Accelerated Change, the topic for World Water Day 2023, encourages individuals, civic society, and governments to take greater action in securing water sources and optimizing demand. The Indian economy is inextricably linked to the monsoon. A typical monsoon boosts the economy’s demand, especially in rural India.
Source: WUSF News
With increasing inflationary pressure, a high probability-55-60% of 2023 being an El Nino year, and exceptionally warm days in February, the monsoon, food supply, and general demand of the economy are all concerns.
Climate change and global warming have drastically altered the intensity of the water cycle, hastening the deterioration of water supplies. The water stress situation is worsening, threatening food production and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Furthermore, the Karnataka State Action Plan on Climate Change v.2 (2021) offers a predicted ‘water yield reduction’ in the Cauvery Basin in the near term (2030) under a medium and high greenhouse gas emission scenario. This emphasizes the importance of reconsidering water management, particularly on the supply side. The water cycle, which is powered by solar energy, ensures the availability of water on the continents by transporting moisture from the oceans to the land.
Precipitation on the continents is also controlled by land features such as mountains and forests. Forests are the sole manageable component in this ocean-land-atmosphere linked system. Forests and continental wetlands contribute up to 60% of rainwater received in the interior continental areas.
Source: Study IQ IAS
Given the uncertain future, preparedness and adaptation strategies should be inspired by and based on natural processes. For example, the need for irrigation can be decreased by improving soil water retention capacity and planting trees with deep root systems in farmlands to alleviate dry and hot conditions, reducing water demand and ensuring agricultural output.
Ultimately, citizens’ desire for improved water management, as well as their participation in water governance, are required to drive individuals, institutions, and governments to take immediate water action.
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