SHIMLA: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri emphasized upon the need to adopt a long-term and scientific approach for water security. He was speaking at the second All India State Water Ministers Conference being organised in Udaipur in Rajasthan. Addressing the gathering on the topic 'India@2047 - A Water Secure Nation', he underlined the need for water crisis and effects of climate change and innovation-based solutions, so that water management could be made more sustainable.
In his address on the first day of the conference, being organised on 18th and 19th February, the Deputy Chief Minister said that a special policy should be made for hill states to face the challenges of climate change. He said that due to untimely rains and less snowfall, the water level of water sources is continuously decreasing.
Citing scientific studies, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Himalayan glaciers are melting at the rate of 20-30 meters per decade, increasing uncertainty in river flow and volume, and deepening the water crisis. "This is having a serious impact on drinking water, irrigation and hydropower generation," he said, emphasizing on the need for climate-tolerant policies and advanced scientific interventions.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated: "We have to rethink our strategies. Consider modern technologies, innovations and alternatives along with the conservation of traditional water sources."
He said that 65 percent of Himachal falls under forest area which is under the jurisdiction of the Central Government. "Due to this the availability of land for development projects becomes limited. Himachal Pradesh has a major contribution in water conservation, environment and ecology in the form of conservation of forests. In return, the Center should give a special package to Himachal, which is suitable for the geographical and inaccessible conditions of the hilly areas," stated the Deputy Chief Minister. He reiterated the state's environmental commitment and stressed the need for policy relaxation and special development incentives so that a balance between environmental and infrastructure development is effectively maintained.
He further stated that the state government has provided tap facilities to every household but keeping in view the challenge of water scarcity in future due to climate change, providing water to every tap could become a big challenge. To address the problem of water shortage, we have to encourage rainwater harvesting and recharging of existing water sources, for which special central assistance should be given to the hill states.
"Parameters of central grant given to the hill states should be made flexible as it is not possible for the hill states to implement a policy prepared uniformly for the whole country because the construction cost and other expenses are higher in the hill states due to complex geographical structure and inaccessible conditions as compared to the plains," said the Deputy Chief Minister.
He demanded Rs. 2,000 crore to complete about 1,000 incomplete drinking water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission. He proposed to create a special funding window for the mountain states to construct anti-freeze water supply schemes, which include insulated pipelines, heated tap systems and solar-powered pumps, to ensure uninterrupted water supply for 12 months in the tribal and cold areas of Himachal's Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba.
He also demanded funding from the Central Government to implement a comprehensive project prepared by Himachal for snow and water conservation worth Rs 1269.29 crore and for "recharging groundwater" through about 2000 dry and defunct hand pumps and tube wells.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that Himachal Pradesh has more than 90 percent rural population out of which livelihood of 67 percent depends on agriculture and horticulture. Irrigation schemes will have to be promoted in view of the irrigation needs in modern farming. He also urged for early approval of new surface small and medium irrigation projects proposed under 'PMKSY-Har Khet Ko Pani' and 'PMKSY & AIBP' pending for central approval.
He underlined that rapid urbanization is posing serious water and sanitation challenges in sub-urban areas. "The existing schemes like 'Jal Jeevan Mission' and 'AMRUT' do not fully cover the water supply and sewerage requirements of these areas. Separate norms must be set and dedicated financial support should be given to provide water and sanitation facilities in sub-urban areas along with enhancing comprehensive sewerage and sanitation services in these areas," said the Deputy Chief Minister.
He reiterated Himachal Pradesh's commitment towards 'India@2047 - A Water Secure Nation' and pointed out the urgent need for more liberal funding and flexible policy support from the Central Government to ensure long-term sustainability.