Vision 2047: CWC's Strategic Water Management Initiative

The Central Water Commission (CWC) is implementing Vision 2047 to tackle water management challenges due to climate change. Chairperson Kushvinder Vohra outlines the commission's goals, which involve short-term capacity building, mid-term research using remote sensing, and long-term indigenous software development to manage water resources effectively.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) is charting a new course with its Vision 2047, focusing on addressing the evolving challenges posed by climate change, its Chairperson Kushvinder Vohra said.

Speaking with PTI, Vohra detailed the commission's strategic plan, which encompasses short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals aimed at enhancing India's water management infrastructure.

''We are creating Vision 2047 for ourselves, keeping in view the challenges, especially climate change, which has led to new emerging issues,'' stated Vohra.

The strategy involves a comprehensive approach to meet the immediate, medium, and long-term needs of water management in the country. Short-term goals focus on capacity building and updating existing guidelines, while mid-term objectives include new research facilitated by remote-sensing technology.

''In the short term, the CWC is concentrating on capacity building and the review and revision of existing guidelines. Wherever necessary, guidelines will be upgraded and new ideas will be implemented,'' Vohra said.

One major area under review is Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) consideration, with the commission working on new guidelines to assess risk and manage water flow from glacial lakes and rainfall.

Improving monitoring capabilities is also a priority for the CWC to handle the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, which Vohra deemed crucial.

Mid-term goals include conducting new studies and research, particularly using remote-sensing technology. ''Most of our assessments, whether crop area evaluation or irrigation project performance, are conducted through remote sensing,'' said Vohra.

The commission is also developing a mobile app to enhance water body monitoring, supported by multiple MOUs with various organizations.

Long-term goals involve the development of indigenous software for modeling exercises, essential for future needs. ''We are soon launching a center of excellence for modeling, crucial for managing flood risks, particularly in the Himalayan region,'' announced Vohra.

The commission aims to expand glacier monitoring in the Himalayan region, increasing the number from 902 to 2,500 to better predict and prevent disasters like GLOFs. Additionally, risk analysis based on 30 years of hydrological data will continue to be a vital part of their efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)