India and Australia share some common challenges in water management: competition for water between states, ensuring water quality, and managing water resources in a changing climate. High rainfall, flooding and water scarcity can have a catastrophic effect on communities whether in Australia or India.
During her visit to India in October 2012, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the India–Australia Water Science and Technology Partnership to enhance cooperation on water management in the region.
Putting this partnership into action, Australian agency eWater recently signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology to share Australia's national hydrological modelling platform 'Source'.
Australia is a world leader in water resources management. Source, which was developed by CSIRO with state and federal government agencies, is already helping to improve the management of the Murray Darling River Basin.
This transfer of technology and skills training through the India–Australia Water Science and Technology Partnership will enable the Indian Institute of Technology to become a Centre of Excellence for Source and assist Indian central and state governments to develop river basin plans to improve water management.
Australia's High Commissioner to India, Mr Patrick Suckling, said 'the agreement marks a high point in our bilateral cooperation on water resource management. This technology transfer and partnership demonstrates Australia's scientific excellence and our commitment to sharing expertise to support sustainable development with India.'
About eWater
eWater[external website] is a publicly owned not-for-profit partnership committed to ecologically sustainable water management in Australia and around the world. It supports the implementation and use of Source as the national hydrological modelling platform in Australia. eWater also builds strategic relationships with international river and water management organisations to facilitate the use of Source and toolkit models around the world.