Report No: ACS13888 Republic of India IN Capacity Development for Integrated Water Resources Development and Management June 26, 2015 GWADR SOUTH ASIA Document of the World Bank 0 Standard Disclaimer: This volume is a product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/ The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Copyright Statement: The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions or all of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable law. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/ The World Bank encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission to reproduce portions of the work promptly. For permission to photocopy or reprint any part of this work, please send a request with complete information to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA, telephone 978-750-8400, fax 978-750- 4470, http://www.copyright.com/. All other queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to the Office of the Publisher, The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA, fax 202-522-2422, e-mail pubrights@worldbank.org. 1 THE WORLD BANK GROUP Capacity Development for Integrated Water Resources Development and Management in India 2 Table of Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms .......................................................................................................... 4 DFID Trust Fund, Bank-Executed Grant .......................................................................................... 6 Executive Summary......................................................................................................................... 7 Background ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Project Objective, Budget and Beneficiaries .................................................................................. 9 Project Achievements ................................................................................................................... 10 Component A: Strengthening of National Institutes ................................................................ 11 Benchmarking of National Institutes .................................................................................................. 11 River Basin Assessments ..................................................................................................................... 12 Framework for WUA Benchmarking ................................................................................................... 13 Component B: Improved Groundwater Assessment ................................................................ 14 Component C: Trainings and Workshops .................................................................................. 15 Real-time Hydrological Information Systems ..................................................................................... 16 Monitoring and Evaluation of Irrigation Projects ............................................................................... 17 Flood Forecasting ................................................................................................................................ 18 Lessons Learned and Next Steps................................................................................................... 19 Annex 1.1: Training Programs Conducted and Key Outcomes ..................................................... 21 Annex 1.2: List of Institutes Referenced for Benchmarking ......................................................... 22 Annex 1.3: Challenges and Advantages of Global Geophysics Methodologies for Aquifer Mapping for India ......................................................................................................................... 22 Annex 2: List of Experts Engaged by the Project .......................................................................... 24 Annex 3: List of firm/vendor/institutes hired to support the project .......................................... 25 Annex 4.1: List of World Bank Team Members Involved in Implementation of the Project ....... 25 Annex 5: List of Reports Delivered ................................................................................................ 26 Annex 6: Summary of Benchmarking report of MoWR, RD&GR Institutes .................................. 28 1.1 Central Groundwater Board ........................................................................................... 28 1.2 National Institute of Hydrology ...................................................................................... 28 1.3 Central Soil and Material Research Station ................................................................... 29 1.4 Central Water and Power Research Station .................................................................. 29 3 Abbreviations and Acronyms AWiFS Advanced Wide Field Sensor CFAB Climate Forecasting Applications for Bangladesh CGWB Central Ground Water Board CSMRS Central Soil and Materials Research Station CWPRS Central Water and Power Research Station CWC Central Water Commission DFID Department for International Development DSS Decision Support System ECMRWF European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast FFWC Flood Forecasting and Warning Center FYP Five Year Plan GDP Gross Domestic Product HP Hydrology Project HP2 Hydrology Project Phase II HR Human Resource IndiaNPIM Network on Participatory Irrigation Management IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management km3 Cubic Kilometer MoWR, RD&GR Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation MoU Memorandum of Understanding MODIS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology NCAR National Center for Atmospheric Research NHP National Hydrology Project NIH National Institute of Hydrology NAQUIM National Project on Aquifer Mapping 4 NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration O&M Operation and Maintenance PIM Participatory Irrigation Management RTDAS Real-time Data Acquisition System SAWI South Asia Water Initiative TEM Transient Electro-Magnetic TRMM Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission UPWSRP1 Uttar Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project 1 UPWSRP2 Uttar Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project 2 UPRSAC Uttar Pradesh Remote Sensing Application Center USGS United States Geological Survey WALMI Water and Land Management Institute WBADMI West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project WUA Water User Association 5 DFID Trust Fund, Bank-Executed Grant Title Capacity Development for Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Project No. P127979 Project Leader Anju Gaur, Water Global Practice, World Bank Counterpart Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India Project Life August 2011 to December 2014 Grant (US$) 1.41 million (planned 2.00 million) Development To strengthen the capacity of various institutions in the Ministry of Objective Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation for sustainable water resources management, and to develop training tools for innovative techniques for further dissemination to state agencies and other stakeholders. 