Floodwaters, often seen as a destructive force, can be harnessed as a valuable resource to alleviate water stress in India. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), a country facing “extreme water stress” means it is using at least 80% of its available supply, “high water stress” means it is withdrawing 40% of its available supply. As per Composite Water Management Index by NITI Aayog, more than 600 million people facing acute water shortages in India.

Reasons behind Growing Water Stress in India

• Uneven Distribution: Water resources are unevenly distributed, leading to regional disparities in water availability, such as in arid Rajasthan and water-rich states like Assam.
• Inter-State Water Disputes: Some of the prominent examples are the Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Krishna dispute between Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and the Mahanadi dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
• Pollution of Rivers: Pollution from industrial discharge and untreated sewage contaminates surface water sources, rendering them unusable. For example, the Yamuna river in Delhi is considered one of the most polluted rivers in the world.
• Industrial Expansion: The industrial sector’s growing water needs, often accompanied by pollution, strain water resources. For example, the Ganga river receives billionsliters of sewage and industrial waste every day.
• Poor Water Management: Inefficient water distribution systems and inadequate infrastructure contribute to water stress. India also loses about 40% of its treated water due to leakages and thefts in urban areas.
• Unsustainable Agricultural Practices: Farmers cultivate water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane in rain deficit states like Punjab and Maharashtra respectively. These crops account for about 24% of India’s total irrigated area, but consume about 60% of its irrigation water.
• Urbanization: Rapid urbanization has led to increased water consumption, pollution of water bodies, and reduced groundwater recharge. For example, Chennai lost 33% of its wetlands between 1996 and 2018, contributing to its severe water crisis in 2019.
• Population Growth: As per the UN estimate, India’s population will surpass 1.5 billion people by the end of this decade. Also NITI Aayog report, India’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply by 2030.

Ways to Harness Floodwaters to Alleviate Water Stress

• Floating Solar Farms: India should emulate the success of the largest floating solar plant in Kerala’s Banasura Sagar Reservoir. This innovative approach not only generates clean energy but also addresses water scarcity by reducing evaporation from the water surface.
• Smart Irrigation: Taking inspiration from the Karnataka government’s “Krishi Bhagya” program, India can adopt sensor-based irrigation systems. They use real-time data to precisely deliver water to crops, ensuring optimal utilization and minimizing wastage.
• Underground Reservoirs: By creating vast underground storage capacity, excess floodwater can be safely retained, preventing evaporation and contamination. These reservoirs become invaluable during periods of water scarcity.
• Leveraging technology: Israel’s Watergen technology serves as a prime example of innovation in water sourcing. India can explore similar technologies that extract clean drinking water from the air, using floodwaters as a source.
• Green Roofs: Chennai’s initiatives in promoting green roofs can be scaled up. Green roofs not only absorb rainwater but also act as natural coolants, reducing energy consumption in buildings.
• Flood-Tolerant Livestock: Flood-resistant livestock breeds, like India’s “Gir” cow, play a crucial role in ensuring food security during waterlogged conditions. Encouraging the breeding and adoption of such resilient breeds can safeguard rural livelihoods and food supplies.
• Artificial Intelligence for Flood Control:Learning from the Netherlands, India can implement AI-driven flood control systems. These systems use real-time data to manage water levels, preventing flooding and optimizing floodwater utilization.
• Aquifer Recharge Credits: A system similar to California’s “groundwater recharge credits” can be developed. Entities earn credits for replenishing aquifers during floods, which can be redeemed during droughts, ensuring long-term groundwater sustainability.
• Floodwater Filtration Gardens: Inspired by the Netherlands’ “water squares,” India can create floodwater retention areas with natural filtration systems. These gardens enhance water quality by removing pollutants, promoting healthier ecosystems.

Incorporating strategic floodwater management practices can serve as a powerful tool to combat water stress in India. Harnessing floodwaters offers a sustainable and innovative solution that not only helps in managing floods but also ensures the efficient use of a valuable resource, contributing to the nation’s water security and resilience against climate change impacts.