essay on water scarcity in india

India’s Water Crisis – How to Solve it?

From Current Affairs Notes for UPSC » Editorials & In-depths » This topic

Water is the most valuable natural resource as it is essential for human survival and life on earth. However, the availability of freshwater for human consumption is highly under stress because of a variety of factors. This crisis of water scarcity is most visible in India as well as in other developing countries.

This topic of “India’s Water Crisis – How to Solve it?” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination , which falls under General Studies Portion.

What is water scarcity?

• Water scarcity is the lack of freshwater resources to satisfy water demand.
• It is manifested by partial or no satisfaction of expressed demand, economic competition for water quantity or quality, disputes between users, irreversible groundwater depletion, and negative effects on the environment.
• It affects every continent and was categorised in 2019 by the World Economic Forum as one of the largest global risks with respect to its potential impact over the next decade.
• One-third of the global population (2 billion people) live under situations of severe water scarcity at least one month of the year.
• Half a billion people in the world affected by severe water scarcity all year round.
• Half of the world’s largest cities have been facing water scarcity.

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How is the water scarcity measured?

• The absolute minimum water requirement for domestic usage is 50 litres per person per day, though 100-200 litres is often recommended.
• Considering the needs of agriculture, industry and energy sectors, the recommended minimum annual per capita requirement is about 1700 cubic meters .
• If a country like India has only about 1700 cu. meters water per person per year, it will experience only occasional or local water distress .
• If the availability falls below this threshold level, the country will start to experience periodic or regular water stress .
• If the water availability declines below 1000 cu. meters, the country will suffer from chronic water scarcity . Lack of water will then start to severely affect human health and well-being as well as economic development.
• If the annual per capita supply declines below 500 cu. meters, the country will reach the stage of absolute scarcity .

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What is the status of water availability in India?

• India receives 4000 bcm (billion cubic metres) rainfall each year. Out of this, 1869 bcm remains after evaporation = The actual availability is only 1137 bcm.
• Even in that 1137 bcm of water, there is a lot of temporal as well as regional variations in the availability.
• For instance, on the one side, there are water surplus states such as Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and on the other side, there are water scarce states such as Maharashtra (Vidarbha, Beed), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat.
• Moreover, some states that are known to be water abundant such as Punjab, Haryana have their own issues.

What is the magnitude of the water crisis in India?

• Currently, the annual availability of water is 1123 bcm in India and the demand is around 750 bcm. However, by 2050 the annual demand for water will be 1180 bcm which will exceed the water availability = wide ramifications for the country.
• 70% of India’s water is contaminated.
• 75% of households do not have drinking water on its premises.
• 84% of rural households do not have access to piped water.
• 54% of the country’s groundwater is declining rapidly than it is being replenished.
• India’s water table is declining in most regions. Also, there is a presence of toxic elements like fluoride, arsenic, mercury, even uranium in our groundwater.
• Water levels in India’s major reservoirs have fallen to 21% of the average of the last decade.
• Hundreds of small and seasonal rivers are perishing permanently.
• Almost all the major perennial rivers remain stagnant.
• Cauvery and its tributaries haven’t met the ocean for decades; the upstream dams choke its flows downstream, affecting people in Tamil Nadu.
• Krishna river runs dry in her delta region for most of the year.
• According to NITI Aayog’s water quality index, India ranks 120 th among 122 countries.

What is the recent water crisis in India?

• Maharashtra is facing a water crisis of unprecedented proportions. After years of drought, the river currents have ebbed, water in dams and reservoirs have depleted and over-exploitation of groundwater has raised concerns regarding the long-term availability of water.
• Meanwhile, media reports claim IT firms in Chennai are asking employees to work from home. The reason is that they don’t have enough water to sustain their operations. It hasn’t rained for almost 200 days in the city and it may not get adequate rain to get over the water crisis for the next 3 months.
• In North India, the people of arid Thar Desert of Rajasthan are spending Rs. 2500 for getting 2500 litres of water which they share with their cattle.
• With Punjab facing the threat of desertification and the state struggling to break away from the wheat-paddy cycle, farmers in the state have been adopting a decade-old scheme to utilise underground pipeline system for irrigation.
• In light of this crisis, Central government on its part has created a Jal Shakti Ministry under a full-fledged cabinet minister to resolve the water crisis but a lot more needs to be done.

What are the reasons for this crisis?

Monsoon dependence:.

There is a huge dependence on monsoon rains to replenish most of India’s important water sources such as underground aquifers, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs . But monsoon is vulnerable to factors such as climate change, El-Nino , etc.

Uneven distribution of water and Rainfall pattern :

Certain regions have surplus amounts of water for their need while others face perennial droughts for most of the year. For instance, Drought is a recurrent phenomenon in Andhra Pradesh where no district is entirely free of droughts. Rajasthan is one of the most drought-prone areas of India.

Increasing demand :

Population growth, industrialization, rapid urbanisation, rising needs of irrigation and increase in domestic water usage have accelerated the demand for water. Since urbanization increases in India at a rapid pace = water demand will increase rapidly as city dwellers consume more water than rural people.

Urbanisation & Water scarcity:

• Currently, about 285 million or 33% of India’s total population resides in urban areas. By 2050 this figure will reach 50%.
• Rapid urbanisation is adding to the water scarcity issue in the country.
• Presence of buildings, tar, and cement roads = even if a city like Mumbai gets good rains, the rainwater is not retained in the area as the water is not allowed to percolate underground.
• Therefore, water required for cities is largely drawn from neighbouring villages and far-off rivers and lakes = threatening the availability in those areas.
• Large cities also generate large quantities of urban sewage which pollutes the freshwater sources and ocean waters. However, only about 20% of urban wastewater is currently treated globally. In India, the figure is even lower.

Overexploitation :

• In developing countries like India, groundwater fulfills nearly 80% of irrigation requirement = resulted in a fast depletion of groundwater sources.
• Free power and inefficient utilisation of water by farmers has added to the issue of groundwater depletion.
• The groundwater and sand extraction from most river beds and basins has turned unsustainable.
• Tanks and ponds are encroached upon.
• Dug-wells and borewells are carelessly built to slide deeper and deeper to suck water from greater depths.

Shift to cash-crops:

Water is being diverted from food crops to cash crops that consume an enormous quantity of water.

Inefficient cultivation practices:

• In India, around 70% of the population is still dependent on agriculture for its livelihood.
• Since the adoption of Green Revolution in the 1960s, nearly 50% of the food production comes from irrigated land.
• But inefficient cultivation practices have led to the flooding of fertile land which in turn has caused salinization, siltation of reservoirs, etc = causing groundwater reserves of major agricultural states to be depleted at an alarming rate.

Water Pollution :

• Release of industrial and domestic waste, including urban sewage, into rivers, lakes, and estuaries has polluted freshwater sources at an alarming rate in India = those fresh water sources are not fit for drinking or other activities.
• Eutrophication of surface water and coastal zones is expected to increase almost everywhere leads to nitrogen pollution .

What are the impacts of the water crisis?

Economic growth: A Niti Aayog report predicted that water demand will be twice the present supply by 2030 and India could lose up to 6% of its GDP during that time.

Power supply: Water shortages are hurting India’s capacity to generate electricity because 40% of thermal power plants are located in areas where water scarcity is high.

Agricultural crisis: Indian agriculture is heavily dependent on monsoon (not dependable) + Ineffective agricultural practices in irrigated areas = Water stress in agriculture = Poor Cultivation = Farmer suicides .

Drinking water scarcity: Not only farmers are affected by the water crisis, urban dwellers in cities and towns across India are also facing a never seen before drinking water scarcity.

Conflicts over water : In India, there are conflicts between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over sharing of Cauvery waters, between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh over sharing of Narmada waters, between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over sharing of Krishna waters, etc.

What are the measures taken by the government?

Across the country, states are taking the lead:.

• In Rajasthan, there is a scheme named ‘Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan’. One of its objectives is to facilitate effective implementation of water conservation and water harvesting related activities in rural areas.
• Maharashtra has launched a project called ‘Jalyukt-Shivar’, which seeks to make 5000 villages free of water scarcity every year.
• accelerating the development of minor irrigation infrastructure,
• strengthening community-based irrigation management and
• adopting a comprehensive programme for restoration of tanks.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan:

• It is a collaborative initiative of various Union Ministries and State Governments, being coordinated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).
• Focus Area: is water-stressed districts (256) and blocks (1592).
• Team: Central government officers, headed by joint secretaries and additional secretaries, are assigned to these 256 districts and district administration will also select 2 members to join the team. This team of officers from the central government and district administration will visit and work on water-stressed districts and blocks to ensure water conservation initiatives.
• The campaign is centered on 5 aspects
• Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
• Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks
• Reuse of water and recharging of structures like bore well
• Watershed development
• Intensive afforestation
• Significance: With this initiative, the government seeks to provide drinking water to all households on a priority and in a sustainable way. It is also expected to bring a positive mindset in people for water conservation. The campaign will assist people to work for rainwater harvesting, maintenance, and upkeep of ponds and village tanks and conservation of water.

Jal Shakti Mantralaya

• The government has created a new Ministry named ‘Jal Shakti’after merging Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
• Providing clean drinking water,
• International and inter-states water disputes,
• Namami Gange project aimed at cleaning Ganga and its tributaries, and sub-tributaries.
• The ministry will launch the government’s ambitious plan (‘Nal se Jal’ scheme under jal jivan plan) to provide piped drinking water supply to every household in India by 2024.
• This Move seeks to consolidate the administration and bringing water-related issues such as conservation, development, management, and abatement of pollution under a single ministry.
• National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) is responsible for implementing the centrally sponsored national river conservation plan for all rivers across the country except river Ganga and its tributaries (as issues regarding Ganga and its tributaries are taken up by National Mission for Clean Ganga).

Jal Jeevan Mission *

Atal Bhujal Yojana *

•  It is a world bank funded central scheme that aims to improve groundwater management at the national level… Read More .

Can a new water ministry tackle the worst water crisis in Indian history?

• Experts are of the opinion that an exclusive ministry can only bring about a cosmetic but not a real change.
• Water is a state subject = Unless states make specific requests the centre cannot intervene.

What are the solutions to the water crisis in India?

Good water management practices :

• India receives adequate annual rainfall through the south-west monsoon. However, most regions of the country are still water deficient mainly because of inefficient water management practices.
• Rainwater harvesting should be encouraged on a large scale, especially, in cities where the surface runoff of rainwater is very high.
• Roof-top rainwater harvesting can also be utilised to recharge groundwater by digging percolation pits around the house and filling it with gravel.
• Indian cities need to learn from Cape Town of South Africa which when faced with the water crisis in 2018 had announced “ Day Zero “. During that day, water-taps in the city turned off = people had to use communal water-taps to conserve water. Restrictions on water use per person were also fixed.
• Since water is a state subject in India state governments should take active measures and create awareness for the minimal use of water.

