Jal Jeevan Mission

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>> COVER STORY Jal Jeewan Mission En-route to Realise ‘Har Ghar Jal’

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFEDITOR-IN-CHIEF DrDr Ravi Gupta Gupta

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36 CONTENTS 12 RAJENDRA COVER STORY MIRGANE

JAL JEEVAN MISSION-ENROUTE TO REALISE ‘HAR GHAR JAL’ Joint Chairman, Maharashtra Housing Development Affordable Housing Project: A Vision Corporation Limited 08 Progressing Towards Reality City (MahaHousing) 14 26 INTERVIEW INTERVIEW RATTAN LAL KATARIA BHOPAL SINGH Minister of State, Director General, National Water Ministry of Jal Shakti, Development Agency, Ministry of Government of India Jal Shakti, Government of India 20 GAUTAM CHATTERJEE Chairman 20 36 Maharashtra Real Estate INTERVIEW INTERVIEW Regulatory Authority 16RAJIV SanjayRANJAN Kumar MISHRA H.E. MRS SANTI BAI Director General, National HANOOMANJEE, GCSK AdditionalMission for Clean Chief Ganga Secretary, Department of High Commissioner of the Republic Housing,(NMCG), Ministry Government of Jal Shakti, of Maharashtra of Mauritius in India Government of India

SPOTLIGHT: HOUSING FOR ALL SPOTLIGHT: HOUSING FOR ALL SPOTLIGHT: HOUSING FOR ALL 44 24 26

Anthony de Sa Nitin Gokarndrainage, SWM, roads, public transport, Housing for AllChairman, aims RERA, to Madhya complete Principal Secretary,electricity and Public application of technology Pradesh Works Departmentin management (PWD), of these infrastructures Governmentsmartly. of UttarUnder thePradesh leadership of Sh. construction of houses under Pradhan Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) by 2022 PMAY (U), while contributing towards betterment of the cities, is marching towards achieving the goal of “Housing for All” by 2022. PMAY(U) House in Uttar Pradesh A city cannot be treated as smart, unless its citizens are 38 Give us an overview of the Availability of land is essential for the 30provided with decent pucca housing at affordable cost. present status of the scheme, “A number of flagship success of affordable housing sector in Presence of slums in a city is another area of concern to Mugdha Sinhaespecially with respect to the country. In order to promote the Amrit Abhijat schemes have been SecretaryHaryana in general and affordable housing and unleash the Jointprovide Secretary the city and a cleanMission image. PMAY (U) is dealing with Science &Gurugram Technology in specific. potential of land available with the Directorsuch issues, Housing by providing for All, pucca houses equipped with basic launched by Government of Rajasthan private sector, MoHUA has circulated Ministryservices ofto Housing every eligible and city dweller in both slum and PMAY (U) has witnessed remarkable Government of India eight PPP models under which, the Urbannon-slum Affairs areas, (MoHUA), says Amrit Abhijat, Joint Secretary and achievement over last four years since private developer is allowed to Government of India its launch on June 25, 2015. A total of such as Smart Cities construct houses on his own land and Mission Director, Housing for All, Ministry of Housing and 85.17 lakh houses have been seek benefit of PMAY (U) under the Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, in this sanctioned by Government of India till Mission, AMRUT, SBM, banner ofaffordable housing and avail interview with Elets News Network (ENN). now under all 4 verticals of the scheme, HRIDAY for integrated various exemptions and concessions. where 51 lakh have been grounded and Presently, a total of 257 projects have 26.5 lakh houses are completed. As far development of cities, been approved under PPP model with as Haryana is concerned, a total of 2.64 4.39 lakh houses in various States. lakh houses has been approved where recognising the Amrit Abhijat share of AHP projects is highest with What are the latest technology Joint Secretary and Mission Director, 1.8 lakh houses. A total of 38,346 contribution of cities in deployments in your Housing for All, Ministry of Housing and houses are grounded and about 16,000 the GDP of the department? How are these Urban Affairs (MoHUA) houses are already completed. A total of contributing towards the Government of India 23,715 houses have been approved for country. These execution of the project? Gurugram and approximately 3,700 are What is the role of Housing for completed. schemes are mandated A technology Sub-Mission under PMAY All or Pradhan Mantri Awas (U) has been set up to facilitate adoption Yojna (PMAY U) in order to have What is the role of Public-Private to provide basic of modern, innovative and green a comprehensive development of Partnership in the scheme? infrastructures.” technologies and building materials for Cities? faster and quality construction of houses. Building Material and “By the time the Nation completes 75 Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC), years of its independence in 2022, there an autonomous body under MoHUA is should not be any family without responsible for certifying and promotion owning a house for his living” is the city is another area of concern to development of cities requires multi- of new construction technologies in the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. provide the city a clean image. PMAY (U) focal approach consisting of housing as country. As of now, 16 new construction Narendra Modi. A city, free from kutcha, is dealing with such issues by providing well as basic infrastructures. A number technologies have been certified by the semi pucca and temporary dwelling pucca houses equipped with basic of flagship schemes have been launched agency and SoR has been released by units with provision of adequate services to every eligible city dweller in by Government of India such as Smart CPWD. housing, is integral part of holistic both slum and non-slum areas. Sh. Cities Mission, AMRUT, SBM, HRIDAY development of city, as it depicts the Hardeep S Puri, Hon’ble Minister of for integrated development of cities, A Global Housing Technology façade of the city. A city cannot be State (I/C), Housing and Urban Affairs, recognising the contribution of cities in Challenge- India (GHTC-India) was treated as smart, unless its citizens are has been guiding and supporting us in the GDP of the country. These schemes launched to identify and mainstream the provided with decent pucca housing at our pursuit of integrated Urban are mandated to provide basic best alternate construction technologies affordable cost. Presence of slums in a Transformation. Comprehensive infrastructures such as water supply, PMAY(U) House in Odisha from across the globe for a paradigm

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39 30 ARTICLE ARTICLE NAMAMI GANGE SAVING INDIA’S WATER TRANSFORMING BODIES & SPRUCING THE URBAN RIVERSCAPE SANITATION RAJIV RANJAN MISHRA DR. KATSUO MATSUMOTO Director General, National Mission Chief Representative- India for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry Japan International Cooperation of Jal Shakti, Government of India Agency (JICA) INTERVIEW H.E. MRS SANTI BAI HANOOMANJEE, GCSK 34 54 High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius in India ARTICLE CONVERGENCE OF MGNREGS WITH INDIAN ARTICLE RAILWAYS THE TRAGEDY OF WATER COMMONS PRATHAM AGRAWAL IRSE, Divisional Engineer, Solapur KIRAN KUMAR AVADHANULA & ARCHANA JAYARAMAN Division, Central Railway KFW OFFICE, NEW DELHI Editorial

Jal Jeevan Mission to Curb Urban development all set to reach the next level India’sin Karnataka Water Woes IndiaKarnataka is a country is on a rapid that urbanisation receives abundant path with water an increasing in the formnumber of ofrainfall people every MAGAZINE migrating to towns and cities across the state seeking better job opportunities It compiles ICT-related advancements year.and facilitiesHowever, in urbana noticeable areas. Today, chunk Bangalore of the Indian district populationalone accounts struggles for more to meet being introduced, exercised by theirthan water15 percent demands of the state’severy totalyear population. owing to poor water management due to various government organisations via eGovernance module. whichThe accelerating most rainwater growth runs in urbanoff. Thispopulation causes ofscarcity Karnataka of waterhas put in amany heavy parts of thedemand country. on all To kinds curb of the urban menace infrastructure of water and scarcity, services, the and Government the Government of India launchedof Karnataka the has Jal Jeevanbeen continuously Mission with striving an aimto ensure to provide that equitable each and and every NEWS holistic urban development commensurate with the rapid growth in urban household in the country with a tap water connection. Dealing with various key developments population, so that good quality of life can be provided to the citizens. and policy-related decisions that Karnataka is looking forward to establishing smart and sustainable cities by define Indian governance style at large, Withleveraging a vision its ofworld-leading providing everyICT infrastructure; rural household developing drinking quality water healthcare supply in an this section throws light on the most adequateservices and quantity education of sector;prescribed establishing quality high-qualityon a regular urbanand long-term housing and basis at important aspects. related infrastructure of sanitation and waste management; improving quality affordableof water and rates, its supply the in Ministrycities and of towns Jal Shakti across theimplemented state, and providing JJM. According 24x7 to WEBSITE thepower Ministry’s supply and data, world-class more than communication 69 million rural infrastructure households to haveits citizens. received tap With a reach of sixty lakhs, the website water'Karnataka connections, Smart Cities as Investmentof February Summit' 27, 2021. is being organised at a time when is pushing the Digital India campaign of the Government of Karnataka is looking to bolster investments in Smart City development projects in the seven cities selected in three phases under the the Government of India. It highlights After setting the ball rolling in the rural areas, the Government of India took various dimensions of anything and Smart Cities Mission. everything related to the changing another much-needed initiative Jal Jeevan Mission (urban) to realise its vision This special souvenir, conceptualised by the Government of Karnataka in trends of governance in India . ofassociation ‘Har Ghar withJal’. TheElets Finance Technomedia, Minister is beingof India launched Nirmala at Sitharamanthe summit toannounced help thethe launch readers of gain JJM(U) useful while insights presenting into the various the Union challenges Budget and 2021 opportunities on February 1, available in Karnataka's smart cities through expert articles, interviews of EVENT REPORTS 2021.policymakers JJM(U) and has industry been designed leaders. It to will provide also highlight universal various coverage initiatives of water This segment narrates the discussions supplytaken by through the government functional in the tapsurban indevelopment all 4,378 sector statutory in Karnataka. towns in accordance and deliberations of participants at the occasional conferences held nationally withThe coverthe sixth story Sustainable of this special Development issue of eGov highlights Goal (SDG). that howAnother the Government key focus area or internationally. ofof theKarnataka Mission has is been providing taking initiatives coverage on of policy sewerage/septage front by rolling out management innovative in 500schemes AMRUT aiming cities. for betterment of urban poor, women, and general citizens and improving mechanisms for measuring city performance, analysing CASE STUDIES trends, improving governance, promoting transparency and accountability against the set global standards. The magazine carries interviews of Anjum It deals with in-depth detail of various The special issue hosts viewpoints of the senior policymakers and domain Parvez, Secretary, Urban Development Department of Karnataka; Charulata projects being implemented in any leaders, exclusively covered for the eGov magazine. The further content will part of the country, worth inspiring Somal, Managing Director, Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and others in providing solutions. throwFinance light Corporation on the current (KUIDFC); water Manoj situation; Kumar Meena, how hasSecretary, the Ministry State Housing of Jal Shakti implementedDepartment; and JJM Ajay to Seth,aid the Managing people Director, to meet BMRCL, their daily among water others. demands; and VIDEOS variousI am hopeful schemes that this and special programmes publication which will go are a long being way launched in serving nationally. as a Moreover,repository ofthe useful issue information will see how on urban Mauritius development is tackling of Karnataka. its water challenges. The youtube channel ‘EletsTv’ deals with live recorded versions of tech- Also,I wish a glimpse all the ofstakeholders the first National participating Water in Innovation the Karnataka Summit Smart will Cities be enclosed Investment Summit' a great success! experts and key decision makers who in the magazine. participate in key debates or discussion of Elets knowledge conferences. INTERVIEWS This section highlights various stakeholders, bureaucrats and policy makers influencing governance in the country. DR RAVI GUPTA Editor-in-Chief, eGov magazine, and Founder Publisher & CEO, Elets Technomedia Pvt Ltd

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COVER STORY

JAL JEEVAN MISSION EN-ROUTE TO REALISE ‘HAR GHAR JAL’ Lack of access to clean drinking water is a prevalent issue in India and this poses a major threat as millions suffer the wrath of the dry season every year and have to walk miles to fetch water, especially in remote areas of the country. Whereas, in cities and towns many colonies do not have a proper piped water supply which again raises challenges for the people to meet their daily water requirements. To curb the woe, the Centre rolled out ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ that aims to provide each household with clean and safe drinking water, writes Adarsh Som of Elets News Network (ENN). 10 MARCH 2021 [ egov.eletsonline.com ] The Largest Portal on e-Governance in Asia and the Middle East Connect with us on egovonline @egovonline eGov Magazine egov_elets eletsvideos MARCH 2021 11 COVER STORY

ow ironic! Water is vital for life yet is one of the l Adopting technology-based solutions for the removal of most exploited resources by most intelligent contaminants to ensure potability of water supplied. mortals, us humans. The National Sample l Retrofitting of completed and ongoing schemes to provide Survey (NSS) conducted between July and functional tap connections at a minimum service level of December 2018 showed that only 58.2 per 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) H l cent of the rural households in India have access to safe Greywater management drinking water. Whereas, the count in urban areas showed l Extend support to activities like IEC, HRD, training, 80.7 per cent, as per the data from the India Water Portal. This development of utilities, water quality laboratories, water called for urgent attention from the government authorities. quality testing & surveillance, R&D, knowledge centre, Taking the bull by its horns, the Prime Minister of India capacity building of communities, etc. Narendra Modi launched the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ on August 15, 2019, from the Red Fort during his Independence Day JAL JEEVAN MISSION (URBAN) address to the nation. After setting the ball rolling in the rural areas, the Government A benchmark move by the Centre was the formation of the of India took another much-needed initiative Jal Jeevan Ministry of Jal Shakti in May 2019 to dedicatedly work to curb Mission (urban) to realise its vision of ‘Har Ghar Jal’. The the water woes in the country. The launch of the ambitious Jal Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Jeevan Mission (JJM) was a ray of hope to millions in the rural launch of JJM(U) while presenting the Union Budget 2021 on and remote parts of India. With a vision of providing every rural household drinking water supply in an adequate quantity of prescribed quality on a regular and long-term basis at affordable rates, the Ministry of Jal Shakti implemented JJM. According to “JJM-U will lead to competition the Ministry’s data, more than 69 million rural households have among cities to become more received tap water connections, as of February 27, 2021. This infers that slightly over 36 per cent of the total rural households water-secure and will create have benefitted from the Jal Jeevan Mission. more awareness and sensitivity Taking piped water house to house and village to village is not towards water conservation”, the sole goal of the Mission. As per the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the programme also focuses on implementing measures for Durga Shanker Mishra, inducing source sustainability as a mandatory element such as Secretary, MoHUA. recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, harvesting rainwater, and more. Besides this, the Mission is based on a community approach to water. It also includes extensive information, education and February 1, 2021. JJM(U) has been designed to provide communication as a key component of the mission. JJM is en universal coverage of water supply through functional taps route to creating a ‘Jan Andolan’ for water and thereby making in all 4,378 statutory towns in accordance with the sixth it a priority for everyone. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Another key focus area of the Mission is providing coverage of sewerage/ Considering the effectiveness of JJM, it becomes important to septage management in 500 AMRUT cities. take a glance at the key components of the mission. These include: There is an estimated difference of 2.68 crore urban l Development of piped water supply infrastructure in household tap connections which is proposed to be bridged villages to provide tap water connection to each rural under the JJM(U). Also, the estimated gap in sewer household. connections/septage in the 500 AMRUT cities is 2.64 crore l Improvement of existing water resources and development which is proposed to be covered under the JJM(U). Besides of new resources to ensure a sustainable solution. providing ‘Har Ghar Jal’ through piped water connections l Fulfilling infrastructural requirement for bulk water and sewer connections there are other key focus areas of transfer, treatment plants and distribution network to the JJM(U). Rejuvenation of water bodies to augment cater to every rural household. sustainable fresh water supply and creating green spaces

