{"id":340683,"date":"2025-06-17T18:17:32","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T12:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=340683"},"modified":"2025-06-17T18:17:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T12:47:32","slug":"water-crisis-in-india-explained-pointwise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/water-crisis-in-india-explained-pointwise\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Crisis in India – Explained Pointwise"},"content":{"rendered":"

India is experiencing one of the most severe water crises in its history. With only 4% of the world\u2019s freshwater resources but home to nearly 18% of the global population, the country faces acute stress in meeting the water demands of its people, agriculture, and industry. By 2030, India\u2019s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, risking severe shortages for millions and potentially impacting the nation\u2019s GDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Table of Contents<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is Water Crisis? What is the situation in India?<\/a>
\nWhat are the reasons for the Water Crisis in India?<\/a>
\nWhat are the impacts of Water Crisis in India?<\/a>
\nWhat are the government initiatives?<\/a>
\nWhat should be the Way Forward?<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>What is Water Crisis? What is the situation in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Water Crisis:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Water crisis refers to the situation where the available potable, safe water in a region is less than its demand. The World Bank refers to water scarcity<\/span> as a condition when the annual per-capita availability<\/span> is less than 1000 cubic metres<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Water Crisis Situation in India:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Water Crisis<\/strong><\/td>\n1.<\/strong> India possesses only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources<\/span>, despite supporting 17% of the world’s population<\/span>.
\n2.<\/strong> According to NITI Aayog’s \u201cComposite Water Management Index<\/span> (CWMI<\/span>)\u201d, report India is undergoing the worst water crisis in its history. Nearly 600 million people<\/span> were facing high to extreme water stress.
\n3.<\/strong> India\u2019s annual per capita availability<\/span> of 1,486 cubic meters in 2021<\/span> is in the water stress category (<\/span><\/span>less than 1700 cubic meters). As per Govt estimates, this may reduce to 1,341 cubic metres by 2025<\/span> and 1,140 cubic metres by 2050<\/span>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lack of Access to Safe Drinking Water<\/strong><\/td>\nAccording to NITI Aayog CWMI Report:
\n<\/span>a.<\/strong> 200,000 people<\/span> die every year due to inadequate access to safe water.
\nb.<\/strong> 75% of the households<\/span> in the country do not have access to drinking water.
\nc.<\/strong> 40% of India\u2019s population<\/span> will have no access to drinking water<\/span> by 2030.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overexploitation and pollution of Groundwater<\/strong><\/td>\n1.<\/strong> India is the largest groundwater user<\/span> in the world, with its total use exceeding 25% of the global usage.
\n2.<\/strong> Nearly 70% of Ground water is contaminated<\/span>. India is placed at the rank of 120\u202famong 122 countries in the water quality index.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>What are the reasons for the Water Crisis in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Rising water demand:<\/strong>\u00a0According to NITI Aayog, India\u2019s water demand is increasing at a rapid rate. India’s water demand<\/span> will be twice<\/span> the available supply by 2030<\/span>. Also, the rate of depletion of groundwater<\/span> in India during 2041-2080<\/span> will be thrice the current rate.<\/p>\n

2. Groundwater use for agriculture:<\/strong>\u00a0There is high groundwater usage in agriculture<\/span><\/span>\u00a0due to faulty cropping patterns. For ex- <\/strong>Water-intensive paddy cultivation in the states of Punjab<\/span> and Haryana<\/span>.<\/p>\n

3. Encroachment of Natural Water Bodies:<\/strong>\u00a0There has been destruction of lakes and small ponds to meet the infrastructure needs of burgeoning populations. For ex-<\/strong> Encroachment of lakes in Bengaluru<\/span>.<\/p>\n

4. Climate Change:<\/strong>\u00a0Climate Change has led to erratic monsoon<\/span> and reduced<\/span> water levels<\/span> in many rivers. This has induced water crisis in India.<\/p>\n

5. Discharge of Pollutants: <\/strong>There has been contamination of groundwater resources by the discharge of industrial chemicals<\/span>, sewers<\/span> and improper mining activities<\/span>.<\/p>\n

6. Lack of proactive management policies:<\/strong>\u00a0Water management policies in India have failed to keep pace with changing demands of time. For ex-<\/strong> The Easement Act of 1882<\/span> granting groundwater ownership rights<\/span> to the landowner leading to indiscriminate use of water resources.<\/p>\n

7. Governance issues:<\/strong><\/p>\n