Paper: GS – I, Subject: Geography, Topic: Environmental Geography, Issue: Need for integrated and sustainable water management in India.
Context:
On the occasion of World Water Day 2025, themed “Glacier Preservation”, and in alignment with the UN International Year of Glacier Preservation (2025) and the Decade of Cryospheric Science (2025–2034), the focus must be on a new approach to sustainable water management and water governance.
Key Highlights:
Importance of the Cryosphere:
- Focus on glaciers and water towers as upstream sources.
- Sustainable management of mountain regions is crucial due to their downstream impacts.
- The cryosphere (frozen parts of the Earth) is rapidly changing, affecting water availability.
Current Challenges in India’s Water Governance:
Global Efforts for Sustainable Water Management:
- Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI): S2S Action Plan (2014).
- GEF-International Waters: Promotes S2S through transboundary diagnostic assessments.
Indian initiatives:
- Jal Shakti Ministry: Formed in 2019 to integrate water governance.
- S2S Pilot Projects proposed in Ganga basin.
- AQUEDUCT Report: India among highest water-stressed countries.
| Source to Sea (S2S) Approach: A holistic approach that connects upstream and downstream water bodies across freshwater, coastal, and marine systems.Promotes interconnected governance across all zones.Encourages stakeholder coordination (local to international).Facilitates policy integration from freshwater to marine conservation. |
Measures needed:
Integrated Policy Measures:
- Promote socio-ecological systems thinking.
- Shift from sectoral to cross-sectoral planning.
- Implement transboundary water governance.
Strengthen Institutions:
- Empower a single water regulatory body.
- Improve data integration and mapping.
Adopt Source-to-Sea (S2S) Approach:
- Enhance linkages between land-water-ocean by involving stakeholders across levels.
Scientific & Technological Interventions:
- Use GIS and satellite monitoring.
- Develop early warning systems for floods and droughts.
Conclusion:
India must shift from fragmented, reactive water management to holistic and anticipatory governance. The Source-to-Sea approach offers a sustainable path to ensure water security, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation.
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