16-April-2024-Editorial

DRYING RIVERS IN INDIA

The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported alarming water storage levels in several river basins, particularly in east-flowing rivers between Mahanadi and Pennar.

This crisis poses significant challenges to India’s water security, impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and the environment.

Water Crisis in East-Flowing Rivers Basin

• Affected Rivers: 13 rivers, including Rushikulya, Bahuda, Vamsadhara, and others, have dried up.
• Geographical Spread: These rivers flow through Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, draining into the Bay of Bengal.
• Storage Decline: Basin storage reached zero on 21st March, contrasting with 32.28% last year.

Nationwide Water Crisis

• Major Reservoirs: Only 36% of total capacity available in India’s 150 major reservoirs.
• Ganga Basin: Water storage less than half its capacity.
• Drought Conditions:2% of the country’s area faces drought, with 7.8% under extreme drought.

Central Water Commission (CWC)

• Role: Apex technical body for water resource development, attached to the Ministry of Water Resources.
• Responsibilities: Overseeing schemes for water resource control, conservation, development, and utilization.

Reasons Behind Drying of East-Flowing Rivers

• Deforestation and Soil Erosion: Reduced soil water retention due to deforestation affects groundwater recharge and river flows.
• Climate Change: Irregular rainfall and increased temperatures disrupt river flow patterns.
• Dam Construction: Dams and water diversions impact downstream river flow.
• Water Pollution: Industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste degrade river quality.
• Sand Mining: Unregulated mining disrupts river flow and causes erosion.
• Urbanisation: Urban expansion alters natural river flows.
• Lack of Conservation Efforts: Limited awareness and conservation measures contribute to river drying.

Addressing the River Drying Issue

• Water Conservation Measures: Rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and soil moisture conservation can replenish groundwater and reduce reliance on rivers.
• Efficient Irrigation Practices: Adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation minimizes water wastage.
• Afforestation and Vegetative Cover: Reforestation reduces soil erosion and boosts groundwater recharge.
• Regulation of Groundwater Extraction: Strict regulations can maintain river base flow.
• Interlinking of Rivers: Transferring surplus water from water-rich to water-deficient regions can balance river flows.
• Community Participation: Engaging local communities ensures sustainable water use.
• Policy Reforms: Encouraging sustainable water management practices through policy.
• Research and Development: Investing in innovative water conservation technologies.