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and sponge cities to reduce floods and enhance amenity value through an Urban Aquifer Management plan are some of the key areas of the Mission. The Jal Jeevan Mission (urban)

The Mission also aims to promote the circular economy of has a reform agenda that water through the development of a city-specific water focusses on strengthening the balance plan for each city focusing on recycling/reusing treated wastewater, rejuvenation of water bodies and water urban local bodies and conservation. As much as 20 per cent of water demand is to be met by reused water with the development of an improving the status of water institutional mechanism. Further, in an effort to adopt security in the cities. digitisation and augment operations in the water sector, a Technology Sub-Mission for water is proposed so that globally acclaimed advanced technologies can be leveraged in the water sector. Some of the salient features of the Jal Jeevan Mission The Jal Jeevan Mission (urban) has a reform agenda that (urban) include: focusses on strengthening the urban local bodies and l As per the budget speech of the Union Finance Minister, improving the status of water security in the cities. Some of the total outlay proposed for JJM(U) is Rs 2,87,000 the major reforms under the mission are in the direction of crore. This includes Rs 10,000 crore for continuing reducing non-revenue water to below 20 per cent, recycle financial support to AMRUT Mission. used water to cater to at least 20 per cent of the total city l In order to promote the public-private partnership water demand and 40 per cent for the industrial water (PPP) model, the government has mandated to take up demand at the state level, dual piping system, electric PPP projects worth a minimum of 10 per cent of their vehicle charging points, Wi-fi infrastructure in new total project fund allocation in cities having a population buildings, unlocking value and improving land-use efficiency of over a million. through adequate urban planning, GIS-based master plans l However, for Union Territories, there will be 100 per of the cities, generating funds through the issuance of cent central funding made available. For the North- municipal bonds and rejuvenation of water bodies, and Eastern and Hill States, the share of central funding for more. the projects will be 90 per cent. Whereas, for cities

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having a lakh population the share of central funding towards water conservation.” A statement released by the will be 50 per cent, one third for the cities with a Ministry stated, “Improving water quality is a major population ranging from 1 lakh to 10 lakh. Whereas, it component of the mission so that the objective of ‘drink is 25 per cent for cities with over a million population. from the tap’ can be realised. Further, treatment and reuse l Further, the Mission will be monitored through a of wastewater generated will be another important focus technology-based platform on which beneficiary area.” response will be monitored along with the progress and output-outcome. Pey Jal Survekshan will be conducted in cities to ascertain l For JJM(U), the funding from the government for the equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and projects will be in three tranches of 20:40:40. From the mapping of water bodies with respect to quantity and third instalment onwards, the funds will be released quality of water through a challenging process. The JJM(U) based on outcomes achieved and credible exclusion will will be monitored through a technology-based platform on be exercised while funding. which beneficiary response will be monitored along with With the launch of JJM(U), Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, progress and output-outcome. Besides this, the survey data Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) ‘Pey Jal will be digitally gathered through a series of interviews with Survekshan’, a survey for the Jal Jeevan Mission (urban). The citizens and municipal officials. Moreover, water sample Ministry has shortlisted ten pilot cities for the survey. This collection and testing will also be conducted. An Urban will help in determining the distribution of water, wastewater Water Body Information System will display the survey and water bodies in the ten cities including Patiala, Rohtak, findings. Churu, Agra, Surat, Badlapur, Bhubaneswar, Tumkur, Kochi and Madurai. The ten cities have been shortlisted in a way Earlier, multiple efforts have been made by the government that five cities are water abundant and the rest fiveare to connect every single household with a tap water water-scarce. connection, however, no significant changes were seen and the people have been facing challenges to cater to their As reported by PIB, while addressing the launching of the cater water needs, especially in the dry season. However, Pey Jal Survekshan, Secretary, MoHUA, said, “JJM-U will the government, this time, has underlined 2024 as the lead to competition among cities to become more water- target year to provide safe drinking water to each and every secure and will create more awareness and sensitivity household in the country.

Effective Water Management, Need of the Hour

India, a country with abundant rainfall has been facing the menace of water shortage for decades. As a matter of fact, India is not a water-scarce nation but the problem lies with ineffective water management. To curb the water woes, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, launched various schemes and programmes like Jal Jeevan Mission that aims to achieve its goal of ‘Har Ghar Jal’. Shedding light on this, Rattan Lal Kataria, Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, interacted withNisha Samant Purbey and Adarsh Som of Elets News Network (ENN).

Today, India is facing a significant water dependent on the population of the shortage and as per NITI Aayog, over country and for India, per capita, water 40 per cent of the Indian population availability in the country is reducing lacks access to safe drinking water. In due to increasing population. The RATTAN LAL KATARIA your opinion, why is the situation average annual per capita water grave? Where do we lack? availability in the years 2001 and 2011 Minister of State, Ministry of was assessed as 1816 cubic meters and Jal Shakti Water availability per person is 1545 cubic meters respectively which

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may further reduce to 1486 cubic meters and 1367 cubic meters in the years 2021 and 2031 respectively.

However, based on the report of NSS 76th Round, about 87.6 per cent of the households in the rural areas, about 90.9 per cent of the households in the urban areas and about 88.7 per cent of the households in total had sufficient drinking water throughout the year from the principal source. Further, about 94.5 per cent of the households in the rural areas, about 97.4 per cent of the households in the urban areas and about 95.5 per cent of the 90 per cent. Central funding will be through the institutionalisation of eight households in total uses ‘improved 50 per cent for cities will less than national missions which inter-alia source of drinking water’. 1 lakh population, one third for includes a ‘National Water Mission’. cities with 1 lakh to 10 lakh Accordingly, the Government of India Jal Jeevan Mission urban launched population and 25 per cent for established the National Water Mission during the release of the Budget 2021 cities with over a million as one of the eight national missions aims to provide population. under the National Action Plan on l The mission will be monitored Climate Change. The core objective of drinking water to 2.86 crore through a technology-based NWM is ‘conservation of water, households. Please shed some light on platform on which beneficiary minimizing wastage and ensuring its this ambitions mission. response will be monitored along more equitable distribution both across with progress and outcome. and within the states through As announced by the Finance Minister l Funding from the government for integrated water resources in the Budget speech, Jal Jeevan projects will be in three tranches of development and management’. Mission (Urban) has been designed to 20:40:40. The third instalment provide universal coverage of water onwards will be released based on NWM has identified five goals as supply to all households through the outcomes achieved and under: functional taps in all 4378 statutory credible exclusion will be exercised l Comprehensive water database in towns in accordance with Sustainable while funding. the public domain and assessment Development Goal-6. The total outlay l JJM (U) will promote the circular of the impact of climate change on proposed for JJM (U) is Rs 2,87,000 economy of water through the water resources. crore, which includes Rs 10,000 crore development of a city water l Promotion of citizen and state for continuing financial support to balance plan for each city focusing actions for water conservation, AMRUT Mission. on recycling/reuse of treated augmentation and preservation. sewage, rejuvenation of water l Focused attention to vulnerable Providing coverage of sewerage/ bodies and water conservation. 20 areas including over-exploited septage management in 500 AMRUT per cent of water demand to be areas. cities is the other focus areas. Some met by reused water with the l Increasing water use efficiency by salient features are as follows: development of an institutional 20 per cent. l In order to promote public-private mechanism. l Promotion of basin level integrated partnership, it has been mandated water resources management. for cities having over a million Enlighten us on the National Water population to take up PPP projects Mission and its significance? NWM mandate is considerably broad in worth a minimum of 10 per cent of scope as it attempts to streamline the their total project fund allocation. The National Action Plan on Climate focus of key stakeholders to adopt an l For Union Territories, there will be Change (NAPCC) launched by the integrated approach to conserving and 100 per cent central funding. For Government of India identified the efficiently managing water resources. the north-eastern and hill states, approach to be adopted to meet the The National Water Mission converges central funding for projects will be challenges of impact of climate change all the dimensions of water to make the

water available for future generation through sustainable development of water resources.

The specific orientation towards addressing climate concerns in this regard is rooted within its relatively larger agenda, which includes monitoring the key activities of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The cross-cutting and multi-disciplinary nature of ongoing programmes in the water sector under the National Water Mission’s Goals play a significant role in the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management strategies in all the sectors especially domestic, agricultural and industrial. In other words, the National Water Mission is directly or in-directly looking launched by Prime Minister Narendra management, emphasis on demand- into the following key focus areas: Modi on December 25, 2019, and is side management and convergence of l Institutional framework and policy being implemented from April 1, 2020, ongoing Central/state schemes. Atal Jal advocacy for water conservation for a period of five years. is targeted at sustainable groundwater l Water auditing. management, mainly through l Surface and groundwater The scheme is being taken up in 9000 convergence among various ongoing management water-stressed Gram Panchayats of schemes with the active involvement of l Industrial water management 222 administrative blocks/talukas in 80 local communities and stakeholders. l Efficient usage of water for districts of seven states, namely This will ensure that in identified areas, different purposes Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya funds allocated by the Central and l Mitigation of climate change Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and state governments are spent judiciously impact on water resources Uttar Pradesh. Atal Bhujal Yojana has to ensure the long term sustainability two components: of groundwater resources. The Mission Directorate plays an active l Institutional Strengthening & role in bringing together various Capacity Building component (Rs This scheme will encourage behavioural stakeholders to discuss, share and 1400 crore) for strengthening changes and community engagement in brainstorm ideas to be taken up on a institutional arrangements by terms of groundwater management at pilot basis for efficient water utilisation providing a strong database, the Gram Panchayat level. This and its management. scientific approach and community participatory approach is crucial for participation in the States to addressing groundwater challenges in How is Atal Bhujal Mission enable them to sustainably manage the long term. In fact, this is the first contributing to rejuvenate their groundwater resources. scheme of its kind which involves groundwater resources and ensure l Incentive Component (Rs 4600 community-based planning; better management of groundwater? crore) for incentivizing the states monitoring, sharing and use of for convergence among various groundwater data; capacity building of Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) is a World schemes of the Central and state all stakeholders in terms of Bank aided Central Sector Scheme of governments and achievements of groundwater management; community- the Government of India with an outlay pre-defined results as a measure of led groundwater management and of Rs 6000 crore, out of which Rs 3000 improved groundwater other demand-side measures which are crore will be in the form of a loan from management and consequent adequately supported by supply-side World Bank, with a focus on improvement in groundwater interventions, etc. community participation and demand- scenario. side interventions for sustainable The scheme is expected to result in groundwater management in identified The guiding principles of Atal Bhujal multiple benefits including water-stressed areas. The scheme was Yojana are participatory groundwater improvements in the sustainability of

