22, Mar 2024
World Water Day 2024: Collective Action to Mitigate Water Scarcity
By Dr Ajith Chandran, Chair – IET Water Working Group
On this World Water Day 2024, we confront the uncomfortable situation of India’s stark water challenge, a situation of water scarcity and deluge, often in the same place. Some of the simple technologies to reduce water wastage at home are:
1) Water-Efficient Appliances- like washing machines and dishwashers, Low-flow Faucets and Shower-heads. These keep the pressure but use less water,
2) Water-Saving Aerators – Can be fit on existing taps to reduce water
3) High-Efficiency Toilets (or at least have tank-inserts, that reduce the amount of water flushed), mopping machines
4) Smart Water Meters – Providing real-time data that helps improve water use
5) Smart Leak Detection Systems – Alerting homeowners about leaks
6) Xeriscaping- Using drought resistant plants and mulch to reduce garden water requirements
7) Drip Irrigation Kits- Efficiently delivering water to plants, minimising wastage.
Individuals must realise the reality of water scarcity and do whatever is possible to conserve water. While continuing to pressure the local government for improved facilities, I would also suggest that we reduce dependence on government, and depend on one’s own capabilities and the local community. Make sure to have adequate provisions for water storage, and build rainwater harvesting tanks, grey-water recycling systems, and permeable pavements that help groundwater recharge. Do these conservation activities individually or collectively at the community or RWA level.
The largest consumer of water is farming, with approximately 70% of water going to the sector, which is not only subsidised but often very unregulated and inefficient. What can an ordinary person do? Increase the diet of pulses, potatoes, and root vegetables with a lower water production requirement. Market demand will drive farmers’ increased production in that direction. India has a massive rice surplus, with around 62 million tonnes, and some studies estimate that a minimum of 2500 litres of water is required to produce 1 kg of rice.
Today along with government, civil society and individual action, we also need the corporate sector to be a partner to sustainable solutions to complex environmental challenges. Let’s conserve, innovate, and ensure that every drop counts. Together, we can secure a sustainable future where clean water flows freely for generations to come.
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- By Rabindra
21, Mar 2024
IIMB’s Jal Jeevan Mission and UNICEF, with support of SKDRDP to host World Water Day on March 22
21st MARCH, 2024:
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Chair & Office at IIM Bangalore, in collaboration with UNICEF, is organising a National Seminar on ‘Water Conservation’, on March 22, 2024, at IIM Bangalore.
Speaking about the upcoming event, JJM Chair Professor at IIMB, Dr Gopal Naik, explains that water conservation, preservation and management of water resources to ensure their sustainable use for current and future generations involves various strategies and practices aimed at promoting efficient and sustainable water use, adopting technologies in water management, protecting water quality and reducing water wastage. These efforts can take place at individual, community, and institutional levels and have an interconnectedness sectoral strategy to promote holistic water conservation and development. Conservation measures such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, implementing water-saving technologies, adopting drought-resistant landscaping and promoting public awareness about the importance of water conservation can help mitigate water scarcity, protect ecosystems, and ensure access to clean water for all.
“Effective water conservation efforts should include both supply-side and demand-side factors. Supply-side interventions focus on enhancing the efficiency of water supply systems, reducing losses and fixing leaks, improving infrastructure by adopting advanced technologies, and maximizing the utilization of available water resources in a sustainable way,” Prof. Naik adds, suggesting several initiatives that can be adopted.
Keynote Speakers
JJM Chair Professor at IIMB Dr Gopal Naik will welcome the delegates Paulos Workneh, Chief of WASH and Environment. UNICEF India, will deliver the opening remarks. Priyanka Francis, IAS, will talk on ‘Handing over JJM Assets to PRI: Success and Challenges’. Dr Lingaraju Yale, from Art of Living, will speak on ‘River Rejuvenation with special reference to Bangalore Riverine Ecosystem’. Prof. Haritha Saranga, Chairperson, Sustainability Task Force at IIM Bangalore, will present an overview of the water conservation measures adopted at IIMB. Joseph Fernandes of IIT-IIT.org will talk on ‘Desilting of Tanks’ followed by a talk on ‘Rejuvenation of Lakes’ by Dr L H Manjunath of SKDRDP. Post-lunch, there will be three presentations. The first is on ‘Consumer Behaviour in Water Conservation’ by Dr Vivek, an independent researcher. Then, Prof. M N Thimmegowda of UAS Bangalore will speak on ‘Water Conservation in Agriculture’, and the event will conclude with a talk on ‘Water Conservation for Human Wellbeing’ by TV Ramachandra of IISc, Bangalore.
21, Mar 2024
World Water Day: ACC’s water conservation efforts empower communities
Ahmedabad, 21 March 2024: ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group, stands at the forefront in addressing water scarcity and promote water management. Through a series of innovative initiatives and community engagement efforts, ACC is making a significant impact on water conservation and sustainability.
With a deep understanding of the urgent need for responsible water management, ACC has prioritized water conservation as a core component of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.
One of the CSR projects initiated by ACC and Adani Foundation is the construction of Cement Nala Bunds in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra. Despite challenges posed by scant rainfall and limited irrigation sources, the construction of Cement Nala Bunds by ACC and Adani Foundation has led to an increase in water availability and agricultural productivity in the region. The sustained efforts from ACC have translated into tangible results, with the water level in nearby wells and bore wells rising by 4-6 feet, ensuring water availability for more than 10 months a year.
The impact of ACC’s water conservation efforts can be felt across communities, particularly in villages such as Chanakha, Gowari, Wani, Yenak, Shindola, and Paramdoh in Yavatmal. The increase in kharif and rabi crop productivity, by almost 3-4 quintals per acre, has resulted in significant economic uplift, with farmers reporting an approximate increase of around 2 Lakhs in overall income. Farmers in these regions have witnessed a significant transformation in water availability, resulting in improved living conditions and economic stability.
Vilas Maroti Dakhare, one of the beneficiary farmers from Yenak village, said, “Water is the lifeblood of our agricultural economy, and ACC has played a crucial role in ensuring its sustainable management. With their support, we now have reliable access to water, allowing us to diversify our crops and increase our yields, benefiting us today and safeguarding our resources for future generations.”
On World Water Day, ACC and Adani Foundation reaffirm their commitment to responsible water usage and conservation. Through their concerted efforts, they strive to make a meaningful impact on water management and sustainability, ensuring a better tomorrow for present and future generations.
