Water Management for the Service of Mankind

Abstract

India occupies approximately 2.4% of total geographical area of the world, while it supports 15% of the world population. Unprecedented population growth and increase in demand of scarce land, water and biological resources and increasing degradation of these resources are affecting the stability of ecosystem and environment leading to wasteland. Better management of water resources will also help to ensure sustainable food security. This paper attempts to provide a short analysis of the state of water resource development and management in India, based on secondary information. The issues consolidated using secondary data are backed by consultations with major stakeholders. Thus, this paper aims at achieving a holistic and dynamic understanding of the level of development around water and looks at the strategic steps required for action. The focus is to evolve an environment where water is available for all in a sustainable manner—safe drinking water for basic needs, adequate water for agriculture, water for industry and for the ecosystem. Thus, it encompasses both a depiction of the state of freshwater resources and potential problems and progress towards identified goals, including workable solutions.