Critical Discussion Paper on ‘Climate-Resilient Water Management in India’ unveiled at India Water Week 2024
New Delhi, September 18, 2024: A comprehensive discussion paper titled ‘Climate Resilience in Water Resource Management in India: A Conceptual Framework for Action’ was officially released during the 8th India Water Week 2024, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on Wednesday.
Key experts emphasise integrated strategies and legal frameworks to address climate induced water challenges
Authored by Ms Neha Lakhwan, Dr Girija Bharat, and Dr SK Sarkar, the paper was unveiled during the thematic session on ‘Demand Management and Water Use Efficiency’. The four-day event, running from 17 to 20 September, serves as a prominent global platform for inclusive water development and management, drawing participation from global decision-makers, politicians, researchers, experts, and innovators in the water resources sector. Featuring seminars, exhibitions, panel discussions, and study tours, the event offers critical insights and solutions for water resource challenges.
The session, chaired by Dr SK Sarkar, Distinguished Fellow, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), explored the urgent need for efficient water resource management to address the increasing demand and unpredictable availability of water due to climate change.
The discussion paper emphasises the increasing variability of water resources due to climate change, with India facing extreme weather events such as erratic monsoons, droughts, and rising sea levels. It calls for the adoption of integrated water resources management (IWRM), the use of advanced technologies, and the strengthening of institutional frameworks to ensure water security and resilience.
Ms Neha Lakhwan, Research Associate, Mu Gamma Consultants, who co-authored the paper, highlighted the need for policy changes. “Water is a critical resource for economic development. To ensure climate-resilient water resource management, it is essential to implement data-driven demand-side and supply-side interventions. For this, data at the watershed and sub-watershed level can empower local bodies to make effective decisions and promote participatory governance,” she said.
Dr Girija Bharat, Managing Director, Mu Gamma Consultants, one of the authors of the paper, emphasized the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to address the impact of climate change on water resources. “A National Climate Change Act needs to be enacted in India, which provides a legal framework for addressing climate change impacts, mandates adaptation and mitigation measures, and defines clear roles and responsibilities for various stakeholders in the water sector. A comprehensive national framework for climate-resilient water management needs to be developed under this Act, with clear guidelines, targets, and accountability measures for different stakeholders,” said Dr Bharat.
Dr SK Sarkar, another author of the paper, added, “Human-induced climate change is now a reality, causing an adverse hydrological cycle. The extreme events being observed in India due to global warming and consequent climate change are frequent and severe heatwaves, erratic monsoons, droughts, cyclones, and storm surges. Water resources are finite, but demand for water is increasing day by day. There is a need to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing local and national challenges on account of climate change and global warming.”
The panellists also shared their perspectives during the session.
The thematic session along with the release of the discussion paper has underscored the critical need for integrated strategies to address the increasing challenges posed by climate change. The insights presented by experts during the session emphasise the importance of policy reforms, advanced technologies, and cross-sector collaboration. The discussion paper serves as a vital roadmap for shaping resilient water management practices, offering actionable solutions to ensure water security in a climate-vulnerable future. These discussions mark a significant step towards achieving sustainable and inclusive water governance in India.
To access the Discussion Paper: https://teriin.org/policy-brief/climate-resilience-water-resource-management-india-conceptual-framework-action