Interlinking of rivers :

• Interlinking of rivers is a topic that has been discussed and debated for several years as a possible permanent solution to the water crisis in the country.
• The 3 primary advantages mentioned in favour of the scheme are (1) droughts will never occur (2) there will be no more floods in the major rivers and (3) an additional 30,000 MW of hydropower will be generated.

Coordination in aquifer usage: There is an urgent need for coordination among users for aquifers. There should be laws and contracts for sharing of aquifers. Groundwater aquifer mapping has started only recently in India which is a welcome step.

River basin authority: There should be a River Basin Authority for sharing information among states since most of the rivers in India pass through different states.

Coordinated efforts among states for management of groundwater at a localized level.

Community-level management: At the village level, there can be decentralized management of water at the community level.

Charging money for efficient use of water (like electricity). For example- Water ATMs at Marathwada provide water @25 paisa per litre a day.

Good Cultivation practices:

• Changing the cropping pattern, crop diversification and encouraging water use efficiency in agriculture by moving towards food crops from cash crops.
• Innovative farming practices like precision farming , zero budget natural farming , etc. could be employed for efficient water utilisation.

Incentive-based water conservation in rural parts of the water-stressed regions is another solution.

• For example, if a particular level of groundwater level is maintained, higher MSP can be provided to the farmers of that region.
• MSP can also be provided based on crop’s water usage = Crops that consume a high amount of water will get less MSP.

Way forward

India is not a water deficit country, but due to severe neglect and lack of monitoring of water resource development projects, many regions in the country face water stress from time to time. Therefore balancing water demand with available supply is the need of the hour for future economic growth and development as well as for the sustenance of human life.

New National Water Policy (NWP)

In November 2019, the Ministry of Jal Shakti had set up a committee to draft the new National Water Policy (NWP). This was the first time that the government asked a committee of independent experts to draft the policy.

Highlights of NWP

1) demand-side: diversification of public procurement operations.

• Irrigation utilizes 80-90% of India’s water , most of which is used by rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
• Therefore, crop diversification is the single most crucial step in addressing India’s water crisis.
• The policy recommends diversifying public procurement operations to include Nutri-cereals, pulses, and oilseeds.
• This would incentivize farmers to diversify their cropping patterns, resulting in huge savings of water.

2) Reduce-Recycle-Reuse

• Reduce-Recycle-Reuse has been suggested as the basic mantra of integrated urban water supply and wastewater management, with the treatment of sewage and eco-restoration of urban river stretches, as far as possible via decentralised wastewater management.
• All non-potable use like flushing, fire protection, vehicle washing should mandatorily shift to treated wastewater.

3) Supply-side measure: Using technology to use stored water in dams

• Within supply-side options, the NWP points to trillions of litres stored in big dams, that are still not reaching farmers.
• NWP recommends how the irrigated areas could be considerably expanded at very low cost by using pressurised closed conveyance pipelines, in addition to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)  systems and pressurised micro-irrigation.

4) Supply of water through “nature-based solutions”

• The NWP places major importance on the supply of water via “nature-based solutions” like the rejuvenation of catchment areas, to be incentivised through compensation for ecosystem services.
• Specially curated “blue-green infrastructure” like rain gardens and bio-swales, restored rivers with wet meadows, wetlands constructed for bio-remediation, urban parks, permeable pavements, green roofs etc are suggested for urban areas.

5) Sustainable and equitable management of groundwater

• Information on  aquifer boundaries , water storage capacities and flows provided in a user-friendly manner to stakeholders, assigned as custodians of their aquifers, would allow them to create protocols for effective management of groundwater.

6) Rights of Rivers

• The NWP accords river protection and revitalisation prior and primary importance.
• Steps to restore river flows include: Re-vegetation of catchments, regulation of groundwater extraction, river-bed pumping and mining of sand and boulders.
• The NWP outlines a process to draft a  Rights of Rivers Act,  including their right to flow, to meander and to meet the sea.

7) Emphasis on water quality

• The new NWP considers water quality as the most serious un-addressed issue in India today.
• It proposes that every water ministry, at the Centre and states,  include a water quality department.
• The policy advocates adoption of state-of-the-art, low-cost, low-energy, eco-sensitive  technologies for sewage treatment.
• Widespread use of  reverse osmosis has led to huge water wastage  and adverse impact on water quality.
• The policy wants  RO units to be discouraged  if the total dissolved solids count in water is less than 500mg/L.
• It suggests a  task force on emerging water contaminants  to better understand and tackle the threats they are likely to pose.

8) Reforming governance of water

• The policy makes radical proposals for improving the governance of water, which suffers from three kinds of issues: That between irrigation and drinking water, surface and groundwater, as also water and wastewater.
• Government departments, working in silos, have generally dealt with just one side of these binaries.
• Dealing with drinking water and irrigation in silos has meant that aquifers providing assured sources of drinking water dry up because the same aquifers are used for irrigation, which consumes much more water.
• And when  water and wastewater are separated in planning,  the result is a fall in water quality.

9) Creation of National Water Commission

• The NWP also suggests the creation of a unified multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder National Water Commission (NWC), which would become an exemplar for states to follow.
• Governments should build enduring  partnerships with primary stakeholders of water , who must become an integral part of the NWC and its counterparts in the states.

How Gujarat transformed from Water-deficit state to surplus state?

• The Gujarat government created the state-level Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) to aid in the supply of services and solutions for the deployment of map-based GeoSpatial Information Systems.
• Micro-level check dams.
• Macro-level projects particularly in the Saurashtra, Kutch, and North Gujarat areas.
• Gujarat launched the Kutch branch canal from the Narmada Main canal, which helps provide water to the most distant parts.
• Sujalam Sufalam Yojana: to irrigate the areas of North Gujarat.
• The SAUNI Yojana (Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation Yojana), which means literally “reincarnation of the Narmada River in the region,” was thus introduced.
• Administrative and Governance reforms.

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Water Scarcity Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on water scarcity essay.

Water is the basic necessity of every human being. But, water scarcity is a major issue that is rising very rapidly in modern-day India. The problem has become so severe that in many states the groundwater has almost dried up and people have to depend on water supply from other sources. In addition, water is one of the most misused commodities that we still waste. It is the central point of our lives but not the central point of our focus.

In the past, people understand the value of water and plan their lives around it. Moreover, many civilizations bloom and lost on account of water. But, today we have knowledge but we still fail to understand the value of water.

Reason for Water Scarcity in India

Water scarcity is the cause of mismanagement and excess population growth of the water resources. Also, it is a man-made issue that continues to rise. Besides, some of the reasons for water scarcity are:

Wasteful use of water for Agriculture- India is one of the major food growers in the world. That produces tons of quantity of food to feed its population and export the surplus that is left.

In addition, producing this much food requires a lot of water too. The traditional method of irrigation wastes a lot of water due to evaporation, water conveyance, drainage, percolation, and the overuse of groundwater. Besides, most of the areas in India use traditional irrigation techniques that stress the availability of water.

But, the solution to this problem lies in the extensive irrigation techniques such as micro-irrigation in which we provide water to plants and crops using a sprinkler or drip irrigation.

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Reduction in water recharge systems- Due to rapid construction that uses concrete and marbles do not let the rainwater to get absorbed in the soil. But, if we install some mechanism in our houses that can hold the rainwater then we can recharge the groundwater .

Lack of water management and distribution- There is a need for an efficient system that can manage and distribute the water in urban areas. Also, the government needs to enhance its technology and investment in water treatment. Besides, we should ensure optimization at the planning level.

Solutions to Overcome this Problem

Water-free urinal- Urinal waste around 6 liters of water per flush that add up to 25 thousand liters per year. If a male member of the house stops using the flush then they can save lots of water.

Close the running tap- During dishwashing and hand washing people often let the tap running. These running taps waste thousands of liters of water per year. Besides, closing the tap will reduce this problem.

Replace dripping taps- In India it is commonly seen that most of the houses have one or two taps that drop water even when they are close. This running tap wastes up to 30,000 liters of water that nobody bothers to change. So, we should replace these taps immediately.

To conclude, water scarcity has become a more dangerous problem day by day. Also, due to our leniency that we haven’t taken the problem water scarcity seriously. But, now the authorities and people are working to resolve this problem so that our future generations do not have to buy this necessity.

FAQs about Water Scarcity Essay

Q.1 What is the effect of water scarcity? A.1 In a broad way, the problem of water scarcity can be categorized into four areas- health, education, hunger, and poverty.

Q.2 Name three major causes of water scarcity? A.2 The three major causes of water scarcity are Increase in demand, government interference, and a decrease in supply.

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• Water Scarcity Essay

Essay on Water Scarcity

Water is the basic necessity of every human being, but water scarcity is a major issue that is rising very rapidly in India nowadays. The problem has become so severe that in many states the groundwater has almost dried up and people have to depend on water supply from other sources. In addition, water is one of the most misused natural resources that we still waste. It is the central point of our lives but unfortunately, not our priority concern. 

Earlier, people understood the value of water and planned their lives around it. Moreover, many civilizations were born and lost around water, but today, in spite of having knowledge, we still fail to understand the value of water in our lives. 

Reasons for Water Scarcity

Mismanagement of water and the growing population in our country are the two main reasons for water scarcity. There are also a number of other man made disturbances that continue to rise. Besides this, some of the reasons for water scarcity are:  

Wasteful Use of Water for Agriculture  

India, an agricultural country, produces a huge quantity of food to feed its population. The surplus that is left, gets exported outside. 

It is not unknown that producing this much food requires a lot of water too. The traditional method of irrigation wastes a lot of water due to evaporation, water conveyance, drainage, percolation, and the overuse of groundwater. Besides, most of the areas in India use traditional irrigation techniques that stress the availability of water.

However, the technique of irrigation has changed during modern times and we provide water to plants using a sprinkler or drip irrigation.

Reduction in Water Recharges Systems  

Rapid construction that uses concrete and marbles may not let the rainwater get absorbed in the soil, but still, we install some mechanism in our houses so that we can hold the rainwater. Then we can recharge the groundwater.

Lack of Water Management and Distribution

There is a need for an efficient system to manage and distribute the water in urban areas. The Indian government also needs to enhance its technology and investment in water treatment. Besides, we should ensure optimization at the planning level.

Solutions to Overcome this Problem

Close the running tap.

 During dishwashing and hand washing people often let the tap run. These running taps waste thousands of liters of water per year. Therefore, closing the tap will reduce this problem.

