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Project Details

16 September, 2025 Published By: Dr. Bipul Krishna Saha

Community-Based Water Resource Management

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Community-Based Water Resource Management

Water for People supports community-based water management as a key strategy for analyzing, planning, and managing water resources in an equitable and sustainable way. Despite substantial government investments in rural water supply, access to quality water remains a challenge due to poor management, lack of ownership, and climate change pressures. This project focuses on building resilience through inclusive participation, innovative models, and climate-responsive infrastructure.

  • Challenge of Sustainable Access: Rising demand, poor resource management, and climate change are causing increased scarcity and affecting both water quality and quantity. Without meaningful community participation, long-term sustainability is at risk.
  • Climate Resilient Development: Guided by IPCC’s sixth assessment report, the project prioritizes risk reduction, equity, and justice. Partnerships with governments, civil society, businesses, and marginalized groups drive resilience-building strategies.
  • Capacity Building: Training and empowering water managers with tools, governance mechanisms, and climate services to enable informed decision-making, especially within vulnerable communities.
  • Partnership & Collaboration: Creating strong networks with scientific institutions, NGOs, civil society, and marginalized groups to ensure inclusive and equitable water governance.
  • Pilot WRM Models: Successful models include Measure, Conserve, Recharge, Reduce, Recycle, Prevention, and Water Quality Monitoring. These principles form the backbone of multidisciplinary and sustainable water resource management.
  • Integrated Water Use: Promoting conjunctive use of surface and groundwater while integrating wastewater management wherever possible to ensure efficient utilization.

This project aims to create climate and water-resilient communities by promoting responsible water use, building local ownership, and ensuring sustainable practices that support health, livelihoods, and social equity. With the right partnerships and inclusive strategies, water security can become a reality for vulnerable populations.