Q7.Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios.

India faces severe water stress. Judicious management of water resources through improved storage and irrigation is crucial for water security in depleting scenarios.

• Promote decentralized rainwater harvesting (rooftop, community) and rejuvenate traditional water bodies.
• Construct check dams and percolation tanks for surface water retention and groundwater recharge.

• Widespread adoption of micro-irrigation (drip, sprinkler) and canal lining to minimize losses.
• Strengthen Command Area Development (CAD) and precision agriculture for targeted water application.

• Encourage crop diversification to less water-intensive varieties and conduct water audits.
• Promote conjunctive use of surface and groundwater to balance aquifer levels.

• Strengthen Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) and reform water pricing.
• Establish robust regulatory frameworks for groundwater extraction.

• Utilize remote sensing, IoT-based smart irrigation, and energy-efficient pumps for optimal delivery.