Answer

India, with 18% of the global population but only 4% of freshwater resources, faces one of the world’s most severe water crises. Despite several national water policies and schemes, issues like groundwater depletion, pollution, and climate change continue to drive water stress across regions.

Water Crisis in India

• High groundwater extraction: India withdraws nearly 25% of the world’s groundwater, with over 736 units (11%) classified as ‘over‑exploited’, risking aquifer collapse and drying wells
• Contaminated Water Sources: 70% of India’s water is contaminated; 230 million people are exposed to fluoride and arsenic contamination.
  Eg. Over 200,000 deaths annually occur due to waterborne diseases (NITI Aayog, 2018).

Key Factors Responsible for Water Crisis in India

• Overuse of Groundwater: Over 85% of drinking water and 60% of irrigation in India depend on groundwater, leading to its alarming depletion.
  Eg. According to Niti Ayog, by 2030, 21 cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru, may run out of groundwater.
• Monsoon Dependency: India’s agriculture depends on monsoons, which have become erratic due to climate change, affecting water availability.
• Drought-Prone Regions: Around 33% of India’s land is drought-prone, leading to soil moisture deficits and recurrent agricultural losses.
  Eg. Marathwada region experiences chronic drought, impacting lakhs of farmers annually.
• Glacier Melting and Climate Change: While initially increasing river flow, glacier retreat will eventually reduce freshwater availability.
• Unsustainable Agriculture Practices: Water-guzzling crops like rice and sugarcane dominate in water-stressed areas, supported by MSP incentives.
  Eg. Punjab and Haryana continue paddy cultivation despite groundwater crisis.
• Neglect of Micro-Irrigation: Techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation can save up to 50% water but cover only 9% of farmland.
• Urban Overuse and Mismanagement: Cities consume large amounts of water and mismanage wastewater and distribution.
  Eg. Chennai ran dry in 2019, relying on water trains to serve residents.

Reforms to Address Emerging Water Challenges

• Expand Micro-Irrigation Coverage: Increase subsidy coverage and awareness for efficient irrigation methods.
• Strengthen Atal Bhujal Yojana: Scale community-led groundwater management in more than the existing 8,000 Gram Panchayats.
  Eg. In Gujarat, participatory aquifer mapping improved water table levels.
• Promote Solar-Powered Irrigation: Reduce dependency on subsidised electricity and groundwater extraction.
  Eg. KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme incentivised solar pumps , promoting sustainable irrigation and reducing groundwater over-extraction.
• Water Pricing and Metering: Rational pricing can reduce overuse and promote efficiency.
  Eg. Chennai’s smart metering pilot helped reduce domestic water wastage by 18%.
• Dam Modernisation and Rainwater Harvesting: Projects like Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) should be expanded to rejuvenate ageing infrastructure.
  Eg. A $1 billion World Bank investment under DRIP is modernising 300 large dams across India.
• Integrated Policy Alignment: Align water policy with energy and climate goals through a One Health approach.
  Eg. The National Water Mission aims to increase water-use efficiency by 20% by 2025.
• Private Investment and Innovation: Bridge the funding gap in water infrastructure by leveraging public-private partnerships.
  Eg. Water ATMs in Delhi are funded through CSR and PPP models.
• People’s Participation (Jan Bhagidari): Empower local communities in planning and conservation.
  Eg. Jal Shakti Abhiyan improved water storage structures through local involvement in Bundelkhand.

Conclusion

India’s water crisis is not just a resource challenge but a governance and behavioural one. Addressing it requires decentralised action, technological innovation, policy coherence, and, above all, active citizen engagement to secure water for future generations.

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