Daily Current Affairs : 8-July-2023

Water scarcity and inefficient water management are pressing challenges faced by many nations, including India. To address this issue, a significant step has been taken with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE), National Water Mission (NWM), and the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA). This essay explores the key aspects of the MoU, the objectives of the National Water Mission, and its important campaigns.

Collaboration for Water Use Efficiency:

Under the MoU, the NWM and IPA have committed to collaborate on various initiatives aimed at improving water use efficiency. The primary areas of focus include public education, awareness, outreach programs, and water stewardship. To promote a circular economy of water, the MoU emphasizes the 5Rs: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Replenish, and Respect. By integrating these principles, efforts will be made to minimize water wastage and optimize its usage.

Promoting Rainwater Harvesting and Aquifer Recharge:

Another important objective of the MoU is to raise awareness about rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge. These methods play a crucial role in conserving water and recharging underground water sources. Through joint efforts, the NWM and IPA aim to encourage individuals, communities, and organizations to adopt rainwater harvesting practices and recharge aquifers. This will contribute to sustainable water management, especially in areas facing water scarcity.

Reclamation of Used Water:

Addressing the issue of water scarcity in urban landscapes, the MoU emphasizes the promotion of reclamation of used water. By adopting suitable technologies and practices, used water can be treated and recycled for various purposes such as irrigation, industrial processes, and non-potable uses. This initiative holds great potential in reducing the burden on freshwater sources and ensuring efficient utilization of available water resources.

Goal-4 of National Water Mission:

The signing of the MoU aligns with Goal-4 of the National Water Mission, which aims to increase water use efficiency by 20%. This goal signifies the government’s commitment to address water scarcity by implementing strategies that optimize water utilization and reduce wastage. Collaborative efforts between the NWM, IPA, and BWUE will play a crucial role in achieving this target.

National Water Mission and Its Campaigns:

The National Water Mission was established by the Government of India as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Its primary objective is to conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure equitable distribution across states through integrated water resources development and management. The NWM has initiated several campaigns to promote sustainable water management:

  1. Catch The Rain: The “Catch The Rain” campaign encourages states and stakeholders to develop suitable Rainwater Harvesting Structures (RWHS) before the monsoon season. The campaign emphasizes capturing rainwater where it falls and when it falls, promoting responsible water management practices at the grassroots level.
  2. Water Talk: The NWM conducts Water Talk sessions to facilitate discussions on various water-related issues. Through these sessions, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders come together to exchange knowledge, ideas, and best practices for efficient water use and conservation.
  3. Water Tech Talk: To explore the role of technology in water management, the NWM organizes Water Tech Talk sessions. These discussions delve into innovative technologies, such as IoT-based monitoring systems, smart water grids, and water-efficient appliances, to enhance water use efficiency and promote sustainable water practices.
  4. Sahi Fasal: The “Sahi Fasal” campaign, launched by the NWM, aims to encourage farmers in water-stressed areas to cultivate crops that are not water-intensive but are economically viable, environmentally friendly, and suited to the local agro-climatic conditions. This initiative promotes sustainable agricultural practices and helps conserve water resources.
Enhancing Water Use Efficiency: What You Should Know
Courtesy:SlideShare

Important Points:

  • Recently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BWUE, NWM, and IPA to improve water use efficiency.
  • The MoU aims to promote public education, awareness, and outreach programs for water stewardship.
  • The focus is on the circular economy of water, including reducing, recycling, reusing, replenishing, and respecting water resources.
  • The MoU emphasizes promoting rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge.
  • It also highlights the need for reclamation of used water in urban areas.
  • The signing of the MoU aligns with Goal-4 of the National Water Mission, which aims to increase water use efficiency by 20%.
  • The National Water Mission is one of the eight National Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
  • The mission’s objective is to conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure equitable distribution through integrated water resources development and management.
  • The “Catch The Rain” campaign promotes rainwater harvesting structures suitable for the local climate.
  • “Water Talk” and “Water Tech Talk” sessions facilitate discussions on water-related issues and technology’s role in water management.
  • The “Sahi Fasal” campaign encourages farmers in water-stressed areas to cultivate water-efficient and economically viable crops.
Why In News

Recently, a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE), National Water Mission (NWM), and the esteemed Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), solidifying their collaborative efforts to revolutionize water use efficiency practices in India. By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, this partnership aims to drive impactful changes, ensuring sustainable water management and conservation for generations to come.

MCQs about Enhancing Water Use Efficiency

  1. Which organization signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve water use efficiency?
    A. Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE)
    B. National Water Mission (NWM)
    C. Indian Plumbing Association (IPA)
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above
    Explanation: The MoU was signed between BWUE, NWM, and IPA to improve water use efficiency.
  2. What is the primary objective of the National Water Mission (NWM)?
    A. Conserving water and minimizing wastage
    B. Promoting water stewardship and outreach programs
    C. Ensuring equitable water distribution
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above
    Explanation: The main objective of NWM is to conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure equitable distribution through integrated water resources development and management.
  3. Which campaign by the National Water Mission emphasizes capturing rainwater where it falls?
    A. Catch The Rain
    B. Water Talk
    C. Sahi Fasal
    D. Water Tech Talk
    Correct Answer: A. Catch The Rain
    Explanation: The “Catch The Rain” campaign promotes the creation of appropriate Rainwater Harvesting Structures (RWHS) to capture rainwater where it falls.
  4. What is the goal of the “Sahi Fasal” campaign launched by the National Water Mission?
    A. Encouraging water-intensive crops
    B. Promoting economically remunerative crops
    C. Raising awareness about industrial water usage
    D. Fostering environmentally unfriendly agricultural practices
    Correct Answer: B. Promoting economically remunerative crops
    Explanation: The “Sahi Fasal” campaign encourages farmers in water-stressed areas to cultivate crops that are not water-intensive but economically viable.

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