Replace Dripping Taps  

In India, it is commonly seen that most of the houses have taps or faucets that go on dripping water even when they are closed. This running tap wastes up to 30,000 liters of water that nobody bothers to change. So, we should replace these taps immediately.

Brief on Water Scarcity  

Water is a basic necessity for every living being.  Life without water is impossible, not just for us humans, but for all plants and animals too. Water scarcity is an issue of grave concern these days as water scarcity has become very common. Water is one of the most wasted natural resources and corrective measures should be taken before the water scarcity situation becomes worse. In spite of being aware of the implications, not much is being done today. 

In India, and across the world, it has been recorded that about half a billion people face a shortage of water for about six months annually. Many well-known cities around the world are facing acute scarcity of water. Many facts and figures are available to know about the water scarcity problem, but what are the reasons for this scarcity? 

With the growing population, the use of water has increased manifold. The lack of more freshwater sources and the increase in population is a major reason for this scarcity. The lack of proper Water management systems and proper drainage systems in India, especially in the urban areas is a major cause too. Kitchen wastewater should be able to be recycled but due to a poor drainage system, this is not possible. An efficient water management system is required in order to distribute water in urban areas.

Another major issue is Deforestation. Areas with more greenery and plants are known to have good rainfall.  Industrialisation and urbanization are two major factors here. Due to Deforestation, and cutting down of trees, rainfall has become an issue too.

Rivers are a major source of fresh water in India. Today we see a lot of industries that have come up and all of them are mostly near the rivers and these rivers become highly polluted as a result of all the industrial waste.

Effect of Global Warming and Climate Change

Global Warming and Climate Change are also responsible for the scarcity of water. The melting of icebergs into the sea due to the rise in temperatures is a reason as to how salty water is increasing day by day instead of freshwater. The percentage of rainfall has decreased drastically these days. Climate change along with the decrease in rainfall percentage has greatly affected freshwater bodies. 

Water scarcity has become a major problem and an alarming issue these days, and we must consciously strive to work together to find some solution to this issue of water scarcity. The Indian government today has formulated and come up with many plans on how to tackle and solve this problem.

To conclude, water scarcity has become an alarming issue day by day. If we do not take the problem of water scarcity seriously now, our future generations are going to suffer severely and may even have to buy this necessity at a high cost.

FAQs on Water Scarcity Essay

1.  What are the reasons for Water Scarcity?

The lack of proper Water Management and proper Drainage system plays a major role. Many other factors and reasons can be held responsible for the scarcity of water. Some of the major reasons are Global Warming and Climate Change; Pollution of the rivers due to industrialization; Deforestation and the cutting down of trees is another reason; Reduced percentage of rainfall due to the climate change pattern; Increase in the population which leads to increase in the use of water.  Learn more about water scarcity on Vedantu website helpful for long-term.

2. What is meant by the scarcity of water?

The scarcity of water means a shortage of water and not being able to manage the demand and supply of water. Water scarcity refers to the lack of freshwater bodies to meet the standard quantity and demand of water. Unequal distribution of water due to factors like Climate Change and Global Warming. Water Scarcity is also due to pollution and lack of rainfall. Water scarcity means a scarcity due to some physical scarcity or scarcity due to the lack of regular supply.

3. What are the two types of water scarcity?

Physical water scarcity is the result of regions' demand outpacing the limited water resources found in that location. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, about 1.2 billion people live in areas of physical scarcity and many of these people live in arid or semi-arid regions. People who are affected by this Physical kind of water scarcity are expected to grow as the population increases and as the weather patterns keep changing as a result of climate change.

Economic water scarcity is due to the lack of proper water infrastructure and a proper water management system or also because of poor management of water resources. The FAO estimates that more than 1.6 billion people face economic water shortages today. Economic water scarcity can also take place because of the unregulated use of water for agriculture and industry.

4.  How can we solve the problem?

Conscious awareness is required to deal with and understand the problem of water scarcity. We can start off by consciously saving water in our homes and surroundings.  Small easy steps like taking care when washing hands, or when working in the kitchen, have to be taken. The running water taps are a major reason for losing hundreds of liters of water on a daily basis. And we should be careful not to waste this water. Conscious decision to save and the need to understand the problem of water scarcity is of utmost importance.

5. How do we waste water?

Water is wasted in ways we do not even realize, in our homes and in our workplaces. When we brush our teeth, when we shave or when we wash the dishes, one of the most common things we do is to keep the water running, especially when running water is available. As soon as we begin cleaning or washing, we do not think of the water that is being wasted. While washing hands, we leave the water tap on, which results in wasting water too. Small things like these should be kept in mind and this could be our small step towards preserving water.

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When properly managed, water can be a peacemaking platform for long lasting cooperation

Water is a growing concern in many parts of the world. Countries can improve their water resilience through transboundary water cooperation over shared waters.

Many of the most pressing challenges in the world are about water: too little, too much or too inferior. Such challenges can only be effectively addressed through adequate governance of available water resources.

In 2015, the global community launched the 2030 Agenda, with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that should be reached by 2030. Some progress has been made, but for most of the goals, the world is not on track to meet the deadline. Water can help us do better.

Groundwater is the regulator of the entire freshwater cycle, but its invisibility makes it difficult to manage and protect.

The climate crisis is essentially a water crisis. When we treat it as such, we get new tools to mitigate climate change and adapt to consequences that are unavoidable.

Insufficient supply and inadequate infrastructure leaves millions of people in the world without water.

How to increase the productivity of agriculture around the world through better water management.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has pushed millions of people back into poverty and exposed unacceptable gaps between the rich and the poor. One in three people are still not able to wash their hands with soap and water at home.

Indigenous peoples are the custodians of many of the world’s most fragile and important ecosystems. They also possess invaluable knowledge about sustainability and resilience, so they have a vital role in protecting our environment.

The source-to-sea approach focuses on the strong connection between what happens on land, along waterways, and in the sea.

A growing number of people, societies and companies are discovering the power of resilient landscapes. It is still possible to shift to more sustainable practices that recharge water, restore soil health, sequester carbon, and strengthen biodiversity – but we need to make the transformation now.

More than two billion people in the world lack safely managed drinking water and twice as many lack safely managed sanitation, making WASH one of the most urgent development challenges.

While we all depend heavily on rivers for our survival, many rivers are under constant threat from unsustainable human activities

More and more young people offer important contributions to solving the growing water challenges they are inheriting.

Having access to water and sanitation has been recognized as a human right since 2010. But water is also essential to ensuring the fulfilment of many other rights.

To improve water governance, we need to take a close look at gender roles.

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The Water Crisis In India: Everything You Need To Know

With the planets second largest population at 1.3 billion, and expectant growth to 1.7 billion by 2050, India finds itself unable to serve the vast majority of that populace with safe, clean water.

Supporting 16% of the world’s inhabitants is daunting enough, but it is even more so when recognizing that population is crammed into an area one-third the size of the United States. Then consider that India only possesses 4% of the world’s fresh water and the crisis can be more fully realized.

India may not be the only nation in this predicament, but theirs is at a stage more critical than most. Severe lack of regulation, over privatization, general neglect and rampant government corruption have led to multiple generations thirsting for more than just a few drops of hazard free water.

The situation has grown to the point that regional disputes have risen over access to rivers in the country’s interior. Those disputes take on a global scale in conflicts with Pakistan over the River Indus and River Sutley in the west and north and with China to the east with the River Brahmaputra.

Surface water isn’t the only source reaching a breaking point.

Tracing back several generations, the critical situation in India can be linked to a myriad of causes. In modern times though, the concern has moved from the surface to the ground. And it’s there where India’s freshwater is under the greatest stress.

Causes: Groundwater and A History of Indifference

Over the past 50 years, policies have allowed what amounts to a free-for-all in groundwater development and as the crisis has grown it has been met with continued neglect, mismanagement and overall indifference.

Estimates put India’s groundwater use at roughly one-quarter of the global usage with total usage surpassing that of China and the United States combined. With farmers provided electricity subsidies to help power the groundwater pumping, the water table has seen a drop of up to 4 meters in some parts of the country. This unfettered draining of groundwater sources has accelerated over the past two decades.

With the aggressive pumping, particularly in rural areas, where agriculture provides the livelihood for upwards of 600 million Indians, Mother Nature is often the difference in a good year and a devastating one. Relying on monsoon rains without proper irrigation or water management techniques has been a recipe for disaster.

Mismanagement and corruption often draw the largest headlines, but many of India’s leaders have also been slow or unwilling to adapt to newer technologies or cohesive plans to address the issues.

The response can at best be described as irresponsible. Consider China, a country with roughly 50 million more people, uses a quarter less freshwater.

Growing Demand, Declining Health

Not only is India the world’s second most populated country, but it has a fast growing middle class that is raising the demands on clean, safe water. Then consider close to half of the country practises open defecation and you have a dichotomy of two very different populations desperately pulling at the same limited resource.

One group wanting to grow and flourish and the other wanting to survive.

A few numbers from the World Bank highlight the plight the country is facing:

• 163 Million Indians lack access to safe drinking water
• 210 Million Indians lack access to improved sanitation
• 21% of communicable diseases are linked to unsafe water
• 500 children under the age of five die from diarrhea each day in India

More than half of the rivers in India are highly polluted with numerous others at levels considered unsafe by modern standards. The waters of the Yamuna, Ganga and Sabarmati flow the dirtiest with a deadly mix of pollutants both hazardous and organic.

Aside from commonplace industrial pollution and waste, India’s rivers are open use across much of the country. From dumping human waste as previously noted to bathing to washing clothes, the human element contributes to the epidemic of health related concerns.

Adding to the human toll is the reliance on seasonal rains, which are often sporadic in some years and over abundant in others. Rain totals can vary greatly and do not always arrive in the places they are needed most. The drought and flooding that results from this inconsistent cycle often leads to crop failures and farmer suicides.

Much of the above affects rural citizens where poverty is rampant, but even more developed urban areas face their own challenges.

Even with a robustly growing middle class, when combining rural and urban populations, over half of India still lives at or below the poverty level. Furthermore, no city in India can provide clean, consumable tap water full-time.

Should the crisis continue unabated, the scarcity of water will have a negative impact on the industrial health of the country.

Recent drops in manufacturing jobs can be tied to companies being unable to access clean water. Along with the inability to properly cultivate agriculture areas and the water crisis quickly becomes an economic one.

Look to the Future

It may seem a foregone conclusion that the water will soon enough dry up and along with it India as a whole. That need not be the case.

There are even bright spots in the current environment. The Rivers Narmada and Chamabal run clean with water fit for consumption. Several projects are currently underway that aim to move water to areas that need it the most.

But it will take a long-term commitment of the Indian government not previously shown and the heavy assistance of outside resources.

