A team of researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has devised a unique process called ‘Virtual Water Flow’ for better water management in order to eliminate the issues of water scarcity in india. Researchers have modernised the concept of Virtual Water first introduced back in 1990s.
According to the Basic Concept, Virtual water is a term referred to the water which is used while production of edible and non-edible products. The process for making of this products requires large amount of water. The producer focuses on the value of raw materials but not on the water consumed.
The research study explains how this Virtual water can be saved in countries which face issues like water scarcity. A basic interpretation from the research says that the raw material used in production can be replaced with more water-efficient alternatives to deliver low cost essentials and reduce the amount of virtual water used.
The research was conducted by department of Humanities and Social Science of IIT Guwahati in collaboration with the University of Zaragoza in Spain. Dr. Anamika Barua, a Professor from the department led this research. The research paper has been published in Journal of Cleaner Production and Journal of Water Resources Research.
Dr. barua Briefly explained about the research that it has been carried out with an purpose to develop sustainable use of virtual water. India being an Agriculture dominant country cycles most of the water in this sector and products developed under it. The lack of knowledge and better governance leads to situation of water scarcity.
IIT guwahati will use the research to plan and implement water sustainability in regions where large population exists because they are the areas where water flow is most imbalanced. This regions tends to convert into water scarcity zones very quickly and thus it can be prohibited by adequate management and implementations.