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or the selfish nations would wage the 3rd world war to abolish others. Some doomsayers predict that the 3rd world war would be fought for access and control of potable water supply chains.
In India also, fresh water sources are dwindling and water pollution is increasing at an alarming rate. Hence there is an urgent need to have a new water policy to tackle problems like sharing of river waters etc. Legislation has to be in place to make people and industries socially more responsible to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
Although water is a state subject, we have a separate Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). It coordinates with about 8 ministries, including that of Agriculture. Environment and Forest, Power and Earth Sciences etc. Government has set up the National Water Mission under National Action Plan on Climate Change. It envisages a 20% increase in Efficiency of water use by 2017. Since our per capita water availability has declined from 5000 cu.m. in 1950 to 1300 cu.m 2010 a drop of 74% in 60 year, we are in a water stress zone.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is preparing a concept paper on achieving water usage efficiency in Key areas, such as Agriculture and Industry, besides focusing on Domestic Consumption. About 80% of the water is consumed by the Agriculture Sector, followed by the Industry. Several States have started taking various measures, including that of renovating the canals and micro-irrigation etc. to improve water efficiency.
At present there is no mechanism for water auditing for the Industry. Many industries have taken pro-active steps in measuring their water usage, which is in their own interest. They resort to application of 3R. to optimize water usage. Some of them have become water positive. There is necessity for setting up a Bureau of Water Efficiency.
It has also to be born in mind that a balanced approach has to be taken, while exploiting water resources for powergeneration, irrigation, industrial use and human consumption. Most of these facts are known to all State Governments. The
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