Why in news
On World Water Day (22 March), PM Modi called for collective action to conserve water for current and future generations.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025, emphasizing community participation in water conservation.
Community Involvement
Policies need to empower local communities to manage water effectively, respecting their indigenous practices.
Water User Associations (WUAs) have limited decision-making power, despite managing irrigation systems.
Vulnerable and marginalized communities are more affected by environmental crises.
Water policies must ensure these groups are included in decision-making and that their needs are prioritized.
Integrated Approach
Current water management policies are fragmented, failing to consider interdependencies between water, land, forests, and biodiversity.
Rural communities, like those in western India, use integrated methods such as orans (sacred forests) for water conservation.
Climate Change
Climate change will worsen India’s water challenges, leading to a widening water gap.
Policies should focus on creating climate-resilient water systems and enhancing ecosystem resilience to water shortages.
Active Community Engagement
Water policies should go beyond rhetoric and ensure active participation from local communities.
There should be a focus on addressing the limitations of community practices through education and capacity building.
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