Water Scarcity in India

According to UNEP- United Nations Environment Protection around 50% of the Freshwater Resources of India will be used in Agriculture by 2030.

NITI Aayog's composite water Index Report almost 3/4th of households in India do not have a full-time water supply and almost 82% of Rural households do not have a full-time water supply.

Water Scarcity reasons:-

• Water Stress

• Physical Scarcity- In Local Ecological Arena

• Economic scarcity- Water Infrastructure

The causes of Water Scarcity are:-

1. Limited Water Availability- As India has a total of 4% of the world's freshwater resources but also 17% of the world's population and livestock cattle.

2. Monsoon Dependency- As limited months and uncertain rainfall that to only in June, July, August, and September.

3. Climate Change- Changing patterns and intensity of rainfall.

4. Falling Groundwater levels- 90% of India's irrigation comes from groundwater

5. Export of virtual water- Even irrigating Water intensive crops like Rice, Sugar, etc.

6. Pollution- Limited availability of freshwater and even polluting it hampers its adequate usage.

Threats of Water Scarcity:-

• Damaged Ecosystem- Aral Sea, and Lake Michigan are a few examples of Damaged ecosystems.

• Desertification Risk- Poor water management, around 30% of Indian land is desert.

• Risk to Sustainable Industrial Activity- An increase in water crisis can lead to an increase in investment leading to more production.

• Threats to Urbanization- Day zero check was introduced in South Africa when all the Municipal taps would run dry.

• Environmental Risks- Such as Dam construction and pollution

• Social & Political Risks- Access to water non-availability affects food security & health.

Government Initiatives in this regard:-

1. NAQUIM- National Project on Aquifer Management- to detect and map aquifers, estimate the groundwater potential and promote groundwater management at the aquifer level.

2. Namami Gange Programme- assigned to clean ganga river.

3. Atal Jal Scheme- to improve groundwater management through community participation.

4. "Har Ghar Mein Paani" scheme- aimed at providing piped water supply to every household in rural areas. The scheme is part of the largest Jal Jeevan Mission, which seeks to ensure access to safe and adequate drinking water for all households in India.

Way Forward:-

• Promoting the use of Wastewater- Recycle & Reuse, Thermal power plants, India's Industrial water footprint.

• Increasing water use efficiency in agriculture, Disinvesting in water-intensive crops, Also shifting these crop production in North India.

• Utilizing ancient water sowing and harvesting system.

• Trans-boundary Partnership.