6 Executive Summary The national and state governments in India have committed to transforming how water resources are managed in the country. The critical needs are: (i) improved water resource assessments; (ii) rationalization of water supplies; (iii) improved service delivery; (iv)a robust national hydro-informatics system; (v) institutional reform of central agencies; and (vi) improvements in professional human resources and infrastructure. The objective of this trust funded activity was to support this transformation by strengthening the capacity of institutions within the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (RD&GR) for sustainable water resources management, including through international training that provided exposure to innovative techniques for water resources management. The activity not only filled key capacity gaps and strengthened key institutions to tackle emerging challenges in the water sector, but also triggered national reforms and contributed to the design of the National Hydrology Project (NHP). The activity benchmarked four MoWR, RD&GR institutions against international standards and introduced a tool for benchmarking Water User Associations (WUAs) to strengthen participatory irrigation management. The activity introduced advanced geophysical techniques for groundwater management and training, and ran workshops that trained 700 state and central agency engineers in modern hydromet, flood management and river basin techniques. Key activity outcomes (amongst many) are summarized below. National water institutes benchmarked and ready to drive a reform agenda. A major outcome is the availability of framework to strengthen capacity of national institutions to work collaboratively with state agencies. The reports with action plan include strengthening Human Resource (HR) reforms and training programs of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), and the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). This guided budget allocations under the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP, 2012-17) for long-term international exposure and training needs. These institutes systematically evaluated their own performance by benchmarking against international best practices and standards. The organizational improvement recommendations from this benchmarking were approved by the committee to the 12th FYP. MoWR, RD&GR now plans to upgrade these institutes into centers of excellence. Organizational development has commenced in some institutions and MoWR, RD&GR is developing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for long-term capacity building programs with internationally recognized institutes. Web based e-tool for benchmarking WUAs (www.wua.aquiferindia.org). To further boost and scale-up participatory irrigation management, a standardized web-based tool for benchmarking WUAs was developed and adopted. This enables benchmarking of WUAs across the country against various parameters. This tool will contribute to strengthening not only existing WUAs but also help establish new groups where needed. This work was undertaken in collaboration with the Indian Network on Participatory Irrigation Management. State-of-the-art technology for groundwater mapping and modelling. While the feasibility of these technologies was established through the World Bank funded Hydrology Project Phase II 7 (HP2) in six pilot areas, under the trust fund activity experts from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) guided the actual introduction of these innovative techniques for groundwater investigations, analysis of field data, and for modelling. The activity also launched formal training programs on these techniques. This helped MoWR, RD&GR develop the methodology for the National Program of Aquifer Mapping under the 12th FYP. Tools for monitoring and assessing the impacts of irrigation projects. The activity supported the use of remotely sensed data to assess impacts of irrigation schemes. The prior practice of collecting field data for the assessment of baseline and current agricultural status via questionnaires provided only limited impact assessment. This activity developed and piloted a model to supplement the traditional impact assessment processes using remote sensing to evaluate land use and land cover changes following project implementation. Real-time hydromet and flood forecasting. The training and guidance provided under this activity enabled the introduction of real-time hydromet and flood forecasting systems in over half a dozen states under HP. The activity supported international training programs and workshops for the benefit of a large number of trainees. The training resources and knowledge products are available online (www.indiawrm.org) for wider usage. River basin approach for scoping and design of the national HP. The activity ‘set the stage’ for a pan-India reform agenda influencing all stakeholders across all major river basins of the country. It directly increased awareness on the need for a strategic basin planning approach to water resources planning and development, including in multi-state and multi-country basins, that promotes leadership, knowledge generation and sharing and innovative management tools. This led to the request for NHP, which aims to extend water resource management applications developed in Southern India across all river basins in the country. Without this trust fund activity, the introduction of real-time and evidence based-decision support tools involving multiple stakeholders would not have been possible. 8 Background India’s water resources, considered abundant in 1950, are now under stress given a three-fold increase in population since that year. A proliferation of tubewells has led to unsustainable extraction of groundwater for irrigation, and lowering of water tables, particularly in north-west India. In some river basins (for example, the Pennar and Kanyakumari), annual water availability is as low as 240 cubic meter (m3) per person. Many more river basins are expected to become water scarce in the near future. Limited availability of water is constraining India’s ability to meet the water supply, industrial and agriculture needs of a growing population. The 12th FYP recognizes water availability as a key constraint on economic growth. The total national water demand has been predicted to increase from 656 to 1,059 km3 by 2050; the total (surface and ground) water availability is 1,123 km3. Currently, 78 percent of water use is in agriculture. This is expected to decrease to 72 percent by 2025 and 65-68 percent by 2050, mainly because of greater increases in demand from domestic and industrial sectors. The 12th FYP emphasizes the need for improved assessment of water resources, particularly groundwater, through aquifer mapping, formation of a National Water Commission, rationalization of water provision through a new water framework and legal setup for groundwater, mechanisms to improve services delivery (irrigation water and energy), and development of a monitoring system. World Bank-funded projects are also addressing some of these key interventions. At the central level, HP2 provided technical support by strengthening the capacity of institutes and laying the foundation for a modern hydrological information system including piloting of decision support tools for water resources planning and management in selected river basins. World Bank-funded water restructuring projects in various states are adopting an integrated approach supported by regulatory frameworks and participatory irrigation management, including modernization of irrigation schemes. Projects involving institutional and/or infrastructure reforms were constrained by limited technical capacity in central and state agencies. MoWR, RD&GR sets national