Q. Several parts of India is reeling under water scarcity. This is a huge national security. How far have we been able to exploit the opportunities presented by the strategic partnership with Israel to find solutions for water conservation and water management?

Replied by Dr Uttam Sinha

India uses more water than any other country and about 65 percent of India's water demand comes from groundwater. Irrigation takes roughly 3/4th share, even more, of water and therefore water resources become critical for India's economic and social development. When the demand for water in the coming decade is projected to overtake its availability then it is a matter of national concern. India has partnerships/cooperation/MoUs with a number of countries on water resources development. Similarly with Israel. When Indian PM visited Israel in 2017, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation signed MoU with the corresponding ministry in Israel.

Israel is an interesting country in terms of its development in the agricultural sector and water recycling/conservation. There is a lot to cooperate with and learn from the Israeli experiences. Since 1948 Israel's agro-economy has grown 70 fold while during the corresponding period there has been 50 percent rainfall deficiency. There is something special about the 'Israel Model'' that uses every drop of water. It has pioneered water management ideas that can help solve the problems of waste, inefficiency, and pollution of water that is being experienced in many parts of the world.

For further reading see, Uttam Sinha, "India and Israel: Technology, Innovation and Smart Technology ", The Nationalist, May 29, 2017. https://www.spmrf.org/india-israel-technology-innovation-smart-cooperation/ [1]

Date : 23/10/2020