PATNA: Bihar continues to perform below the national average in most human development index (HDI) indicators and lags behind many states on various socio-economic parametres. But things have not gone out of hand yet. With dedicated efforts, the scenario can be changed to make Bihar proud of its resources -- water management is one of them.
This observation was made by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Gupta, a Ramanujan Fellow at IIT Delhi, while addressing a global audience at the 6th BiharTimes Conclave 2024, held in Patna.
"Floods, droughts and arsenic in groundwater have long been a part of life in Bihar. Consequently, the state failed to match the development of many other states. But current challenges are of a different magnitude altogether - now these calamities are on the rise. But they need not become disasters. It depends on how society manages them," he said.
As a water resource management expert, Dr. Gupta has pioneered the "One Bihar-One Water" initiative-a comprehensive model addressing flooding, drought, waterlogging, and soil-groundwater contamination across the state.
Delivering a compelling talk titled "One Bihar, One Water" at the annual global meet hosted by the BiharTimes Development Foundation, Dr Gupta stressed that there is an urgent need to raise awareness among water resource management practitioners in Bihar. He emphasised on the need of realising the effectiveness of the "One Bihar, One Water" concept as a strategic framework to address the region's water challenges.
"Don't go by media propaganda. Bihar is still in the safe zone. Still we can make a comeback. Think positively," he said, while reinforcing the need for cohesive and sustainable water management practices across the region.
He emphasised the critical importance of integrated water resource management in Bihar, advocating for a unified approach to address the state's water challenges.
He said that the situation in North Bihar and South Bihar should not be seen in isolation. Neither should the policymakers try to resolve the issues of floods, draughts and arsenic in groundwater separately. They must discuss it altogether.
Drawing from his extensive research in hydrogeology and environmental science, Dr. Gupta highlighted the pressing issues of groundwater depletion, contamination, and the impacts of climate change on Bihar's water systems. He proposed the implementation of advanced technologies and community-driven initiatives to ensure sustainable water management.
He said that usually discussions on the water crisis in Bihar are limited to high arsenic contamination in groundwater. How the water crisis in the state leads to reduced agricultural productivity, waterborne diseases, and economic challenges barely gets attention.
"Arsenic contamination in groundwater is limited to only a few districts. Reduced agricultural productivity, waterborne diseases, and economic challenges are the major problems faced by the residents across the state," he added.
He has recently joined hands with other Non-Governmental Organisations to increase availability of water by restoring and rejuvenating two decaying water bodies in Bihar, one is located in Samartha village in Samastipur district and the other one is located in Darbhanga.
"Hopefully, we will share the success story when we meet again at the BiharTimes Conclave next year," said Dr. Gupta.
