Govt has almost no control over use of ground water by farmers: IDFC Report

The central issue in water management is the legislation which is needed to separate water rights from private land rights. The way to control this is by issuing permits via a licencing system as is the norm in many countries.

In the report Rajiv B.Lall, Managing Director and CEO of IDFC says, "Demand management needs more attention which, coupled with technological solutions, offers immense possibilities in improving efficiency in water use, in recycling waste water and in its conservation."

According to the report currently, the government has almost no control over use of ground water by farmers and levies no charges. Although states have the power to set up local agencies to manage water usage and supply as stated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments, these powers are merely on paper and not effective.

The report classifies the agriculture sector as the highest consumer of water almost 85% followed by industry and energy at 9 per cent and domestic users at 6 per cent in 2010.

If the current water usage continues, after accounting for drinking and irrigation, which are priority needs, availability of water to industry and energy will reduce from 492 bcm in 2010 to 197 bcm in 2025, states the report.