Community-centric water supply can address quality, equity issues

V R Raman, Executive Director, Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), in an insightful interview with Jyoti Verma, Consulting Editor, Urban Update discusses several facets of urban water management in India, with an emphasis on smaller towns and the larger difficulties in ensuring fair and sustainable access to water. Raman is a seasoned specialist in public policy, systems, governance, and accountability with multidisciplinary and cross-domain knowledge

How would you describe the complexities of India’s urban water landscape, and what are the unique challenges faced by smaller towns and emerging urban areas compared to major cities?

India’s urban water landscape is highly complex and varied, reflecting the diversity in geography, climate, and socio-economic conditions. Major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Kolkata often dominate discussions due to their high-profile water crises. However, smaller towns and emerging urban areas, especially those transitioning from rural to urban, face unique challenges. These towns struggle with basic water supply issues, contamination, and quality control. The lack of institutional infrastructure for water management in these areas further exacerbates their problems, including planning, resource management, and financial sustainability.

What are the primary obstacles to urban water governance, especially in terms of human resources and institutional infrastructure, in smaller towns?

Urban water governance in India is still in its infancy, particularly in smaller towns. The main obstacles include severe human resource constraints and inadequate institutional infrastructure. Smaller towns often lack the necessary staff and resources to manage the water supply effectively. This deficiency hinders planning, quality control, and overall water resource management. The transition from rural to urban administration is not well planned, leading to significant gaps in capacity-building and governance. Unlike rural development, urban areas do not have structured capacity-building programs, further impeding effective governance.

How does the absence of a central public health planning body and standardized testing protocols impact water quality management in urban areas?

The absence of a central public health planning body for urban areas significantly impacts water quality management. In rural areas, the public health engineering department handles these issues, but urban areas lack a unified institution to test and report water quality. This leads to ad-hoc approaches and inconsistent attention to water quality until health crises arise. Without standardized testing protocols, water quality management remains inadequate. Limited financial resources further exacerbate this issue, especially in smaller towns where other visible problems often take priority over the invisible ones like water quality.

How does the water accessibility crisis and reliance on private suppliers affect the urban poor in smaller towns?

The urban poor, particularly in smaller towns, face a severe water accessibility crisis. Many rely on tanker-based water supply systems dominated by private suppliers, who often exploit the situation for profit. This results in the poor receiving contaminated water, thereby spending exorbitant amounts on bottled water. The disparity in water expenses between the poor and the middle or upper classes exacerbates existing inequalities. Trust issues between the poor and government water supply agencies further complicate the situation, as many believe good-quality water is only supplied to influential urban populations.

What role do community-centric water supply mechanisms, like the Jal Jeevan Mission, play in addressing water quality and accessibility issues?

Community-centric water supply mechanisms are crucial in addressing water quality and accessibility issues. These initiatives aim to empower communities and ensure equitable access to clean water. By prioritizing community involvement in water supply processes, urban areas can mitigate water quality issues and promote social equity. Programs like the Jal Jeevan Mission help counter the profit-driven dynamics of tanker-based water supply systems, ensuring that even the poorest communities have access to safe and affordable water.

How does the current water tariff system, like the one observed in Delhi, benefit different socio-economic groups, and what measures can be taken to build trust between the poor and government water supply agencies?

The water tariff system in Delhi, where usage up to 400 liters per person per day is free, primarily benefits the middle class. For example, my family has not paid for water in the past few years by staying below this cap. However, this system does little for the urban poor, who often distrust government water supplies and rely on expensive private sources. To build trust, the government must improve service quality and ensure equitable distribution. Implementing a slab-based pricing system with subsidies for those who cannot afford it could balance the need for cost recovery while maintaining water as a basic right.

Considering the water usage conflict between urban needs and agricultural demands, what policies or practices would you recommend to ensure sustainable water management across sectors?

Balancing water usage between urban needs and agriculture is indeed challenging. Policies should focus on reducing water input in agriculture without compromising food production or farmer welfare. This can be achieved through water recycling, efficient irrigation practices, and resource management mechanisms. Subsidies should target output prices rather than input costs to incentivize efficient water use. A multi-sectoral management approach is essential, with agriculture viewed from a water resource management perspective. Comprehensive data on water usage across sectors is also crucial for effective management and policy formulation.

In conclusion, what are the key steps policymakers should take to address the water challenges in urban areas?

Policymakers must prioritize comprehensive planning, adequate resources, and sustainable water management practices. Key steps include strengthening institutional infrastructure, especially in smaller towns, and implementing standardised testing protocols for water quality. Community-centric approaches should be promoted to ensure equitable access to clean water. Building trust between the urban poor and government agencies is essential, which requires improving service quality and fair distribution. Finally, a balanced approach to water usage across urban and agricultural sectors is crucial for long-term sustainability. By addressing these areas, we can pave the way for improved public health outcomes and sustainable urban development.