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groundwater resource in target areas, In the agriculture sector, the policy is l Meeting the water demands till it positive contributions to the focused on the introduction of a rains again after an interval of eight sustainability component of Jal Jeevan participatory approach for sustainable months. Mission, and to the goal of doubling groundwater management and States/ l Reducing chances of flooding, farmers’ income. Moreover, it will UTs are advised to review their free/ particularly urban-flooding. inculcate behavioural changes in the subsidized electricity policy to farmers, community to foster improved bring suitable water pricing policy and Besides this, the campaign also focuses groundwater management. may work further towards crop on holding drives to make water rotation/diversification/other initiatives harvesting pits, installation of RWHS, Specifically designing policies for to reduce over-dependence on construction of check dams, removal of groundwater extraction for each state groundwater. encroachments & de-silting of tanks to or region, can this be a solution to increase their storage capacity, removal excessive groundwater depletion How is ‘Catch the Rain‘ campaign by of obstructions in the channels from across the country? the Ministry of Jal Shakti ensuring the catchment areas, repairment of maximum rainwater gets captured and step-wells and using defunct bore- Yes, the specially designed policies are minimum water gets runoff? wells to drain the water back to logical solutions to contain the aquifers, and more. Further, awareness excessive groundwater drives & workshops are also being conducted under the ‘Catch the Rain’ depletion in the country by introducing Jal Jeevan Mission campaign to sensitize people, school pricing mechanism and suitable checks (Urban) has been de- children & other stakeholders for their on excessive withdrawal of active participation in water groundwater. At present, industry, signed to provide uni- conservation. mining and infrastructure sectors have to pay water extraction charges and get versal coverage of Under the campaign, the state the water audit conducted for analysing water supply to all governments and stakeholders were their groundwater demands. Users are requested to take steps to build RWHS being allowed to extract groundwater households through to trap rainwater from roof-top and subject to checks against over- functional taps in all open-grounds of all government, extraction with provision for penalties semi-government and corporate owing to violation of compliance 4378 statutory towns establishments. Chief Secretaries of all conditions and environmental as per SDG-6. states were requested to direct the compensation for illegal extraction of district authorities to enumerate all groundwater as per the new guidelines water bodies cross verifying with old of Central Ground Water Authority. revenue records and remove Provision of extraction charges will lead “Catch the Rain” is a campaign with the encroachments, if any, from them. All to a significant reduction in over- tag line “Catch the rain, where it falls Collectors were requested to start extraction of groundwater by the users. when it falls”. It is an initiative under “Rain-Centers” at the district level to the National Water Mission (NWM) to give technical guidance on RWHS and Due to lesser demands for nudge the state and all stakeholders to the setup of toll-free numbers. groundwater extraction, the policy create Rain Water Harvesting provides an exemption to the MSMEs Structures (RWHS) suitable to the As of yet, over 150 webinars have and they have to pay nominal charges climatic conditions and sub-soil strata, been organized by the National Water for extraction of groundwater less than with people’s participation, to ensure Mission to involve the stakeholders. 10 cum/day. The small quantity fixed maximum storage of rainwater in the These also include the weekly “Catch will not affect the overall groundwater monsoon months which are the only The Rain: Dialogues with selected scenario in a particular area. Such source of water in many parts of the District Magistrates” since August 8, incentives are also a part of economic country. 2020, monthly “Water-Talks” and liberalization and intended to promote “Water-Tech Talks”, webinars with and encourage MSMEs. The Central The successful implementation of the NGOs, FICCI, industry government has also been emphasising campaign would help in: representatives; Vice-Chancellors of the need to encourage such l Replenishing the groundwater, many Universities; Principals of many businesses, especially in the ongoing improve the water table and Colleges/schools & Resident Welfare COVID-19 crisis. moisture in the soil. Associations, etc.

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GANGA REJUVENATION

Making Ganga ‘Nirmal’ & ‘Aviral’: NMCG

Ganga, the most revered river in India, has been facing challenges to stay ‘nirmal & aviral’ owing to sewerage, industrial effluents, agricultural waste, and more. To curb the menace of pollution in Ganga, the Ministry of Jal Shakti through its National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has been making recurring efforts and implementing solutions, saysRajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG, in an interview with Nisha RAJIV RANJAN MISHRA Samant Purbey and Adarsh Som of Elets News Director General, NMCG Network (ENN).

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The National Mission for Clean Ganga commenced in 2011. In your perspective, what are the significant changes seen in the river and its surrounding towns & cities in the past decade?

Ganga is a cultural, spiritual and economic mainstay of the country and attempts have been made in the past right from 1985 for its cleaning with the Ganga Action Plan and later through several other programs. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was set up in 2011 in the context of the World Bank assisted National Ganga River basin project as a registered society. The approach was mostly limited to constructing STPs in selected cities. The new approach initiated with the launch of “Namami As many as 335 projects have been other Ganga towns in Uttar Pradesh Gange” during 2014-15 is an sanctioned under the Namami Gange have also been completed. The annual integrated mission for rejuvenation of at a cost of Rs 29,578 crore. Of these inspection of grossly polluting Ganga and its tributaries with assured 142 projects have been completed industries by expert institutions, online funding of Rs 20,000 crore. and the remaining are under monitoring, process improvement, execution. The pace of execution has Common Effluent Treatment Plant The NMCG, backed by Ganga River increased many folds reflected in the (CETP) helped in checking industrial Basin Management Plan by a total expenditure of Rs 9,795.62 crore pollution. Improving sanitation at consortium of seven IITs, has a holistic from 2014 till February 2021. This ghats, stopping solid waste from multi-sectoral, multi-agency and approach is now considered a model entering the river, surface water multi-level approach in four broad for application for rejuvenation of cleaning and improving process categories - Pollution Abatement other rivers in the country. It capacity in ULBs have helped. 4500 (Nirmal Ganga); Improving flow and integrates river, tributaries, wetlands, Ganga Grams to be ODF. These ecology (Aviral Ganga); Strengthening flood plains, springs and small rivers as pollution abatement initiatives have People, River connect (Jan Ganga) and a single system. An integrated shown consistently improved water Research, knowledge management administrative structure from national quality trend as compared to the (Gyan Ganga). Unlike previous efforts, it to district level facilitates shared situation in 2014. This improvement in is not limited to cleaning or piecemeal vision, convergence, effective the quality of water is established selected city interventions but follows implementation and involvement of through people’s engagement. Kumbh river centric, basin-based approach for people. is an example. comprehensive rejuvenation. It is based on learnings from the past and also Projects have been taken up as per a The historic Notification of Ecological from some of the global best practices comprehensive plan for all the 97 flow for the river Ganga in October for river rejuvenation. Namami Gange’s cities/towns on the banks of Ganga 2018 is a big step for Aviral Ganga. major components include the creation including rehabilitation and Demarcation and protection of of sewerage infrastructure, solid waste upgradation of old plants. floodplains, protection & conservation management, industrial pollution Subsequently, projects for tributaries of wetlands, especially floodplain and abatement, rural sanitation, and water have also been started. Major drains urban wetlands, spring and small river quality monitoring, environmental flow, falling into Ganga have been rejuvenation projects are under riverfront development, afforestation intercepted and diverted to STPs. All implementation. Sustainable and biodiversity conservation, projects along Ganga have been Agriculture is being promoted through sustainable agriculture, public completed in Uttarakhand and organic farming, eco-agriculture and participation and policies, research & Jharkhand. Most of the projects in medicinal plantation and improving innovation. Kanpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi and water use efficiency. The demand-side

management, rainwater harvesting, aquifer mapping and recharge are in progress.

Afforestation along Ganga as per the scientific plan by FRI is a model for similar work for 13 more rivers. The comprehensive program for fisheries and biodiversity conservation include a baseline survey, habitat and species improvement and community involvement in the biodiversity hotspot of Ganga. The conservation of the Gangetic Dolphin, the national aquatic animal is a top priority.

People have started coming forward to help in the conservation and protection of the river. Ghat cleaning, shramdaan activities, plantation have for only 462.85 MLD. Further, 16 these innovations have now got become a regular norm. projects were sanctioned during traction in states and cities even 2014-16. The Mission further gathered outside Ganga basin also. What are the major challenges that momentum with authority notification surface when cleaning projects are for NMCG. Now we have a total of 156 Continued support from private sector carried out on the Ganga River? sewerage infrastructure projects in technology innovations for water sanctioned to create 4856 MLD and sanitation systems is crucial. During the course of River Ganga’s treatment capacity in the Ganga basin. Private sector can play a major role in journey from the Himalayas to the Bay We have scaled up the efforts to increased greening of infrastructure of Bengal, municipal sewage from bridge the past gap between sewage activities which can have a deep urban centres along its banks, effluents generation and treatment capacity and impact on ecosystems. Innovation from industries, municipal solid wastes create adequate capacity for 15 years. must also originate at the local level and polluting waste from several other due to the population being aware of non-point sources including agriculture All projects sanctioned under Namami what can realistically and effectively be get discharged into the river resulting Gange are completely funded by the implemented, considering their in its pollution. Large scale abstraction Centre eliminating the delay in the resources and culture. We have had of water from river Ganga for different release of State share to expedite NGOs coming up with innovative purposes, most substantial being for execution. The construction and O&M models of sustainably using pious agricultural use, leads to depletion of of projects are also ensured for 15 waste and converting into revenue flow in certain stretches. years. Later, we introduced PPP for generation streams. At Namami Gange sewerage infrastructure for the first we endeavour to encourage and Treatment of municipal sewage is time in India, through Hybrid Annuity support such innovators with local essentially the responsibility of urban Mode (HAM) with 40 per cent of the solutions having potential to generate local bodies/state government capex being paid during construction livelihood as well. agencies, while treatment of industrial and 60 per cent with interest by effluent is the responsibility of 15-year annuity with separate payment Challenges in the accurate information industries themselves. The for O&M to bring a paradigm shift system is another area where Namami Government of India has been from payment for construction to Gange has been working. We have supplementing their efforts by Performance Linked Payments. The been trying to build an integrated and providing financial and technical ‘One City One Operator’ approach composite database of multiple sectors assistance. In the initial years of NMCG merging rehabilitation of old and of Namami Gange including sewerage (from 2011), the number of projects creation of new assets and O&M for all infrastructure, water quality sanctioned and expenditure incurred of them on HAM to improve monitoring, etc. But with multiple was much less. In 2014, there were governance was introduced. HAM is organisations in play, data validation only 28 sanctioned sewerage projects now accepted by the NITI Aayog and takes time and resources.

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How is NMCG adopting technology available for water quality monitoring, consider six litres of water interventions for various projects? hydrological monitoring, consumption, the intake for this geomorphological monitoring, bio- compound comes around 6µg/day. Technology is an integral part of resources monitoring, and a Also, I would like to inform you that Namami Gange’s vision for Clean comprehensive geospatial database. this maximum concentration was Ganga. The Namami Gange programme We are also studying the impact of reported for caffeine, which is more of has high priority for research and climate change with IIT Delhi to assess a product present in coffee and evidence based decision making and scenarios in future. New paradigms for chocolates also. The median has a special place for the use of new planning for river cities to mainstream concentration for this compound was technology including geospatial river health in urban planning and the also 86ng/l. For all other compounds, technology. The NMCG has adopted national framework for reuse of the median concentration was technology neutral approach in its treated wastewater are being 0.04µg/l or 0.00004mg/l. So, scientific procurement policy for contracts for formulated. Policy framework for reuse findings have to be reported carefully. sewerage projects and evaluates them of by-products of STPs is opening based upon their lifecycle cost. This several new techno-economic Secondly, the samples were collected has encouraged best global possibilities. in 2017-19, prior to commissioning of technologies to participate in our STPs. STPs remove such pollutants up projects. to 70-90 per cent as there are no Namami Gange has specific standards/limits available in Centre for Ganga Management & study regulatory provision. Even after the was set up at IIT Kanpur for long term been recognized as STP treatment, these levels will remain basin studies, new technology India’s leading pro- in receiving water body. The development. Scientific mapping of concentration may be reduced by 90 different aspects - LIDAR mapping for gramme in using geo- per cent. If we compare these levels high-resolution DEM & GIS ready spatial technologies with other best-cleaned rivers, similar database, mapping of springs, microbial levels will be found in those rivers as diversity, fisheries, biodiversity, towards river cleaning well. helisurvey for aquifers help in work and regulating the evidence-based decisions. The unique You may also like to know, that for cultural mapping for natural, built and proposed protected and evaluating river water quality, the intangible heritage has potential for standards for bathing water quality are development of tourism, heritage and regulatory zones along applicable. The Bathing water traditional livelihood opportunities. the banks of the river. parameters are Dissolved Oxygen, Namami Gange has been recognized as DO>=5; Biological Oxygen Demand, India’s leading programme in using BOD<=3; Faecal Coliform, FC geospatial technologies towards our <=2500mpn/100ml; PH 6.5-8.5. These river cleaning work, regulating the Recently, a report released by Doon parameters at Rishikesh (DO – 9.8; proposed protected and regulatory University revealed that pollutants BOD – 1; FC – 24; PH – 7.6) and zones along the banks of the river and including pharmaceutical and personal Haridwar Har-ki-pauri (DO – 9.8; BOD monitoring pollution sources using care products were found in Ganga – 1; FC – 32; PH – 7.8) the water cutting edge technologies like LiDAR waters at Rishikesh and Haridwar quality median between January and to attain high-resolution maps and data stretch. What is your take on this? November 2020 is far better. This for the entire length of Ganga with GIS indicates that water quality exceeds ready dataset for area discharge Yes, we are aware of the study. I will even bathing water quality. mapping, public drainage network, like to inform that the findings of the features such as ghats, crematoria, study have not been represented How is NMCG ensuring citizens STP/ETP/CETP etc. Initiating leading correctly in the news articles. As per engagement in keeping the Ganga technologies and related engineering, the study, the maximum concentration clean? How are the citizens being NMCG has managed to enhance of any pharmaceuticals recorded in all sensitised about adopting healthy capabilities of the people for improving the sampling over a period of three practices concerning the cleanliness of the water quality of River Ganga and years was 1104 ng/l which is about the river water? its tributaries. Real-time water quality 1.1µg/l or 0.001mg/l. The safe dose of monitoring has been initiated. Bhuvan such drugs (i.e amoxicillin) to human is Unlike previous efforts, Jan Bhagidari is Ganga Geoportal and mobile app is about 1500mg/day. Thus if we central to this mission. Nirmal & Aviral