policy and allocates funding to states according to certain criteria. States are responsible for program implementation and development of state water policy. The central institutes of MoWR, RD&GR, including the Central Water Commission (CWC) and CGWB, provide technical guidance to state agencies on project design and planning, and project monitoring. The national and state governments have committed to transforming how water resources are managed. However, strengthening of central institutes is required to improve service delivery to states and to enable adoption of a river basin approach. Key capacity gaps stem from a lack of awareness of and experience in modern and innovative approaches. Project Objective, Budget and Beneficiaries The project development objective was to strengthen the capacity of various institutions in MoWR, RD&GR for sustainable water resources management and to develop training tools for innovative techniques for further dissemination to state agencies and other stakeholders. The activity was supported by US$2.00 million grant from the Department for International Development (DFID) India Trust Fund. Following a revision in scope, actual expenditure was US$1.41 million. Expenditure details are provided in Annex 4.2. 9 The main project beneficiaries were MoWR, RD&GR and central institutions under this ministry. Specific central institutes strengthened by the project included CGWB, NIH, CSMRS, and the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). In addition to the staff of four benchmarked institutes, over 700 central and state government engineers/scientists received training in innovative water management techniques and technologies. Project Achievements The activity included benchmarking of four central institutes against international standards, introduction of an e-tool for benchmarking WUAs, introduction of an innovative approach for advance geophysical techniques in groundwater management, and training of 700 engineers from central and state agencies in hydromet, flood management and river basin planning. The main achievements (against agreed indicator targets) are summarized in Table 1 and described subsequently by component. Table 1: Project achievements Project Development Target Output / Outcome Achievement Objective Indicator To enhance a. Proposal for CGWB reform Benchmarking report based on international institutional capacity available standards available and guided the fund of MoWR, RD&GR, allocations under 12th FYP including for state water resources strengthening of the international training agencies and research / program training institutes with b. Groundwater estimates Advanced groundwater modelling and innovative technology improved and updated more assessment techniques were introduced and and institutional frequently with the available adopted by national programs reforms for tools implementing c. Web-based tools and Various training packages are available on sustainable water training aids developed and the web and a web-based benchmarking tool management projects. validated in the field for WUA is tested for two states d. Use of innovative Use of advanced surface and subsurface geo- technology for surface and physical techniques have been introduced to ground water management understand underground flow and are being proposed in water resources used by various agencies projects A. Water resources a. Benchmarking proposal for a) This was dropped. Benchmarking of institutional effective water regulatory institutes was proposed as an additional strengthening authority activity. Benchmarking for four research institutes guided in reform, training program and funding under 12th FYP b. Modernized monitoring of b) Remote sensing based Monitoring and irrigation projects in place Evaluation (M&E) techniques are being practiced in irrigation projects B. Improved A Proposal for CGWB a) Benchmarking report recommending groundwater benchmarking to identify technical and institutional reforms for assessment institutional gaps. CGWB delivered. Many technical suggestions made have been adopted by 10 Project Development Target Output / Outcome Achievement Objective Indicator states and have been incorporated into the NHP design b. Improved methodology / b) Global practices and guidance note with tool in practice for aquifer training material available for advanced geo- mapping, groundwater physical methods estimation and management C. Trainings and a. Stakeholders are using web- The training/workshops sessions are workshops based training aids available on website for public. b. Business processes A guidance note on modernization of established to support the irrigation system and SCADA has been modernization of irrigation disseminated projects and implement groundwater management practices c. Innovative practices for Several World Bank-funded projects surface and ground water benefitted from the introduction of management are proposed in innovative techniques and are applied in the water resources projects field. MoWR, RD&GR is developing MoUs with international institutes for future training Component A: Strengthening of National Institutes This component was designed to strengthen regulatory authorities, river basin organizations, and WUAs. However, MoWR, RD&GR focused effort on strengthening national technical institutes and requested the benchmarking of four institutions. The activity was unable to pursue the planned study on regulatory authorities because MoWR, RD&GR was already working on river basin institutions and the water law framework. The final achievements of this component are described below. Benchmarking of National Institutes The institutes benchmarked (CGWB, NIH, CSMRS and CWPRS) were assessed against international standards and assessments were approved by MoWR, RD&GR. On the basis of the assessment, the Ministry decided to upgrade the institutes to “centers of excellence� (see pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=122281). The activity funded international and national experts to review current practices and infrastructure and to benchmark against international standards. The assessments focused not only on capacity building but also on reform of staffing and training plans. The benchmarking reports were finalized in consultation with the core team of the respective institutions and then approved by Ministry. This provided a clear mandate for the respective institutes to prepare and process implementation plans under the 12th FYP. Recommendations included short- and long- term measures. Short-term recommendations focused on strengthening infrastructure and training; long-term measures focused on empowering institutes and on staff reforms. The recommendations for adoption of new methods, new lines of research and for new equipment are summarized in Annex 6. 