As the World Environment Day (WED) is just a day away, the debate over conserving our natural resources has intensified. Ironically, the people of Maharashtra, instead of witnessing efforts to conserve water from the government, are seeing a debate to decide the water priorities. The state assembly passed the controversial water bill on April 14, which was reversed by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan following the protests and criticisms against the bill.

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Western Maharashtra enjoys irrigation facilities but Vidarbha is facing water scarcity. “The water meant for drinking and irrigation is being diverted to the power projects and various other industrial projects,” says Sitaram Shelar, conveyor, Pani Haq Samiti. “When it comes to water, there are several interests involved. In Mumbai, the BMC always talks about increasing the water supply, but never talks about controlling the demands” he said.

Unequal distribution of water is not the only problem faced by the state. Commenting on the Mumbai’s situation, Groundwater Scenario in major cities of India - a report prepared by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)—observes that ground water exploitation for commercial purpose is being carried out in Mumbai and the water is extracted from existing dugwells and borewells; new borewells are also being drilled for this purpose. 

At the same time, private institutions are coming forward with different methods to conserve water. International Finance Corporation (IFC), a founding member of the Water Footprint Network, which has developed a water footprint assessment methodology. According to Bastiaan Mohrmann, IFC Head for Water in Sustainable Business group in South Asia the water footprint distinguishes between three types of water: ‘green water’ or rainwater; ‘blue water’ which is water in lakes, rivers and in aquifers; and ‘grey water’ which is  an indicator of water pollution. “This classification helps a business get an insight into its water vulnerability,” he said.

The pressures on India’s water resources are tremendous, and are expected to grow. It is high time for the government, private sector and civil society to join hands in this venture.