Partnering for Sustainable Water Management
In response to growing water security challenges in the Krishna River basin, the Government of Karnataka, through the Advanced Centre for Integrated Water Resources Management (ACIWRM), partnered with eWater Group to strengthen technical capacity in integrated water resources management.
The initiative is part of the Karnataka Integrated and Sustainable Water Resource Management Investment Program (KISWRMIP), funded by the Asian Development Bank, and is designed to enhance evidence-based planning and decision-making across the state.
Strategic Use of Australian Water Modelling Expertise
The Krishna River is a vital lifeline for millions across four Indian states, supporting agriculture, livelihoods, and regional water supply. Having previously adopted eWater Source™, Australia’s National Hydrological Modelling Platform, ACIWRM developed comprehensive river basin models to support the sustainable management of the basin.
Krishna River (Credit: Wikipedia & Open Street Map)
eWater Source™ was selected for its proven ability to integrate both catchment and river system processes, evaluate development and climate scenarios, and support transparent, data-driven water allocation.
Building Institutional Capacity
eWater designed and delivered a broad capacity-building program that included foundational and advanced training in eWater Source and ongoing technical support to ACIWRM as they built Source models for six sub-basins of the Krishna River.
In August 2024, eWater delivered an intensive in-country training program for over 30 hydrologists, civil engineers, field managers and researchers from the Karnataka Water Resources Department. Led by Principal Hydrologist, Dr. Mukta Sapkota, and Senior Hydrologist, Dr. Sudeep Nair, this program built foundational modelling skills and enabled participants to commence the model building process.
This was followed by a period of remote support, providing advice on the conceptualisation and model building work. A second in-country training program was delivered in October, exploring more advanced components of Source. Again, remote support was provided through to the completion of the model build process in December.
This comprehensive program equipped ACIWRM with the critical skills and knowledge of eWater Source to achieve their program objectives and continue skill transfer within the department.
Policy and Institutional Outcomes
“River Basin Modelling using Source had provided for incorporating all the water assets and rules of operation for water management into the model and provides a very comprehensive overview of the basin for the field engineers to understand the basin better and think scientifically for ensuring good water management,” Mr. Rajesh, Chief Engineer & Registrar, ACIWRM said.
Mr Rajesh emphasised the need for advance tools, such as, Source of eWater, for addressing the emerging new water challenges and comprehensively managing the water resources of the basin.
The integration of Source™ into Karnataka’s water planning processes is enabling:
- Development of basin-scale water models for scenario testing and operational planning
- Enhanced institutional capacity at both the state and zonal levels
- Evidence-based input into River Basin Plans and investment decisions
- Increased resilience to climate and development pressures
Looking Ahead
This collaboration sets a precedent for cross-border knowledge exchange in water governance. It strengthens Karnataka’s ability to plan, allocate and manage water resources more equitably and sustainably.
eWater Group remains committed to supporting ACIWRM in achieving long-term water security for the people of Karnataka, through science, technology, and partnership.
Source:
Integrated Water Management Solutions in the Krishna River – eWater
Improving integrated water resource management in Karnataka, India – eWater
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