Dublin Principle:The Dublin Principles are a set of four principles agreed upon at

the International Conference on Water and the Environment held in Dublin,

Ireland in 1992. These principles provide a framework for the sustainable
management of freshwater resources. A mile stone in the history of Integrated
Water Resources Management.
institutional framework :An institutional framework is a set of rules, regulations,
and structures that govern how organizations and individuals interact within a
specific context. In the context of water resources management, an institutional
framework refers to the laws, policies, and institutions that regulate and manage
water resources.
Sustainable Development Goals :The Sustainable Development Goals are the
blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the
global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality,
climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are
all interconnected, and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we
achieve them all by 2030.
Water scarcity
Water pollution
Climate change
Transboundary water management
Water governance
Water infrastructure
Flooding :Flooding is the environmental disaster that impacts more people than
any others.That view has echoed around the world in recent weeks, with huge
inundations destroying lives and property. They found that between 255 and 290
million people were directly affected - and between 2000 and 2015, the number
of people living in these flooded locations increased by 58-86 million.This
represents an increase of 20-24% in the proportion of the world population
exposed to floods, some 10 times higher than previous estimates.
Ecosystem regeneration: It is the process of restoring degraded ecosystems to
their natural state, improving the ecological health of the environment, and
enhancing biodiversity. Ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits to society,
including food and fiber production, carbon sequestration, water purification, and
recreational opportunities
Rural development: It is usually refers to the method of enhancing the quality of
life and financial well-being of individuals, specifically living in populated and
remote areas.Traditionally, rural development was centred on the misuse of land-
intensive natural resources such as forestry and agriculture. However today, the
increasing urbanisation and the change in global production networks have
transformed the nature of rural areas.

National water policy: It is necessary to ensure that water resources are managed
in a way that is sustainable, equitable, and responsive to the needs of society and
the environment. A well-designed national water policy can help to balance
competing demands for water, protect water quality, and ensure that water
 resources are used in a way that supports sustainable economic development.

