Published on 08 Mar 2025
The gap between Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) and Irrigation Potential Utilized (IPU) in India is a critical issue with several contributing factors as:
Inefficient Water Management:
Problem: Poor operation and maintenance of canal systems lead to water losses through seepage in canals and evaporation from open canals.
Solution: Lining canals with concrete or plastic to reduce seepage.
Example: Gujarat's initiative to line canals with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liners has shown significant reductions in water loss.
Lack of Command Area Development:
Problem: Inadequate infrastructure like drainage systems leads to waterlogging, while the absence of field channels hinders last-mile water delivery to fields, resulting in wasted water.
Solution: Invest in proper drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and salinity buildup.
Example: Punjab and Haryana's Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) program has focused on drainage infrastructure and seen improvements in water utilization.
Waterlogging and Salinity:
Problem: Excessive irrigation can lead to waterlogging (water saturation in soil) and salinity (salt buildup in soil), reducing land fertility and crop yields.
Solution: Promote efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation and adopt better drainage practices.
Example: Maharashtra's success in promoting drip irrigation for sugarcane cultivation has minimized waterlogging and salinity issues.
Crop Pattern Changes:
Problem: Shifting towards water-intensive crops like rice in areas with limited water availability strains water resources.
Solution: Encourage cultivation of drought-resistant crops and promote crop diversification.
Example: Promoting millets and pulses in water-scarce regions can reduce overall water demand.
Farmer Awareness:
Problem: Lack of knowledge among farmers about efficient water use practices leads to water wastage.
Solution: Provide training programs on irrigation scheduling, soil moisture management, and water-saving technologies.
Example: The National Water Mission's focus on "On-Farm Water Management" training programs equips farmers with water efficiency techniques.
Need for a National Water Policy in India
Scarcity and Uneven Distribution: India is facing a severe water crisis, with about 600 million people facing high to extreme water stress. (NITI Aayog report, 2018)
Example: The Thar Desert region in Rajasthan faces acute water scarcity, while states like Assam experience floods annually.
Inter-state Disputes: River water disputes between states have been a longstanding issue. The Cauvery, Krishna, and Godavari river basins have witnessed significant conflicts.
Example: The Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has been a contentious issue for decades, impacting agriculture and human life.
Groundwater Depletion: India has one of the world's largest groundwater extraction rates, with about 25% of the world's groundwater pumped annually. (World Bank)
Example: The Punjab and Haryana region has witnessed rapid groundwater depletion due to intensive agriculture, leading to land subsidence.
Water Pollution: A significant portion of India's rivers is polluted, affecting drinking water sources for millions. Industrial effluents and agricultural runoff are major contributors.
Example: The Ganga River, considered sacred, is heavily polluted with industrial waste and sewage, impacting the health of millions.
Climate Change: Climate change is altering rainfall patterns, leading to more extreme weather events like floods and droughts. (IPCC reports)
Example: The Uttarakhand floods of 2013 and the Maharashtra droughts highlight the vulnerability of the country to climate change impacts on water resources.
Integrated Water Resource Management: India has made progress in water management, but a comprehensive approach is still lacking. The National Water Policy of 2012 was a step in the right direction, but implementation gaps persist.
Example: The Godavari River Basin Management Plan is an example of integrated water resource management, but such plans need to be replicated across the country.
Public Participation: While there is growing awareness of water issues, public participation in water management is still limited.
Example: The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped water supply to all rural households, but effective implementation requires strong community involvement.
Economy
Agriculture
Irrigation
Gaps in Irrigation
National water policy
Micro irrigation
General Studies Paper 3
Agriculture and Food Security
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