{"id":67589,"date":"2025-10-09T12:48:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T07:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=67589"},"modified":"2025-10-09T12:48:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T07:18:25","slug":"water-resources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/water-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Resources in India, Types, Distribution, Challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water is a fundamental and cyclic natural resource, vital for life, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. Despite its global abundance covering approximately 71 % of the earth\u2019s surface, only a small fraction, about 3% constitutes freshwater suitable for human use. India, accounting for 2.45 % of the world\u2019s land area and housing 16 % of the global population, has 4 % of the world\u2019s water resources. Effective management of these resources is critical for sustaining livelihoods, food production, and economic growth in a rapidly developing country. In this article, we are going to cover water resources in India.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Resources in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The total annual water availability in India from precipitation is estimated to be 4,000 cubic kilometers, with an average annual precipitation of 1,170 mm. Of this, the total availability from surface water and replenishable groundwater is approximately 1,869 cubic kilometers, but only about 60 % of this water is potentially utilizable for beneficial purposes. Consequently, India\u2019s total utilizable water resources amount to 1,122 cubic kilometers per year, highlighting the gap between natural abundance and practical availability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water resources in India can be broadly classified into:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surface water resources<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groundwater resources<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surface Water Resources in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surface water resources primarily include rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks. India\u2019s rivers, fed by the monsoon and Himalayan snowmelt, account for most of the country\u2019s surface water. The mean annual flow in all river basins is estimated at 1,869 cubic kilometers, yet only approximately 690 cubic kilometers (37 %) can be effectively harnessed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Challenges in Surface Water Utilization:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seasonal Concentration: Over 90 % of the annual flow of Himalayan rivers occurs during the four monsoon months, limiting capture potential.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage Limitations: Suitable sites for reservoirs and dams are scarce, especially in hilly and flood-prone regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geographical Constraints: Surface water in many regions is unevenly distributed, with northern and northeastern states enjoying abundant flow, while western and southern regions experience deficits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India has constructed nearly 5,000 major and medium dams, barrages, and reservoirs to store river water, support irrigation, generate hydropower, and replenish groundwater.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groundwater Resources in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The total replenishable groundwater resources of India are estimated at 432 cubic kilometers, with Ganga and Brahmaputra basins accounting for approximately 46 % of the total potential. Groundwater plays a critical role in Indian agriculture, providing water for over 50 % of irrigated areas, supported by about 20 million tube wells nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High Utilization: States like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu exploit groundwater intensively for irrigation and industrial purposes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low Utilization: States such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Kerala use only a small proportion of their groundwater potential due to abundant surface water and lower irrigation demands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overreliance on groundwater has led to aquifer depletion, declining water tables, and quality deterioration. To address this, the government emphasizes groundwater recharging through reservoirs, rainwater harvesting, and integrated water resource management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Use and Sectoral Distribution<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agriculture dominates water usage in India, consuming 89 % of surface water and 92 % of groundwater. By contrast, the industrial sector accounts for only 2 % of surface water and 5 % of groundwater, while the domestic sector consumes 9 % of surface water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This skewed distribution highlights the importance of efficient irrigation techniques and water-saving technologies to ensure sustainable allocation among sectors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors Contributing to Water Quality Deterioration<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many anthropogenic and natural factors have led to water quality deterioration in India:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Scarcity: Limited availability increases dependency on contaminated sources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pathogenic Pollution: Presence of bacteria and viruses from untreated sewage and surface runoff.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemical Leaching: Pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial effluents seep into groundwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxygen Depletion &amp; Eutrophication: Excess nutrients from fertilizers trigger algal blooms and reduce oxygen levels in water bodies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salinity and Alkalinity: Improper irrigation and seawater intrusion increase soil and water salinity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toxic Contaminants: Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury pose significant health risks.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, monitors and manages groundwater resources through scientific assessment, exploration, augmentation, and regulation. Established in 1970, CGWB serves as India\u2019s apex agency for groundwater governance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Pollution Sources<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Point Source Pollution:<\/strong> Sources are identifiable, such as domestic sewage and industrial effluents.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Non-Point Source Pollution:<\/strong> Sources are diffuse, including agricultural runoff, stormwater, rural waste, open defecation, and air deposition.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other contaminants include heavy metals and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) or chemical oxygen demand (COD), which impact aquatic <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ecosystem\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>ecosystems<\/strong><\/a>. Monsoon flooding further exacerbates pollution spread.