Water- An instrument of global conflict and build world peace

Source-This post on Water- An instrument of global conflict and build world peace has been created based on the articles

“Water, an instrument to build world peace” published in “The Hindu” on 21 March 2024.

“Navigating the global waterscape, its challenges” published in “The Hindu” on 21 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context– World Water Day, which falls on March 22, is a global initiative backed by the United Nations. It has been observed every year since 1993. The theme this year is “Leveraging Water for Peace.”

Around 2 billion people are facing persistent global challenge of securing access to clean water. Water scarcity threatens individual well-being and collective prosperity. Therefore, there is a need for sustainable management of water resources.

What is the status of water availability in India?

1) Per capita water availability-It is already low enough to be categorized as water stressed. It will reduce further to 1341-meter cube by 2025- and 1140-meter cube by 2050.

2) State specific groundwater consumption-In almost every State and in the main cities of India, there is groundwater table depletion. For ex- In Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana, the ratio of groundwater consumption to availability is 172%, 137%, 137% and 133%, respectively, which is cause for alarm.

3) Sector-wise use– 72% of all water withdrawals are for use in agriculture, 16% by municipalities for households and services, and 12% by industries.

What are the reasons for water crisis in India?

Read more- Water Crisis in India

What is the impact of scarcity of water?

1) Endanger water security– It leads to the poor functioning of ecosystems. It also threatens food and water security.

2) Hamper peace– According to the World Resources Institute, 17 countries face ‘extremely high’ levels of water stress which may lead to conflict, unrest and peace among people. It has been a cause of conflict in the past as well. For Example, the disputes between the Mesopotamian cities of Lagash and Umma over water resources.

3) Impact on Rural Livelihoods: With a significant portion of the world’s rural population relying on water for agriculture, water scarcity directly impacts livelihoods.

4) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Transboundary water cooperation is integral to realizing the SDGs. It highlights the interconnectedness of water management with health, food security, and ecosystem services.

What should be the way forward?

1) Rainwater harvesting– There is a need to adopt rainwater harvesting (in-situ and ex-situ) in India. It enables resilience against water scarcity and drought by increasing recharge and aiding irrigation.

2) Rejuvenation of ponds– Existing government’s such as the watershed management, Mission Amrit Sarovar and the Jal Shakti Abhiyan programmes give emphasis on water conservation and rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of waterbodies.
However, there is the need for a protocol of the revival of ponds/waterbodies.

3) Additional Measures– There is a need for some additional interventions to ensure ‘water for peace’ such as –

a) Monitoring-There should be effective monitoring of the groundwater table and the reclamation of the water quality of groundwater, rivers and waterbodies.

b) Circular water economy-There should be effective pricing of water uses and promotion of a circular water economy.

C) Efficient irrigation system-Ensuring efficient irrigation techniques such as integrating water resources with micro-irrigations systems and IOT based automation.
There is a need to grow low water requirement crops and adoption of optimal crop plan that has integrated farming system models.

D) Ending Freebies-Populist policies like free electricity should be done away with.

E) Enhanced Water Diplomacy and International Law: The adoption of universal principles for International Water Law and improved cooperation over water-sharing are crucial. This approach can facilitate equitable water allocation, fostering regional stability and peace.

F) Inclusive Water Governance: Collaborative governance, which involves all stakeholders, including indigenous and local communities, is essential. It will ensure effective and equitable water allocation among nations.

G) Addressing Transboundary Water Challenges: A sophisticated form of cross-border water governance is required to manage the world’s freshwater resources effectively, especially in transboundary contexts.

Question for practice

What is the status of water availability in India? What steps can be taken to ensure judicious use of water?