Addressing India’s Looming Water Crisis UPSC Editorial

India is on the brink of a severe water crisis, with demand set to outstrip supply by 2030. This looming scarcity could significantly impact food security and the economy. The country is already grappling with issues like inter-state water disputes and ineffective conservation methods. Immediate policy reforms are essential to tackle these challenges and ensure sustainable water management. Addressing groundwater depletion, urban water scarcity, inefficient agricultural practices, and pollution are crucial steps. By adopting modern irrigation techniques, promoting rainwater harvesting, and enhancing governance, India can work towards resolving its water woes.

GS Paper	GS Paper II, GS Paper III
Topics for UPSC Prelims	Water Resource Management, 15th Finance Commission, Water stress, NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index,  Central Water Commission, Central Pollution Control Board, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Ken-Betwa Link Project , Cauvery water dispute,  Indus Waters Treaty, Teesta River, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Central Ground Water Board, Mission Amrit Sarovar.
Topics for UPSC Mains	Current Status of Water Availability and Water Stress Level in India, Primary Water-Related Challenges Confronting India.

Origin of the Article

This editorial is based on “A major new report makes the case for water as a global common good” published in The Indian Express on 21/10/2024. It highlights the pressing global water crisis and the urgent need for India to address its water management challenges.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

Understanding India’s water crisis is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it is directly related to the GS Paper – 2 & 3 syllabus, covering government policies, resource conservation, and agricultural resources. Knowledge of this topic aids in comprehending water management strategies, policy frameworks, and environmental issues, all of which are vital for the examination.

Why in News?

The urgent global water crisis, highlighted by a recent report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, projects a 40% demand-supply gap by 2030, threatening food security and economies. This urgency emphasizes India’s need for policy reforms in water conservation and management, a recurring theme in UPSC exams.

Current Status of Water Availability and Water Stress Level in India

India is grappling with a significant decline in water availability, raising concerns over escalating water stress levels. The per capita water availability has decreased from 1,816 cubic meters in 2001 to 1,545 cubic meters by 2011. Projections indicate a further decline to 1,219 cubic meters by 2050, highlighting an urgent need for strategic water management to avert severe water scarcity.

Current Status of Availability

The declining trend in per capita water availability in India is alarming. From 1,816 cubic meters in 2001 to projections of 1,219 cubic meters by 2050, the figures underline a pressing need for sustainable water management solutions to prevent exacerbating water scarcity.

Water Stress Indicators

Water stress is defined by annual per capita availability below 1,700 cubic meters, while water scarcity is below 1,000 cubic meters. India is currently experiencing water stress, with regional disparities exacerbated by geographic and climatic factors, necessitating urgent attention to resource management.

15th Finance Commission Findings

The 15th Finance Commission reports that approximately 600 million Indians faced high to extreme water stress in 2020. This underscores the critical need for effective water management policies to address the challenges posed by increasing water demand and limited supply.

Primary Water-Related Challenges Confronting India

India faces multifaceted challenges in managing its water resources. Issues like groundwater depletion, urban water scarcity, and inefficiencies in irrigation highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies. Water pollution, climate change impacts, fragmented governance, and inter-state disputes further complicate the scenario, demanding coordinated efforts across sectors and regions.

Groundwater Depletion

Overexploitation for irrigation is severely depleting groundwater levels, especially in agricultural states like Punjab. The drastic drop in water tables from 50-60 ft to 150-200 ft in many areas underscores the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management practices.

Urban Water Scarcity

Rapid urbanization exacerbates water scarcity in cities. The Chennai water crisis of 2019 and recent drought in Karnataka highlight inadequate urban water management, necessitating strategic interventions to ensure a sustainable urban water supply.

Irrigation Efficiency and Agricultural Water Use

Inefficient agricultural water use is a significant concern, with India utilizing more water than necessary compared to global counterparts. Improving irrigation efficiency and promoting water-efficient crops are essential to mitigate water stress.

Water Pollution and River Rejuvenation

Severe pollution in Indian rivers, notably the Ganga and Yamuna, due to untreated sewage and industrial effluents, poses a serious threat to water quality, necessitating robust pollution control and river rejuvenation initiatives.

Climate Change Impact on Water Resources

Climate change intensifies water stress through erratic monsoons and extreme weather events. Recent variations in rainfall patterns highlight the need for adaptive water management strategies to address these challenges.

