A recent study, authored by Parameswaran Iyer, Daniel W Smith, and Nitin Bassi, suggests that the water governance strategies implemented in Gujarat could be beneficial for addressing the drought issues faced by Maharashtra. Iyer, a former secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation in India, emphasised the applicability of Gujarat’s model in a recent interview. The study, launched at IIM Bangalore, outlines a 25-year journey of water governance that began in Gujarat under Chief Minister Narendra Modi in 2001.

Key features highlighted in the study include the Narmada-based water grid and the establishment of institutions such as WASMO. Iyer mentioned that in 2016, Prime Minister Modi held ten meetings with Chief Ministers from drought-affected states to discuss potential solutions, indicating a proactive approach to managing water scarcity.

Iyer explained that drought management encompasses various strategies, including water conservation and effective river basin management, as demonstrated by the success in the Narmada region. He noted that not all states possess a unique resource like the Narmada but can still apply similar resource management techniques that fit their own contexts.

Maharashtra’s Drought Situation and Response

As of now, over 265 talukas in Maharashtra have been declared drought-affected, prompting the state to implement relief measures. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the situation and requested substantial assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). His emphasis on cooperation reflects the urgent need for resources to tackle the ongoing crisis.

Fadnavis stated that he informed Shah of the steps being taken by the Maharashtra government to manage the drought and improve the conditions in affected areas. The chief minister’s proactive measures indicate the government’s commitment to addressing the severe impact of drought on the populace.

The study conducted by Iyer and his colleagues underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to water resource management, which includes not only immediate relief measures but also long-term strategies to ensure water security in agriculture, given that approximately 85 to 90 per cent of water is consumed by this sector.

Challenges of Urban Water Treatment and Infrastructure

In a related discussion, Nitin Bassi addressed the complexities surrounding the cleaning of the Yamuna River in Delhi. He pointed out that urban infrastructure poses significant challenges to effective river management as urban areas continue to expand. The need for adequate infrastructure to match the growth of cities complicates the task of pollution control in rivers.

Bassi mentioned that as cities develop, initiatives like the Okhla sewage treatment plant, one of the largest in Asia, represent significant investments in technology and resource management. He outlined that ongoing efforts to treat and reuse wastewater are crucial to preventing contamination of rivers.

Both Iyer and Bassi’s insights reinforce the interconnectedness of water governance, agricultural practices, and urban infrastructure development. The collective focus on planning and investments is essential to achieving sustainable water management solutions in India.

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