. Evolution of IWRM:
 One of the earliest and often cited examples of IWRM is the initiation of
the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1933. The Authority not only
took action by managing flood control and power production but also by
integrating the issues of erosion control, recreation, public health and
welfare. The TVA effort included many elements of the today´s concept of
IWRM, which is the overall planning of natural resource utilization
combined with economic, social and environmental objectives. (LNV 2004)
 In 1957, a UN report on “Integrated River Basin Development” determined
that water infrastructure by itself does not bring development and therefore
supporting services are needed. However, the integration did not refer to
the different water uses yet. Until the 1980’s many integrated irrigation
development projects used the supporting services as tools to develop
irrigation agriculture and did not consider other uses of water. (LNV 2004)
 In 1977, the International Water Conference in Mar de Plata explicitly
called for the need of a co-ordination within the water sector. "Institutional
arrangements adopted by each country should ensure that the development
and management of water resources take place in the context of national
planning and that there is real co-ordination among all bodies responsible
for the investigation, development and management of water resources."
(UN 1977) The Conference also recommended the expansion of irrigation
agriculture but apparently did not recognize and consider the high water
demand as well as the negative environmental impacts. However, other
 issues expressed in 1977 still seem valid today:
- Community water supply: All people on earth should have a readily
available supply of clean water.
- Pollution: Many rivers and lakes are polluted by uncontrolled discharge.
- Shared water resources: No progress can be reached without a harmonized
framework by the nations.
 In January 1992, to prepare for the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, the water
sector organized the International conference on Water and the
Environment in Dublin. At the conference, 500 water experts from a
hundred countries and 80 international, intergovernmental and non-
governmental organizations attended. The keynote papers for the
conference are containing almost all characteristics of IWRM as it is
understood today. The most important outcome however were the Dublin
Guiding Principles. At the UNCED in June 1992, the importance of a
coordination in the water sector was stated once again. Realizing that the
statement concerning the coordination within the water sector that had been
recommended at Mar del Plata in 1977 is far less ambitions than the
fundamental changes needed to achieve the holistic management - an
integrated water resources management. Therefore, the Dublin Guiding
Principals were assembled at the conference as part of the AGENDA 21.
(LNV 2004)
 In 2012, a report on the status of IWRM was prepared after a request of the
UN Commission on Sustainable Development (UNEP 2012). The report
should take stock of the situation 20 years after the recommendations for
integrated approaches were made at the UNCED Conference in Rio. The
report was based on responses from 134 UN member countries. Some of
the key messages and recommendations from the report are:
- Since 1992, 80% of the countries have embarked on reforms to improve the
enabling setting for water resources management based on integrated
approaches.
- A majority of countries perceived increasing water-related risks and an
intensified competition for water over the past 20 years.
- Countries that have adapted integrated approaches report more an advanced
infrastructure development, but further efforts are needed to ensure
appropriate levels of coordination.
- Countries report a gradual, but positive, trend in financing water resources
development and management with more diverse sources of finance, but only
little progress on payment for water resources services.
- Countries report improvements of the institutional framework together with
improved policies, laws and systems over the past 20 years. This has led to
better water resources management practices bringing important
socioeconomic benefits.
- Integrated approaches of water resources management and development are
critical for progress towards a green economy. (GWP 2013b)
The Global Water Partnership (GWP): It was established in 1996 as an
international network of organizations and individuals working to promote
integrated water resources management (IWRM). The need for such a
partnership stems from several challenges and opportunities related to water
resources management, including:
 Increasing Water Scarcity: Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly
urgent global problem due to population growth, urbanization, and climate
change. The GWP helps to address this challenge by promoting sustainable
and equitable management of water resources.
 Water-related Disasters: Floods, droughts, and other water-related disasters
are becoming more frequent and severe, causing significant social,
economic, and environmental impacts. The GWP supports the development
of policies and practices to reduce the risk of water-related disasters.
 Water Quality: Water quality is a critical issue, affecting human health,
ecosystems, and economic development. The GWP works to promote the
protection and restoration of water quality through IWRM approaches.
 Need for Collaboration: Effective water resources management requires
collaboration and cooperation between various stakeholders, including
governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The GWP
provides a platform for such collaboration and cooperation, bringing
together stakeholders from different sectors to develop and implement
IWRM approaches.
 Capacity Building: Building capacity in IWRM is essential for effective
water resources management. The GWP provides training, education, and
other capacity-building opportunities to water managers and other
stakeholders to enhance their skills and knowledge.
 Policy Development: Developing policies and regulations that promote
sustainable and equitable management of water resources is essential. The
GWP provides technical assistance to governments and other stakeholders
to develop and implement policies and regulations that support IWRM
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): These are a set of 17 goals
adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to guide global development efforts
towards sustainable development by 2030. The goals are interconnected and
cover a wide range of social, economic, and environmental issues.
The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development,
recognizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental
issues. Achieving these goals requires collective action and collaboration
among governments, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
The SDGs aim to promote a more sustainable and equitable world for all,
leaving no one behind.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are:

 No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
  Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition,
and promote sustainable agriculture.
 Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-
being for all at all ages.
 Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
 Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and
girls.
 Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable
management of water and sanitation for all.
 Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable,
sustainable, and modern energy for all.
 Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and
sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent
work for all.
 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure,
promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
 Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
 Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
 Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable
consumption and production patterns.
 Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its
impacts.
 Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and
marine resources for sustainable development.
 Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial
ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and
reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive
societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and
build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
 Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and
revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Climate change: It is having significant impacts on water resources, including

