Role of Water Resource Management in Climate Change Adaptation

Prerna Sahu, Head of Operations, and Kunwar Ashish Pratap Singh, Executive Engineer at Vasudha Sanrakshan, discuss the urgent need for Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in India to address fragmented policies, climate change impacts, and growing water scarcity. They advocate for decentralized, eco-based solutions like Bio-AWATS, greater community participation, and strategic funding to develop climate-resilient, inclusive water infrastructure suitable for both drought- and flood-prone regions.

Water management in India suffers from poor coordination between different sectors and stakeholders, leading to inefficiencies. How can integrated water resource management (IWRM) overcome the challenges of fragmented policies and ensure effective climate adaptation across India?

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) offers a holistic approach to address India’s fragmented water management landscape by promoting coordination among sectors, stakeholders, and institutions. By aligning policies across agriculture, urban planning, industry, and the environment, IWRM fosters efficient use, equitable distribution, and sustainable conservation of water resources. For instance, Vasudha Sanrakshan’s Bio-AWATS model exemplifies IWRM in action, combining ecological restoration, wastewater recycling, and community engagement. Through real-time monitoring, zero-discharge goals, and stakeholder education, companies can enable decentralized yet coordinated water governance. IWRM supports climate adaptation by integrating rainwater harvesting, aquifer recharge, and resilient infrastructure with community participation. When supported by institutional frameworks, transparent governance, and cross-sectoral collaboration, IWRM can transform India’s water crisis into a sustainable and climate-resilient opportunity.

India faces severe water scarcity, with many regions already dealing with chronic shortages exacerbated by climate change. What innovative solutions, such as water recycling or rainwater harvesting, can help mitigate water shortages in water-stressed regions of India?

To address India’s growing water scarcity, especially in climate-vulnerable regions, innovative and sustainable solutions are essential. This can be done by effective water recycling through advanced water treatment systems like Vasudha Sanrakshan’s Bio-AWATS. This approach treats wastewater using biodiversity-adaptive, natural, and indigenous methods, enabling safe reuse for irrigation, landscaping, and groundwater recharge. By adopting a Zero Discharge approach, treated water is fully recycled, minimizing freshwater extraction. Additionally, rainwater harvesting integrated with water-saving technologies can supplement local water supply, recharge aquifers, and reduce dependency on external sources. Restoration and rejuvenation of lakes and ponds also play a vital role by naturally storing rainwater and enhancing local ecosystems. These integrated approaches not only conserve water but also improve ecological balance, reduce temperature, and support sustainable development in water-stressed regions. Public awareness, community involvement, and government collaboration are critical to scaling these solutions across India.

The frequency of floods and droughts in India is increasing due to the impacts of climate change, affecting water security. How can water resource management strategies in India be designed to better handle the extremes of flooding and drought, particularly in vulnerable states?

To address the increasing frequency of floods and droughts due to climate change, water resource management strategies in India must integrate sustainable, decentralized, and nature-based solutions. For this, Vasudha Sanrakshan advocates for an adaptive approach through cutting-edge technologies like Bio-AWATS (Biodiversity Adaptive Wastewater Treatment System), which not only treats and recycles water but also restores local ecosystems. Strategies must focus on restoring ponds and lakes to enhance groundwater recharge, reduce surface runoff, and moderate microclimates. Incorporating rainwater harvesting, ecological food webs, and reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture and landscaping can strengthen resilience. Community engagement through IEC models and collaboration with SHGs, NGOs, and educational institutions is critical for awareness and participation. State-level planning must be aligned with zero-discharge goals and localized water reuse, especially in vulnerable regions. This comprehensive approach ensures water security by mitigating the dual threats of flooding and drought while promoting ecological balance and sustainability.

Community involvement in water management in India is often limited, resulting in inefficient use of resources and less adaptive capacity. How can India enhance community participation in water resource management to improve climate change resilience at the local level?

To enhance community participation in water resource management and improve climate change resilience, India must adopt an inclusive and educational approach. In this regard, Vasudha Sanrakshan emphasizes integrating community engagement through SHGs, NGOs, and educational institutes to build awareness of water quality, sustainability, and ecology. Moreover, empowering communities with knowledge and involving them in monitoring, maintenance, and decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Implementing localized Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns can bridge the awareness gap, making people active stakeholders in water conservation. Additionally, demonstrating sustainable models like Bio-AWATS — which combine advanced technology with ecological methods — helps communities witness tangible benefits such as improved water availability, biodiversity, and climate regulation. Incentivizing participation, transparent governance, and collaboration with local institutions can further strengthen grassroots engagement. A bottom-up approach that values traditional wisdom alongside modern science is key to ensuring long-term climate resilience and efficient water resource utilization at the local level.

Securing adequate funding for large-scale water infrastructure projects in India, particularly in rural areas, remains a significant challenge. How can India overcome financial barriers to implement large-scale water resource adaptation projects and improve water infrastructure? 

To overcome financial barriers in implementing large-scale water resource adaptation projects, especially in rural India, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can play a pivotal role by leveraging private sector efficiency and government support. Financial incentives and subsidies for sustainable technologies like wastewater recycling and bio-energy can encourage broader adoption. For example, Vasudha Sanrakshan’s Bio-AWATS systems on decentralized models offer cost-effective, scalable solutions adaptable to rural contexts, reducing the need for expensive centralized infrastructure. Additionally, engaging local communities, SHGs, and NGOs in planning and implementation increases ownership and reduces long-term costs. Moreover, integrating water infrastructure into national development schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission) can ensure consistent funding. By combining innovation, community participation, and strategic financing, India can overcome these barriers and build resilient water infrastructure tailored to its diverse geographies.