National Water Mission

The National Water Mission (NWM) is one of the eight missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched by the Government of India in 2008. It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation). The mission’s primary objective is to ensure integrated water resource management, conservation of water, minimisation of wastage, and equitable distribution across regions and sectors. It reflects India’s recognition of water as a critical resource for sustainable development, ecological balance, and climate resilience.

Background and Rationale

India, with about 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of global freshwater resources, faces severe stress on its water systems. Rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, agricultural demand, and erratic monsoons have intensified the crisis. The National Water Mission was conceived as a response to these challenges, aligning water management strategies with climate change adaptation and mitigation goals.
The mission’s foundation is based on the National Water Policy, which advocates efficient water use, participatory management, and conservation. The NWM also supports initiatives to improve governance, institutional frameworks, and public awareness to ensure long-term water security.

Objectives of the Mission

The overarching goal of the National Water Mission is “conservation of water, minimisation of wastage, and equitable distribution of water across regions and sectors through integrated water resources management.”
The specific objectives include:

• Enhancing water use efficiency by 20% across all sectors.
• Promoting integrated water resource management at the river basin and sub-basin levels.
• Encouraging sustainable practices for groundwater and surface water management.
• Ensuring equitable water distribution to meet the needs of various regions and communities.
• Promoting basin-level planning and data-driven decision-making.
• Enhancing water storage capacity, especially in drought-prone and arid regions.
• Mainstreaming climate change adaptation strategies into water management.

Five Goals of the National Water Mission

The mission is structured around five broad goals that translate its objectives into actionable outcomes:

1. Comprehensive water database in the public domain and assessment of the impact of climate change on water resources.
   • Development of hydrological data networks.
   • Monitoring surface and groundwater availability.
   • Promoting transparency in water-related data.
2. Promotion of citizen and state actions for water conservation, augmentation, and preservation.
   • Encouraging community participation through awareness campaigns.
   • Implementing initiatives such as “Catch the Rain” and “Har Ghar Jal.”
3. Focused attention to vulnerable areas, including over-exploited regions.
   • Identifying critical blocks where groundwater depletion is severe.
   • Introducing artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting projects.
4. Increasing water use efficiency by 20%.
   • Promoting micro-irrigation, water-efficient crops, and efficient urban water management systems.
   • Encouraging recycling and reuse of treated wastewater.
5. Promotion of basin-level integrated water resources management.
   • Coordinating efforts among states within shared river basins.
   • Establishing river basin organisations for data sharing and planning.

Implementation Framework

The NWM is implemented through a Mission Secretariat within the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It coordinates with various central ministries, state governments, and technical agencies. Key implementation mechanisms include:

• State Water Missions, responsible for decentralised planning and execution of mission activities.
• Collaborations with research institutions, such as the Central Water Commission, Central Ground Water Board, and National Institute of Hydrology, for data and technological support.
• Public participation programmes involving NGOs, educational institutions, and local communities to promote water conservation.

Funds are allocated under the mission for capacity building, pilot projects, and awareness campaigns to encourage efficient water management practices.

Key Programmes and Initiatives

Several initiatives and campaigns have been launched under the National Water Mission to operationalise its goals:

• “Catch the Rain” Campaign: A nationwide initiative with the theme “Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls,” promoting rainwater harvesting and rejuvenation of water bodies.
• Water Use Efficiency Programme: Encouraging adoption of water-efficient irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems.
• Rejuvenation of Traditional Water Bodies: Restoration of ponds, tanks, and wells to augment groundwater recharge.
• Awareness and Outreach Activities: Mass media campaigns, school programmes, and community training workshops on water conservation.
• Water Audit and Benchmarking: Establishing water audits for industries, municipalities, and irrigation systems to improve accountability and efficiency.

Achievements and Impact

The National Water Mission has contributed significantly to raising public consciousness about water conservation and efficient use. Its achievements include:

• Integration of water management into climate change policy frameworks.
• Implementation of pilot projects in several states for micro-irrigation and water efficiency.
• Development of hydrological data systems that improve transparency and planning.
• Promotion of rainwater harvesting structures and recharge wells across rural and urban areas.
• Engagement of millions of citizens through awareness drives like Catch the Rain.

The mission has also encouraged inter-state cooperation on river basin management and promoted local-level initiatives for sustainable water use.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite notable progress, the mission faces several challenges:

• Uneven implementation across states due to varying administrative capacities.
• Lack of comprehensive data on groundwater extraction and recharge.
• Overdependence on monsoon rainfall, leading to seasonal water stress.
• Fragmented institutional structures, with overlapping jurisdictions between central and state agencies.
• Low public participation in some areas, due to inadequate awareness and training.