Common sense practices and training will also aid in reducing the damage done to groundwater sources. Teaching farmers updated irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, and utilizing more rainwater harvesting are small, effective steps in stemming the loss of freshwater sources.

Much of India will also need modern sanitation policies that both conserve and wisely utilize water sources. Recognizing physical and economic growth directly ties to the amount of safe, usable water is another step in right direction.

Yes, all of these changes take the long view, but a crisis of this magnitude will not be solved with lip service and short sided solutions.

However daunting, the goals are not unattainable. India is still a developing society, and there is time to reverse the crisis that has been decades in the making.

Given the right commitment and dedication, India can soon enough have safe, clean water. https://businessconnectworld.com/2018/01/11/water-crisis-in-india/

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Water Crisis in India

Last updated on April 28, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

Despite having 17% of the global population, India only has 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. Due to pollution and climate change, the water situation is getting worse. What is the current status of the water crisis in India? What are the causes of an increased water crisis in India? To know more, read further.

The yearly water availability per person has decreased by 75% in the 75 years after Independence, from 6,042 cubic meters in 1947 to 1,486 cubic meters in 2021;

India is dealing with several issues, including the disappearance of ponds, lakes, tanks, and wetlands, as well as the depletion of groundwater and the pollution of surface water.

According to preliminary statistics from the first water body census, 18.691 out of 9.45 lakh water bodies, or 2%, have been encroached upon;

As many as 256 of India’s 700 districts have reported “critical” or “over-exploited” groundwater levels, according to the most recent Central Ground Water Board data.

Table of Contents

Falkenmark Index

• It is one of the most commonly used measures of water scarcity.
• It measures water scarcity as the quantity of renewable freshwater that is accessible to each person each year. It describes water scarcity in terms of the total water resources that are available to the population of a region.
• below 1,700 m 3 ,  the country is said to be experiencing  water stress.
• below 1,000 m 3 ,  it is said to be experiencing  water scarcity.
• below 500 m 3 ,  it is experiencing  absolute water scarcity.

Water Crisis: Reasons

Pollutants are being discharged into the water

• Sewage water and untreated industrial pollutants are dumped into rivers. This results from a lack of adherence to effluent standards.
• Cities are severely short on sewage treatment facilities. Improper mining practices also deteriorate the water quality and damage the adjacent aquifers.

Climate Change

• Weather patterns are changing as a result of climate change, and this leads to extreme weather events, uncertain water availability, a worsening of water scarcity, and tainted water sources.
• The quantity and quality of water that humans need to survive can be significantly impacted by such effects.

Encroachment of water bodies

• To suit the infrastructure needs of growing cities, water bodies are being encroached upon.

Water wastage

• Due to excessive subsidies and ignorance, there is an overuse and waste of water.
• Groundwater levels in Punjab and Haryana have been substantially reduced by uncontrolled irrigation water use and a lack of conservation efforts. More than 10% of rural areas’ water bodies are no longer necessary.

Over-dependence on groundwater

• According to reports, agriculture uses over 85% fresh water.
• Due to an overreliance on groundwater for the cultivation of crops like paddy and sugarcane, which need a lot of water, there is currently a problem in numerous states, including Punjab, Haryana, and western UP.

Policy Paralysis

• Irrigation is a major focus of the National Water Policy. Since the country’s independence, the water administration has been afflicted with hydro-schizophrenia.
• The management of the issue of water, including surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and irrigation, has been handled separately by various agencies such as the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) without any coordination.

Read:  Agro-policies for SWAB

What are the consequences of an increased water crisis?

Negative Effects on Health

• Children’s malformations are caused by the presence of pollutants in the water such as fluoride, chloride, and nitrate. Along with skin-related illnesses, it causes premature hair greying.
• Water contaminated with uranium traces can lead to severe illnesses like cancer;

Economic consequences

• According to a World Bank report, climate change-exacerbated water scarcity could cost certain regions up to 6% of their GDP.

Women hardships

• The majority of women are in charge of running the home. Due to a lack of water, women and young girls bear the majority of the burden of collecting it.
• According to a National Commission for Women report, rural women in Rajasthan travel nearly 2.5 kilometres each day to obtain a source of water.
• In one Maharashtrian community that is prone to drought, severe water scarcity has resulted in polygamy. To collect water, you need more than one spouse. The relationship is known as “water wives”;

Affecting food security

• Agriculture’s productivity will be impacted by water scarcity. In light of the increasing population strain on farms, will affect food security.

What are the steps taken by the government to reduce the water crisis?

Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): In 256 water-stressed regions, it was launched in 2019 as a campaign for water conservation, recharge, and rainfall gathering. It now encompasses each of the nation’s 740 districts.

Amrit Sarovars: Each district’s 75 water bodies are to be developed and revitalized as part of the Mission. By August 2023, the Union Government plans to construct 50,000 Amrit Sarovars throughout India.

Atal Bhujal Yojana: The program is expected to emphasize recharge and better use of groundwater resources. It seeks to strengthen the institutional framework and bring about behavioural changes at the community level for sustainable groundwater resource management;

Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao (Save Water, Earn Money): It has been launched by the Punjab Government. It incentivizes farmers to reduce groundwater and electricity usage. This has resulted in water savings of between 6-25% without any adverse effect on the yield.

Ganga Rejuvenation: The World Bank has been supporting the Government of India’s efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga River since 2011. Two World Bank projects, worth US$ 1 billion, are helping set up the institutions needed to manage the river and build the infrastructure to keep it clean.

Ministry of Jal Shakti: The formation of the Ministry of Jal Shakti is an important step in the direction of overcoming hydro-schizophrenia. It will bring the irrigation and drinking water departments, together. within one ministry.

Way Forward

Enumerating, geo-tagging, and creating an inventory of all extant water bodies should be the main priorities according to the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. It is important to take all necessary precautions to ward off encroachments.

To improve water management and eliminate inter-state water conflicts, the states must cooperate along hydrological boundaries rather than just administrative ones.

The general public should be made aware of this issue by supporting public servants like Rajendra Singh (Waterman of India).

A better framework for water governance is required. To create a new National Water Commission, the CWC and CGWB should join, considerably expanding each organization’s capabilities (NWC). It would enhance cooperation and provide the necessary skills for various water sources.

To read more on groundwater depletion and contamination click here.

Also Read: Bengaluru Water Crisis;  Desalination: a unique solution to Chennai water woes

Article written by: Jis John Sebastian

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Water Scarcity - Water Stress in India & Prevention of Water Scarcity [UPSC Notes]

Water scarcity is insufficient freshwater resources to meet the human and environmental demands of a given area. This article will talk about the topic ‘Water Scarcity’ which is important in the IAS Exam from the perspective of UPSC General Studies I & III, and essay papers of the Mains Exam.

Table of Contents:

Types of Water Scarcity

Adequate access to safe drinking water is a priority for global development. However, given the challenges of population growth, profligate use, growing population, and changes in weather patterns due to global warming, many countries, both wealthy and poor are facing water scarcity in the 21st century.

There are two types of water scarcity:

• Physical water scarcity
• Economic water scarcity

Physical Water scarcity

Physical or absolute water scarcity is the result of regions demand outpacing the limited water resources found in that location. As per the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, around 1.2 Billion people live in areas of physical scarcity; many of these people live in arid or semi-arid regions. People impacted by this kind of water scarcity are expected to grow as populations increase and as weather patterns become more unpredictable due to climate change.

Economic Water scarcity

This kind of water scarcity primarily arises due to the lack of water infrastructure in general or due to the poor management of water resources where the infrastructure is in place. As per FAO estimates more than 1.6 Billion people face economic water shortage. Economic water scarcity can also arise due to unregulated water use for agriculture and industry at the expense of the general population.

What is the Water Footprint?

Everything that we consume in our daily life, whatever we eat, sell, buy, wear requires water to make them. Water footprint measures the amount of water used to produce each of the goods and services we use . It can be measured for any process, like growing crops, for producing clothes, for the fuel we use in our travels, or for a multinational company.

A nation’s water footprint is defined as the total amount of water needed for the production of goods and services calculated by adding all the water consumed plus the water inherent in products imported, then subtracted by water in exports.

India’s water footprint is 980 cubic metres per capita, ranks below the global average of 1243 cubic metres. India contributes roughly 12 % of the world’s total water footprint.

Effects of Water Scarcity Across the Globe

The problem of water scarcity has gained a lot of importance due to the potential damage it can inflict. As per some reports, 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 Billion people find water scarce for at least one month of the year.

• As per 2017 Global Risks Report of the World Economic Forum , in terms of impact on humanity, the water crisis is ranked as the 3rd most important global risk.
• Governments will be forced to choose between agricultural, industrial, municipal or environmental interests and some groups would win at the expense of others.
• Water scarcity can result in forced migration. It may lead to domestic or regional conflicts, in geopolitically fragile areas.
• As per the UN report, over 2 Billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress. As per UNESCO 24 Million and 700 Million people will be displaced in some Arid and Semi-arid regions by 2030.
• Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 Billion people. They are exposed to diseases, such as Cholera and Typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. 2 million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone.

Water Scarcity in India

India has 4 % of the world’s freshwater which has to cater to 17 % of the world’s population.

As per NITI Aayog report released in June 2019, India is facing the worst-ever water crisis in history. Approximately 600 million people or roughly around 45 % of the population in India is facing high to severe water stress. As per the report, 21 Indian cities will run out of their main source of water i.e. groundwater by 2020. The report goes on to say that nearly 40 % of the population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by 2030 and 6 % of India’s GDP will be lost by 2050 due to the water crisis.

Main causes of Water Scarcity in India

As per World Bank data, India accounts for 25 % of global demand for groundwater. More than 90 % of groundwater in India is used for irrigated agriculture. The remaining 24 Billion m 3 supplies 85 % of the country’s drinking water. Approximately 80 % of India’s 1.35 Billion population depends on groundwater for both drinking and irrigation.

The table shows India has a smaller area equipped for irrigation compared to China, yet India consumes almost double the amount of water for agriculture purpose. This shows inefficiency in water usage which is unsustainable.

India is a major exporter of rice which implies India is exporting millions of litres of water annually.

The most important crops of India are rice, wheat and sugarcane. They are the most water-consuming crops. Rice, which is a major crop export, consumed about 3,500 litres of water for a kilogram of grain produced. Punjab which is the 3rd largest producer of rice in India, is completely dependent on groundwater for production of rice, though Punjab fares well from a land productivity perspective, they are lagging behind states like West Bengal, Bihar in terms of water productivity as they consume two to three times more water than Bihar and West Bengal to produce a kilogram of rice. For detailed information on Major Crops of India , visit the link provided here.