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global Water Scarcity<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water scarcity arises when freshwater availability is insufficient to meet demand. It manifests in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unmet water needs for households, agriculture, or industry<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Economic competition for limited water resources<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental degradation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groundwater depletion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, one-third of the global population (2 billion people) faces severe water scarcity for at least one month per year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measuring Water Scarcity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Falkenmark Indicator or Water Stress Index is widely used to assess water scarcity:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below 1,700 m\u00b3 per capita per year: Water stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below 1,000 m\u00b3: Water scarcity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below 500 m\u00b3: Absolute water scarcity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India is currently water-stressed, with declining per capita availability due to population growth, overexploitation, and regional imbalances in distribution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Scarcity in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The causes and stress factors leading to water scarcity in India are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Population Growth:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rising demand from households and agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Agricultural Dominance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Over <\/span><b>70 % of water resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are consumed by irrigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rapid Urbanization:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> High urban demand strains surface and groundwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\">Climate Change<\/a>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Altered monsoon patterns, melting glaciers, and temperature rises affect water availability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aquifer Depletion:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Excessive extraction for irrigation and domestic use lowers groundwater levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pollution:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Discharge of untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff deteriorates water quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Projections indicate India\u2019s population may reach <\/span><b>1.6 billion by 2050<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, further intensifying water stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consequences of Water Scarcity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water scarcity can lead to the following consequences for the human population:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>International Conflicts:<\/strong> Shared river basins with neighboring countries like Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar may trigger disputes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Health Impacts:<\/strong> Limited access to clean water causes water-borne diseases and limits educational and economic opportunities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Food Shortages:<\/strong> Reduced water availability threatens agriculture, potentially leading to food insecurity and social unrest.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Energy Shortages:<\/strong> Water-intensive thermoelectric plants and hydropower require adequate water for energy security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Economic Slowdown:<\/strong> Industrial production and urban growth are constrained by water shortages, affecting GDP growth and livelihoods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solutions for Water Scarcity\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to tackle the problem of water scarcity, the following methods can be adopted:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CO\u2082 Cleaning: Use of carbon dioxide in solid form as a cleaning agent reduces water consumption in industries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Realistic Pricing: Pricing water to reflect true costs encourages conservation and infrastructure maintenance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Education and Awareness: Behavioural changes in water usage are vital for sustainable consumption.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Conservation Technologies: Including rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, solar-powered purifiers, and wastewater recycling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desalination Plants: Energy-efficient and solar-powered plants can augment freshwater supply in coastal regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved Irrigation Practices: Use of drip or sprinkler systems to reduce water wastage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Governance: Localized management and participation ensure sustainable water use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Distribution Infrastructure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Repairing pipelines, reservoirs, and treatment plants to reduce losses and improve quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pollution Control:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Establishment of <\/span><b>STPs, water treatment facilities, and bioremediation techniques<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Research &amp; Development:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Innovation in water conservation, wastewater treatment, and sustainable aquifer management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government Initiatives to Manage Water Scarcity<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Government of India has adopted the following schemes and initiatives to manage the problem of water scarcity:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Jal Shakti Abhiyan<\/strong>: Focuses on water conservation in water-stressed districts, promoting citizen participation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana (PMKSY): Aims at &#8220;Har Khet Ko Pani&#8221; and &#8220;More Crop per Drop&#8221;, enhancing irrigation efficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>National Water Mission<\/strong>: Promotes conservation, efficient use, and equitable distribution of water, targeting a 20 % improvement in water use efficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Atal Bhujal Yojana:<\/strong> Encourages sustainable groundwater management with community involvement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):<\/strong> Ensures functional household tap connections (FHTC) for all rural households by 2024.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP):<\/strong> Enhances rural water supply coverage and quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Jal Kranti Abhiyan:<\/strong> Aims to transform water-scarce villages into water-surplus villages through integrated conservation and management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainable Approaches for Water Resource Augmentation<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhancing Water Availability:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Protect ecosystems, increase green cover, manage riparian buffers, and implement diversified agriculture and recycling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improving Water Quality:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Enforce regulations, control pollution, establish treatment plants, and adopt bioremediation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reducing Water-Related Risks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Implement integrated watershed management, flood control, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mihir Shah Committee Recommendations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The committee recommended restructuring the <\/span><b>Central Water Commission (CWC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> into a <\/span><b>National Water Commission (NWC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as India\u2019s apex body for <\/span><b>water policy, data management, and governance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, enabling coordinated and strategic management of water resources at the national level.