Gujarat Water Governance Model Suggested for Maharashtra's Drought

Parameswaran Iyer, the former secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, has proposed that Maharashtra adopt the Gujarat model of water governance to effectively manage its ongoing drought crisis. This suggestion was made during a study launch at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, where Iyer collaborated with Daniel W Smith from George Mason University and Nitin Bassi from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The study examines a 25-year evolution of water governance in Gujarat, initiated in 2001 under then Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The research highlights significant initiatives such as the Narmada-based water grid and the establishment of the Water and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO), which could serve as valuable frameworks for national implementation. Iyer recalled his experiences during his tenure, noting that many successful measures from Gujarat could be adapted to fit Maharashtra's unique context. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive drought management strategies, including water conservation and effective river basin management.

Iyer pointed out that a substantial portion of water—approximately 85 to 90 percent—is utilized by the agricultural sector, making it crucial to address water use in farming practices. He suggested that while some solutions may be immediate, others require a longer-term approach, highlighting the need for farmers to adopt less water-intensive crops. He expressed confidence in the Maharashtra government's commitment to tackling these challenges, suggesting that lessons learned from Gujarat could be beneficial.

In Maharashtra, drought conditions have intensified this year, affecting numerous talukas. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the situation and request assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Fadnavis reported that drought has been officially declared in over 265 talukas, and relief measures are being implemented to support affected communities.

Nitin Bassi also addressed urban challenges related to water management, particularly in the context of the Yamuna River cleaning efforts in Delhi. He noted the difficulties posed by urban infrastructure and the need for simultaneous growth in infrastructure to meet the demands of expanding cities. Bassi highlighted ongoing projects, such as the Okhla sewage treatment plant, which aims to prevent wastewater from contaminating rivers, indicating that similar initiatives are being pursued in various cities along the Ganga River.