Check out other links related to crops of India –

Sugarcane is another water-guzzling crop in India, which is a very popular crop among farmers in Maharashtra because they are assured of marketing by sugar mills. The primary source of water for growing this crop is groundwater, whereas states like Bihar which is more suitable for the production of sugarcane produce only 4 % of the country’s total sugar cane output. Know in detail about Agriculture in India on the given link.

Water storage in India is about 209 m 3 per person far below the minimum threshold of 1,000 m 3 per person for identifying water scarcity in a country. In addition, the per capita availability of water has reduced from 2,209 m 3 per year in 1991 to 1545 m 3 per year in 2011.

Though the Minimum Support Price (MSP) announced by the Government was usually for around 22 crops, the MSP incentive was skewed in favour of rice and wheat. Hence even states which are dry, where weather conditions were not in favour, farmers still preferred to grow rice and wheat resulting in excessive extraction of groundwater to grow the rice and wheat.

Given below are a few important links related to agriculture –

Effects of Water Scarcity in India

Social and Political Effects of Water Scarcity in India

Effects of Water Scarcity on Food Security

• 74 % of the area under wheat cultivation and 63 % of the area under rice cultivation faces extreme levels of water scarcity.
• Expected demand-supply gap of up to 570 Billion m 3 by 2030 in the agriculture sector.
• Virtual water export adds to the problem, the export of approximately 37 lakh tonnes of Basmati rice alone cost India 10 Trillion litres of water in 2014-15.

8 Ways to Prevent Risks on Food Security due to Water Scarcity

• States should start using a water lens while developing agricultural policies and incentives.
• India needs to manage its international export of virtual water.
• Ensure that crop production patterns within the country, across different states, are aligned to regional water availability.
• Agriculture policies that limit the export of water-intensive crops or reduce Minimum Support Price (MSP) and subsidies for water-intensive crops (particularly sugarcane, cotton and rice) in regions with declining water tables.
• Emphasise on the adoption of water-efficient technologies, management systems, farmer education, and advisory services.
• Consider developing an agricultural water export index to track virtual water, to track the amount of virtual water exported by India through trade commodities to other countries. This can enable better policy and incentives that support water sustainability.
• The water footprint network has developed an interactive tool to calculate and map the water footprint by different users, assess its sustainability, and identify strategic interventions for improving water use.
• Invest in scaling up Micro-irrigation. It is a vital solution to make India’s agriculture more water-efficient, the adoption rate is still small due to problems in the sustained adoption of micro-irrigation across seasons due to maintenance challenges and cost pressures. A programme that takes care of financial support, operational support, and technical support is essential. The Government of India’s ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana promotes the use of drip and sprinkler irrigation by farmers.
• Effects of Water Scarcity on the Carrying Capacity of Urban Hubs
• 5 of the world’s largest cities under water stress present in India.
• No Indian city is able to provide 24 hours 7 days a week water supply to its entire urban population.
• Expected water demand-supply gap of approximately 50 Billion m 3 for the domestic sector by 2030, as future demand doubles present use.

3 Ways to Prevent Water Scarcity in Urban Areas

• An integrated approach to land-use planning and zoning where water will be the crux of the planning is the sole way to ensure sustainable urban development in which the needs of the city’s water needs are met.
• While creating city plans and providing permits for new establishments, state and city governments should consider water resource availability in the region, and resist developmental activities that are not sustainable from the perspective of water management.
• The government can take a leaf out of the book from the American Planning Association (APA) in the United States which has introduced water-related policy guidelines, which treats water as a critical component of infrastructure planning.

Economic Risks of Water Scarcity in India

• Effects of Water Scarcity on sustainable industrial activity
• Industries expected to draw 3 times water compared to their actual consumption by 2030.
• Shutdowns possible as states prioritize irrigation and household needs, and fail to provide water to industries.
• Water intensive industries such as Food & Beverages, Textiles, Paper & Paper products are likely to be worst affected.

4 Ways to Prevent Risks for Industrial Activity due to Water Scarcity

• Water usage can be optimized by giving permits that put caps on water consumption by each user.
• Industrial zoning can restrict water-intensive industries from setting up in water-scarce regions, this will promote water efficiency amongst small and large industries.
• We could take an example of Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin which supports water trading worth AUD 2 Billion annually. It is a system where water entitlements and allocations are provided to industrial units annually, and they are allowed to trade i.e. buy and sell their water quotas amongst different users, to maximize their outputs and income by optimizing water use.
• ESG compliance checks by banks can act as an effective tool for adopting water conservation activities by organisations that seek external funding. The risks posed to organisations due to water shortages and scarcity will affect the performance of banks. An Indian bank checks and raises a red flag if the availability of water in the region is insufficient to support the business operations of an organisation. Another bank conducts portfolio analysis and covers water as a key non-financial risk.

Effects of Water Scarcity on Energy Production in India

• 40 % of India’s thermal power plants presently located in water-scarce regions
• 70 % of India’s thermal power plants are expected to face high water stress by 2030.

Read about Thermal Power Plants in India from the linked article.

4 Ways to Prevent Risks on Energy Production due to Water Scarcity

• Diversifying to renewable energy sources like Solar and Wind energy, that are not reliant on water to generate energy. Government has already set targets of 175 GW of energy by 2022, this will considerably help in diverting the crisis.
• Make sure that new Thermal power plants are only established in regions where there is no scarcity of water availability.
• Promote the adoption of water-efficient technologies for operation of power plants and the production of energy.
• National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is exploring solutions such as desalination plants which can create additional water for human use, and floating Solar PV can reduce the natural rate of evaporation and support conservation of water.

Environmental Risks of Water Scarcity in India

• Effects of Water Scarcity on Biodiversity of India
• Human intervention impacts 35 species on average in biodiversity hotspots in India .
• The Western Ghats , the Himalayas and North East are amongst hotspots with threatened species category.
• Dam construction on the Kali river contributed to the Western Ghats decline in forest cover of 30 percentage points in approximately 40 years.

3 Ways to Prevent Biodiversity Destruction in India

• Economic policy needs to incorporate economic value of biodiversity, impact on the environment needs to be evaluated when new development activities, such as building dams or reservoirs are planned.
• Explore the possibility of smaller projects in multiple locations instead of one large project in one geographical location, since the cumulative environmental footprint of such smaller projects might be lower compared to one large project.
• Undertake large scale tree plantation to re-establish habitats and support resuscitation of bird population and wildlife in the region.

Effects of Water Scarcity on Desertification

• Approximately 30 % of Indian land is degraded or faces desertification
• Water erosion is the largest cause of desertification and is responsible for approximately 11 % of total desertification.
• Cost of land degradation estimated at approximately 2.1 % of India’s 2014-15 GDP.

Read more about Desertification from the linked article.

4 Ways to Prevent Risks of Desertification

• Afforestation is a very effective method, but it must be done strategically and scientifically so that the right mix of flora is propagated i.e. local species, drought-tolerant variety of trees etc.
• Adopt agroforestry, in this method trees and shrubs, are grown next to crops and pasturelands. It can reduce erosion and even increase biodiversity in areas currently covered with mono-cropping and without cover crops and natural barriers.
• By increasing the green cover it will help in groundwater rejuvenation as water absorption and retention capacity of soil increases. It is important to tap into local and grassroots knowledge to select the right trees for the appropriate geography.
• China’s ‘great wall’ initiative is a phenomenal example of China making large scale investments in tackling desertification. The country has planted 66 Billion trees in the arid Northern territory and they claim to have reduced sandstorms by 20 % and desertification by nearly 5,000 miles in recent years.

Measures for Preventing Water Scarcity in India (Central Government)

Ministry of Jal Shakti

The Government of India established the Ministry of Jal Shakti to consolidate interrelated functions pertaining to water management. The Ministry launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan – a campaign for water conservation and water security. Get detailed information on Jal Shakti Ministry on the page linked here.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan Campaign

Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched in

• 1592 water-stressed blocks
• 256 districts

The major focus areas of Jal Shakti Abhiyan is given below

• Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
• Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks
• Borewell recharge structures
• Watershed development
• Intensive afforestation
• Block and District water conservation plans
• Promotion of efficient water use for irrigation
• Better choice of crops for Krishi Vigyan Kendras

Jal Abhiyan is a time-bound, mission-mode water conservation campaign. Hence to make sure that efforts are going in the right direction, The National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has developed a comprehensive water management metrics named Composite Water Management Index (CWMI).

The Government of India has announced an ambitious target of providing piped clean drinking water to all villages by 2024.

Read more about Jal Shakti Abhiyan from the linked article.

Atal Bhujal Yojana 

In order to acknowledge and contain the ever-growing problem of groundwater depletion, the Indian Government introduced the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) in December 2019 after getting financial approval from the World Bank in 2018. It was launched under Jal Jeevan Mission. It is related to groundwater usage and conservation in India.

The objective of the program was to lay emphasis on the recharge of groundwater resources and improve the exploitation of the groundwater resources, with the involvement of people at the local level. Further details on Atal Bhujal Yojana can be read on the linked page.

Adoption of Composite Water Management Index (CWMI)

The National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has developed the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) to enable effective water management in Indian states. The first edition was published in 2018 and became a very well-received publication inside and outside the country.

Mandate of CWMI

• Establish a benchmark for state-level performance on key water indicators.
• Identify the high performing states and low performing states thereby inculcating a culture of constructive competition among states
• Identify areas for deeper engagement and investment on the part of the states.

Measures for Preventing Water Scarcity (State Government)

Rajasthan – Mukhya Mantri Jal Swalambhan Abhiyan (MJSA)

The objective is to make villages self-sufficient in water through participatory water management approach.

• Launched in 2016
• A unique feature is the usage of Drones to identify water bodies for restoration
• Gram Sabha in villages is responsible for budgeting of water resources for different uses, providing greater power to the community members in decision-making.

6 Accomplishments of the MJSA program

• In the 1st 2 phases of the program, 7742 villages in Rajasthan benefited by 2.3 Lakh water conservation activities.
• In the 2nd phase, 1.35 Lakh water conservation structures were created in 4213 villages.
• Benefited more than 88 lakh people, 93 lakh heads of livestock, covering an area of 33.50 Lakh hectares.
• After the 1st phase, there was a 56 % reduction of water supply through tankers and the average rise in the groundwater table by 4.6 feet in 21 non-desert districts of the states.
• 50,000 hectares of additional land had been made fit for cultivation in the districts
• 64 % of the handheld pumps had been rejuvenated.

Andhra Pradesh – Neeru Chettu Programme

The objective is to make Andhra Pradesh drought-proof and reduce economic inequalities through better water conservation and management practices. Highlights of the program are given below.

• Repaired about 7,000 farm ponds
• Repaired 22,000 check dams
• 102 lift irrigation schemes have been commissioned or revived.
• This program has enabled irrigation access to approximately 2,10,000 acres of land in the state.

