The First All India Annual State Minister Conference on Water was held on January 5th and 6th, 2023, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The main aim of this conference was to deliberate upon the Water Vision@2047 and the efforts that need to be made to conserve water in India. The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, emphasized the importance of public participation in water conservation and stated that the government’s efforts alone are not enough. He highlighted the need for a new chapter of Jan Bhagidari (Public Participation) where multiple stakeholders from different sections of society come together to work towards a common goal.
The Significance of the Water Sector
Water is a crucial resource that plays a vital role in the progress and development of a nation. In order to make India a developed nation by 2047, Prime Minister Modi is focusing on preparing an action plan – Vision Document of India 2047. Water is also one of the most vulnerable resources in terms of climate change adaptation. It is essential to ensure that this fundamental resource is made available to all sectors of the economy in an equitable, efficient, and timely manner. Water not only helps in mobilizing other resources but also in ensuring integrity and social harmony.
First All India Annual State Ministers’ Conference on Water
The main objective of the conference was to create a platform for discussing all the water-related issues and assimilating the various water conservation practices and strategies that are prevalent in different parts of the country. The conference aimed to gather inputs for India@2047 and provide a platform for all stakeholders to improve engagement and partnership and share the initiatives and schemes of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The ministers of Water Resources, Public Health, Engineering Department, and Irrigation departments were invited to the conference where they prepared a blueprint of Water Vision@2047. The conference was significant as it aimed to ensure cooperation among various states and reduce inter-state water disputes. The Prime Minister referred to the five Ps in water conservation, which are Political Will, Public Financing, Partnership, Public Participation, and Persuasion for Sustainability.
Five Thematic Sessions of the Conference and their Significance
- Water Security
Water security is a holistic concept that aims to ensure that water is made available to all sectors in the required quality and quantity. It is also necessary to efficiently manage water security as it can be a cause of disaster in various places and result in large-scale destruction.
- Water Use Efficiency Including Re-use of Wastewater and Grey Water
The quantity of water is limited and with increasing demand, it is essential to manage it efficiently. In urban and peri-urban areas, the reuse of water becomes important as it allows for multiple uses from the same quantity of water. India wastes about 4 Billion Cubic meters of water every year, which depletes the environment and creates shortages in various places.
- Water Governance
Water governance aims to break the silo approach to water conservation and ensure a cooperative approach among all states facilitated by the Centre. Political leadership is an important element in this theme as it can ensure proper and seamless implementation and governance.
- Reduce the Effect of Climate Change
Climate change is a reality and India is at the forefront of dealing with it. Various adaptation and amelioration approaches need to be adopted to deal with the impact of climate change on water resources. If climate change hampers the water resources, it will have repercussions for the economy and even disturb the social fabric.
MCQs on Water Vision@2047
- What is the main aim of Water Vision@2047?
A. To provide clean and safe drinking water to all by 2047.
B. To conserve and protect water resources for future generations.
C. To promote sustainable water management practices.
D. All of the above.
- What are the key components of Water Vision@2047?
A. Access to safe and clean drinking water.
B. Effective water resources management.
C. Promotion of water conservation and protection.
D. All of the above.
- How does Water Vision@2047 plan to achieve its goals?
A. By implementing stricter laws and regulations.
B. By creating public awareness about the importance of water conservation and protection.
C. By promoting sustainable water management practices.
D. All of the above.
