Jalnitiche Antarang

The Inner Dimensions of Water Policy (Jalneetiche Antaranga)

Water is the foundation of all living beings. The origin and sustenance of life depend on water. From ancient times to the modern era, numerous efforts have been made to recognize the importance of water and conserve this precious resource. The Mauryan, Yadava, Sant, Shivaji, Peshwa, British, and post-independence periods have all witnessed discussions and initiatives concerning water-related issues.

Kings, saints, political leaders, social reformers, water experts, administrative officers, intellectuals, and literary figures have adopted various reformative approaches to water use and conservation. Whenever drought has threatened human and animal life, water experts of different eras have attempted to overcome these challenges with the help of knowledge and scientific methods.

Professor Dr. Kisan Mane has precisely documented this historical journey of water policy, from its origins to the present, in his book Jalneetiche Antaranga. The history and development of human civilization have always been closely intertwined with water policy, and this relationship continues to shape our lives today.

The realization that irrigation and water management systems across Maharashtra and the rest of India need to be reconsidered and restructured has given rise to various water conservation movements. Nagnath Anna Naikwadi, Ganpatrao Deshmukh, Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil, and Dr. Rajendra Singh Rana gave these movements the character of people's struggles and created awareness among people across all sections of society.

Today, systematic and effective initiatives concerning water policy are being undertaken throughout the country at governmental, individual, and institutional levels. In Jalneetiche Antaranga, Kisan Mane has presented a comprehensive account of these efforts through the perspectives of study and research.

However, considering the continuously increasing population, we must develop a comprehensive framework to address water-related challenges over the next fifty years or so. I firmly believe that Jalneetiche Antaranga will serve as a valuable guide for water experts, researchers, political leaders, administrative officers, social workers, and farmers involved in studying water policy and planning for Maharashtra’s future water needs.

— Dr. Bharat Patankar, Eminent Thinker