Participatory Irrigation Management Acts in India: Need for a shift towards Sustainable Development

Water is a critical input for agricultural production, playing an important role in food security. Irrigation to regions where rainfall is scanty becomes very crucial. Approximately, 70% of the stored water is being used for irrigation. Thus, the regulation of water to ensure judicial use becomes highly indispensable. This study aims to critically appraise the Acts related to Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) being enacted in 18 states of India. By a comparative study, the salient features of PIM such as entrustment, equity in water supply, bottom-up approach, pricing of water, sense of ownership and membership, participation in decision-making process, and capacity building in its institutional arrangements are discussed. PIM can contribute significantly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction (SDG 1.2), food security (SDG 2.1 and 2.4), environmental conservation (SDG 15.1 and 15.3), and resilient livelihoods (SDG 9.1) in rural communities. This study aimed at pointing out the PIM concept with the lens of sustainability as it aligns community interests with environmental stewardship and economic viability, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and wellbeing.