Ganga is only possible with Jan Ganga. response of more than one million with the river will further create The cleaning of Ganga has the people participating from every nook environmental awareness. Clean and potential to bring about massive and corner of the country and also attractive waterfront spaces provide socio-economic transformation, from 10 international destinations as room for a wide range of optional and improved livelihoods and health on a pilot basis quiz was opened to social activities creating an ideal benefits to the vast population selected countries. environment for tourism on the dependent on the river. river edge. What role do projects like Riverfront Dedicated Cadres of Ganga saviours Development play when it comes to For Ganga, riverfronts in cities like are working to reach out to the keeping Ganga clean? Haridwar, Patna, Rishikesh have community and create awareness. provided ample examples of reviving They have imparted skills, supported The river Ganga is an intrinsic part of people connect to the river. Patna’s for improving their livelihood, by the people living by its banks in its riverfront project entails the linking with the conservation of journey of more than 2500 km, which development of 5.7 km long and 15ft biodiversity and river. Students and is dotted by ghats interfacing with the wide walkway along the 16 ghats in youth can play an important role in the city which has amenities like establishing a sound and strong decorative street lamps, public river-people connect. Many youth lavatories, 500 seating benches and volunteers at grass root level from Unlike previous efforts, green cover. For the residents of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (Ganga Jan Bhagidari is cen- city, the riverfront has become a Doots), Ganga Praharis, Ganga Mitras, recreational area and a cultural hub. It Ganga Vichar Manch, Ganga Task tral to this mission. also helps in spreading awareness Force and from various NGOs and Self about keeping the environment clean. Help groups spread across the entire Nirmal & Aviral Ganga I have seen students from Patna Ganga basin are helping us out to is only possible with University coming here to study and connect with children, youth, have group discussions. Nearby students, to sensitize them towards Jan Ganga. residents use the long promenade as a maintaining the purity of Ganga and meditative and recreational space. its tributaries. Madhubani wall paintings along the river in more than one way. The ghats walkway make it more beautiful and Public outreach activities are along the Ganga are vibrant places also convey the right messages. Atal conducted in the form of awareness with people from all walks of life ghat at Kanpur and Chandi ghat at programmes, cleanliness drives, converging for the fulfilment of Haridwar are new attractions to the plantation drives, Ganga runs, rafting different aspirations. Religious cities. We have a Ganga Museum at Expeditions-Ganga Aamantran, Ganga preachers, performers, boatmen, small Chandi ghat, Haridwar. Similar Quest, quizzes and competitions, etc. shopkeepers, vendors, guides and museum and interpretation centres are throughout the year to catalyse and tourists all mingle together. Small being planned at many other places. motivate community volunteers and frames of city life can be experienced Ganga Aarti at ghats of Varanasi, people. We also continually engage at with a stroll along the riverfronts. Haridwar, Rishikesh are a regular various levels and participate in Riverfronts are an unprecedented feature for the tourism circuits and for various platforms to engage with opportunity to create a new public locals to feel closer to the river. UP is stakeholders. These have been realm facing towards the river that is going for Ganga Aarti in most of helping in behavioural changes strongly connected to the city’s urban Ganga Grams. transforming the program as Jan fabric. They have the potential to Andolan. Riverfronts have been become the recreational and cultural NMCG has taken up extensive Ghat improved, kept clean. Transformation hubs of the city and have emerged as development along the banks of Ganga of ghats from dirty to beautiful river lively urban spaces. and provided better amenities like banks is taking place with people’s changing rooms, restrooms, benches, participation. Riverfronts add both aesthetic and drinking water facilities, etc. for the economic value to the river. It serves pilgrims and tourists. Similarly, modern I would specially mention Ganga as a medium to bring the river to the crematoria are also being constructed Quest, an online quiz on Ganga and its people and in doing so, riverfronts with improved sanitation and amenities. ecosystem. It is an annual event and become a wonderful instrument to We have already completed more than last year we had an unprecedented connect both. Connecting the people 150 ghats and crematoria..

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BOOK DEMO WATER MANAGEMENT

Interlinking Rivers to Answer India’s Water Woes

Despite having sufficient enough rainfall and numerous major surface after resources, India has been suffering from water stress from decades. To tackle this, the Government of India pitched in River Linking project that aims to transfer water from water surplus basins to water-deficit basins. Shedding light on this, Bhopal Singh, Director General, National Water BHOPAL SINGH Development Agency, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Director General, National Water Government of India, interacted with Nisha Development Agency, Ministry of Jal Samant Purbey of Elets News Network (ENN). Shakti, Government of India

What are the recent projects studies Himalayan Rivers Development been finally dropped. Status of few major undertaken by the National Water links are as follows: Development Agency, Ministry of There are 14 links that have been l Kosi – Ghaghara link PFR has been Jal Shakti? identified under the Himalayan completed that involves the states component. Out of these, the Feasibility of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and also National Water Development Reports of four links are completed, agreement with Nepal. Agency (NWDA) has been entrusted Draft Feasibility Reports of six links are l For Yamuna – Rajasthan link, Draft with the work of Interlinking of completed and Pre-Feasibility Report of FR is completed. Rivers projects under the National all the 14 links are done. The Pre- l FR for Ganga (Farakka) – Damodar Perspective Plan (NPP). The National Feasibility Report of Jogighopa–Tista– – Sunderbans link is completed. Perspective Plan comprises two Farakka link which was an alternative to l Ghaghra – Yamuna link FR for the components, namely - Himalayan Manas-Sankaosh-Tista-Ganga (MSTG) Indian portion is completed. Rivers Development and Peninsular Link was also prepared but this link has l FR for the Indian portion of Sarda Rivers Development. – Yamuna link has been completed.

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Peninsular Rivers Development of all the links have been completed. Intra-State Link Projects Status of some of the major links is as Under the Peninsular component, there follows: NWDA so far has received 48 are 16 links that have been identified. l FR for Mahanadi – Godavari link proposals of Intra-State links from Of these, Detailed Project Reports of involving the states of Odisha, nine states including Maharashtra, four links including Ken-Betwa link Andhra Pradesh has been Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, (Phase-I, Phase-II and Comprehensive completed. Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Report of Phase-I&II), Damanganga- l Godavari (Inchampalli) – Krishna Chhattisgarh. The PFRs of 37 Intra- Pinjal link, Par-Tapi-Narmada link and (Pulichintala) link FR has also State links have been completed. Cauvery (Kattalai)-Vaigai-Gundar have been completed. While the DPR of four Intra-State been already completed. l DPR for Cauvery (Kattalai) links namely Burhi-Gandak-Noon- – Vaigai – Gundar link has been Baya-Ganga and Kosi-Mechi links of An alternative study to divert unutilised completed. Bihar, Ponnaiyar-Palar link of Tamil waters of Godavari river has been l For Par – Tapi – Narmada link Nadu and Wainganga-Nalganga link carried out and the draft Detailed involving the states of Gujarat of Maharashtra have been completed Project Report of Godavari and Maharashtra DPR has been and sent to the concerned state (Inchampalli/Janampet)–Krishna completed. governments. The work of (Nagarjunasagar)–Pennar (Somasila)– l While for Ken – Betwa link preparation of DPRs of Damanganga Cauvery (Grand Anicut) link project is involving the states of Uttar (Ekdare)–Godavari link and completed. Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Damanganga-Vaitarna-Godavari link DPR (Phase – I, II & of Maharashtra is in progress. The Feasibility Reports of 14 links are Comprehensive report) has been Whereas, Kosi-Mechi link is ready for completed and Pre-Feasibility Reports completed implementation.

S. Name of Intra-State link Rivers Present status of PFR / DPR No. MAHARASHTRA 1 Wainganga (Goshikurd) – Nalganga (Purna Tapi) Wainganga & Nalganga DPR completed. 2 Wainganga – Manjra Valley Wainganga & Manjra PFR completed (Not found feasible 3 Upper Krishna – Bhima (system of Six links) Krishna & Bhima PFR completed 4 Damanganga (Ekdare)- Godavari Valley Damanganga & Godavari PFR completed. DPR is under progress. 5(i) Upper Vaitarna-Godavari valley Vaitarna & Godavari PFR completed. 5(ii) Damanganga-Vaitarna-Godavari Damanganga, Vaitarna PFR completed. DPR is under (Kadva Dev) Valley & Godavari progress. 6 North Konkan – Godavari Valley Patalganga & PFR completed Godavari (Not found feasible) 7 Koyna – Mumbai city Koyna PFR completed 8 Sriram SagarProject (Godavari) – Godavari, Purna & Manjira PFR completed Purna – Manjira 9 Wainganga (Goshikurd) – Godavari (SRSP) Wainganga & Godavari Withdrawn by Govt. of Maharashtra 10 Middle Konkan – Bhima Valley Savitri, Kundalika, PFR completed Amba & Bhima (Not found feasible) 11 Koyna – Nira Koyna & Nira PFR completed 12 Mulsi – Bhima Mulsi & Bhima PFR completed 13 Savithri – Bhima Savithri & Bhima PFR completed 14 Kolhapur – Sangli – Sangola Krishna & Bhima PFR completed

15 Riverlinking projects of Tapi basin and Tapi PFR completed Jalgaon District 16 Nar – Par – Girna valley Nar, Par & Girna PFR completed (Not found feasible) 17 Narmada – Tapi Narmada & Tapi PFR completed 18 Khariagutta – Navatha Satpura foot hills Dropped Ground water recharge schemes to be studied by CGWB, as such not accepted by NWDA for PFR studies. 19 Kharia Ghuti Ghat – Tapi Dropped 20 Jigaon – Tapi – Godavari Valley Tapi & Godavari PFR completed (Not found feasible) GUJARAT 21 Damanganga – Sabarmati – Chorwad Damanganga, Sabarmati PFR completed & Chorwad ODISHA 22 Mahanadi – Brahmani Mahanadi & Brahmani PFR completed (Not found feasible) 23 Mahanadi – Rushikulya (Barmul Project) Mahanadi & Rushikulya PFR completed. 24 Vamsadhara – Rushikulya (Nandini Nalla project) Vamsadhara & Rushikulya PFR completed 25 Nagavalli-Rushikulia-Vamsdhara Nagavalli, Rushikulia PFR in progress & Vamsdhara

JHARKHAND 26 South Koel – Subernarekha South Koel & Subernarekha PFR completed 27 Sankh – South Koel Sankh & South Koel PFR completed 28 Barkar – Damodar – Subernarekha Barkar, Damodar & PFR completed Subernarekha BIHAR 29 Kosi – Mechi [entirely lie in India] Kosi & Mechi DPR completed 30 Barh – Nawada Ganga & Kiul PFR completed (Not found feasible) 31 Kohra – Chandravat (Kohra-Lalbegi) Kohra & Chandravat PFR completed (Not found feasible) 32 Burhi Gandak – None – Baya - Ganga Burhi Gandak, None, DPR completed, CWC opined Baya & Ganga that the project may be considered as Flood Moderation project. Informed to Govt. of Bihar. 33 Burhi Gandak – Bagmati [Belwadhar] Burhi Gandak & Bagmati PFR completed (Not found feasible) 34 Kosi – Ganga Kosi & Ganga PFR completed 35 Development of Bagmati Irrigation & Drainage Kosi, Adhwara & Bagmati PFR completed (Not found feasible) Project-Phase-II (Barrage near Kataunjha in Muzaffarpur District) and Adhwara Multipurpose Project with Kosi-Adhwara- Bagmati Link 36 Transfer of Ganga water to South Bihar Ganga Initially, NWDA consented to take through pump Canal Scheme at Buxar up the studies but after receiving the details from Govt. of Bihar, it was found that these are not intra-state links and therefore not taken up the studies. 37 Development of Badua-Chandan Basin Badua & Chandan

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38 Sone-Falgu link Sone & Falgu Preliminary Study has been taken up

RAJASTHAN

39 Mahi – Luni link Mahi & Luni PFR completed (Not found feasible) 40 Wakal – Sabarmati – Sei – Wakal, Sabarmati, Sei, PFR completed West Banas – Kameri link West Banas & Kameri (Not found feasible)

TAMIL NADU

41 Ponnaiyar – Palar link Ponnaiyar & Palar DPR completed

KARNATAKA 42 Almatti (Bagalkot)-Malaprabha Sub-basin Almatti & Malaprabha Prima Facie Not found feasible 43 Malaprabha-Tungabhadra Sub-basin Malaprabha & Tungabhadra Prima Facie Not found feasible 44 Bedti - Dharma - Varada link Bedti, Dharma & Varada PFR completed 45 Bhadra-Vedavathi (Vani Vilasa Sagar) link Bhadra &Vedavathi Government of Karnataka withdrew the proposal during 11th meeting of Special Committee for ILR. 46 Diversion of west flowing rivers schemes Barapole & upper Cauvery (Barapole-upper cauvery link)

47 Diversion from Bedti & Aghanashini to Varada Aghanashini & Varada PFR completed.

CHHATTISGARH 48 Pairy-Mahanadi link Pairy & Mahanadi PFR completed

What are the key issues in the disturbing the existing allocation as per in remote sensing, GIS, etc. have been implementation of the Interlinking of Tribunal Awards. significant in improving the efficiency Rivers (ILR) Projects? and for overall capacity building in Some states have apprehension that terms of surveys and investigations. There are numerous challenges that link proposals may have an adverse surface up when massive projects like effect on their existing irrigation and Differential Global Positioning System interlinking of rivers are taken up. power requirements. (DGPS) survey, photogrammetric processing, Digital Terrain Model (DTM) The main challenge in the Further, many issues are being raised generation, are a few technologies that implementation of the link projects is for the links which involve international NWDA has adopted for ILR studies. consensus issues between the states boundaries like the main headworks of involved in the project. six Himalayan link projects that fall in Further, remote sensing maps have Nepal and Bhutan. Therefore, been used for surveys and Due to certain compulsions or cooperation and agreement with the investigation works, for preparation constraints, the states that have a two countries is an essential of FR of Sone Dam-Southern surplus in water resources do not agree requirement for project implementation. Tributaries of Ganga (STG) link due to to such surpluses while the donee physical and geographical constraints. states generally agree to the link How is NWDA leveraging technology Moreover, while preparing ILR Project proposals but demand more water. in conducting surveys and investigation reports, NWDA is using Geomatics work for Water Resources for Watershed Characterization, NWDA proposals are based on probable Development and thereafter approach? Water Availability and Hydrology, surpluses in the ultimate stage of Water Balance Studies, Link Route development. However, the same may Survey & investigation is a part of basic Analysis, Submergence Area Analysis, not be in tune with the existing water- work for link projects studies. This is Checking Canal Alignment, sharing agreement in some of the basins. done majorly with scientific Command Area Survey, and Irrigation Therefore, states are apprehensive about instruments. Also, newer technologies Planning.