11 CGWB was benchmarked against USGS. Recommendations included an upgrade to state-of-the- art international standards, focusing on providing solutions through research and development, and outsourcing of routine activities. Short-term recommendations related to organizational issues and included empowering regional directors, improving communication between headquarters and regional offices, and constitution of an interagency team to prioritize activities. Recommendations were also made for improving monitoring networks through standardized field procedures and public near real-time data sharing. Long-term recommendations related to organizational issues such as the formation of an interagency group to evaluate the CGWB mandate and benchmarking of regional offices. It was recommended that monitoring networks and chemical laboratories should conduct groundwater assessments and provide solutions to specific regional groundwater problems, including via artificial recharge techniques or by through the use of geophysical techniques for aquifer mapping. NIH benchmarking led to the preparation of a development plan to improve facilities, equipment, buildings, scientific manpower, in order to transform the institute into a leading international hydrology institution. Benchmarking of CSMRS considered manpower, equipment and capacity building as well as an assessment of the expected future workload. It was recommended that once equipment and capacity were upgraded, a complete re-organization of the institute should be undertaken. The benchmarking for CWPRS revealed tremendous potential. In order to meet the high national demand for water-related infrastructure, CWPRS must continue to support experimental research and development of numerical models. There is an urgent need for major capital investment at CWPRS to meet the challenges identified in the 12th FYP. The development of water and power resources emerged as a key national priority. Benchmarking of CWC was not undertaken under the activity as this had been completed already. Instead, the activity exposed CWC to advanced flood forecasting techniques. CWC is the national agency mandated to forecast floods and provide support to states as India loses about 5 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) every year to flood damage. Flood damage can be reduced through improved forecasting and early warning systems. CWC’s practice was to issue forecasts based solely on upstream river levels; this approach has little value in small river basins as lead times are too short for a meaningful response. Training and expert advice from National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR, USA) exposed CWC and state agencies to long lead-time forecasting based on medium range ensemble weather forecasts. Under HP2, two river basins (Bhakra and Krishna) have adopted advanced forecasting techniques. Recently, CWC upgraded forecasting in one river basin following major floods in Northern India. Under the National Hydrology Project (NHP), CWC and the states will adopt improved forecasting India-wide. River Basin Assessments Initially, the activity supported the development of Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for river basin planning and management under HP2. DSSs were set up for 13 river basins and Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) training from international experts for these basins was 12 provided. The experts also worked with the states to develop models and standards to progress IWRM in other river basins. It is increasingly recognized in India, at central and state levels that water management lacks a basin-wide approach to water planning and allocation. A more strategic approach is required as the demand for water from multiple sectors increases. A strategic basin planning effort is under way for the NHP with a focus on DSSs for modelling and analysis, combined with multi- stakeholder engagement and capacity building of government agencies at multiple levels. All these have been catalyzed by workshops supported under this trust-funded activity (see Annex 1). The activity supported workshops in September 2014 involving all state water resources departments with international experts covering aspects of IWRM applications including advances in hydro-meteorological instrumentation and modern tools and techniques for water resources planning and management. The knowledge resources and proceedings from these workshops have been shared at www.indiawrm.org/Masterworkshops.aspx. Framework for WUA Benchmarking The National Water Policy, 12th FYP and National Water Mission comprehensive mission documents indicate that Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) through WUAs as the preferred approach for equitable and optimal use of irrigation water. A gradual reduction in government involvement in irrigation management requires a corresponding increase and broadening of the involvement of farmers to ensure better performance in irrigated agriculture. PIM has been actively promoted by state Water and Land Management Institutes (WALMIs), by World Bank-funded water resources consolidation and restructuring projects and by the Indian Network on Participatory Irrigation Management (India NPIM). India NPIM has the mandate to provide standard PIM tools and practices. The trust-funded activity developed web-based e-tools for standardizing WUA monitoring and for maintaining a national WUA database. It is anticipated that India NPIM will coordinate with WALMIs and will encourage them to use these online tools including database verification by district-level data administrators. The web-based e-tool records WUA details and supports WUA benchmarking. The website provides a transparent database to help WUAs understand their strengths and weaknesses. WUA benchmarking is being used not only to strengthen existing PIM groups but also to help establish new groups. The e-tool is being tested in the Uttar Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project 2 (UPWSRP2) and West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project (WBADMI) projects but could support all irrigation projects to facilitate cross-WUA learning to improve WUA performance. Strong participatory hydrological monitoring by WUAs has been recognized as a means to improve water use efficiency and demand side management, and to ensure Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of all investments. The activity piloted scheme-wise data analysis, water audits and improved cropping, to help WUAs use local evidence for decision making, especially before the Rabi (dry) season for crop selection based on estimated water budgets. 13 Figure 1: e-Tool for benchmarking of Water Users Association (http://wua.aquiferindia.org/) Component B: Improved Groundwater Assessment The activity supported in development of protocols for the National Project on Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) that MoWR, RD&GR introduced during the 12th FYP. The pilot program tested advanced ground-based and heliborne techniques for the first time in India, Under HP2, six pilot watersheds were selected to test advanced geophysical techniques and to develop an implementation plan for NAQUIM based on the following support:  Guidance from USGS experts on integration of ground-based and heliborne measurements;  Guidance from MIT modelling expert on improved hydro-geological modelling;  Advanced training in borehole and surface geophysics for improved groundwater assessment. These tools have been adopted by Word Bank-funded projects including UPWSRP2 and WBADMI.  Analysis of the challenges and advantages of geophysical methods for aquifer mapping in India (see Annex 1.3) based on Global practices. 