Maharashtra – Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan

Launched in 2015 – 16, with the aim of making 5000 villages water scarcity free, every year. This program entails the following

• Deepening and widening of streams
• Construction of cement and earthen stop dams
• Works on nullahs and digging of farm ponds.
• Geo-tagging of water bodies and use of a mobile application to enable web-based monitoring

3 Accomplishments of the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan program

• Increase in groundwater levels of 1.5 to 2 metres.
• 11,000 villages have been declared drought-free
• Agricultural productivity has increased by 30 % – 50 %

Telangana – Mission Kakatiya Program

• Launched in 2014
• Aims to restore 46,000 tanks across the state and bring over 20 lakh acres land under cultivation.
• Enhancing the development of minor irrigation structures
• Promoting community-based irrigation management.
• Restoration of tanks to enable effective utilization of the 255 TMC water allocated for minor irrigation under Godavari and Krishna river basins.

4 Accomplishments of the Mission Kakatiya Program

• Over 22,500 tanks had been restored till March 2018
• The program Boosted water storage capacity of water bodies
• Enhanced on-farm moisture retention capacity in the region.
• Increase in the gross area irrigated under tank ayacut by 51.5 % compared to the base year.

Gujarat – Sujalam Sufalam Yojana

It is a water conservation scheme by the Gujarat Government launched in May 2018; it focuses on

• Deepening of water bodies before monsoons
• Desilting of water bodies
• Target to increase water storage capacity by 11,000 lakh cubic feet through deepening of 13,000 lakes, check dams, and reservoirs. The program was a success as per media reports.
• 2nd edition was launched in 2019 in which the state increased its financial contribution to 60 % for programme activities, requiring private entities to pay only remaining 40 %

Madhya Pradesh – Kapil Dhara Yojana

• Develop irrigation facilities on private land of small and marginal farmers, through the construction of dug wells, farm ponds, check dams etc.
• Focuses on providing financial support to landholders without access to irrigation facilities and prioritizes marginalized communities to maximize impact.
• The program has contributed to improved productivity, intensity, and diversity of crop production in the region and generates livelihood sources.

Punjab – Pani Bachao Paise Kamao

The program launched to break water-energy nexus.

• It is an innovative program, where farmers are provided with fixed electricity quota and receiving Rs 4 per KWh (Kilowatt-hour) for every unit of electricity saved through Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT).
• The scheme launched by the Department of Power on a pilot basis in the districts of Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur; allows farmers to join on a voluntary basis.
• A unique solution to the widespread problem of electricity and water wastage by farmers by encouraging them to use the resources efficiently by incentivising them monetarily for being water efficient.

Uttar Pradesh – Jakhni Village, Bundelkhand

Jakhni village of Banda district in the Bundelkhand region was one of the most water-scarce regions in India. There was heavy migration from the village in search of water and for better livelihood, but the villagers drastically changed the situation through rigorous water conservation techniques as given below.

• Construction of farm ponds
• Restoration/rejuvenation of water bodies
• Collection and utilization of greywater
• Raising of farm bunds
• Intensive plantation of trees

The uniqueness of this success is farmers of Jakhni undertook the entire work without any

external funding, machinery or resources.

Accomplishments

• It has become a water self-sufficient village, it was earlier drought-prone
• Improved agricultural production – now produces 23,000 quintals of Basmati rice, production of other crops has also increased by manifolds

Water contamination in India

As per the NITI Aayog report, 70 % of all of the country’s fresh water in the ground or on the surface is polluted. As per the report, 600 Million Indians are facing a high or extreme water crisis. 2,00,000 Indians die every year since they are drinking, washing, and bathing in contaminated water.

Relevant links to cover up the topic on water and its scarcity comprehensively for the upcoming UPSC exam are given below-

4 Ways Adopted to Prevent Water Scarcity Across the Globe

We need to use a multi-pronged approach to address the matter. 1. Aquifer Recharging

An aquifer is a body of permeable soil or rock that contains or transmits groundwater. They are usually refilled from rain or melting snow. As per UN reports groundwater withdrawal has tripled in the past 50 years; areas with highest groundwater withdrawals include parts of China, India and the United States. Around 67% is used for agricultural purposes, 22% for domestic use, 11% for industrial use. Aquifer recharge involves injecting excess surface water into underground aquifers. Water can be treated before injection. Use native plant species in wetland areas to boost aquifers natural recharge capabilities.

2. Water reuse and Zero-Liquid Discharge Technology

This method can alleviate water scarcity for municipalities and industries. Zero Liquid Discharge technologies use, treat, and reuse water in a closed-loop system without release or discharge.

3. Coastal Reservoir Projects

Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan have Coastal reservoir projects that have been effectively functioning and supplying people with drinking water.

4. Desalination Plants

This is a process of treating saline or brackish water. This process can be used to treat seawater or groundwater containing salt concentrations that make it unfit for drinking. Highly saline water contains salt in the concentrations ranging between 10,000 ppm and 35,000 ppm. Freshwater is defined as water with less than 1,000 ppm of salt.

Due to growing demands, many nations are investing in this technology. There are an estimated 16,000 desalination plants in operation around the world. The largest desalination plants are in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Israel. Unfortunately, desalination plants are energy guzzlers. It requires 10 times more energy than that consumed by pumping well water.

As the trend suggests, the number of questions being asked from the environment segments is increasing. Candidates can get the complete trend analysis in our GS 3 strategy, Structure and Syllabus page.

The above details would be of help to candidates preparing for UPSC 2022  exams from the perspective of mains examination.

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Water Crisis in India – Explained Pointwise

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The recent Bengaluru water crisis has put the spotlight again on the looming water crisis in India. Water starved Bengaluru is facing the looming threat of Day Zero (when government will shut down water connections for homes and businesses). A BBC report , based on UN-projections, had listed Bengaluru in the second position after Brazil’s São Paulo among the 11 global cities that are likely to run out of drinking water.

What is Water Crisis? What is the situation in India?

Water Crisis- Water crisis refers to the situation where the available potable, safe water in a region is less than its demand. The World Bank refers to water scarcity as a condition when the annual per-capita availability is less than 1000 cubic metres .

Water Crisis Situation in India

What are the reasons for the Water Crisis in India?

1. Rising water demand- According to NITI Aayog, India’s water demand is increasing at a rapid rate. India’s water demand will be twice the available supply by 2030 . Also, the rate of depletion of groundwater in India during 2041-2080 will be thrice the current rate.

2. Groundwater use for agriculture – There is high groundwater usage in agriculture  due to faulty cropping patterns. For ex- Water-intensive paddy cultivation in the states of Punjab and Haryana .

3. Encroachment of Natural Water Bodies- There has been destruction of lakes and small ponds to meet the infrastructure needs of burgeoning populations. For ex- Encroachment of lakes in Bengaluru .

4. Climate Change- Climate Change has led to erratic monsoon and reduced water levels in many rivers. This has induced water crisis in India.

5. Discharge of Pollutants-  There has been contamination of groundwater resources by the discharge of industrial chemicals , sewers and improper mining activities .

6. Lack of proactive management policies- Water management policies in India have failed to keep pace with changing demands of time. For ex- The Easement Act of 1882 granting groundwater ownership rights to the landowner leading to indiscriminate use of water resources.

7. Governance issues- a. Water governance in India has been fragmented . The centre and the states have their respective departments for governing various issues related to water. b. There have been separate departments for surface water and groundwater. Central Water Commission ( for surface water ) and Central Ground Water Board ( for groundwater ). c. Politicization of inter-state disputes by the political parties have hindered the quick resolution of disputes.

8. Detached Citizens- Since water is a free resource, it is not valued by the citizens. Citizens are completely detached from the water issues.

What are the impacts of Water Crisis in India?

1. Economic Impact- a. As per World Bank, India’s GDP could decline by as much as 6% by 2050 due to water scarcity. b. Water scarcity will result in decline of food production . This will hamper India’s food security and have serious impacts on the livelihood of farmers and farm labourers. c. Decline in industrial production as Industrial sectors such as textiles, thermal power plants,etc. may suffer due to water shortage

2. Ecological Impact a. Water scarcity may lead to extinction of flora and fauna . b. Heavy metal contamination (Arsenic, cadmium, nickel etc.) and oil spills in rivers and oceans respectively may threaten the marine biodiversity .

3. Social Impact a.  Deterioration of health of children due to intake of contaminated water . It leads to a reduction in human capital. b. The increased out-of-pocket expenditure on medical expenses adversely impacts the poorest and the most vulnerable sections. c. Increased hardships for women like school dropout,’ water wives ‘ to fetch water in drought prone regions .

4. Federal Relations- a. Amplification of the existing inter-state water disputes like Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari. There will be emergence of new disputes in the future. b. There will be a rise in parochial mindset and regionalism among states and may hinder growth of national unity.

5. International Relations- Water scarcity can lead to conflict among nations to get control over the water bodies. For ex- Impact on India-China relations due to Chinese building of dams over Brahmaputra river .

What are the government initiatives?

What should be the way forward.

1. Promotion of Water Conservation- Encouraging rainwater harvesting to capture monsoon run-off. Also, traditional water conservation practices like Kudimaramath practice (Tamil Nadu), Ahar Pynes (Bihar), Bamboo Drip irrigation System(North-East) must be revived .

2. Demand-side Management- States can adopt a participatory approach with the involvement of local communities. For ex- The Swajal model adopted by Uttarakhand focussing on community-based management of water resources. Revival of Johads in Rajasthan desert by Rajendra Singh (Waterman of India).

3. Nature-Based Solutions- Nature-based solutions refer to the solutions that mimic natural processes to provide human , ecological and societal benefits . For ex- Artificial Floodplains to increase water retention , Forest management to reduce sediment loadings.

4. River Basin Management- River basin management must be done through hydrological-basin approach rather than administrative boundaries . Also, steps must be taken to promote interlinking of rivers , while addressing its environmental concerns.

5. Evidence-based policy-making- We must create robust water data systems with real-time monitoring capabilities. For ex- Andhra Pradesh’s online water dashboard for mapping of hydrological resources for better policymaking.

6. Implementing the Mihir Shah Committee Report- The Mihir Shah Committee recommendations must be implemented for restructuring the water governance in India: a. Establishing National Water Commission by merging Central Water Commission(CWC) and Central Groundwater Board(CGWB). It would ensure that the surface and the groundwater are taken as a single entity. b. Focussing on management and maintenance of dams rather than construction of dams. c. Adopting a participatory approach to water management.

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Water Security: Issues and challenges for India

By neeraj singh manhas, director of research in the indo-pacific consortium at raisina house, new delhi.

