Water Stress and Climate Resilience in India

Context:

As India faces predictions of a hotter summer and longer heat waves, the country must address the impending water stress exacerbated by climate change. While past responses often focused on acute crises, a shift towards understanding and responding to chronic risks is imperative.

Challenges of Water Stress and Climate Change:

• Nature of Climatic Shocks: India must move from reactive responses to climate disasters like water crises in Bengaluru towards understanding the evolving nature of climatic shocks. These include sudden shocks such as heavy rainfall and rapid declines in water availability, as well as slow-onset stresses like changes in rainfall patterns.
• Impact on Economic Sectors: Climate change affects multiple sectors, including agriculture and energy, and has significant economic implications. For instance, agriculture, employing 45% of India's workforce, faces challenges like erratic rainfall patterns affecting crop cycles and irrigation.
• Water and Clean Energy Transition: Water plays a crucial role in the transition to clean energy. Technologies like green hydrogen production and pumped storage hydropower require significant water resources. Balancing clean energy needs with water availability is crucial for sustainable development.

Water Flows through the Economy:

• Interconnectedness of Water Systems: Water connects various systems such as agriculture, energy, and food production. Precipitation influences soil moisture, irrigation, and hydroelectric power, impacting food production and energy generation.
• Vulnerability of Agriculture: Despite advancements, agriculture remains highly vulnerable to climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns affect crop cycles and yields, influencing food security and economic stability.
• Role in Clean Energy: Water is essential for clean energy technologies like green hydrogen production and pumped storage hydropower. However, these technologies also impact water resources and must be managed sustainably.

The Ingredients of Water Security:

• Integrated Water Governance: Policies need to recognize the interconnections between water, food, and energy systems. However, current policies often overlook this nexus, leading to inefficiencies in resource management.
• Efficient Water Use: India must focus on water accounting and efficient water use. Policies like the National Water Mission aim to increase water use efficiency, but a lack of baseline data hampers effective planning and implementation.
• Financial Instruments for Adaptation: Adequate funding for climate adaptation in the water sector is essential. India needs to increase investments in climate-resilient practices such as wastewater management and desalination plants. Financial tools like the Green Credit Programme can help bridge the funding gap.