
The Union Minister of Jal Shakti said: “The water requirement for agriculture is considerably high in India.”
What is the present Statistics in India for using water? |
Out of total groundwater availability, we use 6% for domestic use and another 5% for industrial purpose. The remaining 89% goes for agriculture. Also, say to grow one kg of paddy, we consume 5,600 liters of water whereas China produces the same amount of paddy with just 330-340 liters of water
What is the need for water conservation in India? |
1) Out of the 178.7 million rural households in the country, only 32.7 million or 18% got drinking water from tap connections
2) According to the Economic Survey by 2050, India will be in the top list for water insecurity
3) Around 89% of groundwater extracted is used for irrigation and crops such as paddy and sugarcane consume more than 60% of irrigation water
4) According to the Economic Survey, the focus should shift from land productivity to irrigation water productivity so that farmers can work on conserving water
How to manage water? |
Whatever the requirement of water for rice production, the following procedure can be adapted to use less water in rice farming:
1) Some field channels can be constructed in the farmland to improve control over water by individual farmers. Such channels can be built in any irrigation system
2) According to the studies performing shallow tillage operations before land soaking can be of great help for water conservation.
3) Farmers level their fields from time to time so that it can save more water. This is near about an extra 10% of the total water requirement to grow the crop
4) Farmlands must be covered with the construction of bunds around it. The average height of bunds should be high enough to avoid overflowing during heavy rainfall
What should we learn from Israel for Water Conservation? |
1) Israel is the perfect example for the world for water conservation as it treats about 94% of its wastewater and recycles around 85% water. Israel is expecting to bring this level to 90% over the next five-seven years. India is the first position put into place rainwater collection systems.
2) Israel is one such country that ensures more than 50% of its water is a man-made.
3) Israel recycles every drop of wastewater and makes it available to use.
4) MIcro-irrigation in Israel is not only visible in farms but also in grass lawns, public gardens and even plants grown inside the houses.