India's Water Crisis by 2025: A Looming Catastrophe

Introduction

By 2025, India’s water crisis is expected to reach critical levels, impacting millions of lives and the nation's development prospects.

Fact is 97% of Earth's water comes from giant bodies - oceans and seas.

Can we drink saline water from Oceans & seas? – Absolutely NOT.

Only 3% of our water is considered freshwater.

Out of the 3%, only 0.5% is fit for drinking.

The remaining 2.5% in soil, our atmosphere, glaciers, and therefore non-tangible.

The fact

Based on the study titled “Reassessment of Water Availability in India using Space Inputs, 2019” conducted by Central Water Commission of India, the average annual per capita water availability for year 2021was 1486 Cubic meter.

In 2031 per capita water availability has been projected to be approx.1367 cubic meter.

Annual per-capita water availability of less than 1700 cubic meter is considered as water stressed condition.

Whereas annual per-capita water availability below 1000 cubic meters is considered as a water scarcity condition.

India is the world's most populous country, having approx. 1,441 million population (144 Crore). India’s population is approx. 18% of world’s population.

This population is expected to reach at approx. 1461 million (146 Crore) by the end of 2025.

3 - major reasons of water crisis

1. Declining Water Availability:

India has 4% of the world's water resources but supports 18% of the global population. The per capita water availability in India has been declining due to population growth and unsustainable water usage.

Following data is self-explanatory:

• In 1951, the annual per capita water availability was around 5,177 cubic meters.
• In 2011 it dropped to about 1,545 cubic meters.
• By 2025, it is projected to fall below 1,360 cubic meters, placing India in the category of water-stressed countries.

2. Groundwater Depletion:

Groundwater is a critical resource, providing about 40% of India's water needs.

However, excessive extraction for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use has led to alarming depletion rates.

Over 60% of India's districts have reported a significant decline in groundwater levels.

In some regions, the water table is falling by more than one meter per year, posing a severe threat to future water security.

3. Pollution and Contamination:

Water pollution is another issue of serious concern.

Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage discharge into rivers and lakes have severely degraded water quality.

Nearly 70% of India's surface water is polluted, making it unfit for drinking and irrigation. Contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates in groundwater pose serious health risks to millions of people.

Other reasons of the Water Crisis

1. Population Growth and Urbanization:

India's uncontrolled population bursting is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2025 (1461 million or 146 Crore), leading to increased water demand for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.

Rapid urbanization further aggravated the problem, as cities expand without adequate water infrastructure, leading to over-extraction and pollution of water resources.

2. Climate Change:

Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, causing more frequent and severe droughts and floods.

These extreme weather events disrupt water availability, with some regions facing acute water scarcity while others experience waterlogging and contamination.

3. Inefficient Water Management:

India's water management practices are often inefficient and fragmented.

Traditional irrigation methods, such as flood irrigation, result in significant water wastage.

Additionally, the lack of integrated water resource management and poor enforcement of regulations contribute to the unsustainable use of water.

4. Agricultural Practices:

 Agriculture consumes about 80% of India's water resources.

The widespread cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane, especially in arid regions, puts immense pressure on water supplies.

4 - Consequences of the Water Crisis

1. Impact on Agriculture:

The water crisis threatens India's agricultural productivity, which is vital for food security and rural livelihoods.

Reduced water availability can lead to crop failures, lower yields, and increased costs for farmers, aggravates rural poverty and food shortages.

Food security will be under threat.

2. Health Risks:

Contaminated water sources pose significant health risks, including waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

Long-term exposure to pollutants like arsenic and fluoride can cause chronic illnesses, including cancer and skeletal fluorosis, affecting millions of people.

3. Economic and Social Disruption:

Water scarcity can lead to conflicts over water resources, both within and between states.

Industries dependent on water, such as textiles, food processing, and power generation, may face operational challenges, affecting economic growth.

Social unrest and migration from water-stressed regions to urban areas can strain infrastructure and public services.

4. Environmental Degradation:

The over-extraction of groundwater and the pollution of rivers and lakes have detrimental effects on ecosystems.

Wetlands, which act as natural water filters and habitats for biodiversity, are shrinking. The decline in water quality and quantity also affects fisheries and wildlife, disrupting ecological balance.

Source : FreePik

4 - major long-term strategies for mitigating water crisis

1. Sustainable Water Management:

Adopting integrated water resource management practices is crucial.

This includes:

• Efficient irrigation techniques.
• Drip and sprinkler systems.
• Rainwater harvesting.
• Use of treated wastewater for agriculture and industry

Strengthening policies and regulations to enforce sustainable water use is essential.

2. Technological Innovations & applications:

Investing in water-saving technologies and infrastructure can help mitigate the crisis.

Following are some examples:

• Installation of Smart water meters.
• Implementation of leak detection systems.
• Installation of Desalination plants.
• Optimization of water use and reduce wastage.
• Promoting research and development in water-efficient crop varieties
• Wide sensitization of population up to ground level is a must.

3. Community Participation:

Engaging communities in water conservation efforts through awareness campaigns and participatory management practices can drive behavioural change.

This is the key to effective water conservation.

Localized initiatives, such as community-managed water bodies and watershed development projects, can enhance water availability and resilience.

4. Policy and Governance:

Strengthening governance frameworks and ensuring inter-state and inter-sectoral coordination can improve water management.

Implementing policies that incentivize water conservation, such as pricing mechanisms and subsidies for efficient technologies, can encourage sustainable practices. Implementing the government policies & incentives needs effective sensitization at all levels of population. This is the key to all success.

Conclusion

India's forecasted water crisis by 2025 brings multifaceted challenge that requires immediate and coordinated action, from every sector.

Addressing the root causes of water scarcity and pollution is possible through:

• Sustainable management practices.
• Technological innovations.
• Implementing Robust policies.

A sustainable water future for the people and ecosystems is the GOAL which can be achieved with grit & determination.