India
Water related challenges continue to be a serious problem in India, exacerbated by climate change effects like increasing water scarcity, over-exploitation of groundwater and pollution. The pressures from melting glaciers and unpredictable rainfall are compounded by transboundary water disputes in the Himalayan region critical to sustaining river networks supporting millions. These challenges not only threaten ecosystems but also jeopardise livelihoods and regional stability .which calls for an urgent need for integrated and sustainable water management solutions.
In India our work focuses on collaborating with local NGOs, research organisations, and international stakeholders to understand the complexities of water scarcity, transboundary water governance, and basin-scale water management in the Indian Himalayan Region. By integrating research and stakeholder engagement, we contribute to identifying policy gaps and crafting expert solutions for sustainable water use.
IFSD’s initiatives in India:
- Water Policy Lab in Uttarakhand: In collaboration with CEDAR, IFSD initiated a Water Policy Lab to discuss water management challenges in Uttarakhand. This initiative brought together diverse stakeholders to identify policy gaps, explore practical solutions, and highlight opportunities for improved governance.
- Collaboration with ICIMOD: IFSD worked with ICIMOD to elevate basin-scale water management strategies in India’s Himalayan region. This collaboration explored how integrated approaches can address transboundary water issues while ensuring equitable resource distribution.
- Research in the HKH Region: IFSD contributes to understanding water management at the basin scale, focusing on sustainable practices that balance environmental, social, and economic priorities in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
Through these initiatives, IFSD is committed to advancing sustainable water governance in India, fostering resilience in communities, and addressing the urgent water-related challenges of the Himalayan region.
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