About 3,000 kilometers away from Bengaluru, a small district exemplified an effective solution to water scarcity through good governance. Let us learn about this good governance strategy that made big headlines.

The following case study is framed from a success story recognised at The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards. UPSC Essentials of The Indian Express takes you through some inspiring case studies every week from the area of Governance and Civil Services which not only highlight the problem but also focus on award-winning solutions.

For Essays, Governance and Ethics section of Mains examination as case studies and example-fodder for answers. Candidates will find it useful for framing replies in interviews and personality tests. This particular case study is relevant to questions related to water scarcity and disaster management. Moreover, such real-life stories should be read, noted, and applied to remain motivated, inspired and also to create role models.

Water scarcity was a common problem in Alipurduar district. Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, North Bengal’s Alipurduar district houses several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. However, a decline in the groundwater level over the years led to a crisis in many parts of the district. The challenges faced by district administration and DM Surendra Kumar Meena included resource limitations and getting support from local people. Can good governance rejuvenate water bodies, provide solutions to water crises and breathe new life into this Bengal district?

The Indian population is water-distressed. Newspaper headlines on the water crisis in Bengaluru should be a warning for both cities and villages in the country. Such warnings have also been indicated by studies, including the Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index (CWMI). “If mitigation measures are not implemented, India faces a 6 per cent loss in its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050,” the CWMI said.

Like Bengaluru, most Indian urban centres continue to neglect water management.

The Indian Express’ Editorial writes, “The governance deficit at the municipal level in India means that solutions such as rainwater harvesting, reviving water bodies and cleaning and reusing wastewater remain on paper. The crisis in Karnataka’s capital should be a wake-up call.” Addressing the water crisis requires innovative solutions at administrative level. Do we have any examples? Alipurduar has an answer – Jaladharini Dooars.

— In 2021, the district administration of Alipurduar launched a project to overcome the water crisis in the area by rejuvenating 235 derelict water bodies and digging new ponds.

— Named ‘Jaladharini Dooars’, the initiative has helped meet water demand for agriculture and allied activities during the dry season in the area.

— Jaladharini literally means ‘holding back of water’. It was given shape after detailed discussions with officers from departments including agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal resources and also with the district Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) cell.

— Discussions were also held with representatives from farmer groups, fisher-folk cooperative societies, local panchayat members and experts for identification of potential locations where water conservation could be taken up. Survey reports from the land department were also referred to and were later physically verified.

— According to District Magistrate Surendra Kumar Meena, twelve water bodies were rejuvenated in the first phase, said Meena. In the second phase, 221 water bodies, including 50 rejuvenated water bodies, were excavated. To meet the burgeoning  demands, the administration excavated 151 new ponds in the third phase.

— Excavation of ponds generated a lot of income for the locals. It has generated employment for over 6 lakh man-days through the MGNREGA scheme.

— One of the challenges the administration faced was identifying lands needed for the project. According to Suman Bagdas, the district planning officer, “Land department officers helped us overcome this challenge. Getting support from the locals was also a challenge but not a huge one since they were the worst affected due to the water crisis. Once the project started, they understood the importance of the initiative.”

— An example worth mentioning is Biswakarma Jhora. Located in Madarihat-Birpara block, Biswakarma Jhora is one of the biggest rejuvenated water bodies. Spread over 13 bighas, it is now a biodiversity park that comprises a fish sanctuary, a medicinal plant garden, a butterfly garden, an ornamental fish pond, a beekeeping farm and boating facilities. “A lot of tourists started coming to Biswakarma Jhora once it was completed. There is no entry fee for school students, while a nominal Rs 10 is charged for adults,” said Budesh Lama, the joint Block Development Officer (BDO) of Madarihat-Birpara block.

Prasenjit Saiba, the local fisher-folk committee secretary, said fish such as rohu, catla, miguel and calbasu are bred in these ponds. “We release small fish here. Once they grow, we sell them to local villagers at low prices,” said Saiba.

— Good governance implies that in the face of a crisis, our response should be more likely to be meaningful, effective and sustainable. We need to maintain a clear and steady view of the facts of the problem, and then act accordingly. Civil servants trying to address the water crisis would be more effective if they keep these pieces of wisdom in mind.

— There are many takeaways from the efforts of IAS Surendra Kumar Meena and the district administration of Alipurduar. Excavated over the last couple of years as part of a water conservation initiative, these ponds have revitalised agriculture, horticulture and pisciculture, besides functioning as a playground for pachyderms.

— According to DM Surendra Kumar Meena, the initiative helped increase the potential for preserving water in derelict water bodies throughout the year. This water was then utilised as a sustainable groundwater source to meet the demand during lean seasons, especially the dry season.

— It is worth noting that these water bodies were created to meet the agricultural needs of the locals but they ended up benefiting the wildlife too. “Now elephants from the nearby Jaldapara forest come to the newly excavated ponds at twilight to drink water and bathe,” said Yusuf Ali, the executive assistant of Khairbari gram panchayat.

— It must be appreciated that a  project, which included the creation of both community and individual ponds, has improved the economic status of the people. That is how a good governance strategy when applied on ground doesn’t only overcome a challenge but also open new doors of opportunties.

— For a sustainable water conservation project and an idea which may act as a role model for other water stressed areas,  IAS Surendra Kumar Meena was awarded The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Award in the Water category.

The Indian population is water-distressed. Addressing the water crisis requires innovative solutions at administrative level. Discuss.

About The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards

The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards attempts to identify and recognise the excellence in innovations at the district level by rewarding the spirit of the district. The Indian Express started the Excellence in Governance Awards (EIGA) in 2019. The Indian Express launched its second edition in 2022. These awards celebrate best practices across a range of 18 categories: Healthcare to Gender & Inclusion; Skill Development to innovative education, energy to agriculture, Start ups and innovation to E-Governance.

(Week 1) — IAS officer fights against Naxal violence via development

(Week 2) — IAS officer who made education accessible during the time of crisis

(Week 3) — IAS officer who conducted ‘Sabarimala Yatra’ through strategic planning

(Week 4) —IAS officer who used tech to deliver healthcare to tribals.

(Week 5) —IAS officer who helped transgenders live a ‘life of dignity’.