14 Figure 2: Training on Borehole Geophysics for Groundwater by USGS The software introduced in training supported data integration for pilot aquifer mapping. WBADMI now plans to conduct geophysical investigations to test the feasibility of groundwater schemes. Further training in these techniques is planned. The pilot NAQUIM explored heliborne Transient Electro-Magnetic (TEM) geophysical surveys for aquifer mapping, and established the utility and efficacy of these techniques in different hydro-geological settings. The pilot demonstrated the suitability of heliborne surveys to expedite national aquifer mapping. Preliminary assessments indicated the efficacy of the technique for alluvial aquifers. As demonstrated elsewhere, heliborne geophysical surveys have a high observation density compared with traditional survey techniques and allow the development of more accurate three dimensional groundwater models for improved assessment of groundwater availability and for detailed investigation of groundwater management options. Component C: Trainings and Workshops Training workshops were conducted under this component covering: (i) real-time hydrological information systems; (ii) M&E of on-going irrigation projects; (iii) surface and subsurface geophysical techniques; and (iv) improved long lead-time flood forecasting. (See Annex 1 for a list of training workshops delivered under the component.). The activity facilitated within- 15 country training workshops using international experts. The knowledge resources used were converted into web-based training resources and made widely accessible for virtual learning. In total, the project trained 700 professional in various innovative and modern water planning and management practices and tools. The Real-time Data Acquisition System (RTDAS) training was very effective as participants were able to apply learnings immediately for system installations under HP2. Adoption post- training of the advanced groundwater geophysics methods varied according to the capacity of participants and state-level availability of the necessary equipment. Some participants quickly adopted the new techniques while others first need to procure equipment and may require additional training. Similarly, the effectiveness of the long-lead forecasting training varied; it was most useful for a few advanced modelers. Some of the training courses delivered under the activity have been continued under other programs, while others could be continued with additional funding. Real-time Hydrological Information Systems Under HP2, real-time hydrological information systems were introduced at scale for the first time in India. To learn from international experience, two training events with international experts were conducted and direct support provided in some states. The activity also supported the 16 Figure 3: Training on Real-time Hydrological Information System introduction of irrigation monitoring and operation systems in World Bank-funded irrigation projects. This was complemented by a workshop where vendors from all around the world show- cased products and services. This workshop enabled articulation of the specific needs and activity scope for the participating states and central agencies in NHP. Monitoring and Evaluation of Irrigation Projects In recent decades, irrigated areas under irrigation projects have been declining, raising concerns within the central government. To understand the causes for the decline, the activity supported analysis of remote sensing data for irrigation scheme M&E. During UPWSRP1, this approach was used during Implementation Completion and Results report to assess project impact, using freely available NASA and USGS imagery. Traditionally, agencies in India have relied on national imagery and were not well versed in the use of global imagery. Training was provided to the Uttar Pradesh State Remote Sensing Center (UPRSAC) under UPWSRP2 to enable the center to assess baseline agricultural practices of the proposed irrigated command, understanding of the phenology of crops using temporal (free or low-cost) imageries. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived maps were used to analyze head, middle and tail- end of the command area. Landsat and AWiFS data were used to evaluate land use and land cover changes before and after project implementation. This work demonstrated the potential of remotely sensed data for determining cropping intensity and spatial-temporal variations in cropping pattern and crop dynamics. The resultant geospatial datasets for agricultural intensification and crop dynamics provided a new dimension to irrigation project impact assessment, by considering issues relating to food security and climate at local, and regional scales. 17 Figure 4: Calibrating remote sensing data with field measurement Flood Forecasting Week-long training events on the Climate Forecasting Applications for Bangladesh (CFAB) project issued operational flood forecasts for Bangladesh over a wide range of time scales. This provides advanced warning of severe flood stage across the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins. Training was tailored to impart a fully-automated short-range (one to10 day) probabilistic forecast using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble weather forecasts, near-real-time NASA TRMM and NOAA CMORPH satellite-derived precipitation estimates, NOAA CPC-GTS rain gauge-based precipitation estimates and near-real- time discharge estimates from the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC). It was shown how these data sets can be used in conjunction with statistical analysis of weather and discharge forecasts, together with a multi-model hydrological modeling approach. Accurate short-term (seven-day) forecasts are being used successfully in Krishna and Upper Bhima basins. Approach was shared with the Flood Forecasting Center at CWC to guide discussion on improving flood forecasting centrally. Opportunities exist to integrate extended range ensemble climate forecasts with the river flow forecasting techniques. CWC recognizes the opportunity and is working on introducing the approach into its forecast system. This work is now in progress under the South Asia Water Initiative Trust Fund to further apply the approach in the Brahmaputra Basin; there is also a proposal by CWC and other agencies to upscale the work under NHP. This will require advanced modelling skills and climatology training. Under NHP, the intent is to partner with the Indian Meteorological Department which would verify forecasts. 18 Figure 5. Training on Long lead flood forecasting system Lessons Learned and Next Steps The lessons learned can be summarized as follows: 1. Recipient-executed grants can be slow. Initially, this activity was designed as a recipient executed grant. However, this delayed the activity for two years. As a World Bank- executed activity, implementation was simpler and faster. 2. Accessing international expertise is critical. This expertise helped MoWR, RD&GR quickly and efficiently assess its own needs for support of national programs, and motivated it to initiate longer-term MoUs with international institutes. The international training was cost-effective, customizable, and ensured participation of appropriate trainees. 3. Linking to lending operations is cost effective. Training events were linked to ongoing World Bank-funded projects and local logistics were supported by these projects. This was cost effective as the trust fund grant simply funded engagement of international experts, which is difficult for the client to arrange. 19 4. Renting equipment for training can be used when procurement is slow. Some training events were delayed as they depended upon procurement of equipment through lending operations; this was resolved by renting the required equipment. 