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Indian States<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water is an essential resource for human survival, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. India, despite being endowed with abundant water resources, faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable distribution, sustainable utilization, and conservation. Various states in India have developed innovative programmes, traditional practices, and modern governance mechanisms to manage water resources sustainably. Understanding these strategies, along with challenges and solutions, is vital for ensuring water security for present and future generations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Resources State-Level Water Management Initiatives\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different states have launched different schemes and initiatives to ensure water resources are available for all. These include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rajasthan: Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rajasthan, one of the driest states in India, launched the \u2018Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan\u2019 to promote water conservation and harvesting activities in rural areas. The scheme focuses on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Construction and restoration of check dams, ponds, and traditional water bodies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encouraging community participation in maintaining irrigation infrastructure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring sustainable groundwater recharge to combat water scarcity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The programme has successfully mobilized local communities, particularly women, to actively participate in pre-monsoon desilting, water body cleaning, and maintenance activities<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maharashtra: Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maharashtra\u2019s Jalyukt Shivar programme aims to make 5,000 villages free of water scarcity every year. Key features include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restoration of minor irrigation structures, such as check dams and percolation tanks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promotion of rainwater harvesting and soil moisture conservation techniques.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthening village-level water governance systems to manage irrigation and drinking water needs effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The programme has also contributed to improved agricultural productivity by ensuring water availability during critical cropping seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telangana: Mission Kakatiya<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Telangana government initiated Mission Kakatiya with the objective of enhancing agriculture-based income for small and marginal farmers. The programme focuses on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renovation and restoration of ancient tanks and minor irrigation structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promoting community-based irrigation management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facilitating water availability for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By restoring nearly 46,000 tanks, the mission has increased groundwater levels, reduced irrigation dependence on monsoon rainfall, and improved cropping intensity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Distribution and Challenges of India\u2019s Water Resources<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,170 mm, corresponding to 4,000 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters) of precipitation, including snowfall. However, water distribution is highly uneven:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Surplus States: Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and northeastern states receive abundant rainfall.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water-Scarce States: Maharashtra (especially Vidarbha and Beed), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and parts of Gujarat face recurring water stress.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groundwater in northwestern India is now available at depths of nearly 100 meters, reflecting over-extraction and declining aquifer levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Institutional Mechanisms for Water Governance\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following mechanisms have been adopted for water governance:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Central Water Commission (CWC)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/central-water-commission\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>CWC<\/strong><\/a> is India\u2019s premier technical organization in the field of water resources. Its responsibilities include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initiating and coordinating water resource schemes in consultation with state governments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conservation and utilization of water for flood control, irrigation, drinking water supply, navigation, and hydropower development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring water infrastructure and advising on policy and management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index (CWMI)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To encourage efficient water use and management, NITI Aayog developed the Composite Water Management Index, which benchmarks state-level performance across key water indicators.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Focus Areas and Weights:<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 72.7456%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Theme<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Weight (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source augmentation and restoration of water bodies<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source augmentation (Groundwater)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major &amp; medium irrigation \u2013 supply-side management<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watershed development \u2013 supply-side management<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participatory irrigation practices \u2013 demand-side<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainable on-farm water use practices \u2013 demand-side<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rural drinking water<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urban water supply and sanitation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Policy and governance<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 82.1369%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 37.4235%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The index evaluates states on water availability, consumption efficiency, equitable access, and governance, facilitating data-driven decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interlinking of Rivers Project<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government has identified four priority links for detailed project reports under the Peninsular Component:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ken-Betwa Link: Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damanganga-Pinjal Link: Maharashtra and Gujarat<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Par-Tapi-Narmada Link: Maharashtra and Gujarat<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Godavari-Cauvery Link: Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<p><b>Arguments in Favor:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optimizes water utilization across regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addresses water stress and improves irrigation coverage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhances power generation and disaster management capabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<p><b>Arguments Against:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Artificially alters river courses and affects dryland areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May have negative environmental impacts, including shoreline erosion and disruption of monsoon patterns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Raises federal disputes over water sharing between states.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Started in 2010 with World Bank assistance, this project aims to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rehabilitate dams and appurtenant structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen institutional capacity and project management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhance flood control, irrigation, and water security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The project was scheduled for completion in 2020 and continues to support water storage and safety improvements nationwide.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groundwater Management and Extraction Rules<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India is the largest user of groundwater globally, accounting for 25% of global extraction:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">90% is used for agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10% is used for drinking, domestic, and industrial purposes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Industrial use contributes only 5% of total groundwater extraction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), constituted in 1997 under the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/environment-protection-act-1986\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Environment Protection Act<\/strong><\/a>, 1986, regulates groundwater extraction and promotes sustainable management practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Challenges in Water Resources Governance<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of credible water information and comprehensive data.