22 Feb 2023 by The Water Diplomat

Water security in India refers to the availability of adequate and clean water resources to meet the country's growing water demand, while ensuring the sustainability of the water ecosystems. This is in line with the definition of water security provided by UN Water, which is a United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism on all freshwater-related issues. It involves ensuring access to safe drinking water, managing water resources effectively, and reducing the risk of water-borne diseases. In India, water security is a major challenge due to over-extraction of groundwater, water pollution, and unequal distribution of water resources. Addressing water security is critical for the country's economic and social development, as well as the health and well-being of its citizens.

Concept of Traditional and Non-Traditional Threat

Water security has been recognized as a critical issue within government policy circles and among various stakeholders such as civil society organizations, academics, and researchers. The growing recognition of water as a finite and valuable resource, coupled with the increasing risks and impacts of water-related issues, has led to water security being perceived as a threat to India's development and sustainability. Therefore, various measures have been taken to address the challenges related to water security in India, including the implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at improving water management, conservation, and governance.

Traditionally, water security was seen as a technical issue of water supply and management, with a focus on meeting water demand through infrastructure development. However, it has now expanded to encompass a broader range of social, economic, and environmental factors, including water quality, water allocation, and water governance.

In India, water security has been recognized as a non-traditional threat due to the interlinkages between water and other critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and the environment. The country faces a range of water-related challenges, including water scarcity, water pollution, floods, and droughts, which have significant impacts on various aspects of society and the economy.

The concept of non-traditional threat recognises water security as a complex and interconnected issue that requires a holistic and integrated approach, involving multiple stakeholders and a range of policies and practices. This approach recognises the need for better water governance, enhanced water management practices, and increased investment in water infrastructure and technology.

Source: Next IAS

Issues and Challenges

Water security in India faces several issues and challenges that threaten the sustainability and development of the country. These include over-extraction of groundwater, water pollution, inadequate distribution, lack of proper water management, climate change, and conflicts over water. India relies heavily on groundwater, which is being depleted at an alarming rate due to over-extraction for irrigation, industrial, and domestic use. The increasing industrialization and urbanization has led to widespread water pollution, contaminating rivers and groundwater, and making it unsafe for consumption. There is unequal distribution of water resources across the country, with some regions facing severe water scarcity while others have surplus water. India lacks proper water management systems, with inefficient irrigation systems, leaky water supply networks, and insufficient wastewater treatment facilities. Climate change has resulted in irregular monsoon patterns and increased frequency of natural disasters, causing further strain on India's water resources. With increasing water scarcity, there are growing conflicts between different states, communities, and sectors over the distribution and use of water. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring water security in India and sustainable development of the country.

Way Forward

Improving India's water security will require a combination of policy, technology, and behavioral solutions. One essential strategy is to enhance water governance systems, with clear policies, laws, and institutions to manage and allocate water resources effectively and equitably. Efficient water management practices like rainwater harvesting, conservation, and recharge should be adopted to reduce water waste and increase availability.

The country needs to invest in water infrastructure such as dams, reservoirs, and canals, to improve water storage capacity, distribution, and mitigate the impacts of water-related disasters. Promoting the adoption of water-saving technologies like drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, and water-efficient appliances can significantly reduce water consumption and improve productivity. Additionally, the government should implement and enforce regulations to prevent water pollution and ensure access to safe drinking water, especially in rural and urban areas. Changing behavior is also critical, such as reducing water usage, avoiding water waste, and improving water hygiene practices. Collaboration and active engagement of various stakeholders including the government, civil society, private sector, and communities are essential to addressing these challenges.

Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach, with the active engagement of government, civil society, private sector, and communities. Investing in water security will not only improve water availability and quality, but will also contribute to the overall economic and social development of India.

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• Recently, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) stated that Global warming and climate change has the potential to put water security in India at risk.

Key Highlights

• India is witnessing a repeat of 2021 conditions, when temperatures touched 40 degrees Celsius as early as February in some parts of the country.
• Climate change impacts are about heat — increased and scorching temperatures — and about variable and extreme rain. 
• Both have a direct correlation with the water cycle. 
• 2021 was the year of the La Niña — the Pacific water currents that are known to bring cooler temperatures globally. 
• But global warming has offset this cooling effect of La Niña.
• Situation is bound to be worse in El Nino conditions.
• The number of rainy days in India will further go down, but extreme rainy days will increase.
• This will have a huge impact on India’s plans for water management. 

India’s Water Security

• India faces a serious and persistent water crisis owing to a growing imbalance of supply and demand, as well as poor water resource management and climate change. 
• India is projected to face severe water stress by 2050.

Image Courtesy: OECD  

• Although industry is the largest contributor to India’s GDP, agriculture accounts for nearly 90% of water use. 
• Two-thirds of India’s irrigation needs and 80% of domestic water needs are met using groundwater, contributing to the significant groundwater depletion rate. 
• Although India has one of the world’s largest irrigation systems, it is characterised by high levels of inefficient water use.
• Declining water tables mean increased cost of pumping, salty irrigation water as a result of over abstraction leading to crop and revenue losses for farmers, and long-term consequences for water availability. 
• Lack of access to improved water supply and adequate sanitation persists. 
• According to the government census of 2011, only about 30% of the 167 million rural households in India have access to tap water and household toilets.
• The discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies is the most important source of water pollution in India; eighty percent of the sewage generated goes untreated. 
• The existing policy framework lacks a clear incentive structure for efficient and sustainable water use. 
• Intra- and inter-state water sharing and lack of adequate enforcement and monitoring of existing water policies undermine water governance. 
• Low or absent water charging and energy subsidies for groundwater pumping drive severe depletion of resources.
• A lack of sustainable financing for water infrastructure results in poor maintenance of existing infrastructure and limits further investment. 

Importance of Water Security for India

• With total water demand in India expected to rise by over 70% by 2025, a huge demand-supply gap is expected in the coming years. 
• Poor water quality and lack of adequate access to sanitation are also major causes of disease and poor health.
• Proper access to potable water will minimise health issues and medical expenses.
• Adequate water security will act as a potentially significant booster on economic growth as it will reduce the costs for water infrastructure.
• It is not that evaporation losses did not happen in the past, but the rate of evaporation will now increase with the soaring temperatures
• Heat will drive up the use of water — from drinking and irrigation to fighting fires in forests or buildings. 
• Climate change is already showing up in terms of the increasing number of extreme rain events. 
• This means that one can expect rain to come like a flood, making the cycle of floods followed by droughts even more intense.
• In a country like India, where the bulk of the food is still grown in rain-fed regions, climate change will intensify land degradation and dust bowl formations.

Steps Taken

• Jal Jeevan Mission: It is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. 
• Jal Shakti Abhiyaan: It was launched by Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) in 2019, a time-bound campaign with a mission mode approach intended to improve water availability including groundwater conditions in the water-stressed blocks of 256 districts in India. 
• National Water Policy: National Water Policy (2012) has been formulated by the Department of Water Resources, RD & GR, inter-alia advocates rainwater harvesting and conservation of water and highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through direct use of rainfall. 
• Groundwater legislation: Ministry has circulated a Model Bill to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable groundwater legislation for the regulation of its development, which also includes the provision of rainwater harvesting. So far, 19 States/UTs have adopted and implemented groundwater legislation.
• Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA): It has been constituted under Section 3 (3) of the “Environment (Protection) Act, 1986” for the purpose of regulation and control of groundwater development and management in the Country.
• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020: It has been prepared by CGWB in consultation with States/UTs which is a macro-level plan indicating various structures for the different terrain conditions of the country including estimated cost. 
• National water Awards: The Department of Water Resources, RD& GR has instituted National Water awards to incentivize good practices in water conservation and groundwater recharge.
• Mass awareness programmes: Training, Seminars, Workshops, Exhibitions, Trade Fares and Painting Competitions etc. are conducted from time to time each year under the Information, Education & Communication (IEC) Scheme of DoWR, RD & GR in various parts of the Country to promote rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge to groundwater.
• The Framework strives to ensure synergies in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), erstwhile Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) now PMKSYWatershed Development Component and Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM), given their common objectives. 
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): It is an Rs.6000 crore scheme with World Bank funding, for sustainable management of groundwater with community participation is being taken up in the identified over-exploited and water-stressed areas fall in the States of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
• India’s irrigation planners and bureaucracies have largely depended on canals and other surface water systems. 
• Now, the focus needs to be on the management of groundwater systems, i.e., underground water storage, or wells.
• Water management must go hand-in-hand with vegetation planning to improve the ability of soils to hold water, even in times of intense and prolonged heat.
• There is a need to work not just on storing water in millions of structures, but also plan for reducing losses due to evaporation. 
• Even the wastewater that is currently being left to flow down drainpipes should also be utilised.
• As extreme rains become the norm, the structures being created under MGNREGA will need to be redesigned so that they last over the seasons.

Source : DTE

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India's urban water crisis: cities at risk of running out of water, by 2050, at least 30 indian cities will face a grave water risk, according to the wwf. the problems range from poor management of water sources, contaminated supplies, leaky distribution networks and vast volumes of untreated wastewater being poured into india's rivers..

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The situation is already alarming. In the 91 most important reservoirs tracked by the Central Water Commission, storage levels have never crossed more than half their total capacity in recent years. More alarmingly, the long-term, indiscriminate extraction of groundwater is making water tables fall rapidly in most Indian cities. According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment, 48 per cent of India’s urban water supply comes from groundwater, and in seven of India’s 10 most populous cities, groundwater levels have dropped significantly over the past two decades.

Urban dwellers also face a crisis because of limited supply networks. More than 34 per cent of India’s population lives in cities; however, 31 per cent of urban households, mostly those in unauthorised colonies and slums, lack access to piped water or public tap water. And the existing pipes are in danger of running dry. Most Indian cities can’t meet the per capita water supply limit set by the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation, 135 litres per day. Even the quality of supplied water has been suspect. Samples collected last year from 21 cities across India failed to meet standards. A NITI Aayog report says that nearly 70 per cent of India’s water is contaminated, impacting three in four people. Responding to the situation, the Union ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Jeevan Mission, aiming to expand the piped water network to all households in India by 2024. However, success depends on the states, as water is a state subject.

While the WWF proposes nature-based solutions and enhancing the health of river basins, watersheds and wetlands to build resilience to water risks, these would tackle only the scarcity issue, not distribution. Another oft-quoted solution is rainwater harvesting, but progress in this has been abysmal. Most experts, therefore, propose an integrated approach, which includes increasing the efficiency of distribution networks and utilising waste water. Since water sources are finite, cities and citizens must focus on efficient and judicious use. That’s the first step towards a sustainable water conservation policy.

