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Context

Innovative initiatives like Karnataka’s Jala Sanjeevini Programme show how data-driven solutions can revive water-scarce regions and promote long-term resilience.

What is the Jala Sanjeevini Programme?

Launched in 2021 by Karnataka’s Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, to strengthen natural resource management and promote sustainable water conservation in drought-prone areas. 

Its main goals are to:

• Improve groundwater recharge and water table levels.
• Rejuvenate and protect community water bodies.
• Reduce land degradation through watershed interventions.
• Provide scientific and data-backed guidance for local conservation works.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) restructured through a framework that combines local participation with digital and geospatial technologies to achieve scientific water management. 

India’s Drought Crisis

Water Stress and Scarcity

India, with 18% of the world's population and only 4% of its freshwater, experiences severe water stress affecting 600 million people, making it one of the most water-stressed nations. (Source: NTI Aayog)

Falling Per Capita Availability

Per capita water availability has dropped from 1,486 cubic meters in 2021 and is expected to fall further to 1,367 cubic meters by 2031, indicating growing scarcity. (Source: PIB)

Expanding Drought Vulnerability

About 68% of India’s cultivable land is drought-prone, and such vulnerable areas have expanded by 57% since 1997. (Source: Ministry of Earth Science, UN Convention to Combat Desertification)  

Erratic Monsoons and Climate Extremes

Climate change has led to a shift in rainfall patterns, with an 85% increase in heavy rainfall events since 2012, often followed by long dry periods. (Source: Ministry of Earth Sciences)

Impact on Agriculture

Nearly 60% of Indian farmland depends on rain, making agriculture highly vulnerable to changing monsoon patterns. Crop failures, income losses, and rising food insecurity are direct consequences.

Groundwater Depletion

Over-extraction continues to drain aquifers, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. 

Over 62% of irrigated agriculture, 85% of rural water supply and 45% of urban consumption come from groundwater, making depletion a serious long-term threat. (Source:Indiawaterportal) 

Initiatives taken by India to tackle water challenges

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) (Launched 2019)

Provides safe tap water to rural households, emphasizing rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) (Started 2019)

World Bank-supported scheme for sustainable groundwater management in seven states, focusing on community participation and data-driven planning.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) (Annual campaign)

Promotes water harvesting, with the "Catch the Rain 2024" edition advocating for capturing rain where it falls.

Mission Amrit Sarovar (Launched 2022)

Aims to rejuvenate 75 water bodies per district across India to revive traditional water systems.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Expands irrigation coverage and improves water use efficiency through the "Per Drop More Crop" approach.

MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme)

Funds the construction of water conservation structures; contour trenches, check dams, earthen dams, and roof-top rainwater harvesting systems, as well as renovation of traditional water bodies.

Namami Gange Programme (Initiated 2014)

Dedicated to cleaning and rejuvenating the River Ganga and its tributaries, focusing on ecological balance.

Challenges in Water Conservation

Fragmented Governance

Water being a state subject leads to policy fragmentation, inter-state disputes, and lack of basin-level coordination. 

The Cauvery Water Dispute exemplifies "conflictual federalism" due to fragmented governance between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, recurring despite Supreme Court judgment.

The NITI Aayog's "Composite Water Management Index" (CWMI) report highlighted the lack of adequate data and monitoring systems across states.

Over-Extraction

Free electricity and lack of groundwater regulation encourage unsustainable pumping.

The "Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2023" by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) identified 736 of India's total assessment units as "over-exploited"; rate of groundwater extraction surpasses its replenishment rate.

Weak Infrastructure

Poor maintenance and leaks in distribution systems reduce the efficiency of existing water structures.

According to the India water portal report in Bangalore, around 360 million liters of water go waste every day due to leakage and other reasons. 

Pollution

Industrial discharge, sewage, and agricultural runoff contaminate major surface and groundwater sources.

The 22-km stretch of the Yamuna in Delhi, barely 2% of the total length of the river basin, contributes over 80% of the pollution load in the entire river. (Source: Centre for Science and Environment)  

Low Community Participation

Limited awareness and training often result in minimal local involvement and weak ownership of assets.

The NITI Aayog CWMI report identifies that community involvement in water management schemes is often undermined by a lack of awareness, insufficient training, and limited ownership among participants.

Financial Shortfalls and Climate Change

Low water tariffs and poor cost recovery restrict investment in water infrastructure.

Increasingly unpredictable rainfall and extreme weather make long-term planning difficult.

Way Forward

Adopt Data-Driven Planning: Expand the use of GIS, remote sensing, and mobile-based tools like CLART across districts for scientific water management.

Promote Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Manage rivers, aquifers, and coasts holistically under a “source-to-sea” framework.

Empower Communities: Build genuine local ownership, especially among women, through awareness and training—echoing the “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti” vision.

• The transformation of Ralegaon Siddhi from an arid village to a water-surplus one, led by Anna Hazare, is a powerful example of community empowerment.

Rationalize Water Use: Introduce fair pricing and energy reforms to discourage overuse and reward efficiency.

• A World Bank report highlights that energy price reforms and proper water tariffs are essential for sustainable development, encouraging conservation and limiting investment in inefficient water infrastructure.

Invest in Nature-Based Solutions: Combine modern infrastructure with traditional systems like johads, check dams, and wetland restoration.

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti promotes traditional water conservation through the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, recognizing its effectiveness. The MISHTI initiative also uses a nature-based approach to improve coastal resilience.

Manage Demand: Promote water-efficient agriculture, recycling, and public awareness campaigns to reduce consumption.

Plan for Climate Change: Strengthen drought forecasting, adopt climate-resilient crops, and enhance disaster preparedness.

Reform Governance: Clarify institutional roles, ensure coordination among agencies, and promote inter-state water cooperation.

• In 2019, the Ministry of Jal Shakti was established to unify and holistically manage water-related departments at the central government level.

Conclusion

India needs a national water scarcity strategy that integrates data-driven conservation models like Jala Sanjeevini with national programs and decentralized management to achieve a sustainable, water-secure, and climate-resilient future.

Source: DOWNTOEARTH