SAVING INDIA’S WATER BODIES & SPRUCING SANITATION

Water quality and scarcity, along with lack of sanitation, afflict India’s holistic development. Depleting groundwater aquifers and deteriorating quality of groundwater threaten the sustainability of water supply systems in India. The lack of capacity of the agencies to tackle the technical and financial challenges for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of water DR. KATSUO MATSUMOTO supply and sewerage facilities, high Chief Representative- India Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ratio of non-revenue water due to lack of customer management and low water tariff rate insufficient to cover the O&M cost, makes the water and sanitation sector more vulnerable, writes Dr Matsumoto Katsuo, Chief Representative, JICA India.

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n view of the limitations on the availability of clear water resources and rising demand for water, the sustainable Imanagement of water resources has gained critical importance. Given the multifarious threats of water shortage and contamination of the resources, a multifaceted approach is considered very important to overcome this pressing challenge including the service deliveries.

POLICY INTERVENTIONS

The Government of India has been making concerted efforts through some massive policy level changes to address this serious issue. For instance, the national urban sanitation policy seeks to create fully sanitized cities through awareness generation, state sanitation strategies and integrated city sanitation improved livelihoods of the plans. It also proposes to reduce urban underserved communities. poverty by increasing investment in To improve the water poverty alleviation programs, scenario, while infra- Funding is necessary to assist them employment generation strategy with sustainable management of water development and integrating poor structural improve- supply systems along with universal communities into city planning by ments through technol- access to clean water and sanitation for improving the services. all, irrespective of gender, caste, ogy are essential, religion, identity, etc., as per the targets Created in 2019, under the guidance of set under the SDG Goal 6 “Ensure Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the inculcating the behav- availability and sustainable Ministry of Jal Shakti aims to develop ioural change activities management of water and sanitation and regulate water resources in India. for all”. It also helps in improving water The Jal Shakti Abhiyan, a campaign for is equally crucial. quality, by reducing contamination of water conservation and water security water, thereby increasing the in 1592 water-stressed blocks in 256 availability of clean drinking water. districts, underscores the extent to in place, funding and advanced Nudging positive behavioural change which interventions are being made in technology are necessary to overcome amongst the Indian population by this field. The country-wide campaign these challenges with a multipronged improving solid and liquid waste Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India approach. management, using toilets, eradicating Mission), has won several milestones to manual scavenging, eliminating the eliminate open defecation and improve IMPORTANCE OF FUNDING usage of single-use plastics, etc. is a solid waste management (SWM) in key challenge. The necessity of funds is urban and rural areas of the country, Projects related to basic human needs, also seen in managing the cascading since its launch in 2014. India’s recently infrastructure development, poverty effects of water scarcity such as launched Jal Jeevan Mission is alleviation, while ensuring environment desertification and risk to biodiversity, expected to bring holistic development conservation require long term among others. by covering all the households for adequate and consistent funding. It is improved water and sanitation services also pertinent from the viewpoint of Japan’s support to the water and in the country. creating a demonstrating effect by sanitation sector in India mainly bringing new technologies and system consists of ODA loans of over 806 While policy interventions are already to ensure the public health and billion Japanese Yen that is

approximately Rs 53,733 crore. These Similarly, the latest strategies in handwashing, needs to be established projects are implemented all around non-revenue water reduction and and the environment including water the country, including Uttar Pradesh, creation of water and sanitation supply, handwashing facilities and Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Goa, entities responsible for efficient service soap, needs to be improved to enable Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, deliveries to the public in addition to such behaviour to take root. JICA Kerala and Karnataka amongst the the municipal reforms can have a recently initiated “Acchi Aadat other states. The overall contribution long-term impact. Introduction of the Campaign” to sensitize people for to the sector has been 37 ODA Loans, volumetric based tariff system, appropriate handwashing by using four Grant Aids and 13 Technical metering system, non-revenue water comic leaflet and video, while several Cooperation Projects. reduction activities, and promotion of Japanese private companies recycling and reuse of wastewater are contributed for material supplies. It is TECHNOLOGY & BEHAVIORAL some of the important steps in expected to play a very crucial role in CHANGE effective utilization of the water the behavioural change of the public resources. required for improving health and One of the biggest advantages of hygiene. external funding is that it enables the While infrastructural improvements implementation of the latest through technology are essential, POST PANDEMIC SCENARIO technologies that are pertinent for inculcating the behavioural change improving the issue at hand. In the case activities is equally crucial. A As the world emerges out of an of water supply, quality and sanitation behavioural change program could unprecedented situation due to challenges, advanced technology can comprise generating awareness pandemic, which has profoundly have a manifold impact. For example, amongst individuals/communities and affected the social and economic Supervisory Control and Data encouraging them to save water, imbibe sectors globally, we have learnt several Acquisition (SCADA) and tested NRW hygienic activities, thereby stimulating critical lessons. The water sector plays Reduction models can help in equitable water conservation and preservation. one of the most important roles in the and sustainable safe water supply This is important, especially since with fight against disasters of such systems. Efficient water meters can the outbreak of the COVID-19 magnitude, which is not a mystery help in the conservation of safe water pandemic, India’s water scarcity and anymore, as safe water supply and after tackling the fluorosis aspect and sanitation issue has become even more improved sanitation are crucial for the applying arsenic mitigation measures. critical. For most people living in the prevention of such a pandemic. Technology can also help in country, particularly the ones living in constructing and renovating sewage informal settlements, there is a lack of Collaboration between key treatment plants (STP) and sewer access to clean water and a lack of stakeholders, involving social systems for improved sanitary knowledge about the importance of enterprises and civil organizations, who conditions of the dependent health and hygiene practices. can partner to make a difference communities and rehabilitation of old through the exchange of ideas on sewerage systems to spruce sanitation. To prevent the spread of the virus and countermeasures is another important The construction of Community Toilet other infectious diseases, it is lesson. With the world surging toward Complexes is known to bring about important to wash hands at the right recovery from this once in a lifetime significant change in the living time and in the right way. Particularly in crisis, it is important to apply the SDG condition of people of the informal India where people prefer to eat with theme of “leave no one behind”, settlements including their health and their fingers without any cutlery, especially when it comes to sprucing hygiene improvement. hygienic behaviour, as symbolized by up water and sanitation for all.

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INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

THE TRAGEDY OF WATER COMMONS

In the article ‘The Tragedy of the Commons’ (1968), Garrett Hardin talks about how herdsmen use a common pasture for grazing their herd and to maximize the gain, a herdsman adds one animal at a time to his herd assuming it will not affect the availability of pasture for grazing for his herd. He adds an animal in his herd without limit, in a world that is limited. This is the tragedy of the commons and this is exceptionally relevant in the context of water management in today’s urban India, writes Kiran Avadhanula and Archana Jayaraman, KfW New Delhi Office.

hen it comes to water, the surrounding areas, thus leading to situation is no different. opposition to having industrial units in With only three per cent water-scarce regions. Water supply in Wof the water on earth urban areas is marred with high NRW being available as freshwater, India holds (non-revenue water), inequity and just four per cent of the total freshwater wastage, owing to infrastructural resources while accounting for over 17.5 deficiencies, misguided subsidies and low per cent of the population. The impacts of tariffs. climate change, including variability in Kiran Kumar Archana Jayaraman WASTEWATER rainfall, increased instances of flooding Avadhanula and droughts and population explosion In recent years there has been significant has meant that these resources are the seas, further increasing the problem. attention towards wastewater. While still further depleting and the per-capita Thus, we are akin to a tragedy of water less than 30 per cent of the total sewage availability is decreasing. commons, wherein everyone is thinking generated in urban areas is being that their freedom of commons and scientifically treated, instead of looking at The available resources are being consumption or utilisation may not impact sewerage networks and STPs as the only mismanaged leading to pollution, the society at large, thus bringing in the solution, the promotion of liquid waste encroachments, increased construction tragedy. management through faecal sludge and and development activities in the septage management (FSSM) and catchment areas, etc. thus further However, in India, one needs to look at decentralised wastewater treatment exacerbating the problem. While the the overall consumption/allocations of systems (DeWats), has brought the efforts of the Government are showing water resources. It can broadly be seen much-required change in addressing the results in some areas (for instance under that around 85 per cent of the water is challenge. However, this is easier said the Namami Gange programme), the allocated for agricultural purposes and than done. While advisories and other apathy of citizens and lack of the rest for industries and for drinking information are being provided to both enforcement of the regulations/laws is and domestic uses, in almost equal urban and rural local bodies, the value threatening water resources. The proportions. Each of these uses has chains required to take them forward not unchecked exploitation of groundwater inherent inefficiencies built-in. For only need to be established but also and lack of regulation on this matter has instance, agriculture uses flooding as a mainstreamed. The states need to come further worsened the challenges. The new key method of irrigation instead of up with comprehensive policies and acts challenge facing the world and India with appropriate irrigation methods. Many that will enable them to take forward its vast marine ecology is the issue of times, industries and service sectors that liquid waste management systematically. marine litter wherein increased human may not need potable quality water are There is a complete lack of pricing of activities on beaches, seas and oceans is supplied with the same. Further, wastewater services and hence, funding leading to a quantum jump of waste in unregulated groundwater exploitation, of much-needed infrastructure is lacking. these water bodies. Pollutants from rivers when there is no supply by the Let alone capex, the city governments and and other sources are also ending up in institutional system, adversely impact the

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utilities are unable to even garner state governments alike. Going forward, a providing equitable access to safe water operations and management (O&M) more robust achievement of the SDG to all sections of users. expenses, thus leading to assets not targets can be met by streamlining the being managed properly. While different initiatives, whilst achieving NON-CONVENTIONAL wastewater reuse and recycle are being India’s own policy imperatives. THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS promoted, social and psychological factors play a significant role in the WAY FORWARD Water allocations based on a scientific acceptance of recycled water in non- methodology: In India, conflicting potable uses. India is at a point of inflection there is a interests between different sectors and The obsession of the cities and need for a paradigm shift to break free of different states hamper uniform governments on new asset creation and from the past and look at the future we allocation policies. Time is opportune that disregard to fix the existing infrastructure want in a systematic manner. In this such conflicts are minimized by having a and maintain them properly is a challenge regard, some suggestions/ scientific approach to the allocation of that persists. In these instances, the recommendations that governments as water resources. However, as water is a judicial systems and more importantly the well as other stakeholders may take into state subject as per the Constitution of National Green Tribunal (NGT) taking suo consideration are as follows: India, allocation polices can’t be uniform moto cognizance of the issues and and the long-standing inter-state water directing the cities and governments to CONVENTIONAL THOUGHTS/ disputes are a testimony to this. Hence, take actions that they were supposed to SUGGESTIONS one solution to look at this is to possibly take, either way, brings to the fore the bring water on the concurrent list of the state of affairs in the water and Moving towards a circular economy of constitution. This will pave way for later wastewater sectors. water: There is a need to apply principles sectoral reforms and a unified approach of circular economy to water across the country. INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS management at large. This will not only AND CALL FOR ACTION bring more value for the water as a Further enhancing the role of the resource but also act as a revenue- Ministry of Jal Shakti: the Ministry of Jal The future we want: The heads of states generating avenue for the cities and Shakti constituted in 2019 proposed to met at the United Nations Conference on utilities. The closed-loop approach have a larger integrated approach Sustainable Development in Rio de towards water management will bring in towards management of water. It has two Janeiro, Brazil, in 2012 and reiterated the optimisation of resources, right kind key departments: the Department of their commitment to sustainable of incentives and lead to conservation of Water Resources, River Development and development adopted “the future we the scarce resource. Elements such as Ganga Rejuvenation and the Department want” document with a vision to ensure water use efficiency, reuse and recycle of of Drinking water and Sanitation. It is the promotion of an economically, water, demand management including pertinent to note that these two socially and environmentally sustainable addressing NRW, etc. will need to be departments, while a definite future for our planet and for present and integrated into the systems thinking. improvement of their previous avatars future generations. The UN Sustainable (Ministry Water Resources and Ministry Development Goals (2015) and CEO Pricing it right: India has successful of Drinking Water and Sanitation), the Water Mandates for the private sector examples of energy/power regulators role of the Ministry will need to (2020), Green Climate Fund and other that has helped the sector reform and encapsulate all the river basins and water multilateral and bilateral agencies focus perform. Taking a cue from this, time is bodies and also bring in urban water on sustainable water management has opportune for having a central water supply under its realm. This would mean brought the much-required impetus to regulatory commission and state that the allocations of water, as outlined the sector. UN’s Sustainable regulators that can help in efficient tariff above, can also be rationalized to a large Development Solutions Network report setting mechanisms and addressing the extent. (2020) ranks India’s SDG performance at many other challenges in the sector. 117 out of 193 countries participating, Some states already have this mechanism Unless we decisively act today and deal with but it is heartening to note that it is on in place however there are some water in a sustainable manner, the future we track to meet the SDG 6 targets on challenges in their construct. A model bill want may just be a pipe dream! ensuring water availability and for State Water Regulatory Authority Act ...... sustainable water and sanitation was outlined but never taken forward. Note: The views and opinions expressed in this management. This has been supported by The Government may need to take article are those of the authors and do not the various path-breaking water-related forward the setting up of regulators with necessarily reflect the official policy or position initiatives rolled out by the central and utmost urgency. This would also support of the KfW.

