The New Nation - Internet Edition

WATER resources in South Asia, mainly on the existing river channels, have not yet been brought under integrated management. Official agencies in all countries in the subcontinent try to optimise the use of water of major rivers and other channels for meeting their immediate needs. In such a context, a conference on innovative modeling approach for integrated water resources management jointly organised by the South Asia Consortium for Inter-Disciplinary Water Resources Studies based in Hyderabad in India and the BUET calling for interdisciplinary approach to the management of water resources in the region merits attention.

The use of water resources for meeting demands of millions of farmers as well as generation of hydro-electric power and maintaining navigability of water channels have been highlighted in the conference. The participants in the conference have reportedly underscored the need for interaction among relevant agencies in the field of water management. They have also insisted upon the creation of institutional facilities including the establishment of a South Asia University for Water Resources. It is needed for updating information and knowledge on water management.

Experiences of many countries of the world, vis-a-vis management of natural bounties including water resources, have to be noted by experts and agencies handling water resources. The challenges in maintaining the natural water courses and complexities in institutional approaches to water management have to be met through collaborative measures. The activities of the Joint Rivers Commissions, that has been assigned with the task of sharing data and information on water resources in countries in South Asian subcontinent, should be made more effective in the coming years. The use of water resources should be environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially acceptable to create a win win situation for the people of all the coriparian countries.