Leveraging technology to address water scarcity

India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with 18% of the global population and only 4% of its water resources. The country's heavy dependence on the unpredictable monsoon season has exacerbated the situation, as a significant number of Indians experience high to extreme water stress, according to a recent report by NITI Aayog.

Our reliance on groundwater for sustenance and drinking water security is extremely high. We possess 690 billion cubic metres (BCM) of surface water and 432 BCM of groundwater, and despite the scarcity, groundwater accounts for 64% of irrigation, 85% of rural water supply, and 45% of urban water supply.

With a diminishing water table, low-yielding borewells have become a common challenge, especially in regions heavily dependent on groundwater. This is evading the inaccessibility of safe drinking water, leaving several communities parched. As a result, people are forced to rely on surface water, which may pose a risk of health hazards due to the presence of heavy pollutants.

The distribution and replenishment of groundwater resources are not uniform in India. Several factors, such as hydrogeology, climatic conditions, cropping patterns, and sources of groundwater replenishment, influence it. To address this, policies at both the state and central government levels were tailored to address these challenges locally.

At the state government level, policies like Gujarat's Jyoti Gram Yojana (JGY) and Punjab's Pani Bachao Paise Kamao (PBPK) have been successful in helping reduce groundwater depletion to some extent. Similarly, at the national level, the central government introduced model bills and national water policies that provide a legal framework to establish institutions and infrastructure for effective groundwater management.

We definitely cannot ignore the most severe water crisis that recently hit our information technology capital, Bengaluru. With about 7,000 villages across Karnataka now at risk of witnessing a drinking water crisis, besides the reduced rainfall and empty reservoirs, depletion of the groundwater table due to the explosive growth and concretisation of natural landscapes, inadequate water supply and sewage systems, a rise in pollution, and climate change are some of the reasons behind the water scarcity.

A crucial step in addressing the looming water crisis is to create an ecosystem of different technology tools and solutions that get deployed in a seamless manner to effectively tackle the challenge. This is an extremely time sensitive matter glaring at us, and adopting measures that prioritise long term sustainability over short-term vision is the key. Innovative technologies and solutions are spearheading the effort to promote universal access to safe water and address the imminent water crisis. This is vital to creating a sea change.

By integrating innovative technology, borewell recharge solutions provide a long-term approach to reviving diminishing water sources. This works by injecting surface water into aquifers through borewells to elevate groundwater levels. This approach recharges groundwater, increasing borewell productivity and the water table. Traditional recharging systems make use of recharge pits, check dams, and penetration containers.

Additionally, sensor technology, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms are transformative as they provide real-time data across all water parameters, such as water levels. This real-time data is transferred to a centralised system for analysis, which helps extract meaningful insights for optimising operations. These automated systems help regulate water flow, minimise waste, and maximise infiltration. AI-driven models simulate diverse scenarios, and help design customised solutions tailored to local conditions.

An integrated smart water management system also brings together the combined power of data analytics, AI, and IoT to offer comprehensive groundwater solutions. These platforms feature predictive maintenance, automated control of recharge structures, and dynamic reporting. By providing a holistic view of water resources, they enable sustainable use and proactive groundwater management.

Sustainable practices such as water-efficient irrigation techniques, including sprinkler systems and trickle irrigation, are simple to implement yet effective in minimising water waste.

Furthermore, ecological equilibrium is preserved and groundwater recharge is improved through the implementation of reforestation and afforestation programs.

It is quite clear from the above that only an integrated and holistic approach can prove beneficial. Let us not ignore the fact that sustainable water management and supply can be successfully achieved through the collaboration of a variety of stakeholders. Active partnerships between the public and private sectors have proven to be beneficial in establishing strategic connections and bridging the gap between public needs and private innovation.

The role and contribution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives have been deeply examined. It has been seen as a great enabler in creating a system that is sustainable for water conservation measures, promoting environmentally responsible supply chains, and methodically curating a variety of educational and training initiatives. A critical component of this endeavour is the transformation of mindsets and the conversion of millions of ordinary people into water activists.

I believe we must transform our mindset and actions, adopting a circular approach to water conservation and management. To achieve SDG 6's environmental and economic objectives, we need strategies that foster multistakeholder collaboration, enhance knowledge, and integrate innovative technologies.

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