drinking water. The impacts of climate change on drinking water management
can be seen in several ways, including:
 Decreased Water Availability: Climate change is causing changes in
precipitation patterns, leading to decreased water availability in some
regions. This can make it more difficult to provide adequate supplies of
drinking water to communities, particularly in areas already experiencing
water scarcity.
 Water Quality Degradation: Climate change can lead to increased water
temperature, changes in river flow, and changes in land use, all of which
can affect water quality. This can lead to increased levels of contaminants,
such as bacteria and viruses, in drinking water sources.
 Increased Costs: Climate change can increase the costs of treating and
delivering drinking water. For example, changes in precipitation patterns
can affect water treatment plants' ability to operate efficiently, leading to
increased energy costs.
 Infrastructure Damage: Extreme weather events, such as floods and
hurricanes, can damage drinking water infrastructure, leading to
disruptions in the supply of safe drinking water.
 Health Impacts: Climate change can affect human health through impacts
on water quality, food security, and vector-borne diseases. Contaminated
drinking water can lead to waterborne diseases, such as cholera and
typhoid fever.
To address the impacts of climate change on drinking water management,
several measures can be taken, including:
 Developing Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Drinking water
infrastructure can be designed and built to withstand the impacts of
climate change, such as increased precipitation and flooding.
 Source Water Protection: Protecting source waters from contamination is
essential to ensure the quality of drinking water. This can be achieved
through various measures, such as land-use planning, conservation, and
restoration.
 Water Conservation: Encouraging water conservation measures, such as
low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation practices, can reduce water
demand and help ensure adequate supplies of drinking water.
 Climate-Smart Water Treatment: Water treatment plants can be designed
and operated to account for changes in water quality due to climate
change, such as increased levels of contaminants.
 Water Reuse: Reusing treated wastewater for non-potable uses, such as
irrigation, can reduce demand for drinking water and help ensure adequate
supplies.
Wastewater reuse: It has become an essential aspect of sustainable water
management in Tamil Nadu, due to the water scarcity situation in the state.
There are several methods of wastewater reuse in Tamil Nadu, including:
 Industrial Wastewater Reuse: Many industries in Tamil Nadu generate
wastewater that can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes, such
as irrigation. The state government has implemented policies and
incentives to encourage industries to adopt wastewater treatment and
reuse practices.
 Municipal Wastewater Reuse: In Tamil Nadu, municipal wastewater is
treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as landscaping,
industrial cooling, and irrigation. Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and
Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is a prime example of the success of
wastewater reuse. CMWSSB has been recycling treated sewage water
from four sewage treatment plants for industrial use and irrigating about
850 hectares of agricultural land.
 Decentralized Wastewater Treatment: In some areas, decentralized
wastewater treatment systems, such as constructed wetlands, are being
used to treat wastewater and reuse it for irrigation. These systems are
 cost-effective and have low operational and maintenance costs.
 Agriculture reuse: Treated wastewater is used for irrigation purposes,
particularly in peri-urban areas where water scarcity is a significant
problem. Farmers in Tamil Nadu have adopted this method of reuse and
are reaping benefits such as increased crop yield and reduced water
consumption.
 Domestic reuse: Treated wastewater from households is used for non-
potable purposes such as flushing toilets and gardening. This method of
reuse is gaining popularity in urban areas, particularly in apartment
complexes and gated communities.
 Greywater Reuse: Greywater, which is wastewater from household
activities such as bathing, laundry, and dishwashing, can be treated and
reused for non-potable purposes such as irrigation. In Tamil Nadu,
households and commercial buildings are encouraged to install greywater
treatment and reuse systems.
 Rainwater Harvesting: In addition to wastewater reuse, rainwater
harvesting is also being promoted in Tamil Nadu. Rainwater harvesting
systems are being installed in households, institutions, and commercial
buildings to capture rainwater for non-potable purposes such as irrigation
and groundwater recharge.
 Aquifer recharge: Treated wastewater is allowed to percolate into the
ground to recharge aquifers, which can be used as a source of water in the
future. This method of reuse is particularly important in areas where
groundwater is overexploited.
 Environmental reuse: Treated wastewater is released into rivers or
wetlands to support aquatic life and maintain the ecological balance. This
method of reuse has become an essential aspect of environmental
management in Tamil Nadu, particularly in urban areas where water
bodies are polluted.

