Multi‐stakeholder approach to implementing water stewardship: The case of the Ghod River basin

Abstract

AbstractITC Limited, an Indian conglomerate company under the Water Stewardship Programme, works to achieve water security for all the stakeholders in its manufacturing unit and agriculture value chain catchments. Under the programme, ITC has developed a methodology for implementation: (1) assessment and creation of an annual water balance in basins and aquifers; (2) develop a plan for making water balance positive throughout the year for today and tomorrow; (3) collaborative action by engaging with the community and other stakeholders for achieving a positive water status. Accordingly, ITC works with government in public private partnership (PPP) mode to merge resources and expertise for enhanced outreach. The Ghod River is a tributary of the Krishna River which flows in Maharashtra, a prominent agricultural state in India. The upper ridges of the basin receive 3000 mm while lower areas receive 450–500 mm rainfall annually. The basin has a total storage potential of 1280 MCM (million cubic metres) in reservoirs in the upper ridges. The Ghod River basin has a positive water balance on an annual basis, but in the post‐monsoon season it has a deficit of 61.9 MCM. To manage the water deficit in the post‐monsoon season, there is a need to: (i) restore upstream reservoirs to their original storage capacity by reducing silt load; (ii) increase subsurface flows into reservoirs throughout the year through managed aquifer recharge; (iii) reduce demand for water primarily from agriculture. ITC has initiated work on those lines based on scientifically rigorous and socially inclusive approaches.