What Has the Narendra Modi Led Government Done for the Chennai Water Crisis?
The 2019 Chennai water crisis is a multi-faceted issue reflecting the complex relationship between local municipal authorities and central government policies. While the crisis was primarily caused by two years of deficient monsoon rainfall, it has sparked debates about the role of the central government, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Crisis Context
On June 19, 2019, Chennai city officials declared that two years of monsoon rainfall, particularly in late 2017 and throughout much of 2018, led to a severe water crisis. Tap water had stopped running in many parts of the city, forcing some families to rely on alternative water sources such as distant public water pumps and costly private water tankers.
Governing Bodies and Financial Assistance
Tamil Nadu, the state that encompasses Chennai, has sought Rs 5398-crore assistance from the central government for water supply projects across the state. SP Velumani, a state minister for Municipal Administration, Rural Development, and Implementation of Special Programs, presented a memorandum to Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, seeking financial assistance for these projects.
The proposed projects include the construction of a desalination plant and connected pipeline works with a designed capacity of 100 million liters per day (MLD) for Villupuram and Thindivanam municipality, Marakkanam, Vikkaravandi town panchayats, and 1601 rural habitations in 10 panchayat unions of Villupuram district. The total project cost is around Rs 2000 crore, expected to benefit 16.78 lakh people.
Role of Central Government in Water Management
Central government assistance in crises such as the 2019 Chennai water crisis typically comes in the form of water trains and technical assistance requested by state authorities. For instance, the central government provided water trains during the crisis, but it declined to provide direct financial aid.
Central government interventions in technical matters and during natural disasters have been well-documented. For example, in 2019, Odisha was assisted in dealing with a cyclone, while Tamil Nadu was quite upset with Prime Minister Modi's response to the Gaja cyclone. Central government engineers can be deputed for projects, as seen in the case of Bihar and small states/union territories.
Local Responsibilities and Financial Management
Central government responses to local crises are often constrained by the principle of local responsibility for municipal affairs. Water management, in particular, is a local subject for which individuals, local municipal corporations, and state governments are primarily responsible.
Local municipal corporations should be adequately funded and utilized to manage water issues. Increasing user charges for water, sanitation, and other services can generate more revenue. Underutilization of existing funds and enforcement of rainwater harvesting laws can also play a crucial role in managing water scarcity.
The case of Surat, a coastal city in India, provides a positive example of how municipalities can manage water and flood risks effectively. By engaging businesses and the public in flood prevention strategies, any city can significantly reduce its vulnerability to water crises.
Challenges and Critiques
Tamil Nadu politicians have been notorious for holding the central government responsible for state mismanagement for decades. This practice has persisted despite the state receiving millions of crores from the central government annually through financial distributions, taxes, and aid.
The central government's approach to water crises under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership reflects a pragmatic stance on state socialism. Unlike his predecessors, Modi has avoided succumbing to political pressure for direct financial assistance, which has led some to perceive him as a villain among Tamil people.
Conclusion
While the Narendra Modi led government did not provide direct financial aid for the 2019 Chennai water crisis, it provided necessary technical support and water trains. India's water management challenges require a balanced approach, with a strong emphasis on local governance, accountability, and efficient financial management.