Fragmented Governance and Poor Coordination

Multiple authorities with overlapping jurisdictions create governance challenges in water management. Effective coordination among agencies is crucial to streamline efforts and enhance resource management.

Key Steps Taken by the Indian Government for Water Conservation

The Indian government has initiated several measures to promote water conservation and rainwater harvesting. Policies like the National Water Policy (2012), Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and Atal Bhujal Yojana aim to enhance water availability and management. Urban guidelines and programs like PMKSY and Mission Amrit Sarovar further support these efforts, indicating a comprehensive approach to tackling water challenges.

• National Water Policy (2012): The policy promotes rainwater harvesting and conservation, emphasizing the need to augment water availability through direct rainfall utilization, reflecting a strategic approach to water resource management.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, JSA focuses on nationwide water conservation. The 2024 phase, “Catch the Rain,” aims at constructing and repairing rainwater harvesting structures, integrating with various government schemes for comprehensive resource management.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: This scheme targets sustainable groundwater management in water-stressed regions across India, emphasizing community involvement and sustainable practices to ensure long-term water security.
• Urban Guidelines by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs: Guidelines mandate rainwater harvesting in urban areas, reflecting a proactive approach to integrating water conservation measures into urban planning.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): PMKSY aims to improve irrigation efficiency and accessibility, encompassing components that address water conservation and management in agriculture, crucial for reducing water stress.
• Mission Amrit Sarovar: This mission focuses on creating and rejuvenating water bodies across districts, facilitating water harvesting and conservation, thus contributing to improved water availability.
• National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Completed by the Central Ground Water Board, this project provides management plans that include water conservation measures, enhancing understanding and management of groundwater resources.

Measures for More Effective Water Management in India

Enhancing water management in India requires a multifaceted approach. Modernizing irrigation, urban water recycling, community-led groundwater management, and integrating water-sensitive infrastructure are vital. Improved storage solutions, data-driven management, and smart water pricing reforms are essential to ensure sustainable water resource utilization and address current challenges effectively.

• Modernizing Irrigation Systems: Implementing techniques like drip and sprinkler systems can significantly enhance irrigation efficiency. Initiatives like Punjab’s “Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao” scheme demonstrate the potential for reducing groundwater usage and improving water management.
• Urban Water Management and Recycling: Successful models, like Chennai’s wastewater recycling for industrial use, highlight the potential for urban water management strategies that reduce freshwater consumption and enhance sustainability.
• Community-Led Groundwater Management: Empowering communities through programs like Atal Bhujal Yojana can lead to sustainable groundwater use. Integrating technology for aquifer mapping can further enhance decision-making and resource management.
• Water-Sensitive Infrastructure Design: Incorporating water-sensitive designs in urban planning, such as Blue-Green Infrastructure, can improve water management, recharge groundwater, and enhance urban environments.
• Enhancing Water Storage and Recharge: Developing decentralized storage solutions, as seen in Rajasthan’s Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan, can improve water availability and recharge groundwater, particularly in monsoon-dependent regions.
• Data-Driven Water Management: Leveraging technology for real-time monitoring and decision-making, as demonstrated by the National Hydrology Project, can revolutionize water management and enhance resource utilization.
• Smart Water Pricing Reform: Introducing dynamic pricing based on availability and usage patterns can optimize water resource allocation. Adapting models like Singapore’s tiered pricing can promote efficient water use and conservation.

Conclusion

The urgency of India’s water crisis necessitates immediate and decisive action. By fostering collaborative governance, community participation, and harnessing technological innovations, India can transform its water management practices. These efforts align with Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring water security for all.

Read More Editorials
Breaking India’s Middle-Income Trap|UPSC Editorial	Ensuring Food Security and Combating Hunger in India|UPSC Editorial
Maximizing India’s Carbon Credit Potential in Agriculture|UPSC Editorial	New Hope Against Antimicrobial Resistance| UPSC Editorial
Nuclear Energy in India: Role of Private Sector	India’s Right to Information Act UPSC Editorial

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Mains Q. India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. (UPSC Mains 2015, GS Paper III) Q. Examine the current status of water stress in India, highlighting the key findings of NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index (CWMI). Discuss how this impacts the agricultural sector and inter-state water disputes.