Development of water wealth in India – burning issues about future options

There are many beliefs about the role of land use and its relation to hydrology, which need to be examined in the light of scientific evidence. Simplistic views, have created a mindset which not only links degradation with less forest but rehabilitation and conservation with more forest; particularly because they imply the inevitable link between the absence of forests and ‘degradation’ of water resources. This is also true in relation to forestry, agro forestry and hydrology; claims by enthusiastic agro foresters and foresters are often not supportable. When scrutinized, many of the mother statements relating to forestry and the environment are seen to be either exaggerated or untenable. It is highly relevant and crucial to know what can be attached to these statements for the proper management of water resources and land use. Similarly, there are widespread misconceptions about the utility of run-of-river and small river valley projects. This article presents some facts on limitations and efficacy of large water storage versus small dams & rain water harvesting structures. It is inevitable to increase water use efficiencies if we have to meet the ever increasing demand for water. Similarly equity in utilization and availability of water in irrigated agriculture as also in domestic supply are required to be ensured, as the present state of affairs is far from satisfactory. This paper suggests critical review of the crucial role of harnessing the water wealth for accelerated infra-structural growth in the developing countries, serious examination of mother statements about relation of forests and hydrologic elements - Whether Forests increase rainfall, Forests increase runoff, Forests regulate flows, Forests reduce erosion, Forests reduce floods, Forests ‘sterilize’ water supplies and improve water quality and Agro forestry systems increase productivity? Another contribution of this article is intended to raise the debate, whether the large scale requirements of irrigation, power, flood moderation, water supply for urban and rural population as well as industrial and power sector cooling requirements, can be met through rain water harvesting and by a series of run-of-river and small river valley projects? Even though this presentation cannot be an exhaustive treatise on the theme; nevertheless, it should assist the policy planners, project formulators and other involved personnel in the implementation of water resources development projects. Valuable work of Development Support Centre (DSC) in compiling information on water use efficiency and problems of tail enders in irrigation sector has been briefly covered. Similar situation also exists in drinking water.