Addressing Water Woes: The Mauritian Way

With the growing population and rising industrialisation, the exploitation of water resources has been a global issue today. As a result, many countries have turned water scarce. Mauritius is a country that faces seasonal water shortage, especially in the dry months, and has been taking measures to improve the situation. Shedding light on these, H.E. Mrs Santi Bai Hanoomanjee, GCSK, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius in India interacted with K C Mishra of Elets News Network (ENN).

Give us an overview of Mauritius water the opportunity for this interview. sector. What are the major challenges and opportunities? Let me first of all put things in its right context regarding Mauritius. The H.E. MRS SANTI BAI I wish to thank the Ministry of Jal country has a total area of 2,040 km² HANOOMANJEE, GCSK Shakti, the Government of India and and a population of about 1.2 million. Elets Technomedia for organising the The environment in Mauritius is High Commissioner of the Republic 2nd National Water and Sanitation typically tropical in the coastal regions of Mauritius in India Innovation Summit and for giving me with forests mainly in the mountains

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areas. On average, annual rainfall in Mauritius ranges from 900 mm on the coast to 1500 mm on the central plateau and it depends on its surface and ground water resources to cater for its water demand for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes. Water is mobilized through direct off-take from rivers, reservoirs and borehole.

Although Mauritius is endowed with good rainfall, its temporal and spatial distribution gives rise to inadequate water resources, especially during the dry months of October to December, to meet the growing demand. Thus, their small geographical area, isolation the island experiences seasonal water and exposure. Rising temperatures scarcity. “The government is and ensuing consequences such as frequent and prolonged droughts, Moreover, population growth, adopting an integrated flash floods, intense storms and increasing irrigation requirements, approach to manage its changing rainfall patterns directly growing industrial and commercial impact on SIDS. The growing activities, changes in land-use water resources and a urbanisation in the country and practices and the impact of climate multi-pronged ap- consequential change in land use is change are the major challenges to adding to the water stress. meet growing water demands in proach to water man- Mauritius. With this in mind and in view of agement framing well building a resilient future for the With a view to coping with the within the ambit of island in terms of water security, the increasing water demands, the government has been implementing government is planning to mobilize SDG6.” various investment projects to cope additional water resources to reach a with the increasing water demand. sustainable water supply. Several The government is thus adopting an strategies have been identified which Board (CEB) and the Waste Water integrated approach to the include, the construction of new Management Authority (WMA) whose management of its water resources. dams, enlargement and rehabilitation responsibilities cover mainly water The government is adopting a of existing dams, continuous and sanitation, surface and multi-pronged approach to water exploitation of groundwater resources groundwater resources, irrigation and management framing well within the through the drilling of boreholes and hydro-power generation. The ambit of SDG6 (Clean water and pipe replacement to reduce losses in Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities sanitation for all). the potable water distribution system. is the nodal organisation for the By 2030, it is estimated that an coordination of all activities related to The projects include the construction additional volume of 128 Mm of water water management. of new dams, rehabilitation of existing would be mobilized through the ones, pipe replacement to reduce construction of new dams and Climate change and growing losses and water-efficient irrigation increasing the capacity of existing urbanisation is putting huge pressure systems such as drip irrigations. The ones. on water demand and supply. How is sewer networks coverage is also being Mauritius managing these for building increased in order to safeguard the The water sector of Mauritius a sustainable future? environment and preserve the quality comprises of different organizations of the groundwater resources. The which include the Central Water Climate change presents unique government is also taking appropriate Authority (CWA), the Irrigation challenges to Small Island Developing catchment protection measures such Authority (IA), the Central Electricity States (SIDS) like Mauritius because of as afforestation programs as well as

continuous water quality surveillance. to develop a fish assessment years consolidated and strengthened framework in the EEZ of Mauritius in the already special relations that exist Water conservation techniques such view of diversifying the sector. between the two countries. While as rainwater harvesting are being Technical expertise would be required working in the same direction, I also encouraged to the population for to conduct an assessment of other wish to explore new avenues of non-potable use at the household maritime resources in the Mauritian cooperation that would be of mutual level and also to planters and waters. benefit to our two countries. In this breeders. The general public is context, I set my priorities to bring encouraged to adopt rooftop Another area where Mauritius and such collaboration to a new height rainwater harvesting. Water-saving India could collaborate is aquaculture. and I had specific targets during the devices such as dual flush toilets and In this context, India can depute its first year of my tenure. water-saving taps are being promoted experts to Mauritius to assist in the among the citizens. However, the development of aquaculture projects. Unfortunately, my first year in India government is helping families in the has been marred by the ongoing low-income bracket with water tank With a view to enhancing COVID pandemic. Most of the grant scheme to alleviate these management, conservation and diplomatic activities were brought to a families in the dry season by having a protection of coastal and marine halt and we had to operate in a very water tank storage. The government difficult and abnormal situation. I had provides grants/subsidies for the to recalibrate my priorities and was purchase of water tanks. busy handling the repatriation of “The government is Mauritius nationals who were The government has also introduced stranded in India as a result of the the use of treated wastewater for helping families in the closure of frontiers. Despite a irrigation purposes. Some hotels have turbulent year, I am happy that one of set up desalination plants to meet low-income bracket my main targets, namely the their water demand due to water with water tank grant conclusion of the long-awaited shortage in the distribution system, Comprehensive Economic particularly during the dry spell. scheme to alleviate Cooperation and Partnership these families in the dry Agreement (CECPA) finally Furthermore, various initiatives are materialised last month after more being taken to sensitize the season by having a than a decade long negotiations. population at large in understanding water tank storage.” and managing water resources. The agreement was signed during the official visit of the Hon’ble Dr How can Mauritius and India Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs collaborate in the development of a to Mauritius from 21 to 24 February Blue Economy for mutual benefit? resources, the technical assistance of 2021. The conclusion of this India would be required in the agreement will provide an institutional In view of the vast EEZ and extended creation of new Marine Protected platform to facilitate greater flows of continental shelf, the Blue Economy is Areas (MPAs). trade and improved cross border high on the agenda of the investment between India and government. Both Mauritius and India India can also assist Mauritius in Mauritius. It will also be a stepping can collaborate for mutual benefit in developing other sectors under the stone in facilitating India’s access to this area as it has huge potential to Blue Economy such as prospecting for Africa. promote economic growth, job minerals and hydrocarbon, creation and food security. development of marine biotechnology Another area where I will be focusing and harnessing renewable energy on is on AYUSH. Mauritius is very In view of its technical expertise and amongst others. much inspired by India in promoting logistics capacity, India can assist AYUSH as on alternative and Mauritius in maritime surveillance You are just about to finish one year preventive medicine. Mauritius will be against illegal, unreported and in your current assignment in India. looking forward to becoming a unregulated (IUU) fishing in its EEZ. How has it been going so far? regional hub to promote AYUSH both Mauritius can also benefit from an among the anglophone and Indian exploratory cruise in the region Mauritius and India have over the francophone African countries.

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Namami Gange TRANSFORMING the Urban Riverscape

or Indian cities which continue Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals to expand and develop recognizes the importance of ensuring the availability creating an additional load for Fwater extraction and pollution and sustainable management of water. It encompasses a on urban rivers, there is a specific need range of values for water, with sub-goals focused on to address the impact of the development activities within the city water quality, equitable access, and efficient use by on the river as well as the impact of the various sectors, improved governance, and the river on the city. The dynamism of a river shifts and emerges, both with time protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems, and flow. Embodying the social, including rivers. Water flows through and connects all cultural and economic conditions that influence the urban landscape, rivers SDGs and is a fundamental prerequisite to the act as products and producers of urban achievement of all 17 SDGs, write Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, growth. In the case of Ganga, it symbolizes interdependency, continuity Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga and permanence within its urban (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, environments, spatially anchoring and physically linking the urban fabric. and Shivani Saxena, Environment Planner, NMCG. Therefore, effective management of this limited resource is only possible through an integrated approach to urban planning and a paradigm shift in river hold, a simple and tangible understanding could be a ‘River sustains a understanding the interactions Habitat’, a habitat that nurtures and enriches biodiversity. A healthy river will in between a city and a river. turn support a healthy water system inter-alia supporting a healthy liveable city. Rivers have had a long history of anthropogenic interventions and their impacts The approach necessitates an have been seen across continents. The major contributors of these impacts are understanding of what it is to be a ‘humans’. A never before seen vista by nature during the COVID crisis, drove home river. While enumerating the many the truth that when left alone, our rivers will heal themselves, biodiversity will functions, meanings and identities a return and waters will run clean.

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The urban drivers of river health, though well documented, have not found much traction with city planners, a view reinforced when planning their growth, cities often do not consider rivers as a part of their urban contexts. Any river flowing through a city cannot be looked at in isolation, without highlighting its regional and local linkages. The increase in the pollution load of Ganga is linked with growing urbanization where 10 big cities are contributing almost 60 per cent in terms of municipal wastewater load. Tributaries such as Yamuna, Kali, Hindon, are carrying their fair share of pollution loads as well.

Namami Gange, an integrated river rejuvenation program recognizes these urban drivers of change and has been working towards negating these impacts through supportive and transformative activities. It is further felt that for cooperative federalism, cities themselves should acknowledge river as part of their boundary and evolve integrated river management as part of their city planning processes. Illustration two refocuses the cities interactions with the river highlighting possible areas where water can be reused, pollution is stopped from going into the river and Recognizing the River – the river is made stress free. City Connect

At Namami Gange, a journey that majority of developments are geared sparked off a movement for new towards the upliftment of the city thinking on urban rivers originated Effective management irrespective of the impacts that are felt from the need to see our rivers clean of urban rivers is only on the river and its floodplain. This fact and an attempt to stop the pollution evidenced by multiple instances of from reaching its banks. While possible through an deforestation, lake filling, wetland and understanding the various connections riverbed encroachment, unsustainable that a city and river can have, it was integrated approach to sand mining, dumping of solid waste made quite clear that the solutions urban planning and a near water bodies and continued would have to be a mix of hard and soft depletion of water resources. The river interventions. From industrial water paradigm shift in under- is seen as a backyard, best kept hidden extraction to water reuse loop, standing the interac- while planning, resulting in floodplains extraction for agriculture supply to and the river becoming a dump yard. run-off, religious activities on ghats to tions between a city city water bodies supplementing The way to formalising Namami groundwater and in turn adding to river and a river. Gange’s approach has been through a flow, these interactions make each river lens. Looking at river centric river city unique in itself and hence the urban planning, all interventions are approach to the interventions have to The formal urban planning approach focused on one idea – the river be tweaked accordingly. has usually been city-centric where the entering a city boundary should leave

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in the same or better condition than City governments are being mobilized banks are being taken up. Cities of it entered in. Once cities share the to create enabling environments for the Ganga basin are also expected to responsibility of keeping the river the river to thrive. Small rivers create their own Urban River clean, they are expected to work in flowing through city boundaries are Management Plans to undertake tandem to create a healthy river. envisioned as green walkways for the projects which will improve the city residents. Activities to reconnect health of the river. Many of Namami Gange’s projects the citizens with the river and its have been taken up with these The thrust of Namami Gange mission intentions. Pollution abatement towards urban rivers is best captured through traditional interventions like in the observation made by the creating sewerage infrastructure, “Cities should be Hon’ble Prime Minister during the effluent treatment plants, treated meeting of the National Ganga water reuse and solid waste responsible for Council. “There is need for new management are designed to relieve rejuvenating their thinking - ‘River Cities’. There is a the river of its pollution loads. rivers. It has to be done need for the residents of these cities Interventions such as afforestation to ask, ‘what can we do for the on riparian boundaries, organic not just with the rivers’? Cities should be responsible farming, eco-friendly development of regulatory mindset but for rejuvenating their rivers. It has to riverfronts, cultural mapping & be done not just with the regulatory public-oriented activities along the also with a mindset but also with developmental river, Cultural mapping of Ganga, developmental and and facilitatory outlook.” This vision wetlands and water bodies facilitatory outlook.” lays down the foundation for rejuvenation are designed towards transforming cities into self- reviving and rejuvenating the river - Hon’ble Prime Minister advocating authority for river and its ecosystem. rejuvenation.

SBI ADOPTING AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE WATER CONSERVATION

ater is at the core of sustainable development and is Wcritical for socio- economic development, healthy ecosystems and for human survival itself. It is vital for reducing the global burden of disease and improving the health, welfare and productivity of populations.

The coronavirus crisis has accentuated the critical importance of water, sanitation and hygiene for protecting human health. Despite progress, billions of people across the globe still lack these basic services. Immediate action to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene services is required to prevent infection and contain the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, countries face growing challenges linked to water scarcity, water pollution, degraded water-related ecosystems and cooperation over transboundary water basins. In addition, funding gaps and weak government systems hold many countries back from making needed advancements.