5. Technical assistance can catalyze progress in World Bank-funded projects. Providing support for technical innovations and preparation of technical proposals through the trust- funded activity proved a good means to accelerate progress in lending operations. 6. River basin planning and extended range flood forecasting are crucial for India. The training and trials of river basin planning and long-lead flood forecasting demonstrated huge potential and were very well accepted by CWC. The NHP will focus strongly on these aspect of IWRM for improving water resource management across the country. Overall, the activity greatly increased the awareness of water resources management needs in India, leading to the NHP proposal. The recommendations and successes from the project are also guiding aspect of the South Asian Water Initiative. Some other technical assistance activities have also been established to continue the work commenced. 20 Annex 1.1: Training Programs Conducted and Key Outcomes Training No. of No. of Key Outcomes Training Attendees Events Extended flood 2 45 CWC and several other agencies under HP2 initiated integration of climate forecasts. forecasting Scaling-up will happen via SAWI (for Brahmaputra), and NHP (centrally) Real-time 2 50 Classroom and follow-up support introduced innovative technology at scale under HP2. Six hydrological agencies (out of 13) introduced the system for the first time in India. It is a major activity information system proposed under NHP. The web-based resources are contributing to future planning Monitoring irrigation 1 21 Uttar Pradesh State Remote Sensing Center can now process MODIS imagery, including to projects provide a baseline for UPWSRP2 Integration of surface 1 25 Tested and recommended advanced geo-physics techniques for NAQUIM & geophysical data Surface & subsurface 2 60 World Bank-funded WBADMI (US$300 million) is adopting the techniques for geophysics methods groundwater development. Other states will use for aquifer mapping under NHP IWRM awareness 2 225 Showcased the outcomes of HP2 and the IWRM approach for river basins, and guided workshop design of NHP Hydrological 1 125 Showcased innovative opportunities for NHP and raised awareness of NHP amongst modelling modelling and hydromet providers. Many providers are already offering training Hydromet technology 1 150 Total 12 701 21 Annex 1.2: List of Institutes Referenced for Benchmarking Institute Global Institutes CWPRS US Bureau of Reclamation and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) CSMRS CSIRO Australia, USACE, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Swedish Geotechnical Institute, National Building Research Organization, Sri Lanka NIH Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, UK; VITUKI, Hungary; National Water Resources Research Institute, Canada; Engineering Research and Development Center, Waterways Experiment Station (USACE), US CGWB US Geological Survey Annex 1.3: Challenges and Advantages of Global Geophysics Methodologies for Aquifer Mapping for India Location/Country Methods Used Advantages for Use in India Challenges for Use Aquifer Mapping in India Parnaiba Basin, Brazil Time-domain  TDEM and VES surveys are  Poor delineation of fracture zones at depths underlying electromagnetic not time-consuming for this thick columns of relatively conductive alluvium (compared with Baswa- soundings type of hydrogeology  Additional cost associated with constraining the error in Bandiqui Watershed, Rajasthan) Vertical  Minimum human/ economic depth estimation and confirming the marker bed electromagnetic resources required due to ease soundings of equipment mobility Audio-magneto-telluric Snake River Plain Crosswell tomography  Not useful for the India case  Using crosswell seismic tomography in the Deccan Trap Aquifer, Idaho, USA (see challenges) area would be limited to a very site specific solution (compared with Seismic velocity rather than on a regional level Watershed WGKKC-2, tomography  Large-scale aquifer mapping in this area is not worth the Nagpur District, high cost and is therefore not economically viable Maharashtra) Eastern Abu Dhabi, Airborne time-domain  AEM covers a vast area  Although AEM would be the most efficient method for a United Arab Emirates electromagnetic survey vast arid region, the cost-benefit ratio of data collection is (compared with  UAE, Australia and western high US have successfully mapped Jodhpur/Jaisalmer  Additional surface geophysics would need to be District, Rajasthan) aquifers in arid regions conducted as a reconnaissance tool especially because there is minimal deep groundwater data 22 Location/Country Methods Used Advantages for Use in India Challenges for Use Aquifer Mapping in India New Hampshire, USA Primary wave seismic  It is advantageous in using a  These approaches are typically used for site-specific (compared with refraction suite of geophysical tools to studies and may not be practical for generalized aquifer Tumkur District, arrive at a common conclusion mapping Ground-penetrating Karnataka) radar on a positive anomaly  GPR can only read resistive overburden material  VLF is typically used for these satisfactorily up to about 15-20 m in depth Time-domain physiographic regions (i.e.,  Combination of magnetic and VLF does not yield any electromagnetic survey resistive overburdens. unambiguous quantitative assessment Very-low frequency  2D-DC and seismic surveys (if  Many of these methods require a long profile to separate electromagnetic survey necessary) would be an the anomaly from regional trend and for preparing current adequate minimum for this area density pseudo-depth section. This can be both time Two-dimensional and are economically viable consuming and financially infeasible direct-current electrical  TDEM can be used as a  Conventional resistivity profiling/soundings and ERT resistivity complementary tool may be useful Azimuthal square-array  Minimum time and resources electrical resistivity are required Borehole geophysics Coastal Plain Aquifers, Time-domain  Extents of saltwater intrusion at  Airborne TDEM (along with surface TDEM) should also North Carolina, USA electromagnetic shallow levels can be identified be used to delineate the deeper fresh water aquifers and (compared with Lower soundings  Inexpensive and field capacity clay layers Vellar, Cuddalore are minimal District, Tamil Nadu) Batinah Plain, Oman Seismic surveys  TDEM costs and field capacity  Helicopter EM is a much better option for this area for (compared with are minimal efficiency Time-domain Watershed GNDK013, electromagnetic survey  Conducting seismic reflection and AMT is not feasible Patna District, Bihar) because it cannot be scaled for the entire Ganga basin  A large-scale methodology is necessary 23 Annex 2: List of Experts Engaged by the Project Cons./Vendor Name Assignment Purpose Mr. Alexander Kirkwood Williamson Groundwater specialist CGWB Benchmarking Mr. B. Jaya Kumar Groundwater specialist Aquifer Mapping Mr. Braja Mohan Das Structural engineer CSMRS Benchmarking Mr. Chandrashekhar Biradar Remote sensing specialist Remote sensing specialist Mr. David Scott Morgan Groundwater specialist CGWB Benchmarking Mr. Devinder Kumar Chadha Groundwater specialist CGWB Benchmarking committee Mr. Dilip Kumar Paul Structural engineer NIH Benchmarking committee Mr. Dinesh Chandra Singhal Groundwater specialist CGWB Benchmarking committee Mr. E.V. Jagannathan Water Resources Spec TF management Mr. Johannes Geert Grijsen Water Resources Spec Role of HP2 in river basin management Mr. John Kurien Groundwater specialist CGWB Benchmarking committee