Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: NITI Aayog
Context: The NITI Aayog, a government think-tank, has introduced a standard definition and approach for water neutrality in Indian industries.
What is Water neutrality?
Water neutrality is described as achieving a balance between total freshwater consumption, including both direct and indirect usage, and quantifiable water savings resulting from efficiency strategies.
Explanation using an example:
For instance, if a beverage company saves as much water through efficient production as it uses for making beverages and producing materials, it achieves water neutrality. If it saves more, it becomes water-positive; if it uses more, it’s not water-neutral.
Steps to achieve water neutrality:
- Reduce water use by increasing water efficiency.
- Install water reuse systems such as rainwater harvesting or greywater recycling.
- Offset remaining water demand in the local region.
Significance:
- This concept aims to save water, enhance its efficient utilization, and enable the validation of water neutrality claims by industries.
- The NITI Aayog’s report estimates that following water neutrality standards could save 38.23 billion cubic meters of water over the next decade.
- National Water Mission’s Goal 4 (Increasing water use efficiency by 20%) includes the promotion of water-neutral and water-positive technologies.
- The Aayog emphasizes that water neutrality/positive impact assessments should consider both resource availability and quality, ensuring any remaining impacts are offset through sustainable water practices.
