National Water Mission (NWM)

India has fought to combat the threat posed by global climate change while maintaining its rapid economic growth. Due to its extensive reliance on natural resources and industries that are climate-sensitive, such as forestry, agriculture, and water, the economy is likely to face serious risks as a result of the anticipated climatic changes. The government has identified the following impacts of significant climate change on water supply.

Due to the fact that the amount of water available per person is diminishing annually, groundwater levels are dropping, there are more protracted droughts, and there are more floods as a result of heavy rainfall, water storage and conservation are critical challenges for every nation.

What is National Water Mission?

The National Water Mission began in earnest in 2011. The Indian government established the National Water Mission as one of eight national missions as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

• The main goals of the NWM are to save water, reduce waste, and provide a more equal system both between and within states through integrated water resource development and management.

• The mission will take the requirements of the National Water Policy into account and develop a system to maximize water usage by raising water use efficiency by 20% through regulatory mechanisms with variable rights and prices.

Purpose of National Water Mission

There are three purposes behind this mission −

Goals of NWM

There are some goals of water mission −

• Water distribution is mostly done for drinking water, agriculture, hydropower, navigation, industry, and other uses.

• While taking into consideration the requirements of small and marginal farmers, the water rates for both surface water and groundwater should be rationalized.

• The plan also addresses managing floods and droughts as well as reducing erosion, farmers' participation, water quality, water zoning, and water conservation.

• Norms for the safety of water-related infrastructure, such as storage dams the control of groundwater resources.

Activities of NWM

• The IEC's efforts include providing educational and inspirational events, organizing extensive awareness campaigns, creating a welcoming setting complete with wall art, etc.

• In order to prepare for Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) II, NYKS will run an awareness campaign in 623 districts between December 2020 and March 2021 using a variety of IEC programs.

• Using abandoned boreholes and old wells in addition to standard WHS practices like step-well repairs to replenish aquifers.

• Removing impediments from the water-transporting canals in watershed areas.

• By getting rid of encroachments and desilting tanks, storage capacity can be enhanced.

Significance of NWM

There are some significances of national water mission −

• If water conservation and rainwater collection are given specific attention, children will learn the value of water.

• Giving the issue of water conservation top priority will lead to the adoption of an integrated water management strategy.

• The idea that "no or only limited water will flow out of the complex" will lead to improved soil moisture and a rising groundwater table.

• It will reduce the amount of water that flows onto roads in urban areas, defending them from harm and avoiding urban flooding.

Objectives and Targets of NWM

There are several targets of National Water Mission as follows −

• Extensive public water data set and analysis of the effects of climate change on water resources

• Encouraging government and citizen action to conserve, increase, and preserve water.

• Paying close attention to regions that are overused

• 20% greater water use efficiency promotion of basin-level integrated water resource management.

• New regulatory frameworks are required, with suitable entitlements, pricing, and incentives for the use of water-neutral or water-positive technology.

• Mandatory water audits and evaluations; appropriate disposal of industrial waste

Conclusion

The National Water Mission and its follow-up initiatives, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, are helping the government create reliable systems that will ensure water availability even in the most vulnerable regions and provide long-term solutions for the nation's sustainable use of water. In order to address the escalating water challenges over the past few decades, the Government of India additionally established the Ministry of Jal Shakti in May 2019 by uniting the Ministries of Drinking Water & Sanitation and Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. The ministry has implemented a variety of initiatives and programs to inform the public about the value of water conservation.

FAQs

Q1. When was National water Mission was launched?

Ans. In 2011, the National Water Mission got under way. Water storage and conservation are major issues for every country due to the fact that water supply per person is decreasing yearly, groundwater levels are declining, there are more lengthy droughts, and there are more floods due to excessive rainfall.

Q2. Who started National water Mission?

Ans. One of the eight national missions included in the Indian government's National Action Plan on Climate Change is the National Water Mission.

Q3. What was the aim of National water Mission?

Ans. The National Water Mission's (NWM) primary goal is "integrated water resources development and management to ensure water conservation, minimize wastage, and ensure its more fair distribution both across and within States."