Mr. Khaled Sobhan Structural engineer CSMRS Benchmarking Mr. Kittur Gundappa Ranga Raju Water Resources Spec CWPRS Benchmarking Mr. Makarand Chintamani Deo Hydraulic engineer CWPRS Benchmarking Mr. Martin A. Burton Irrigation Institutional Specialist WUA benchmarking Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed Mansoori Hydromet expert Irrigation modernization Mr Mukuteswara Gopalakrishnan Water Resources Spec CSMRS Benchmarking committee Mr Nagaratnam Sivakugan Structural engineer CSMRS Benchmarking Mr Peter Martin Groundwater specialist CGWB Benchmarking Mr Phanish Kumar Sinha WUA Specialist WUA benchmarking Mr Pierre Julien Hydraulic Engineer CWPRS Benchmarking Mr Prabhat Chandra Chandra Groundwater specialist Aquifer mapping Mr Pradeep Pralhad Mujumdar Professor Water Resources NIH Benchmarking committee Mr Rahul Sen Institution Specialist WUA case study Mr Renjit Cheroor Sukumaran Institution Specialist Lessons learnt from HP2 for river basin approach Mr Roy Allen Schroeder Groundwater specialist, USA CGWB Benchmarking Mr Sachin Dinesh Shah Groundwater specialist, USA Aquifer Mapping International practices Mr Sanjay Sangal Web modeler WUA web tool 24 Cons./Vendor Name Assignment Purpose Mr. Sridharan Asuri Structural engineer CSMRS Benchmarking Mr. Thomas Moore Hopson Flood forecasting specialist Training on long lead flood forecasting Mr. Venkata Surya Gurunadha Velidi Water Resources Specialist CWPRS Benchmarking committee Mr. Victor Miguel Ponce Water Resources Specialist NIH Benchmarking Mr. Vijay Pal Singh Water Resources Specialist NIH Benchmarking Ms. Fionna Prins Communication expert Public dissemination Annex 3: List of firm/vendor/institutes hired to support the project Cons./Vendor Name Purpose Asian Institute of Technology Training on remote sensing based M&E of irrigation projects Centered Consulting Intl Hydromet and WR modelling Development Support Center WUA modules for irrigation projects Innovative Hydrology, Inc. Training of Hydromet Rogers Engineering Hydraulics, Inc. Scope for irrigation modernization US Geological Survey Training on advance geo-physics and aquifer mapping Annex 4.1: List of World Bank Team Members Involved in Implementation of the Project Name Title Anju Gaur Task Team Leader, Water Resources Specialist Winston Yu Senior Water Resources Specialist Natalie Giannelli ET Consultant Papia Bhattacharya Senior Financial Specialist Arun Kumar Kolsur Procurement Specialist Leena Malhotra Program Assistant Jai Mansukhani Program Assistant John Prakash Program Assistant Minerva S. Espinosa-Apurada Program Assistant Julienne A. M. Roux STC, Water Resources Specialist Chabungbam Rajagopal Singh STC, Water Resources Specialist 25 Annex 4.2: Financial Statement Expense Categories FY15 FY14 FY13 FY12 FY11 Up to FY10 TOTAL Staff Costs 0.00 17,083.16 23,985.73 24,223.17 0.00 0.00 65,292.06 Airfare Rebate 0.00 -718.98 -11,392.05 -1,539.49 0.00 0.00 -13,650.52 Consultant Fees 371,543.56 90,635.91 447,370.73 127,076.82 0.00 0.00 1,036,627.02 Associated Overhead Costs 51.40 70.71 366.47 403.68 0.00 0.00 892.26 Travel expenses 15,651.53 17,418.17 160,520.62 91,229.07 0.00 0.00 284,819.39 Equipment Costs 2295.31 1662.37 0 0 0 0 3957.68 Media Workshop 19560.31 15011.51 1085.54 129.88 0 0 35787.24 Contractual Services 0 0 3686.56 606.35 0 0 4292.91 TOTAL 409102.11 141162.85 625623.6 242129.48 0 0 1418018.04 Annex 5: List of Reports Delivered Title Brief Description Component A: Strengthening of MoWR, RD&GR Institutes Benchmarking of the CGWB Benchmarks the methodologies, practices, equipment, and training of CGWB with state of the art international practices. Institutional Strengthening of Review national and international agencies with similar mandate as CSMRS and establish CSMRS: Benchmarking, benchmark; determine the status of CSMRS; identify the gaps; suggest areas of expansion Equipment & Training and upgrade keeping 12th plan projects in view; and Identify new areas of research. Prospective Developments at Emerging findings are: Focus on environmental issues; seek autonomous status; recruitment CWPRS: Emerging Opportunities of new research officers, HR polices and infrastructure safety and proposed increase in and Challenges budget under 12th FYP. NIH: Benchmarking, The purpose here is how to transform NIH into a world-class center of excellence in Technological Upgrading and hydrology. Review of benchmarking was aimed to meet overall requirement of the institute Capacity Building through technology upgrades and capacity building. Agricultural Produce Monitoring Drawing upon the rich repository of knowledge and experience in MODIS data processing, in Irrigation Lands experts from the Asian Institute of Technology and the University of Tokyo have designed the training course to familiarize the participants with MODIS data and products, and provide them necessary knowledge and skills for crop mapping and monitoring. 26 Title Brief Description E-Tool for Benchmarking of WUA Excel based and online tools available on web (www.wua.aquiferindia.org) Component B: Improved Groundwater Assessment USGS report: Pilot Project on This was carried out in review of the technical aspects of the CGWB proposal, “Detailed Micro-Level Aquifer Mapping Project Proposal for Pilot Projects on Microlevel Aquifer Mapping,� and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) proposal, “Geophysical Mapping of Aquifers in Representative Hydrogeological Terrains Under the Program of Institutional Capacity building for Micro-Level Aquifer Mapping of India�. Website (www.aquiferindia.org ) Shah S (2012) Overview of Global The report reviews best global practices for aquifer mapping using geophysical methods and Applications of Geophysical modeling tools and makes recommendations for their application in pilot project areas Techniques for Aquifer Mapping: (www.aquiferindia.org). Recommendations for Use to Aid Groundwater Management in India Component C: Training and Workshop Real Time Hydrological The program developed an expertise in design, procurement, operation and maintenance of Information System hydrological networks, and used best practices developed from worldwide experience (Available on www.Indiawrm.org and www.innovativehydrology.com/introduction.html) Long-Range Flood Forecasting & Concept of ensemble flood forecast, and tools needed for attaining the same were introduced. Applications Mechanics on relevant approach like forecast verification, time-series analysis and model selection were introduced. Online training available on www.aquiferindia.org/Long_Lead_Flood_Forecasting.aspx Training report for Surface Geo USGS team provided training on the application of electrical and electromagnetic methods physics for Ground Water for ground water assessment and aquifer characterization. The hydro-geophysical capability from National to State level was strengthened. Training report is available on www.indiawrm.org by NGRI Training report on subsurface Training report is available on www.indiawrm.org by IIT Kharagpur. geophysics 27 Annex 6: Summary of Benchmarking report of MoWR, RD&GR Institutes 1.1 Central Groundwater Board The report benchmarks the methodologies, practices, equipment, and training of CGWB against the state-of-the-art international practice. The USGS Water Resources Division was chosen as the international benchmark institute because of its similar mission and its international reputation as a world leader in groundwater monitoring, investigations and research. The benchmarking involved reviewing six key CGWB activities: hydrogeological investigations (including monitoring, assessment, hydro-chemical studies, artificial recharge, database management, and proposals and publications); groundwater exploration; groundwater modeling; geophysical techniques; and the recently initiated NAQUIM. Where gaps were identified, recommendations and capacity building needs (training and equipment) were described. To help CGWB prioritize recommendations, an implementation schedule was developed. Recommendations included: 1. CGWB should transition from a monitoring and resource development organization to an applied research organization. 