India has implemented several Integrated Water Resource Management

(IWRM) projects to manage its water resources sustainably:
 National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): The NRCP aims to clean up
and conserve India's major rivers. It covers 34 rivers and their tributaries
and involves the construction of sewage treatment plants, riverfront
development, and the establishment of river monitoring systems.
 National Water Mission: The National Water Mission (NWM) was
launched in 2011 as part of India's National Action Plan on Climate
Change. The mission aims to ensure integrated water resource
management and conservation through a range of initiatives such as
rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and watershed management.
 Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) Project: The ILR project proposes to connect
India's rivers through a network of canals and reservoirs to transfer water
from water-rich regions to water-deficient regions. The project aims to
mitigate the effects of drought and floods, increase irrigation, and
generate hydroelectric power.
 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
 (MGNREGA): The MGNREGA is a rural employment scheme that
involves the creation of water harvesting structures, such as ponds and
check dams, to improve groundwater recharge and reduce soil erosion.
The scheme has been successful in providing employment opportunities
to rural communities while also contributing to water conservation.
 National Groundwater Management Improvement Scheme: This scheme
aims to address the issue of overexploitation of groundwater resources in
India. It focuses on promoting sustainable groundwater management
practices such as rainwater harvesting, recharge structures, and artificial
recharge of aquifers.
 National River Linking Project (NRLP): The NRLP is a large-scale
project that aims to interlink India's major rivers to improve water
availability, increase irrigation potential, and mitigate the effects of floods
and droughts. The project involves the construction of canals, reservoirs,
and tunnels and has been a topic of debate and controversy due to its
potential environmental and social impacts.
 Atal Bhujal Yojana: This scheme was launched in 2019 to improve
groundwater management in India. It aims to promote sustainable
groundwater management through community participation, decentralized
governance, and demand-side management.
 National River Conservation Plan: Launched in 1995, this plan aims to
improve the water quality of rivers across India through various measures
such as sewage treatment, solid waste management, and afforestation.
 Integrated Watershed Management Program: This program was launched
in 2009 to promote sustainable land and water management practices in
watersheds across India. The program focuses on improving soil health,
promoting agroforestry, and enhancing water-use efficiency.
 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Launched in 2014, this mission aims to improve
sanitation facilities across India to reduce water pollution and improve the
overall health and hygiene of the population.
Case Studies for effective integrated water management in India :
Water Resources Management through Community Participation and
Construction of Johads
Introduction/ Existing Scenario: Alwar district is one of the driest areas in
Rajasthan. The levels of the groundwater table and the surface water are
very low here due to over- extraction and the absence of groundwater
recharging structures. Piped water supply is the only source of drinking
water here.
How It is Addressed: The main strategy for tackling the water scarcity in
this district was the renovation of old earthen dams or johads, which had
been traditionally used for recharging groundwater. But in the modern era,
people had only exploited the groundwater. So, in this case study, old and
traditional earthen dams were renovated.
About the Project :Tarun Bharat Sangh, an NGO, took steps to improve
the catchment area and to revive the Arwari River with the help of johads.
The reconstruction of the johads helped the villages to have plenty of
water. The main factors that changed the game here were the community
involvement and the reconstruction of johads. The initiative was launched
first in Gopalpura village in Alwar district.
Output/ Outcomes: Currently, there are more than 3000 water harvesting
structures in 650 villages of the district. Following the success of this
project, the villages have started cultivating multiple crops at the same
time. Earlier, they could grow only one crop in a season due to water
scarcity. The renovation of the earthen dams have also helped to revive
the Arwari River due to the increase in the surface water supply. The
villagers have stopped using diesel pumps for extracting groundwater,
leading to reduced farming costs and making agriculture more profitable.
The activities undertaken by Tarun Bharat Sangh in the villages have also
imparted knowledge and raised awareness on the need to conserve
rainwater.