We do not know the value of water until the well is dry
Gaurav Taneja
Partner and Leader Government & Public Sector at EY India Africa Super Region
Today, March 22nd, we observe World Water Day—a poignant reminder that one can live without love, but not without water!
Water is one of our most abundant yet scarce resources. India, with 17% of the world's population, has only 4% of its freshwater resources available for consumption. As a water-stressed nation, there is an urgent need to recognize water's role as a connector spanning all economic activities—from energy generation, transport, and food production to education, sanitation, public health, and disease reduction.
The Government of India, along with various state governments, has implemented numerous initiatives to make India water-secure and ensure clean drinking water for everyone.
- National Hydrology Project (NHP): Launched in 2016 with World Bank support, this project aims to improve the extent, reliability, and accessibility of water resources information and strengthen the capacity of targeted water resource management institutions in India, with a budget outlay of ₹3,680 crore.
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and JJM 2.0: With an approved outlay of ₹3.6 lakh crore and an enhanced allocation of ₹67,000 crore for FY 25-26, this mission aims to provide potable tap water to all 19.37 crore rural homes across the country. From the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh to the deserts of Rajasthan, JJM has positively impacted lives and livelihoods in rural communities, emphasizing community participation in planning, implementation, and monitoring of water supply schemes.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0: With an estimated outlay of ₹2.77 lakh crore, AMRUT 2.0 focuses on a circular economy, incentivizing the reuse of treated wastewater for municipal, industrial, and other purposes. Its "Women for Water" campaign and "Jal Diwali" initiative demonstrate a commitment to educating and including women in water governance.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): With a World Bank-aided outlay of ₹6,000 crore, this initiative aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in designated priority states, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan: Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, this initiative, with a total outlay of roughly ₹12,000 crore, focuses on providing separate toilets and clean water in schools, promoting hygiene practices.
- Swachh Bharat Mission: With a broader impact and a total outlay of roughly ₹1.96 lakh crore, this mission includes sanitation through the construction of over 100 million toilets, reducing risks associated with open defecation.
- Smart Cities Mission: With an approved outlay of ₹48,000 crore, this mission emphasizes adequate water and sanitation facilities in cities across the country.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga: With an approved outlay of ₹42,500 crore, this mission focuses on the rejuvenation of the Ganga River and its tributaries.
These combined efforts across various programs demonstrate a comprehensive approach to addressing the critical issue of water availability. In the coming times, we can hope to see many more initiatives and programs in water resource management and governance for truly impactful and sustainable change.
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