Challenges of Water Resources Management and Water Allocation in India

By : M. Dinesh Kumar , M.V.K. Sivamohan , Nitin Bassi

Page No: 261-272

Abstract
With growing water scarcity, the priorities for the water agencies of the country have broadened from mere water development to encompass water allocation and water resources management. But the line agencies responsible for water resources and services management lack the capacity to meet the changing needs and priorities of the sector. Building institutional capacity warrants primarily the following: i] framing the right kind of water policies; ii] crafting the right kind of rules and regulations, institutions and instruments; and, iii] fostering the needed organizational changes among the agencies concerned with water allocation and sustainable water resources management. The article highlights three sets of key issues and challenges facing water resources management and water allocation in India from an institutional perspective. They are: a] team building of professionals with multi-disciplinary skills, to provide research and expert inputs for policy formulation, institutional design and design of economic instruments; b] mobilizing resources and skills for creating new organizations including development of local institutions, and restructuring wherever needed; and, c] augmenting the overall strength of technical staff in various departments engaged in water resources management and water-related services.

Authors :
M. Dinesh Kumar : Executive Director, IRAP, Telangana.
M.V.K. Sivamohan : Principal Consultant, IRAP, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Nitin Bassi : Principal Researcher, Institute for Resource Analysis and Policy (IRAP).
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2020.61.03.2