Parvathi, C2017-04-042017-04-042011https://ir.avinuty.ac.in/handle/avu/2651Avdilahilily of safe (Ir'mkiiiy^ woicr i.s inodniiiolc. Scvci'c uuilcr shoiioycs hove already led la a ^rowiny, nimiher o f conflicis between users (ay,riciillure, industry, domestic), intra-state and inter-state. Erneryiny^ cliallenyes include nianayeinent o f existing in f'astrnctnrc and o f the water resource itself ll'ater reform in India mostly focuses on organizational issues rather than the instruments that govern the relationship between the regulator and the user. Pm\'ision of canal irrigation and water supple services in India has largely remained with the government agencies. Absence o f enforceable water entitlements at all levels is at the root of service shortcomings, water use inefficiency, un-regulated groundwater extraction, negligence of traditional and low-cost water bodies, financial jirobleins and conflicts which plague the water sector. Faced with poor water supply services, farmers and urban awellers luive resorted to helping themselves by pumping out groundwater, which has ied to rapidly declining water tables: in coasted areas this trend has led to salinity ingress, hinancial crunch has also led to an enormous backlog of maintenance and thereby, inadeeptate /; rformance levels o f irrigation projects. India reepu'res proper design and effective ex ’cution of suitable strategic options. Water is emerging as a national challenge and its most efficient management has to be given top priority in order to meet the future demands of food grains for a fast growing population. Managing water resources is more iin/iortant than managing material wealth.