Building water security in a rapidly drying India

Source: The post “Building water security in a rapidly drying India” has been created based on “Building water security in a rapidly drying India” published in “The Hindu” on 4th July 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS 2-Governance

Context: India is facing an increasing water security crisis due to climate change, uneven distribution of water resources, and inadequate water management. With only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources supporting 18% of the global population, strengthening water security is essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental conservation.

Major Challenges to Water Security in India

1. Rising water stress in cities

1. Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Mussoorie, and Delhi are experiencing severe water shortages.
2. A monsoon rainfall deficit of more than 40% in June has further intensified the water crisis.
3. Delhi is currently receiving only about 70% of its total daily water requirement.

2. Increasing water scarcity in river basins

1. According to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), 11 out of 15 major river basins in India are experiencing water stress.
2. River basins such as the Krishna, Cauvery, Mahi, and Tapi have crossed the water scarcity threshold, with annual water availability falling below 1,000 cubic metres per person.

3. Global water insecurity is worsening

1. The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) has warned about the possibility of global water bankruptcy.
2. Several river basins across the world have become polluted and no longer discharge water into the sea.
3. Aquifers are being depleted beyond sustainable limits.
4. Nearly four billion people face severe water scarcity for at least one month every year.

4. Gaps in water infrastructure and governance

1. Existing water supply infrastructure is poorly maintained in many parts of the country.
2. Wastewater treatment facilities remain inadequate.
3. Large quantities of water are lost during distribution because of high conveyance losses.
4. Water pollution remains widespread, while low cost recovery affects the financial sustainability of water services.

Measures to Build Water Security in India

1. Invest in climate-resilient water infrastructure

1. Governments should undertake detailed climate risk assessments of water infrastructure and services.
2. Investments should be prioritised in high-risk areas, including coastal regions, flood-prone areas, and places with critical infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
3. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats should utilise schemes such as the Urban Challenge Fund to finance these assessments.
4. For example, Visakhapatnam has received ₹1,501 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund for improving water supply and drainage systems.

2. Promote reuse of treated wastewater

1. India should shift from a linear model of water use to a circular water economy by reusing treated wastewater.
2. Treated wastewater should be used for non-potable purposes such as construction, landscaping, car washing, and cooling of data centres.
3. Every city should prepare a comprehensive wastewater reuse plan.
4. The Thane Municipal Corporation is using treated wastewater to reduce its freshwater deficit and generate additional revenue.
5. According to CEEW, treated wastewater reuse can create an economic opportunity of about ₹3 lakh crore and generate nearly one lakh additional jobs by 2047.

3. Expand micro-irrigation systems

1. The coverage of drip and sprinkler irrigation should be increased beyond the present 20% of the country’s irrigation potential.
2. Subsidies should be redesigned to make micro-irrigation affordable for small and marginal farmers by considering 0.4 hectares as the base unit.
3. Farmers should be encouraged to shift towards low-water, high-value crops such as horticulture and oilseeds.
4. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana should be strengthened by providing affordable insurance and ensuring faster settlement of claims.

4. Strengthen water data and monitoring systems

1. India should generate reliable data on water withdrawals, losses, and consumption at the river basin level.
2. Artificial Intelligence should be used to monitor water conveyance infrastructure and identify leakages.
3. Smart bulk water meters and smart consumer water meters should be installed to improve water accounting and reduce losses.
4. The successful rollout of over 4.93 crore smart electricity meters can serve as a model for the water sector.

Conclusion: Water is a critical economic and environmental resource that supports human well-being, livelihoods, and ecosystems. India can achieve long-term water security by investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting wastewater reuse, expanding efficient irrigation systems, strengthening water data systems, and ensuring political commitment, transparent governance, and public participation.

Question: India is facing a growing water security crisis due to climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and poor water governance. Discuss the major challenges and suggest measures to build a water-secure India.

Source: The Hindu