Freshwater ecosystems provide threatening ecosystems and the countries is increasing their natural sites for human settlements, livelihoods of people everywhere. vulnerability to climate change and bringing benefits such as High water stress – the withdrawal of water scarcity. Increasing water-use transportation, natural purification, too much fresh water from natural efficiency reduces the risk of water irrigation, food protection and sources compared with the fresh stress, reinforcing both economic and habitats for biodiversity. However, water available – can have environmental resilience. Sustainable population growth, agricultural devastating consequences for the Water Management requires intensification, urbanization and environment and can constrain or allocating between competing water industrial production degrade reverse sustainable development. sector demands, and balancing the freshwater bodies worldwide, Lack of fresh water in the poorest financial and social resources

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required to support necessary water systems.

SBI is committed to environmental protection and reduction of its carbon footprint. Sustainability has become a key focus area driving business decisions and operational change and has been added as one of the core values.

SBI has been adopting two pronged approach towards water conservation. On one hand Bank has been focusing on installation of rain water harvesting cites in its official and residential premises as a proven method for ensuring a safe, reliable and locally controlled water supply , while on the other hand it is creating awareness equally among staff and public by sensitising towards responsible consumption of water. As on 31.12.2020 Bank has set up 255 rain water harvesting systems across its branches, offices and other establishments. Being a very easy technique it can be achieved by doing small changes in the rain water flow management. This recharges subsoil of nearby surroundings which directly increase the water table advocacy led by a citizen science The field of water resources simultaneously making premises initiative on Himalayan springs management will have to continue to self-reliant in water consumption. involving local educational institutions adapt to the current and future issues and civil society. facing the allocation of water. With the SBI has also included water growing uncertainties of global climate conservation as one of the activities SBI has also introduced an awareness change it is likely that ongoing climate towards sustainable development in initiative “Save Water Mission” change will lead to situations that have SBI Green Fund. SBI Foundation, CSR focusing on introduction of a simple not yet been encountered. As a result, arm of SBI under SBI Green Fund has device called an “Aerator” to control alternative management strategies are been contributing towards water the flow of water thus reducing sought for in order to avoid setbacks in security of four remote, vulnerable consumption. This has been allocation of water resources. and disadvantaged village undertaken in light of practice of communities in Almora and frequent hand wash as the first line of One of the biggest concerns for our Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand defence against Covid19. water based resources in the future is Himalaya. The project strategy will be the sustainability of the current and three-pronged: i) improving water SBI is wholeheartedly supporting future water resource allocation. As availability though spring rejuvenation National Water Mission “Catch the water becomes scarce, the importance programme and improving access Rain” campaign taking advantage of of water management grows vastly – infrastructure; ii) strengthening local our extensive network of branch finding a balance between humans’ governance and knowledge-transfer offices across the nation. needs and the essential step of water through demystifying science of resources sustainability in the groundwater; and iii) awareness and Water is essential for our existence. environment.

Elets Water Innovation Summit addresses Solutions to India’s Water Crisis

In an effort to bring to light the innovative initiatives taken to augment India’s water management and distribution, Elets Technomedia organised National Water Innovation Summit 2020 on August 28, 2020. The summit was graced by the presence of UP Singh, former Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Ganga Rejuvenation & former Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India as the Chief Guest.

he summit witnessed the participation of an eminent panel including senior policymakers, government representatives, district and city leaders, domain experts, topnotch industry representatives and other academia. The summit comprised an inaugural session followed by five brainstorming sessions wherein some domain-leading minds discussed India’s Twater issues and suggested various solutions to improve the situation

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UP Singh while delivering his keynote address and pointing out India’s efficiency in water management stated that “India had a glorious history of water conservation techniques and stepwells are one of the successful methods.” He asked the audience to look back at the historical water conservation methods and learn from them. Further underlining one of the issues related to rainwater harvesting, he said, “Earlier in monsoon, we used to have a good number of rainy days but today due to Climate Change the days have significantly reduced & rainfall patterns have changed.” This also poses a challenge in effectively trapping the rainfall.

However, Singh did open upon an ambitious programme launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to enhance rainwater harvesting in the country - ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. He said, UP Singh “We are currently working on ‘Catch the Rain’ as there’s a huge potential in India to harvest rainwater. People should also work on catching rainwater where it falls & when it falls.”

H.E. Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India, while addressing corrective measures taken in Denmark to manage groundwater, in the inaugural session said, “We offer a lot of schemes, tax benefits and incentives to people judiciously using groundwater.” Further, he also mentioned the use of smart meters that has helped the authorities in Denmarkto monitor and calculate the water supplied and consumed for better management.

H.E. Freddy Svane

On the other hand, contributing Israel’s expertise in water management,H.E. Dr Ron Malka, Ambassador of Israel to India, said, “Israel uses desalinated seawater for fulfilling 80 per cent of its water requirements. Also, around 90 per cent of used water is treated and reused for washing, gardening, agriculture, and other such purposes.” Commenting on the Indo-Israel partnership for augmenting India’s water management system, he stated that India needs a comprehensive and holistic approach to water management and Israel will be sharing its best practices with India to achieve the same.

H.E. Dr Ron Malka

Sustainable Water Management and Conservation

Session 1 was themed - Sustainable Water Management and Conservation wherein senior government officials and district leaders put forward their opinions and suggestions on improving India’s water scenario. Naveen Mahajan, Secretary, Water Resources, Indira Gandhi Canal, Agriculture Command area Development, Water Utility, Government of Rajasthan, opened by sharing his observations. He said, “As per geographical area, Rajasthan is one-tenth of the nation but on the basis of water availability we have only one per cent of the entire surface water of the country and only 1.7 per cent of the groundwater. So, there is a major deficit in terms of water availability.” He pointed out that in the water sector we should keep making fresh investments in new projects but at the same time, we should not Naveen Mahajan lose sight of our existing assets. Further, he also deliberated on the importance of the Indira Gandhi Canal in Rajasthan.

Whereas, Nitin Bahaduria, District Magistrate, Almora, Government of Uttarakhand, talked about his venture to rejuvenate the river Kosi. He started by sharing the issue and how Kosi became a seasonal river from a perennial river. He spoke of two studies namely - Geomorphological Scientific Study of Kosi Recharge Zone and Geographical Information System Study of Kosi Recharge Zone which brought in light the problem. “With the help of the studies conducted, recharge zones of the river were mapped and 14 locations were identified for biological and mechanical treatment works. Plantations were done on a large scale and water recharge interventions were taken. Also, community mobilisation played a crucial role in the successful implementation of the project.”

Nitin Bahaduria

A Vikrant Raja, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Government of Pondicherry, brought in the spotlight his works which involved rejuvenation of various ponds and other water bodies in his district. He also spoke about his initiative of creating ‘temple social responsibility’ and ‘citizens social responsibility’ on the lines of ‘corporate social responsibility’ which were well appreciated by the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

A Vikrant Raja

Dr Heera Lal, District Magistrate, Banda and Additional Mission Director, National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh, also kept forward a list of initiatives he took to rejuvenate ponds, wells and other water bodies in Banda. He highlighted the angle of citizen engagement and marked it as the most effective method to conserve water bodies.

Dr Heera Lal

Diego Berger, International Projects Coordinator, Mekorot, Israel National Water Co. addressing the summit said, “Most issues can be resolved based on our knowledge and effective management. Technology only plays the role to improve results or processes.” He gave four pillars of Israel’s water sector - The Measurement of Water Law that enables measuring all the water supplied & consumed; Water Law which states that all forms of water resources belong to the public and should be managed by the State; Water should be managed by a centralised authority, and the water sector should be based on a self-financing model.

UP Singh, who chaired the first session, said that “I am happy to see that there is a paradigm shift such that we are not talking about water resource development but water resource Diego Berger management.” Commenting on river rejuvenation works he said that river rejuvenation is not only referred to as reviving large rivers like Ganga and Yamuna but small streams and tributaries joining these rivers should be the primary focus.

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Creating Digital Utilities Through Technological Innovations

G Ashok Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India & Mission Director, National Water Mission, who chaired the second session pointed out a few facts saying, agriculture water use efficiency is very low in India and it needs urgent attention. Backing the fact he said, “If we save 10 per cent of agriculture water, that amount of water can be used for domestic supply for the entire country.” Talking on the technology front, he recalled his experience in Hyderabad, saying, “We started using GPS trackers in water tankers to streamline the process of supplying water and cater to the daily demands.”

G Ashok Kumar

Highlighting the NITI Aayog’s perspective,Avinash Mishra, Advisor, NITI Aayog, Government Of India, talked about various challenges India is facing in the water sector. He said, “We are only treating one-third of the wastewater and reuse of the treated water is even less.” However, putting forward an answer to enhance water management, he mentioned the System for Water Agriculture Rejuvenation (SWAR) as an effective irrigation method for drought-prone and dry areas. It uses one-eighth of water normally used.

Avinash Mishra

Contributing to the discussions, Dr T Prabhushankar, Executive Director, Chennai Water Supply & Sewerage Board, presented the initiative of using abandoned quarries as a reservoir for rainwater and an effective medium to recharge groundwater. One of the reasons behind Chennai’s success in water conservation is effective rainwater harvesting. Chennai adopted it in 2002 and today, it is embedded in the genotype of the city, he added.

Dr T Prabhushankar

Nitin Sangwan, CEO, Smart City Ahmedabad Development Limited, spoke on the role and contribution of smart cities in water conservation. He listed out initiatives like waterless urinals being used in malls, faucets releasing a certain amount at a time are replacing the conventional taps, treated water is supplied to gardens, parks, and so on.

Nitin Sangwan

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Rejuvenating Water Bodies Through Infrastructural Upgrade

Session 3 was chaired by Dr BRK Pillai, Commissioner CAD, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. He clarified that it seems water rejuvenation is a narrow subject but all in all it is a vast subject that includes rivers, lakes, ponds, other small water bodies. However, in this session, we talk about rejuvenating the surface water bodies majorly, he added.

Dr BRK Pillai

Anuj Kumar Jha, Collector & District Magistrate, Ayodhya, Government of Uttar Pradesh, initially spoke on how the idea of making farm ponds to aid the farmers was turned into reality. He mentioned that “under this ‘Apna Talaab Abhiyan’ we constructed nearly 300 farm ponds to aid the farmers for irrigation.” Further, he spoke on the revival of the Tamsa river which also carries religious and historic importance. He said, “We desilted the complete course of Tamsa river and, around 700 ponds & drains were desilted and rejuvenated as a part of the project.”

Anuj Kumar Jha

Yashpal Meena, District Magistrate & Collector, Nawada, Government of Bihar, said, “Ours is the southernmost district in Bihar and the terrain here is hilly. Also, in the dry season and in winters the groundwater levels in our district falls. So, water conservation is a must here.” Hence, as a solution to this, “we constructed ponds, check dams, soak pits, and many such works were also taken up under the ‘Jal Jeevan Hariyali Abhiyan’. “We recruited people under MGNREGA for water conservation works. Also, we organised awareness programmes to sensitise citizens about the importance of water conservation.”

Yashpal Meena

Dr Dhimant B Vyas, Additional Secretary & Chief Engineer, Water Resource Department, Government of Gujarat, emphasised the importance of rejuvenation and restoration of water bodies saying, “Rejuvenation and restoration of water bodies should be an important aspect of our planning.” speaking on how Gujarat took up the works he said that “In north Gujarat, we used a piped network to link eight districts with 21 rivers and 958 lakes in various villages. Through this, we were able to route the flood water of the Narmada river to the lakes and dams in the network.” He further spoke on similar case studies in various other regions of Gujarat.

Dr Dhimant B Vyas

Annavi Dinesh Kumar, Additional Project Director, State Mission for Clean Ganga, Department of Namami Gange & Rural Water Supply, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, “We did bioremediation for improving Ganga water quality & we received appreciations from nationwide.” Backing Kumar’s words, Dr Pillai stated, “We need to look forward to bio- remedial measures for rejuvenating existing water bodies.”

Annavi Dinesh Kumar

Optimising Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Services

G C Pati, Chairman, Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, while chairing the fourth session kept forward a few points. He said, “Not only supply- side measures but the focus should also be on demand-side management. Rainwater harvesting should be practised religiously.” Highlighting the depth of the water crisis in India, he said, “Due to overexploitation of groundwater, the situation today is that unless we take strict measures we might face a grave situation in the future.”

G C Pati

Shalini Agarwal, District Magistrate, Vadodara, Government of Gujarat, said, “We have taken up ‘Panchjal Setu’ project in Vadodara. Under this, rainwater harvesting, reuse, recycle, restoration of water bodies and people’s participation are the five core aspects.” She concluded on the note that India needs to have a comprehensive and holistic approach towards water management.

Shalini Agarwal

Following Shalini’s address, Pulkit Khare, District Magistrate, Hardoi, Government of Uttar Pradesh, commenced on the note that water management has to be an integrated approach and people should own it. He said, “As Hardoi is a rural district, our focus was more on the renovation of village ponds, constructing soak pits beside the handpumps to improve groundwater recharge, desilting canals, and we installed rainwater harvesting systems.” He further talked about his endeavours wherein he transformed Belatali - a stenchy, garbage- filled pool of filth into a freshwater body and a happening picnic spot. It became popular within and around Hardoi within a few days.