2. MoWR, RD&GR should appoint an expert panel to advice on reorganization of CGWB and capacity enhancement. 3. Non-technical assignments and the public outreach program should be outsourced. 4. Four additional referral laboratories and a central laboratory in New Delhi should be established. 5. Four centers of excellence should be established: (i) unsaturated zone research and groundwater modelling; (ii) remote sensing and GIS; (iii) managed aquifer recharge using storm-water/treated wastewater; and (iv) arsenic remediation. 6. Regional Director positions should be upgraded to Commissioner/ Chief Engineers. 7. Delegation of authority to the Chairman, Members, Regional Directors and Executive Engineers. 8. Establish a separate Project Management Unit exclusively for implementation of NAQUIM project with adequate delegation of financial authority and necessary infrastructure. 9. Constitute an empowered committee for hiring staff needed for the NAQUIM project. 10. Continue with pilot project(s) to disseminate technical knowledge on design for different conservation and recharge structures. 1.2 National Institute of Hydrology The review revisits the original mission, objectives and scientific operation of NIH. It shows that although NIH is engaged in a broad range of activities, its objectives should be revisited from time to time and should evolve to remain relevant. The benchmarking included review of objectives, lessons learnt for NIH upgrading, benchmarking process, review of selected institutes and content for benchmarking. The purpose is identify how to transform NIH into a world-class center of excellence in hydrology. The lessons learnt from the review of benchmarking institutions are that the benchmark Institutions: 1. Have a large pool of scientists and support staff while NIH has a very limited pool. 2. Enjoy much greater autonomy leading to higher efficiency and greater productivity. 3. Place greater emphasis on interdisciplinary water resources/environmental/ecological research than NIH. 28 4. Emphasize a greater blend of basic and applied research than NIH. 5. Have collaborations at International as well as national. The report then discusses content benchmarking, including an assessment of the status of NIH in comparison with international benchmarks and an identification of research gaps. It was concluded that NIH would be well served if: 1. It had four extra divisions: database management; hydrologic modeling; vadose zone hydrology, and hydrometeorology. 2. NIH expanded its research in water quality and eco-hydrology, agricultural pollution, industrial and highway pollution, river pollution, ecosystem hydrology, snow and glacial hydrology, impact of climate change on floods and droughts, urban / peri-urban hydrology, water-food-energy-health nexus, and uncertainty and risk analyses. 3. Basic research and development of tools and techniques was increased. 4. Its scientists communicated their research findings and discoveries more broadly in India. 1.3 Central Soil and Material Research Station The CSMRS is a well-regarded national institution dealing with soils and materials in water resources development activities. CSMRS’s unique services are increasingly in demand, with dams and other hydro-electric projects under construction or envisaged in complex and challenging geological and geo-technical settings. The seismic activity of the region warrants dynamic material characterization for the state of the art designs. Projects across the region (for example, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar) look to CSMRS for field testing, soil and rock characterization, and estimation of construction material availability. India’s planned water resources programs and projects call for substantial application of CSMRS research. To meet these demands CSMRS must enhance staff capacity, training and equipment. The institutional strengthening requirements of CSMRS were assessed by a team of international experts. The review report by the National Apex Committee provides an action plan based on the contents of the expert’s report that benchmarked CSMRS against similar institutions. the Committee considered the workload expected in the years ahead to ensure a long-term plan. Staff capacity, training and equipment were examined separately and collectively. 1.4 Central Water and Power Research Station The status of CWPRS has been severely affected by several factors. Firstly, investment in research infrastructure has been minimal since its substantial UNDP support ended in 1998. Secondly, the number of sanctioned positions was reduced to 1,857 in 2001 to 1,172 in 2012. Thirdly, the benefit of continued interaction with peer institutions and leading scientists has been limited by restrictions on international and national travel. The report made many recommendations including on: (i) collaborations with other research/academic institutes; (ii) increasing the number of international/national publications; and (iii) upgrading the CWPRS webpage. The major recommendations from the benchmarking of CWPRS were: 1. Prioritize national water-related infrastructure: with excellent research staff and facilities, and adequate central funding, the CWPRS mandate should focus on meeting national challenges. 2. Renovate existing buildings: renovation of 12 buildings in disrepair is a top priority; continuous power is also required. 29 3. Upgrade laboratories and large facilities. Large-scale laboratory facilities should become one of the most important CWPRS assets, and can eventually provide a competitive edge over peer institutions around the world. 4. Construct two new buildings: a Center for Eco-hydraulic Research, and a Welcome Center with Administrative Services. 5. Build new facilities for emerging research areas: tsunamis, eco-hydraulics, thermal process and vibration technology. 6. Focus on environmental issues. This may be the most daunting challenge facing CWPRS and India. As much as CWPRS has focused on public safety in large infrastructure design, a new emphasis should be placed on environmental issues. 7. Seek autonomous status without changing the seven main CWPRS disciplines. 8. Recruit 200 new research officers and an appropriate number of support staff to assist them. 9. Hire and retain the best. CWPRS should have the authority to hire staff and the authority to dismiss non-performing staff. The responsibility of CWPRS engineers and scientists designing water infrastructure for public safety should be recognized. 10. Increase the budget. An absolute minimum of INR 90 crores (US$18,000,000) is required for the investment in research infrastructure, facilities, research equipment, computers and software. An increase in the operational budget of INR 20 crore should be added each year to support and train an increasing number of research officers and support staff. 30