Confronting India's Growing Water Crisis

A recent report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water has issued a stark warning about an impending global water crisis. It predicts that by 2030, water demand could surpass supply by 40%, posing significant risks to food security and global economies. For India, already grappling with inter-state water disputes and mounting challenges in water conservation, the report underscores the critical need for robust policy reforms to combat escalating water stress.

_{India’s Water Availability and Stress Levels: Current Scenario}

_{Status of Water Availability}

• 2001: The annual per capita water availability stood at 1,816 cubic meters.
• 2011: Dropped to 1,545 cubic meters.
• 2025 Projection: Predicted to decline further to 1,434 cubic meters.
• 2050 Projection: Anticipated to reach a critical low of 1,219 cubic meters (Central Water Commission).

_{Water Stress and Scarcity Indicators}

• Water Stress: Annual per capita water availability below 1,700 cubic meters.
• Water Scarcity: Availability below 1,000 cubic meters.

India is currently water-stressed, with significant regional and climatic disparities exacerbating the situation. The 15th Finance Commission reported that as of 2020, approximately 600 million Indians faced high to extreme water stress, underscoring the urgent need for equitable resource management and sustainable practices.

_{Key Water-Related Challenges Facing India}

_{1. Groundwater Depletion}

Groundwater resources, crucial for irrigation and domestic supply, are being overexploited at alarming rates.

• In Punjab, excessive tube well irrigation has caused groundwater levels to plummet from an ideal depth of 50-60 ft to as deep as 150-200 ft in many areas (2019 data).
• Groundwater depletion poses critical risks, as it is a major source for both agriculture and domestic use.

_{2. Urban Water Scarcity}

Rapid urbanization has escalated water scarcity across Indian cities, leaving millions vulnerable.

• NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index reports nearly 600 million people facing high to extreme water stress.
• The 2019 Chennai water crisis, where water had to be transported by train, highlights urban water mismanagement.
• In 2023, inadequate rainfall caused a severe drought in Karnataka, impacting Bengaluru, with the government declaring it a drought year.

Urban flooding is another issue, with the Central Water Commission recording 184 extreme floods in 2022 and 145 in 2021. A 2024 CAG report revealed gaps in flood forecasting and disaster mitigation strategies.

_{3. Irrigation Inefficiency and Agricultural Water Use}

Agriculture accounts for 78% of India’s water consumption, yet inefficient practices exacerbate water stress.

• Indian farmers use 3-5 times more water than counterparts in the US, China, or Israel for the same crop yields (NITI Aayog).
• Irrigation efficiency in India is just 38%, below the global average of 50-60%.
• Reliance on water-intensive crops and outdated irrigation systems further strains limited resources.

_{4. Water Pollution and River Rejuvenation}

India’s rivers, including the Ganga and Yamuna, face severe pollution from untreated sewage and industrial waste.

• Over 311 polluted river stretches were identified across 279 rivers in 30 states and UTs during 2019-2021 (Central Pollution Control Board).
• Untreated sewage from over 100 towns and cities flows into the Ganga, threatening its ecosystem.
• The Yamuna River suffers from heavy pollution due to biomedical waste, construction debris, and untreated sewage.

_{Impact of Climate Change on India’s Water Resources}

Climate change is intensifying India’s water stress, amplifying extreme weather patterns and heightening vulnerabilities.

• Erratic Monsoon Dependency: The 2023 monsoon saw disparities, with severe floods in some regions and droughts in others.
• Increased Extremes: The frequency of floods and droughts has surged, disrupting ecosystems and agriculture.

_{Governance and Coordination Issues}

India’s water sector suffers from fragmented governance and coordination challenges, leading to inefficiencies.

• Multiple authorities oversee water management, often resulting in miscommunication and delays.
• Of the 30 river interlinking projects proposed under the National Perspective Plan (1980), only the Ken-Betwa Link Project has been approved, with completion expected by 2030.

_{Key Takeaways}

The growing urgency of India’s water crisis calls for immediate and decisive action from the government, alongside a collaborative effort to enhance water management practices. Focusing on strong governance, community engagement, and the adoption of innovative technologies will be key to addressing the nation’s water challenges and building a robust, sustainable water management system. This approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which seeks to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation, promoting their sustainable management for all.