Pulkit Khare

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Touching the sanitation aspect,Nicolas Osbert, Chief Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), UNICEF India, pointed out that “In urban slums in India only 60 per cent of the people have piped water supply and only 57 per cent of them have storage capacity. So, the Jal Jeevan Mission can help to resolve the issue.” Sharing facts further, he mentioned, “Only 66 per cent of these people have access to in-house toilets and only 37 per cent people have their wastewater outlet connected to a close drainage.” Adding on sanitation he said, “As per a study by UNICEF, the ODF villages in India have 11 times fewer chances of having contaminated surface water.”

Nicolas Osbert

Speaking on the corrective measure being taken to augment sanitation in India, M P Singh, Chief of Development Operations, JICA India said, “We are trying to augment sanitation and drainage projects in India using Japanese expertise in wastewater management.” Adding to this, he said, ”We are trying to implement the Tokyo and Yokohama model of water management in India to bring down the non-revenue water. In Tokyo, non-revenue water is only three per cent.” Further, he briefed about the projects JICA is taking up with the government for waterbody rejuvenation and water conservation and management.

M P Singh

Uriel Klar, Head of India Partnership, Fluence Israel addressed issues related to wastewater management in India and shared best practices from Israel. He said, “In most places, wastewater management systems are centralised but the key is to decentralise. The centralised system requires more labour, efforts, money, tools & equipment, and is high on maintenance. Whereas, constructing small decentralised systems can bring down costs and will be more efficient in operations. Hence, the centralised model is not a sustainable one.”

Uriel Klar

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Addressing the Future Challenges and Legal Framework

Addressing the fifth session, Vaibhav Shrivastava, Collector & District Magistrate, Rae Bareilly, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, “While I was the DM of Pilibhit, I noticed that sugarcane, paddy and satha paddy were major crops grown there. These crops require more water and had an adverse impact on the water table.” Hence to ensure recharge of groundwater, “We rejuvenated around 1123 ponds, made over 7000 soak pits, and constructed 17 rainwater harvesting systems... As a result, our groundwater table levels increased significantly.”

Vaibhav Shrivastava

Further, speaking on augmentation of irrigation methods and facilities, Dr Piyush Singla, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir said, “We are doing Jeevika project wherein we are connecting a perennial source to ponds from where farmers can utilise water for drip irrigation.” The idea was to tap the untapped free-flowing water and conserve it for agricultural and other uses, he added. Further, he said, “We are implementing a cluster approach for irrigation which includes four major components - drip irrigation, water harvesting structures, vermicompost, polyhouse.”

Dr Piyush Singla

Shashi Ranjan, Deputy Commissioner, Khunti, Government of Jharkhand, talked about the water runoff issue saying, “As the district is in plateau region (geographically), the water runoff in the rainy seasons is quite high. Moreover, the topography also lowers down the groundwater recharge.” So, the district administration convinced the tribal communities and the rural people to make bori bands to prevent water runoffs. “We were able to successfully implement the bori bands only with help of community participation”, he added.

Shashi Ranjan

Bhopal Singh, Director General, National Water Development Agency, who chaired the fifth session, addressed water security as the core theme of his speech. He presented various stats on water availability, water consumption, water demand, etc. Also, he raised concerns on the collection of water data saying, “There is a serious need for a proper framework to capture data of water utilisation. Moreover, harvesting rainwater is much needed to improve our water scenario.”

The National Water Innovation Summit brought out a platform wherein suggestions, opinions and best practices were shared to enhance the effectiveness of India’s water management systems. The summit saw immense knowledge sharing and ended on a high note. Bhopal Singh

CONVERGENCE OF MGNREGS WITH INDIAN RAILWAYS

The confluence of the Indian Railways and MGNERGS has resulted in better and effective utilization of resources. It marked a worthy example of ‘more governance and less government’ as it brought forward how a policy was initially formulated by the top management, implemented at the site and then evolved after feedback from the workers. Also, it elaborates on monitoring systems which have been developed to ensure better transparency and accountability, writes Pratham Agrawal, IRSE, Divisional Engineer, Solapur Division, Central Railway.

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he convergence of Indian Railways and MGNERS, mentioned here, is in regard with the Ongole Sub- division (ADEN/OGL) which falls under the All the sanctioned, ongoing TVijayawada Division of Indian Railways. The and completed projects under modalities of this scheme have been under works between the Railway Board and Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Rural the convergence scheme can Development for the past five years that is from 2013 to 2018. be monitored through a South Central Railway pioneered the implementation of dashboard on the official this concept in the year 2018 with Ongole Sub-division spearheading it. Through the persistent efforts of the then website of NREGA Andhra Assistant Divisional Engineer, Ongole, a new policy was formulated on November 24, 2018, identifying nine types Pradesh. of works which could be undertaken in the Railway jurisdiction. These include: l Desilting of waterways of bridges/RUBs/Pipe culverts/ Box culverts NREGA Andhra Pradesh. It is pertinent to note that the l Strengthening/widening of Railways embankment monitoring system under MGNREGS is online and open for l Trench cutting along Railway boundary all which enhances the transparency of the scheme. l Desilting of Open Wells l Recharge structures to functioning bore wells/dried up The potential of this scheme is tremendous with of borewells sanctions worth Rs 600 crore awaited in this financial year l Block plantation itself. All the works listed above are majorly maintenance- l Village parks in Railway colonies based and once offloaded, the freed-up funds of railways l Linear Plantation can be diverted towards capital asset creation. l Connecting roads to level crossings Further, the plantation drives and other works listed above At present, the first five works on the list are under are pursued by the state government in a better manner progress. In total, 964 works have found sanction with a than railways as it is their core activity. The above-stated cost of Rs 47.89 crore as of today. And, 170 works worth policy guidelines are pursued with all seriousness. In Rs 2.50 crore are under progress. Moreover, 84 works consultation with the state and forest department, plant worth Rs 1.68 crore have been completed. species have been chosen which after maturity can be cut and can fetch railways non-fare revenue. To that effect, the A complete list of all the sanctioned, ongoing and completed local pulp and paper industry has been roped in for the projects under the convergence scheme can be monitored same and signing of an MOU between local industries and through a centralized dashboard on the official website of zonal railway is underway.

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Similarly, the work of trench cutting along the railway boundary will help in mitigating cattle run over cases. The trench will also serve as rainwater harvesting pits. Adjacent The potential of this scheme is to the railway boundary, farm fields are there and the farmers have expressed happiness over the same. Due to tremendous with of sanctions such synergistic working, an atmosphere of trust has evolved and this has resulted in the process of closure of worth Rs 600 crore awaited in seven level crossings with zero spending which in typical this financial year itself. circumstances would have resulted in expenses of Rs 30 crore.

Assistant Divisional Engineer, Ongole had also managed to MGNREGS for the state of Andhra Pradesh stood close to secure investment for some of the construction projects Rs 10,000 crore. The vision is to secure a lion’s share of this partly via MGNREGS funds and partly via centrally funding for railways and to realize this vision, remarkable sponsored schemes like the construction of Cement initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen worksite Concrete Approach Road to Singarayakonda station which facilities including: was undertaken with labour cost being financed under l Public toilets have been provided at all the 38 Level MGNREGS and material cost being financed under Rurban Crossing Gates and nine stations in Ongole Sub- (a centrally sponsored scheme). Similarly, the construction division. of public toilet and approach road street lighting was also l Drinking water facility has been provided at all Level undertaken in two stations falling within the Vijayawada Crossing Gates and the stations in Ongole Sub-division. Division. l Moreover, first aid safety kit boxes along with ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) have also been provided at The applications of this scheme are tremendous and only all Level Crossing Gates and the stations in Ongole Sub- the tip of the iceberg could be touched upon in the initial division. stages of convergence. Railways is the 24th department to secure convergence. The previous year’s budget under The magnitude of this exercise could be appreciated from the fact that the facilities like toilet, drinking water, etc. were available initially as one in every 10 kilometres which was brought down to one in every 1.5 kilometres. This translates to greater accessibility to such basic amenities. The district administration along with all the workers has tremendously appreciated this work and a healthy environment has been generated resulting in improved quality and pace of execution of works in Ongole Sub- division.

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on other sources of water in 2019-20. Presently BPCL is using 1 % Company Profile : BPCL of its fresh water requirement through rain water harvesting Water being one of the most essential elements for living, it has harat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) came into existence been one of the ongoing areas of focus for BPCL both within and on 24.1.1976 subsequent to the Government of India beyond the fence. Through its water conservation initiatives, acquiring Burmah-Shell Oil Storage & Distribution Company collectively named “BOOND”, BPCL has aimed at improving access Bof India and Burmah-Shell Refineries Limited vide Burmah- to water for various needs including drinking, agriculture and Shell (Acquisition of Undertaking in India) Act 1976. BPCL isa livelihood, household needs as well as for recharging ground water Schedule-’A’ listed Maharatna CPSE in Petroleum (Refinery & reserves. The Company has taken up rejuvenation of urban water Marketing sector) under the administrative control of M/o Petroleum bodies as well as cleaning of semi-urban/rural water structures and Natural Gas with 53.29% shareholding by the Govt. of India. The through a balanced combination of direct intervention, involvement company has its Registered and Corporate offices at Mumbai. BPCL of local government, ‘Shramdaan’ by local community and community has a diverse range of products ranging from Auto Fuels, Petrochemicals, engagement. Solvents and Aircraft Fuel. These products are directly available for customer use across Petrol Stations, Kerosene Agencies, LPG Other Sustainable Initiatives Distributers, Lube Shoppes and indirectly to Industries and several BPCL Refineries achieved the lowest ever Specific Energy International and Domestic Airlines. BPCL markets its products Consumption of 66.0 (MBTU/Barrel/ Energy complexity factor) through robust distribution network of storage depots, terminals, LPG MBN in 2019-20 compared to 68.6 MBN in 2018-19 by various bottling plants, Lube blending plants, cross-country pipelines, aviation Energy Conservation (Encon) Schemes. BPCL started marketing BS- stations etc. The products have wide range of applications in various VI grade auto fuel from 1st April 2020 as per Auto Fuel Policy, which industrial and transport sectors. Thus, BPCL through its products and helped in reduction of environmental pollution and improvement in services touches the lives of millions in some way or the other. BPCL’s air quality. BPCL is using Biofuel i.e. Ethanol in blending with Motor Gross Sales Turn Over for the year 2019-20 stood at Rs 3,29,797.16 Spirit (MS) and achieved 4.22% blending ratio in 2019-20. crores as compared to Rs 3,40,879.15 crores in 2018-19 . The profit after tax of the company during 2019-20 is Rs 3,055.36 crores as BPCL has carried out study on GHG emissions and Carbon against Rs 7,802.30 crores during 2018-19. The Company employed Sequestration through trees which are available at locations. BPCL 11249 regular employees (executives 5939, non-executives 5310 as has increased its CO2 sink with trees more than 7800 MTCO2e in on 31.3.2020. BPCL has 7 Business Units namely- LPG, Lubricants, 2019-20 contributing to India’s INDC. BPCL trusts that transitioning Industrial and Commercial, Gas, Retail, Aviation and Refineries to clean energy alternatives will help protect our environment hence, it has been increasing its renewable energy capacity. The BPCL is conscious of its significant environmental footprint due to the capacity has increased to 43.43 MW in the year 2019-20 as nature of its operations and hence has taken steps to mitigate the compared to 31.70 MW during the year 2018-19. Energy efficient negative impacts. BPCL has embedded initiatives on energy lighting capacity has been increased to 17.95 MW in the year 2019- conservation, efficient consumption of resources and promotion of 20 as compared to12.66 MW during the year 2018-19. ecological up gradation as a part of its Mission. These initiatives on renewables have resulted in an annual reduction Following are the major initiatives taken by BPCL for Water of GHG emissions of more than 104 TMT CO2e approx. Besides, the Sustainability: other initiatives i.e. distribution through Pipelines, LPG under PMUY In an effort to re-establish ecological balance and biodiversity, BPCL and Bio fuels has further reduced emissions by 1686 TMT CO2e. undertook the cleaning of a 10 km stretch of the Ichamati River in Mumbai Refinery is first refinery in India to convert 100% ofthe Bengal along with the local administration of three panchayats. This conventional lights into LED lights. This initiative has resulted in initiative will help to reopen the scope for fishing, as well as provide power saving of 9,840 MWh per annum which corresponds to water for cultivation and production of organic manure from the benefit of Rs. 9.6 crores & reduction in CO2 emission by 7,085 vegetation removed from the river. MTCO2e per annum.

BPCL has implemented various water conservation initiatives. There BPCL is setting up Second Generation (2G) Bio-refinery to produce was a decrease of 20.4% and 8.5% in the fresh water consumption for 100 KLD Ethanol using 400 Metric Tonne Per Day lignocellulose Kochi Refinery and Mumbai Refinery respectively by recycling of water Biomass as feedstock (rice straw / maize stalk) using indigenous in 2019-20. A joint Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at RCF has been technology. Commissioned a 169 km long cross country LPG commissioned with capacity of 22.5 MLD of municipal sewage for pipeline from Uran to Chakan & Shikrapur, of 1 MMTPA capacity, in producing 15 MLD of treated water (BPCL share 6 MLD & RCF share partnership with HPCL. A Joint Venture of IOCL, HPCL and BPCL 9 MLD). This initiative has reduced the dependency on water from was formed for the longest LPG pipeline of 2757 kms from Kandla BMC by 35%. BPCL has increased rainwater harvesting catchment to Gorakhpur with an investment of about 10,000 Crores. This will area from 7,78,939 Sqm. to 8,23,732 Sqm to reduce the dependency be sustainable transportation of petroleum products.

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Rainwater Harvesting 235,000 kilolitre fresh water saved Through a catchment area of 8.9 lakh square meter, Bharat Petroleum saves 1% of our total fresh water requirement, annually