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presence of multiple institutions with overlapping mandates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsustainable extraction and depletion of aquifers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absence of an overarching National Water Policy in some regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suboptimal water infrastructure performance and deteriorating soil moisture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing water footprint due to agriculture, industry, and urbanization.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM) by CGWB addresses these challenges by mapping aquifers, characterizing water-bearing formations, and developing Aquifer Management Plans for sustainable groundwater use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Day Zero Instances in India<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Day Zero refers to a situation when taps in a region run dry due to prolonged drought or excessive extraction. Global examples include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cape Town, South Africa: Countdown due to a three-year drought.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sao Paulo, Brazil (2015): Water supply cut for 12 hours daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barcelona, Spain (2008): Water imported from France.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In India, cities like Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Udupi, and Mangaluru (Karnataka) are at risk of similar crises due to unsustainable water use and depletion of local sources.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional Water Conservation Practices in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s rich cultural heritage offers valuable lessons for water management:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building water structures: Stepwells (e.g., Rani Ki Vav, Patan), ponds, and tanks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintenance and cleaning of local water bodies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cultural performances: Songs, dances, and rituals like Ganga Geet, Bhawai, Jal Yatras, and Jal Yagya celebrated water\u2019s sacred value.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tribal and Rural Practices<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh: Community-managed irrigation canals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spiti Valley: Khuls channel glacial water to villages with regulated distribution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thar Desert, Rajasthan: Rituals like Lasipa and community desilting maintain water structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional Conservation System\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many traditional conservation systems for conserving water:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 88.7744%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%; text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">System<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%; text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Location\/Description<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%; text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Function<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Phad<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Tapi basin, Maharashtra<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Community-managed irrigation with check dams and canals.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Zing<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Small tanks collecting glacier meltwater.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Kuhls<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Channels carrying glacial water to fields.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Zabo\/Ruza<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Nagaland<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Terraced hill structures for rainwater collection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Jackwells<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Great Nicobar<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Bamboo tubes collecting leaf runoff into pits.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Pat System<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Madhya Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Diverts hill stream water via bunds for irrigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Eri<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Tank system controlling floods, preventing soil erosion, recharging groundwater.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Johads<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Rajasthan<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Earthen check dams for groundwater recharge.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Panam Keni<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Wayanad<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Wooden cylinders capturing groundwater from springs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Ahar Pynes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">South Bihar<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Reservoirs and artificial rivulets for irrigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Jhalara\/Bawari<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Rajasthan<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Stepwells for storage and access to groundwater.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Taanka<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Thar Desert<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Cylindrical underground pits capturing rooftop rainwater.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Khadin<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Jaisalmer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Long earthen embankments across hill slopes for runoff irrigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9072%;\">\n<h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Kund<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4678%;\">\n<h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Western Rajasthan\/Gujarat<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 49.5655%;\">\n<h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Saucer-shaped catchments directing water to central wells.<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These systems combine traditional engineering, community participation, and ecological knowledge, providing sustainable solutions for water management in diverse terrains.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern Integration with Traditional Practices<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern initiatives like rainwater harvesting, check dams, and minor irrigation projects often integrate traditional knowledge systems, ensuring:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved water availability and groundwater recharge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced soil erosion and flooding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased community ownership and participation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preservation of cultural heritage and <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>biodiversity<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; 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Learn about scarcity, challenges, and key conservation initiatives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":67508,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[3145],"class_list":{"0":"post-67589","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-water-resources","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67589","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67589"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67589\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67589"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67589"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67589"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}