Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
Water resource management is crucial for India's agricultural productivity, industrial growth, urban development, and environmental sustainability. It is a cross-cutting issue involving governance, federalism, and environmental policy, directly impacting national development goals.
India faces significant challenges in managing its vast but unevenly distributed water resources, grappling with issues of scarcity, pollution, and inefficient use. Effective water resource management involves integrated planning, development, and distribution of water for various uses, balancing demand with sustainable supply through a mix of surface water (e.g., canals, reservoirs) and groundwater sources.