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Water Scarcity Essay

Essay On Water Scarcity - People require water for various purposes like cooking, cleaning, drinking, and washing, to name a few. Animals need water for their bodies to function, plants need water to pull nutrients from the soil and stay nourished, and people need water for all the reasons mentioned above. Here are 100, 200 and 500 word essays on Water Scarcity.

The lack of freshwater supplies to meet water demand is known as water scarcity. Most nations today have regulations protecting water quality and limiting water usage. Water nourishes not only the soil but also the human body. Nothing can flourish without water. Here are some sample essays on “Water Scarcity”.

100 Words Essay On Water Scarcity

All life forms on this planet require water to survive. Limited freshwater supplies to meet huge water demand is known as water shortage. The water cycle is the process through which the water that is present on earth evaporates, transforms into a vapour cloud, and then precipitates when cold weather develops.

We don't pay much attention to water because it is used and needed by humans and nature every year, yet considering this, water is simply life above and beyond the chemical component. Since the issue has gotten so bad, many states' groundwater supplies are nearly entirely depleted, forcing residents to rely on water from other sources.

200 Words Essay On Water Scarcity

More than 70% of our body weight is made up of water. For the body to function properly, water is necessary. Additionally, water makes up more than 70% of the surface of the world. We should drink water every day as it improves the functions and well-being of our bodies. Water is also required for basic necessities. Since fresh water is the only source of usable water, it is necessary for all everyday activities as well as for human health and the existence of all other living things.

Need For Water

A significant problem that affects nearly half of the world's population is the lack of availability of freshwater. Water scarcity has a variety of effects on human lives, just like climate change and global warming. It makes it harder for humans to live in various parts of the world.

Water is now a vital prerequisite for humankind to thrive on Earth, and this is without debate. Water is also one of the natural resources that we still misuse the most. Given the way things seem these days, humanity is undoubtedly to blame for its scarcity. The global water crisis cannot entirely be attributed to population growth. One of the leading causes of water scarcity is irresponsible water consumption.

500 Words Essay On Water Scarcity

Every human needs water to survive, yet in the World today, water scarcity is a severe problem that is spreading quickly. Although it is the focal point of our existence, it is regrettably not our first focus.

Causes Of Water Scarcity

The leading causes of water scarcity are poor water management and the world's expanding population. A variety of additional man-made problems are also on the rise. Some of such issues are man-made construction obstructing groundwater from being recharged naturally, excess use in agriculture and not having a general sense of awareness of how to use and prevent water pollution are some of the reasons.

Natural Causes Of Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is a result of climate change and global warming as well. One explanation for how salty water is growing daily instead of freshwater is the melting of icebergs into oceans due to the increase in temperatures. The frequency of rain has sharply declined recently. Freshwater bodies have been significantly impacted by climate change, as well as a drop in rainfall percentage.

Water use has multiplied as a result of the expanding population. The decline in water bodies and the rise in population primarily causes this scarcity. Another important factor is India's inadequate drainage and water management systems, particularly in metropolitan areas. To deliver water in urban areas, an effective water management system is necessary.

Well, In the end, altering how this problem is seen requires educating people to encourage new behaviours. All kinds of consumption, from personal use to

the distribution networks of large organisations will need to undergo significant change to adapt to the upcoming era of water shortage.

My Experience

I woke up to the sound of my alarm, feeling a sense of dread wash over me as I remembered the water scarcity situation in my town. It was around April or May, which are considered the hottest months in my town. For weeks, there had been a drought which was getting worse, and the water levels in our water storage had been steadily dropping.

As I dressed for the day, I couldn't help but worry about the future. Water was becoming increasingly scarce, and there didn't seem to be any end to the drought. I knew that it would only be a matter of time before water rationing was put into place, and the thought of standing in line for hours just to get a few gallons of water was enough to make my stomach turn.

It was hard to ignore the signs of the water crisis around me. Lawns were brown and withered, plants were dying, and the normally bustling streets were strangely quiet. As I made my way to school, I started thinking about ways to prevent water wastage and fight this water scarcity. This whole incident made me realise the importance of water in our lives.

The scarcity of freshwater is becoming a severe problem. If we do not address the issue of water scarcity today, future generations will suffer greatly and may even be forced to pay a heavy price for this basic necessity.

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The global clean water crisis looms large

Water scarcity will intensify with climate and socioeconomic change, disproportionately impacting populations located in the Global South. So concludes a new Utrecht University article published in Nature Climate Change on 23 May 2024, which used a state-of-the-art global water quantity and quality model to estimate clean water scarcity until the end of the century.

Humans require clean water for drinking and sanitation purposes, but also for the production of food, energy and manufactured goods. As communities and policymakers grapple with water scarcity issues on the ground, researchers at Utrecht University aim to shed light on the escalating global clean water crisis.

Current and future water scarcity

Using simulations from a state-of-the-art water quantity and quality model, the authors assess present-day and future global water scarcity. "Climate change and socioeconomic developments have multi-faceted impacts on the availability and quality of, and demands for, water resources in the future," says lead author Dr. Edward Jones. "Changes in these three aspects are crucial for evaluating future water scarcity."

The study estimates that 55% of the global population currently lives in areas that experience a lack of clean water in at least one month per year. "By the end of the century, this may be as high as 66%," remarks Jones.

Strong regional differences in future water scarcity

While global water scarcity is projected to intensify in the future, both the changes and impacts will not occur equally across all world regions. Future increases in water scarcity in Western Europe and North America, for example, are concentrated in just a few months of the year -- predominantly driven by water quantity aspects. Conversely, water scarcity increases in developing countries are typically more widespread in space and persist for a larger portion of the year.

Jones remarks, "Increases in future exposure are largest in the Global South. These are typically driven by a combination of rapid population and economic growth, climate change and deteriorating water quality."

Quality: the invisible part of water scarcity

Water quality -- despite being crucial for safe water use -- remains an under-represented component of water scarcity assessments. "Previous assessments still predominantly focus on water quantity aspects only," explains Jones. "Yet, the safe use of water also depends on the quality."

Therefore, a key aim of this study was also to normalise the inclusion of water quality in water scarcity assessments -- and in the design of management strategies for alleviating water scarcity.

Jones concludes, "The lack of clean water presents a systemic risk to both humans and ecosystems, which is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Our work highlights that, alongside substantially reducing our water demands, we must place an equally strong focus on eliminating water pollution in order to turn the tide on the global water crisis."

• Environmental Issues
• Drought Research
• Resource Shortage
• Environmental Policies
• World Development
• Land Management
• Water scarcity
• Global warming controversy
• Climate engineering
• Global climate model
• Climate change mitigation
• Scientific opinion on climate change
• Temperature record of the past 1000 years

Story Source:

Materials provided by Utrecht University . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Edward R. Jones, Marc F. P. Bierkens, Michelle T. H. van Vliet. Current and future global water scarcity intensifies when accounting for surface water quality . Nature Climate Change , 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02007-0

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BMC Announces 5% Reduction In Mumbai Supply From May 30 Amid Water Scarcity

Published By : News Desk

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Last Updated: May 25, 2024, 13:01 IST

Mumbai, India

There will be a 5 per cent cut in water in Mumbai followed by 10 per cent next month. (Representational image via AP)

Mumbai Water Cut: BMC also informed that the water cut will remain in force until there is satisfactory rainfall and an improvement in stocks.

With peak summer time, Maharashtra is facing a growing heat and water scarcity challenge. With reservoirs serving Mumbai showing signs of depletion, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped in with a plan to cut water usage by 5 per cent.

The aim is to counter the declining water levels and ensure enough supply for residents. This move, set to roll out by the end of the month, reflects the BMC's proactive approach to managing the situation and safeguarding water resources.

While BMC will begin with a 5 per cent reduction in the Mumbai Metropolitan City areas from May 30, 2024, it will be followed by a 10 per cent cut from June 5. “The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to implement a 5 per cent water cut in the Mumbai Metropolitan City (BMC jurisdiction) from Thursday, May 30, 2024, and a 10 per cent water cut from Wednesday, June 5, 2024, as a precautionary measure to ensure that the stock is used for as long as possible,” the statement read.

It further added that the administration will keep a close watch on the water stock and check the supply in a planned manner every day. BMC also informed that the water cut will remain in force until there is satisfactory rainfall and an improvement in stocks.

“Mumbaikars have no reason to panic. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration humbly appeals to all citizens to use water judiciously. By adopting water-saving measures, Mumbaikars should save as much water as possible, use water judiciously, and cooperate with the efforts of the municipal administration,” it added.

https://x.com/mybmc/status/1794232684119458272

Presently, a total of 1,40,202 million litres of water are available in the dams that supply water to Mumbai. Only 9.69 per cent of the water stock is available, as against the 14,47,363 million litres per year requirement.

On the other hand, rural areas in the state are also facing similar issues due to the complete drying up of water sources and the reduction in storage. “Only 24.24 per cent of water is left in the dams across the state, only 9.87 per cent in Marathwada and 18.54 per cent in eastern Maharashtra,” states a Mumbai Live report. This is causing trouble for milk-producing farmers, prompting a demand to start fodder camps immediately.

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Gurugram Water Crisis: Washing of Cars Banned, Rs 5,000 Penalty For Violators - Check Details Inside

Gurugram Water Crisis News: As the water crisis has intensified, the Gurugram administration imposed restrictions and banned the washing of cars in the city. In an order, the district administration said a penalty of Rs 5000 will be imposed on the residents if they are found washing their vehicles or courtyards with potable water between 5 AM and 9 AM. The decision was taken by the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) to prevent wastage amid water scarcity in Gurgaon, a report by The Times of India said.

Additional Rs 5000 Fine For Violators

If the residents continue to violate the order, their water connection will be snapped and an additional fine of Rs 5000 will be imposed. However, to restore the water supply, the MCG will take a fee of Rs 5,000 and reconnection charges of Rs 1000.

Prevent Wastage of Water During Peak Hours

The move comes after urban local bodies (ULB) issued directives to prevent wastage of water during peak supply hours in the city.

MCG commissioner Narhari Singh Banger said in the order that the rampant violations include installing motors and pumps directly on the supply line, which reduces water pressure in the area.

Gurugram Grapples With Water Scarcity

The development comes at a time when Gurugram is grappling with water scarcity in several residents of various housing colonies and sectors reporting shortages. Sector 9 residents in Gurugram experienced low pipeline pressure and dry taps.

In the meantime, many parts of Haryana are struggling with severe heatwave which is intensifying the strain on water resources and water crises subsequently.

The affected residents alleged that one of the primary reasons for the crisis is a wide gap between demand and supply.

One of the residents said that the water supply in their area has significantly decreased, with the current amount being only half of what they received earlier.

Other residents in several sectors also alleged that they have been facing a water shortage for the past two weeks.