8.-Sustainable development of water resources in urban areas

Abstract

Appropriate water resource management is essential for the sustainability of the human race. It is necessary to ensure equitable access to water for all human beings, through protection, conservation, diligent consumption and recycling. In India, the statistics indicate a scenario of deprivation for a vast majority of citizens in the fronts of water supply and sanitation. The resource requirements in bridging the gap are also staggering and beyond the capacity of the State coffer calling for private sector involvement. Appropriate water resource management involves conservation of available resources, tapping of alternate sources, equitable distribution, sustainable strategy for service delivery etc. taking recourse to advanced tools and technologies. The major initiatives identified towards this end include storm water harvesting, aquifer recharging, macro watershed management, recycling of water with specific reference to rootzone treatment, resource mobilisation and public-private-people's partnerships. The role of HUDCO is also discussed in ensuring sustainability of water supply schemes and conserving the scarce resource for the future generations.